Challenges of dealing with the phenomenon of fire in the forests of Chavar Township

Introduction



The role of renewable natural resources in the economic, social, and political development of different societies is extensive. However, with significant industrial advancements, these resources are being used recklessly for development and production. Today, the discussion of natural resources and the environment is a critical issue, with serious warnings being issued about their destruction and the threat they pose to the planet's habitability. Natural resources and forest ecosystems, a key component of renewable natural resources, play a vital role in the foundation of economic and social development. Their direct and indirect effects are paramount in creating balance and promoting sustainable development. Despite this importance, statistics reveal the alarming rate of deforestation, highlighting a significant challenge to the future of humanity and a major global concern.

In recent years, the country's forest areas, especially the Zagros forests, which are the country's largest vegetation area, have been experiencing a high level of vulnerability, instability, and destruction due to forest fires. Among the various factors contributing to their destruction, problems related to forest fires have become increasingly critical in recent decades. The dire situation of fires and their consequences highlight the urgent need to address the protection of people's lives, national wealth, and the environment by managing and preventing forest fires. One region of the country under threat of forest fires is Chovar Township in Ilam province. The purpose of this study was to analyze the challenges associated with managing the fire phenomenon in the forests of Chavar Township.



Methodology

In this qualitative research, the content analysis method was used to analyze the challenges of dealing with the fire phenomenon in the forests of Chavar Township. The study population included experts and key informants from all stakeholders and relevant communities involved in forest management and protection. This included experts from the Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management in Ilam and Chavar Township, trained forces from the protection unit of the Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Ilam province and Chavar Township, as well as the local communities of Bankhshak and Ganjvan villages within Chavar Township, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in forest management and protection within the Township. Participants were selected using purposive and maximum variation sampling, and data were collected through in-depth interviews. In the current study, as previously mentioned, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key individuals either individually or in group discussions, in accordance with the overall aim of the research. On average, each interview lasted approximately 40 minutes. Additionally, it is important to note that following each interview, the transcript was entered into the qualitative content analysis software MAX-QDA12.



Results and Discussion

The results of the content analysis showed that the basic challenges of dealing with fire in the forests of Chavar Township can be categorized into several categories based on their nature. These challenges include: awareness and communication, financial and equipment, as well as legal and administrative-executive challenges.

One significant challenge in terms of awareness and communication is the lack of necessary awareness among different stakeholders, as well as insufficient communication and interaction between relevant experts and the local people. This poses a major obstacle to effective fire management and control in the forests of Chavar Township. Financial and equipment challenges also play a crucial role in handling forest fires. Findings suggest that the local communities do not prioritize forest protection, as their livelihood and income are dependent on actions that put the forests at risk of fire. Legal factors contribute to the challenges of dealing with forest fires.

Weaknesses in laws and regulations, such as the absence of penal laws to address violators, or difficulties in proving criminal acts in court, have hindered efforts to address forest fires in the Chavar forests.Finally, administrative-executive challenges have emerged as important obstacles in dealing with forest fires in Chavar. Improper forest management in various aspects has impacted the control and management of fires, with issues such as lack of attention to sustainability, poor participation of non-governmental organizations and other institutions, and insufficient coordination and cooperation between executive bodies and fire management authorities being significant hindrances in addressing the forest fire crisis.



Conclusion



The occurrence of fire in natural areas, especially forests, is considered one of the examples of crisis and one of the main concerns and challenges in many parts of the world. There is a lack of necessary knowledge and awareness among different stakeholders to recognize and deal with the phenomenon of forest fires. Additionally, there is a lack of funding, timely allocation of resources, and economic, social, and environmental valuation of forests. Poverty of residents and their dependence on forest exploitation for livelihoods further exacerbates the issue. Inadequate laws regarding the punishment of perpetrators of forest fires, weak participation of private companies in forest management and protection, and lack of comprehensive, community-oriented management are also significant challenges. To address these challenges, it is essential to identify influential factors and make use of scientific, research, and executive capacities, as well as available opportunities to implement solutions.

Local communities should also be actively involved in monitoring efforts, as it can benefit them in various ways such as providing employment opportunities and training on the importance of monitoring for improving their livelihoods. Emphasizing the development of local communities is also important in this endeavor. In this regard, the efforts of relevant and beneficial organizations should not solely focus on eliminating communities' reliance on unsustainable practices for their livelihoods. It is equally important to ensure that individual' benefits and livelihoods align with ethical and sustainable forest management. This can be achieved through implementing green and sustainable business strategies and measures at the forest level in a collaborative manner. By connecting society's welfare to sustainable forest management, both societal benefits and livelihoods will be dependent on the preservation of forests.