Identification of forest conflicts and assessing their effects on the forest resources in Lordegan County

Forest conflicts, arising from disagreements and conflicting interests among various stakeholders over controlling, managing, and using forest resources, pose significant threats to sustainable forestry. Effective conflict management is crucial for achieving forest policy goals and failure to address disputes properly may lead to the reduction of the effectiveness of conservation efforts and deforestation. This research identifies and analyzes open conflicts in the Zagros Forest of Sardasht forest administration in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran, by examining 27 years of natural resource law enforcement data (1996–2023). Quantitative content analysis was applied to analyze the data, identifying five primary types of forest conflicts: illegal logging, unauthorized charcoal making, forest fires, and national land encroachment. These were categorized into two broad types: resource extraction conflicts and rights/management disputes. These conflicts have caused substantial losses, with an average of 0.04 trees and 0.47 saplings lost per hectare annually, and 344 hectares of national land encroached upon. The underlying causes of forest disputes include unclear property rights, resource scarcity, poor forest law enforcement, and limited livelihood opportunities. Additionally, administrative challenges and poor forest governance hinder conflict recording, reporting, and resolution. Recognizing and addressing forest conflicts is essential for the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization to conserve forest resources, reduce the financial and time costs associated with litigation, and promote sustainable forest management.