Journal of Strategic Management and Future Studies

Journal of Strategic Management and Future Studies

Investigating the Challenges of Forest Ecosystem by Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and It’s Role in Sustainable Development of Region

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 M.Sc., University of Guilan, Guilan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Urban planning, University of Guilan, Guilan, Iran
3 Post Ph.D. Researcher in Futures Studies, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
National assets of each country include natural resources and services to provide them for the society which use them directly or indirectly. Same as other countries, forests especially the Caspian forests in the north of Iran considered as national assets and the country's food security assurance in critical conditions. Hence the reviews and accessing factors affecting the destruction of the forest ecosystem in the form of an analytical futurology method and offering strategies in order to sustain and regenerate the region’s environment can cause the region sustainable development. The purpose of this research is to explore forest ecosystem challenges in Mazandaran province using one of the new futurology methods called “Causal Layered Analysis” and to reach comprehensive and deep solutions to eliminate the challenges and to achieve regional sustainable development. Priority of “Causal Layered Analysis” compared to other planning and futurology methods is to detect social, economic, environmental and etc. problems fast and comprehensively meanwhile identifies the deepest root of the problems in the four levels (the litany causes, social and structural causes, worldview and discourse causes, metaphor and myth causes) and provides with the essential solutions. This is a practical research that contains qualitative data with documentary and survey collection methods. According to the analysis method of this study for collecting information, meeting panels and interviews with development, environment, art, religion and philosophy experts used as well as a desk and documentary research. According to the “Causal Layered Analysis” framework, the results of this study investigate the causes of the destruction of the forest ecosystem and provide strategies for each level. First layer “using consulting engineers, educated community and specialized in solving environmental challenges”. Second layer “establishing the scientific and proper infrastructure for landfill and employing up to date technologies such as garbage incineration powerhouse”. Third layer “The correct interpretation of religious discourse”. Forth “forest as posterity trusteeship” instead of "public forest”.
Keywords