Selection of the Most Suitable Species in Order to Forestation in Southern Zagros Forests using AHP & TOPSIS Techniques

The selection of tree species is one of the most important steps to achieve a successful forest plantation projects. In this study we used Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) techniques in order to selecting the suitable species for plantation endeavors using tangible and intangible criteria in southern Zagros forests. The problem is decomposed into 3 levels to better study of the problem. Goal of the problem was adjusted at the first level and accordingly six criteria were located at the second level, including conservation cost, cost of price, growth speed, resistance, adaptation and the conservation of soil and water. Also five alternatives were located at the third level including Quercus persica, Pistacia atlantica, Pyrus commonis, Cupressus arizonica and Thuja orientalis. The results of expert’s judgments showed that the resistance to the environmental condition was the most important criteria and Quercus persica was the most suitable species (priority scores= 0.321) accordingly, while Thuja orientalis introduced as a less important species for this objective (priority scores = 0.104). The results of TOPSIS confirmed these results, too. Totally, the results showed that we should much focus on native species in rehabilitating Zagros forests and Quercus persica may only be a prominent species than the other species for achieving this objective.