The role of social capital to reduce environmental concerns caused by Karun 3 Dam, Khuzestan province

Environmental issues in Iran are increasing. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between social capital and environmental concerns of the construction of Karun 3 multifunctional dam in Khuzestan province. To investigate eight variables (effects on water, sound effects, effects on land, effects on air, effects on Habitat, socio-economic effects, health effects and beauty effects). The method of the present research has been applied and the opinions of experts in this field in the form of questionnaires and interviews have been used to examine the mentioned factors. The sampling method was a combination of two methods non-probability targeted sampling and snowball sampling. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The results show the positive effect of social capital on environmental behaviors and attitudes and in addition, the inadequacy of social capital in improving environmental behavior and attitudes of dwellers. The results also indicate the desired effects and the creation of large and important benefits in the region through the construction of Karun 3 Dam. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired goals by applying appropriate environmental management systems, it is necessary to direct the set of activities in a way to minimize the possible negative effects of such a huge project. Findings from regression analysis also showed a 25% explanation for changes in environmental concerns with social capital.