Investigating the Effect of Sand Mining on Social, Ecological and Environmental Status of Khatirkuh Watershed, Mazandaran

In the present study, the effect of sand extraction from the bed and bank of Khatirkuh river in Mazandaran province on social, ecological and environmental issues was investigated using a questionnaire and field visits, experts and local people. Then, by determining the sample size using the Cochran relation and evaluating the reliability and reliability of the questionnaires by Cronbach's alpha method and finally its validity was confirmed by experts and professors. Then 70 questionnaires were distributed between local communities and experts and using the SWOT matrix of external and internal factors, strategies for the effects of sand extraction in the region were identified. The results showed that the total secondary coefficient of strengths and weaknesses were 1.938 and 1.076, respectively, and the total secondary coefficient of opportunities and threats were 2.307 and 1.907, Respectively. According to the SO and WT factors for development planning in the region, offensive strategy is a priority. The above strategy maximize  opportunities and strengths and thereby reducing mining problems.The most important ecological factor of this region is the entry of invasive plants, forest and pasture fires, which have reduced growth, vegetation density and pasture destruction. The most important strength of  mining in this region is direct  and indirect employment related to sand and gravel mines.