Ecological Capability Assessment of Sistan Plain by Integrating Makhdoum's Multi-Factor Models with Remote Sensing and GIS Technologies

The Earth's limited resources can be sustainably maintained by its human population, if are used optimally and in a balanced way. Assessing the ecological land capability examines the ability of the land to support human activities in a sustainable manner and determines the most desirable type of land use by humans. In this study, the assessment of the ecological capability of Sistan plain for agriculture and pasture, urban and rural development, ecotourism, forestry and afforestation, ecological protection and aquaculture land useses in 2019 has been carried out by integrating the multi-factor ecological models of Makhdoum with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Data and information related to 24 ecological, physical, climatic and biological parameters of the region, obtained from satellite images or existing maps, have been processed and analyzed in the environment of remote sensing and GIS software. The results showed that 100% of Sistan plain has ecological capability for protection, 63% for grade 2 of extensive ecotourism and 19% for grade 4 of rangeland and has no suitable potential for other land uses including agriculture and forestry. The results of this study showed the need to pay more attention to conservation measures and reduce agricultural and industrial activities in the Sistan plain. By comparing the ecological capability of the area with its current land use, it was determined that in a large part of the northeastern area, which has the capability for protection, agricultural activities are currently carried out, and in most of the areas that are intended for extensive protection and recreation, there are bare lands, pasture and forest land uses. The results showed the need to pay more attention to protective measures and reduce agricultural and industrial activities in this vulnerable area. Since the process of evaluating the ecological capability often requires spending considerable time and costs, another goal of the research was to combine RS and GIS with the existing ecological models, in order to assess the ecological capability of the Sistan plain. Because it is very effective in speeding up, increasing the accuracy and updating the information and outputs of existing models and finally speeding up the process of land use planning - which is currently one of the most important challenges to achieve sustainable development in Iran.