Factors affecting the success of watershed management projects from the perspective of natural resources experts

Integrated Watershed Management requires knowledge and awareness regarding socioeconomic factors affecting planning, implementation and maintenance of watershed management projects. The purpose of this study was to investigate, identify and analyze factors affecting the success of watershed management projects from experts’ points of view. Our study was a quantitative, descriptive-analytical, applied research for which data was collected using surveys. The statistical population consisted of all experts in the Department of Natural Resources of South Khorasan Province (45 individuals) and professors and graduate students in the field of range and watershed management at the University of Birjand (12 individuals). The results showed that from the perspective of the statistical population, " participatory factors", "educational and promotional factors" and "social characteristics of stakeholders" have the greatest impact on the success of watershed management projects. The findings also showed " participation of the residents of a watershed in project implementation", "visits to successful projects by beneficiaries", "compatibility of projects with the needs of stakeholders" and "employment of qualified, skillful experts in the execution of projects" are the most important drivers of the effectiveness and success of watershed management projects.