Identification of optimum afforestation areas considering sustainable management of natural resources, using geo-environmental criteria

Conservation of natural resources is vital for sustainable management, especially in fragile semi-arid ecosystems. Forest plantations can provide a wide range ecosystem services and deliver measure protection soil water resources. This study proposes novel framework (Optimum Land Suitability Score, OLSS) to prioritize the most suitable areas with high priority restoring degraded lands protecting erosion-prone areas. We applied OLSS Latian watershed located Tehran, Iran. The was divided into 56 sub-basins, where we studied importance each sub-basin afforestation. used multicriteria analysis using Fuzzy Analytical Network Process bridge gap between previous studies determining afforestation which 21 factors environmental variables, morphometric characteristics, topographical indices were considered. Finally, sub-basins four classes based on fuzzy theory. evaluated result indicated that 9 showed highest identified mostly depleted plant coverage due overgrazing human interventions. proposed proper species adapted characteristics prioritized as ecological management. should decrease erosion flood risk sustain reservoir storage capacity. offers valuable information managers decision-makers invest conservations.