Coastal Zoning of Sistan and Baluchestan Base on Environmental Sensitivity

In this study, for determination of environmental coastal sensitive areas in Sistan and Baluchestan province (Iran), the initial list of ecological and human criteria were identified in coastal and shore areas. Based on the identified criteria, a questionnaire was prepared and its qualitative and quantitative validities were determined. The final list of criteria and their weight achieved using Delphi and AHP method respectively. After preparing the criteria map (in ArcGIS software), both ecological and human weights aggregate individually during the overlaying process; and five sensitivity classes achieved. By using a decision-making matrix and the classification of ecological and human sensitivity map, final status of coastal environmental was determined. Results of the ecological zoning showed that 24.8% of land and 1.9 % of shore area were included in very high sensitivity class; and the widest range of human sensitivity (in both coastal and shore areas) was placed in very low sensitivity class. Based on the results of status analysis matrix, the weak and intensive classes of environmental sensitivity have the largest area, respectively. Considering that in this study area, care measures and development considerations have not been studied separately in three ecological, human and environmental sensitivities and this research is the first study, which has addressed this issue; the measures and considerations related to these areas, proposed for use in the Coastal Management Environmental Management Program (CEMO).