Sustainable Livelihood Constraints and Opportunities in Caspian Forest Communities: A Case Study of Chehelchay Basin in Golestan Province

The local communities of the Caspian forests rely on a limited opptions of livelihoods, obtained from forest resources, which can undermine those resources. This paper searching for sustainable livelihood strategies in 26 villages of Chehelchay basin in Golestan Province, eastern part of Hyrcanian forest. Various approaches and frameworks of sustainable livelihood analyzed to help understand the overall procedures and concept of them. Qualitative ethnography research utilized as methods of study. Data collected through interview, focus group discussion, and fieldworks. The internal and external factors of assets for livelihood in the area illustrated. The inhabitants’ current livelihood is based on animal husbandry, farming and gardening. The main output of these system used for rural families’ subsistence which have eroded the renewable natural resources. The common strategies for sustainable livelihood include establishing local funds providing financial resources for sustainable livelihood activities, facilitate small-scale businesses, promotion of diversification of products and revenue generation, capacity building and training in organic foodstuff production, Promoting community forestry and agroforestry, and Developing tourism based activities and handicrafts making. These strategies need inter-sectoral coordination, facilitate the institutional and local capability for developing activities, Awareness raising, increasing social cohesion, and training officials and experts in local and regional levels. It is important to be realistic about the potential for success of any introduced activities, especially those that involve a lifestyle change.

کلیدواژه ها:

Caspian Forest ، Sustainable Livelihood Strategies ، Forest Dependent Population