Sustainability and diversity of Wetland livelihoods: The case of livelihoods around the Zarivar Wetland, Iran

Abstract

Achieving a proper balance between utilizing services and protecting resources guides society toward the concept of the wise use of wetlands, which is a sustainable approach to supporting livelihoods dependent on wetland ecosystems. This research evaluates the sustainability of assets and the diversity of wetland livelihoods in one of the most important wetlands in western Iran, aiming to develop protection and livelihood goals and generalize its findings. The study used a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), based on a literature review, field observations, and a survey of resident households (335 household heads around the wetland), conducted through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The results show the fragility and unsustainability of livelihood assets in the financial (0.287) and natural (0.303) dimensions after the design and implementation of the Integrated Zarivar Wetland Management Plan, which has imposed restrictions on local people's access to wetland services. Based on the results, the social, human, and physical dimensions demonstrate moderate levels of sustainability. Nearly 70 percent of regional households depend on wetland services for their livelihoods, with the highest dependency (46.03 %) on agricultural and animal-raising activities. The level of livelihood diversity showed that 41 percent of families had only one source of income, which does not support positive livelihood outcomes. As a result, vulnerability will be aggravated in the face of natural and human-induced shocks. The Tobit model estimation results indicate that gender, education, the household head's primary occupation, and access to markets are the main determinants of livelihood diversity in the region. The imbalance and inflexibility between conservation and livelihood development goals have jeopardized livelihoods and could lead to the degradation and unsustainable use of the ecosystem in the long term. Therefore, national and international policies and programs, along with wetland-specific initiatives, are necessary to sustain wetland services not only for conservation purposes but also to support local livelihoods (through diversification) and, consequently, reduce vulnerability. These findings offer actionable insights for enhancing wetland conservation efforts and promoting sustainable livelihood development.