Components of Good Governance in Rangeland Management: Insights from Natural Resources Experts in Iran

This study explores the components of good governance in the management of rangelands in Iran, as perceived by natural resources experts. The quality of governance significantly influences the success of executive programs related to the protection and management of natural resources, especially rangelands. Assessing the indicators of good governance in rangeland management is crucial for achieving goals such as increased livestock production and enhancing economic efficiency. The study aims to identify the main components of good governance and assess their impact on rangeland management projects.

Utilizing a descriptive (non-experimental) and correlational approach, this research employed structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between variables. A questionnaire, validated through expert opinion, assessed the perspectives of 70 experts across 19 provinces in Iran. Six independent variables (participation, accountability, responsibility, law-oriented and justice, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness) were investigated concerning their impact on rangeland restoration and management projects.

The findings reveal that respondents considered responsibility, participation, law-oriented and justice, transparency, and efficiency and effectiveness as significant factors affecting the success of rangeland restoration and management projects. The results indicate that the responsiveness factor was perceived as the most crucial, followed by participation, responsibility, law-oriented and justice, transparency, and efficiency and effectiveness. The coefficient of explanation (R2) demonstrated that these components collectively explained a substantial percentage of the variance in rangeland restoration and management projects.

The study concludes that transparency, responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness play pivotal roles in the success of rangeland restoration and management projects. A commitment to transparency in implementation, efficiency in performance, accountability for actions, and user participation in decision-making processes are essential for effective governance. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in rangeland management in Iran.