The feasibility of implementing alternative livelihoods in Alagol, Almagol and Ajigol wetlands

Alagol, Almagol and Ajigol wetlands of Golestan province have a cross-border chance to improve their position by being included in the list of Ramsar Convention. Climate change, water resources reduction and the pressure exerted by people groups of around the wetlands to exploit their biological and non-biological resources are among the challenges that need to be addressed and monitored as a result of protecting the triple wetlands by themselves. Today, with the implementation of alternative livelihood programs can improve rural economies and thereby reduce their need to use wetland resources. In the present study, after examining the five assets of social, economic, natural, human and physical in the two villages around the three wetlands (Tangli and Ookhi Tappeh) and using the rapid participation method, alternative jobs were set up and then with social evaluation, economic and environmental, the best options for training and expanding jobs to indigenous people have been proposed. The results of this study have shown that in these two villages, out of 13 proposed jobs, 10 environmentally friendly jobs can be planned and launched to support the triple wetlands. These jobs are based on excellence for training and implementation in these two villages, respectively, including Turkmen handicrafts, cultivation of rainfed and low-water-loving agricultural cultivars, vermicompost, ecotourism houses, production of medicinal plants, electricity farms, ostrich breeding and greenhouse products were suggested.