Recognition and Evaluation of the Environmental Status of Meighan Wetland and Planning for a Sustainable Development

Meighan wetland of Arak is located in the central part of Iran country, in the vicinity of Arak metropolis and in an arid and semi-arid region. Meighan wetland with environmental Functions and values of useful is exposed to environmental threats and destructions of severe. To prevent from this threat and destruction of the Meighan wetland is need to a correct recognition and evaluation of this area, It's necessary to introduction of a logical plan for access to a sustainable development. This study will identify causal chains of land degradation of Meighan wetland and sustainable development with driving force-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model. This model defines the association between environmental processes and environmental impact with human activities. The results show, the most significant driving forces in Meighan wetland are includ: population increase, drought aggravation and increas demand for water, cause of pressures such as expansion of dams, well drilling, air pollution and mining, Meighan wetland environmental state has encountered with more drought and salty dust. Effects have on the increase of air pollution, disease and popular protests. Consequently, responses are the sustainable development program with priority of the driving force, pressure, status and effect at the basin and sub-basin levels. Important programs are includ: Access to integrated management with the participation of all stakeholders, area environmental capability, restore and protect wetland, and ecotourism.