Gavkhouni Wetland Database
Research, articles, and data related to the Gavkhouni International Wetland
The Gavkhouni International Wetland, located in the central plateau of Iran, holds significant importance for various reasons. Its significance and the issues of drought and its consequences in recent years have prompted many experts and groups to conduct diverse studies and research on this wetland. Despite the wetland’s importance and the studies done, there hasn’t been a comprehensive database created, and information was scattered and unorganized. This database contains projects and articles related to the Gavkhouni Wetland and Zayandeh River, aiming to collect this information and make it publicly accessible.
Identification of the Fauna of Reptiles in Gavkhouni Wetland, Isfahan Province Client: Department of Environmental Protection of Isfahan Province.
Project Executed by: Mohammad Kaboli in collaboration with Kamran Kamali and Atefeh Asadi / Environmental Group, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran.
Year of Implementation: 2018
Project Summary: This study aimed to identify the reptiles of the Gavkhouni International Wetland, determine their relative abundance, distribution range, and identify current and potential threats to each species. For thorough sampling of habitats and reptiles in this area, the entire region was categorized based on land elevation features, vegetation cover, and natural and man-made obstacles. Direct observation in linear transects and pitfall trap methods were employed for sampling.
The findings of this research led to the identification of 11 reptile species, including 2 species of snakes and 9 species of lizards.
Conservation Planning for Endangered Bird Species in Gavkhouni Wetland Based on Focal Species Approach
Client: Department of Environmental Protection of Isfahan Province.
Project Lead: Mahmoodreza Hamami / Faculty of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology.
Project Team: Dr. Rasoul Khosravi, Dr. Joseph Sun, Engineer Omid Ghadirian, Engineer Seyed Mojtaba Raveri, Engineer Mohammadreza Sadeghi.
Year of Execution: 2019
Project Summary: This project was undertaken to select a single or a set of focal bird species and indicators of biodiversity in Gavkhouni Wetland. For this study, significant animal species and wetland indicators were identified, focusing on bird species. Over a period of more than a year, field studies were conducted to recognize and register birds and mammals in different months. The results of this section revealed a total of 106 bird species belonging to 76 genera, 34 families, and 14 orders present in the wetland area.
The project also examined habitat changes in Gavkhouni Wetland over a ten-year period (2008 to 2018) and reviewed the habitat changes over a forty-year span (1976 to 2018). This section provides a comprehensive view of the changes that have occurred in the main bird habitats in Gavkhouni Wetland and its surrounding lands.
In the project’s third phase, the Gavkhouni Wetland’s conservation value was assessed from the perspective of local communities and their willingness to participate in wetland conservation programs.
In the fourth step, the focal species and the birds indicating species richness in Gavkhouni Wetland were identified.
Monitoring Study on the Biodiversity of Macrobenthos and Aquatic Macrophytes in the Gavkhouni Basin for Comprehensive Water Basin Management of the International Gavkhouni Wetland
Client: Department of Environmental Protection of Isfahan Province.
Project Lead: Dr. Issa Ebrahimi / Isfahan University of Technology.
Project Team: Dr. Mohammad Nemati, Dr. Ebrahim Motaghi, Dr. Saeed Asadollah, Pejman Fathi, Alireza Esmaili, Mojgan Zare, Mahnaz Bayat.
Year of Execution: 2020
Project Summary:
The project was conducted with the aim of identifying benthic macroinvertebrates, aquatic plants, and algal communities. Moreover, the biological index ASPT was examined at stations along the Zayandeh River leading to the Gavkhouni Wetland.
In this study, a total of 29 and 33 taxa (species or genera) of benthic macroinvertebrates, 66 taxa of aquatic plants, and more than 41 genera of algal communities in various growth forms (36 genera in 5 branches in plankton form, 41 genera in 9 branches in epilithic periphyton form, and 36 genera in 6 branches in epiphytic periphyton form) were identified at 11 sampling stations of Zayandeh River and Gavkhouni Wetland in two stages in August and February 2018. Overall, the results demonstrated a decreasing trend in the number of taxa at each station, moving from upstream to downstream of the river.
Water Requirements of the Zayandeh River and International Gavkhouni Wetland for Sustaining Their Ecological Functions
Client: Department of Environmental Protection, Isfahan Province.
Project Lead: Isfahan University of Technology – Dr. Alireza Safianian, Dr. Issa Ebrahimi, Dr. Saeed Soltani, Dr. Saeed Pourmanafi, Dr. Reza Modares, Dr. Mohammad Nemati, Saeed Asadollah, Ebrahim Motaghi, Mahnaz Bayat, Hanieh Nil Foroushan, Sara Azadi, Hajer Ebrahimi, Mojgan Zare.
Project Team: Shahrekord University – Dr. Rouhollah Fattahi, Dr. Mehrdad Fattahi, Dr. Rasoul Zamani, Dr. Iraj Hashemzadeh, Dr. Afshin Honarbakhsh, Ravanbakhsh Reyisian, Marzieh Ghasemi, Fatemeh Atashkhar.
Year of Execution: 2017
Project Summary:
This project was carried out to ensure the continuity of the ecological functions of the Zayandeh River and the International Gavkhouni Wetland.
In this study, the Gavkhouni basin was zoned based on various data obtained from three main project tasks: basic studies and spatial data, hydrology and climate, and biota studies and water quality. This was done considering biological indicators, water quality, hydrological and river morphology, erosion and sedimentation, water sources and uses, riverside land use and its changes.
Based on the findings, the final zoning of the river and the wetland was done to offer management strategies and water allocation scenarios. As a result, 7 management zones were identified.
Furthermore, the required environmental flow of the Zayandeh River and Gavkhouni Wetland for maintaining their ecological functions was estimated using a combined method. This involved habitat simulation based on the biological needs of indicator fish species using the PHABSIM model and ensuring water quality using regression.
Additionally, the results from the combined method were compared with those from hydraulic and hydrological methods. Based on this, the environmental flow rate of 10, 7, and 5.5 cubic meters per second, respectively, for intervals 1 to 5 (upstream of the Zayandeh Dam to the Waterfall Dam), interval 6 (from the Waterfall Dam to Varzaneh), and interval 7 (Gavkhouni Wetland) were determined.
The study also provided an annual timetable to ensure the river and wetland’s environmental quota considering various factors. In the end, six management scenario solutions for ensuring environmental needs were presented.
In this study, the environmental quota for the Gavkhouni Wetland, in accordance with this project, is suggested to be about 13% of the basin’s average long-term volume (1,398 million cubic meters annually) or equivalent to approximately 15% of the natural basin volume and Kouhrang 1 tunnel, as the environmental quota of Gavkhouni Wetland (173.25 million cubic meters annually).
Scientific Research Articles
1) Environmental Risk Assessment of Wetlands Using TOPSIS and EFMEA Methods (Case Study: Gavkhouni International Wetland)
Authors: Raqiye Mekvandi, Sajjad Aastani, Bahare Lorestani
Published in: 2015
Source: Environmental Research Journal
Summary:
This study was conducted in 2012 with the purpose of identifying and analyzing the risks threatening the Gavkhouni wetland. The area of study is located at the most downstream part of the Zayandeh-rood river basin, within the Gavkhouni sub-basin, about 107 kilometers southeast of the city of Isfahan.
The results show that the risks of drought, reduced wetland water, and the construction of the Zayandeh-rood dam are ranked first and second, respectively. After determining the priority number of the risk using the TOPSIS method, the degree of vulnerability of the risks was identified, which indicates the managerial priorities for risk control.
2) Investigating Livelihood Alternation as a Solution to Reduce the Effects of Drying of the Zayandeh-rood River and Gavkhouni Wetland / Case Study: Varzaneh City
Authors: Shahbaz Mehrabi, Mohammadreza Yazdani, Asghar Tosli
Published in: 2017
Source: Scientific and Research Quarterly of Crisis Management
Summary:
This research explores the potential of shifting livelihoods as a way to enhance the resilience of the fragile community in Varzaneh city. The study is practical in its aim and is descriptive-survey in nature. Results indicate that the community engagement level in Varzaneh city is satisfactory (3.31), their familiarity with livelihood rotation is low (2.45), but there is a high inclination (3.12) towards choosing alternative professions. The primary reason for this is the drying of the river and a decrease in the efficiency of agricultural and livestock products. Additionally, results show that carpet weaving has a higher popularity among the residents compared to agriculture, livestock, tourism, and water well digging.
3) Gavkhouni: Another Silent Wetland in Central Iran
Authors: Masoud Barhani, Zahra Jaber Al-Ansar, Mohammad Taghi Fayzi
Published in: 2017
Source: Iran Nature Journal
Summary:
The international Gavkhouni wetland, recognized as one of the significant wetlands in the country, is the terminal basin of the Zayandeh-rood river watershed. Due to its ecological importance, it was globally registered in the Ramsar Convention in 1970. This wetland provides various environmental functions. Some of these functions include mitigating climate change effects, promoting natural tourism, water and air purification, feeding underground water tables, stabilizing moving sands, fodder production, fostering species diversity, and serving as a wildlife habitat. Being one of the valuable natural ecosystems in the country, the wetland is home to diverse plant and animal species.
4) Examination of Aquatic and Shorebird Species Diversity Migrating to Gavkhouni International Wetland in Isfahan Province During Winter Authors: Omid Tabiei, Mana Charkhi, Marzieh Heydari
Published in: 2011
Source: Scientific Research Journal of Wetland Ecobiology – Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz branch
Summary:
The purpose of this article is to investigate and determine the population and species diversity of aquatic and shorebirds migrating to spend the winter at the Gavkhouni International Wetland. The study spans an 11-year period from 2000 to 2010. During this 11-year period, 1,061 wetland birds comprising 18 species, belonging to 5 families and 9 sub-families, have been observed wintering at the Gavkhouni International Wetland.
5) Paleo-climate Analysis of the Northern Section of Gavkhouni Wetland Using Main and Trace Element Geochemistry
Authors: Leila Taghavi, Safieh Tayebi, Sobhan Tayebi, Behram Karimian
Published in: 2013
Source: Scientific Research Journal of Wetland Ecobiology – Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz branch
Summary:
The Gavkhouni Wetland is a graben that’s covered by Quaternary sediments. This research, conducted in 2010 at the Gavkhouni International Wetland, delves into the climatic variations of the northern part of the wetland based on sedimentological chemistry, namely main and trace elements. Sedimentological evidence, which includes studying erosion processes and examining sediments such as composition and sedimentary conditions, are vital clues for analyzing past climatic conditions.
From the tested samples, a categorization of past climatic conditions in the region has been deduced. Based on all the evidence, it seems that at depths of 100 and 140 centimeters, dry periods were experienced, while at depths of 60 and 200 centimeters, wetter periods are evident. In the topmost 20 centimeters of the core, which corresponds to current day sediments, the conditions appear to be semi-arid or transitional.
6) A Study on the Role of Dried Surfaces of Gavkhouni Wetland in the Production of Local Dust and Storms Using Landsat Images and Dust Storms (Case Study: Isfahan City)
Authors: Zahra Ebrahimi Khosfi, Abbasali Vali, Mohammad Khosroshahi, Reza Ghazavi
Published in: 2017
Source: Scientific-Research Journal of Rangeland and Desert Research in Iran
Summary:
The main objective of this research is to investigate the influence of dried surfaces of the Gavkhouni Wetland on the production of local dust and storms in the Isfahan station, leveraging remote sensing techniques and analyzing dust storms over a 22-year period from 1991-1992 to 2012-2013.
Results derived from correlation analysis demonstrate a significant inverse relationship between the number of dusty days and dried surfaces of the wetland during autumn, spring, and summer seasons on an annual scale at the Isfahan station. Furthermore, findings from studying the direction of dust-bearing winds using dust storms indicate that these winds do not blow from the Gavkhouni Wetland towards Isfahan.
7) Land Use Management and Regional Planning with Emphasis on Gavkhouni Wetland
Authors: Mehri Azhani, Gholamreza Shafiei
Published in: 2018
Source: Journal of Spatial-Geographical Research
Summary:
This article investigates the role and significance of land-use studies and plans in regional planning, focusing on the Gavkhouni Wetland area at the end of the Zayandeh River basin. The research methodology is applied in nature and descriptive in terms of its essence. Among the findings of this study, the recognition and introduction of the unique and valuable potentials and capabilities of the Gavkhouni Wetland and the imperative to protect them can be highlighted.
8) Evaluation of Ecological Values of Wetlands in Isfahan Province (Case Study: Gavkhouni Wetland)
Authors: Mojgan Mirzai, Mehdi Khodadad
Published: 2017
Source: Environmental Promotional Scientific Journal
Summary:
This research aims to examine the ecological and environmental functions of wetlands in the Isfahan province, with a special focus on the Gavkhouni Wetland. The study is based on a descriptive-analytical research method and a review of available resources. Key roles of the Gavkhouni Wetland include supporting biodiversity and climate moderation. Its unique services encompass tourism, cultural heritage, and education. Wetland outputs consist of livestock grazing and uses by local people.
9) Ranking of Tourist Sample Areas Using the AHP Method – A Case Study of Tourist Sample Areas of Bagh Bahadoran, Zarrin Shahr, and Gavkhouni Wetland in Isfahan Province
Author: Esfandiar Heidari Pour
Published: 2013
Source: New Perspectives in Human Geography Scientific Research Journal
Summary:
The aim of this study is to rank three areas: Bagh Bahadoran, Zarrin Shahr, and the Gavkhouni Wetland, based on tourism indicators in sample regions. The findings of the study suggest that the Gavkhouni Wetland tourist sample area is ranked first, Bagh Bahadoran comes second, and the tourist sample area of Zarrin Shahr (Rahmat Abad) is placed the third priority.
10) Analysis of the Evolutionary Trend of Clay Zones in Gavkhouni Wetland Using the Fractal Model
Authors: Ladan Khodari Gharibvand, Manijeh Gahroodi Tali, Fatemeh Sabokkhiz, Adel Sepehr
Published: 2018
Source: Environmental Geography and Planning Scientific Research Journal
Summary:
This research was conducted to examine the effects of drought on the Gavkhouni Wetland. The results indicate that if the current trend continues, the Gavkhouni Wetland may undergo an intensifying desertification process, leading to playa-like evolutions. An increase in salty mineral deposits on the alluvial sediments and the expansion of the saline zone might transform the wetland into a desert.
11) Registration and Development of Geoparks: A Platform for Tourism Development and an Opportunity for Sustainable Regional Growth (Case Study: Varzaneh Region and Gavkhouni Wetland)
Authors: Gholamreza Shafiei, Mehdi Momeni
Publication Year: Not Mentioned
Published In: Tourism Space Journal
Summary:
Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach and implementing strategic planning processes, this article initially evaluates and analyzes the internal and external factors affecting Varzaneh tourism based on the SWOT model. Subsequently, it deals with quantitative strategic planning for regional tourism development using the QSPM model. The outcome of this study involves presenting the various tourism opportunities in Varzaneh and devising strategies for the region’s tourism growth. One of the significant strategies emerging from this research is planning for the introduction, registration, and promotion of the Geopark of the Varzaneh region and Gavkhouni Wetland. Essentially, the goal of this study is to examine and analyze the feasibility and significance of introducing and registering the Geopark of Varzaneh and Gavkhouni Wetland in the pursuit of sustainable regional development.
12) An Analysis of Ecotourism Planning and Development in the Gavkhouni Wetland Basin Leveraging Bioclimatic Indices
Authors: Eisa Ebrahimzadeh, Jafar Karimi
Publication Year: 2011
Published In: Scientific-Research Journal of Geography and Planning (Tabriz University)
Summary:
In this paper, based on meteorological data of stations neighboring the Gavkhouni Wetland, namely Isfahan, East Isfahan, Kabootarabad, Bafq, and Yazd over the years from 1975 to 2005, human comfort conditions were analyzed and scrutinized according to various models and bioclimatic indices. Research findings suggest that, considering the region’s climatic characteristics and having a variety of appealing natural attractions such as mountains, deserts, lakes, green plains, gaz forests, and the historical region of Varzaneh and Ghurtan nearby, it holds great potential and attraction for ecotourism planning.
13) Securing the Environmental Rights of Gavkhouni Wetland through Improving Agricultural Water Demand Management
Authors: Razieh Haddad, Mohammad Ebrahim Bani-Habib, Seyed Mehdi Hashemi Shahedani, Saman Javadi Pir Bazaar, Sajjad Najafi Murgalameki
Publication Year: 2021
Published In: Ecohydrology Journal
Summary:
The research goal is to study the sustainability of various scenarios to enhance agricultural water use management. These scenarios include modernizing and improving the efficiency of agricultural water distribution systems, improving the performance of on-farm irrigation systems, optimizing cultivation patterns, reducing groundwater resource exploitation, and a combination of these scenarios to rejuvenate the environmental rights of the wetlands. The results showed that the most adaptable scenario is the implementation of all the mentioned scenarios with a sustainability index of 87.3%. Following that, the implementation of the scenarios related to modernizing and improving the efficiency of agricultural water distribution, optimizing cultivation patterns, and reducing groundwater resource exploitation has a sustainability index of 81.6%.
Implementing a comprehensive combination of the agricultural water demand management scenarios can be the most sustainable solution for the revival of the Gavkhouni Wetland.
14) Introduction to the Bivalves and Gastropods of the Zayandeh River
Author: Iraj Maghfoori Moghadam
Publication Year: 2004
Published In: Iran Fisheries Science Journal
Summary:
This research introduces a collection of mollusks from the Zayandeh River, sampled between the Khaju Bridge and the river’s endpoint. Along this stretch from the Zayandeh River to the Khaju Bridge, sampling was conducted at three stations and during three different times, superficially collected from its sediments. Considering the historical background of the Zayandeh River, the mollusks introduced in this study can be crucial for many ancient climate studies.
15) Monitoring Changes in the Surface Level of Gavkhouni Wetland and its Relation to Dust Storms and Movement of Surrounding Sand Dunes
Authors: Mohammad Khosroshahi, Zahra Ebrahimi Khosfi, Azadeh Gohardoust, Sakineh Lotfi Nasab Asl, Fatemeh Dargahian, Leila Kashi Zanouzi
Publication Year: 2020
Published In: Desert Management Journal
Summary:
The main aim of this research is to study the changes in the Gavkhouni Wetland over the past few decades and the potential role of dryness levels in intensifying dust storms in the surrounding areas. Results showed that during the hydrological year 1993-1994, about 89% of the wetland’s surface was water-covered. However, thereafter, the wetland has been undergoing a continuous drying trend; so much so that in the hydrological year 2012-2013, the water-covered surface dropped to less than 10%. From that year until 2018-2019, the wetland remained completely dry.
Given the direction of the dust storms originating from the wetland, affecting Shahreza station during summer and Aghda station during autumn, the increasing trend of dust storms in these two areas during the mentioned seasons might be influenced by the recent drying levels of the wetland.
16) Estimation of the Economic-Conservation Value of Various Ecosystem Features of Gavkhouni Wetland – Modeling with Choice and Conditional Logit
Authors: Seyed Parviz Jalili Kamjoo, Rahman Khoshakhlagh, Saeed Samadi, Gholamhossein Kiani
Publication Year: 2015
Published In: Desert Management Journal
Summary:
The objective of this study is to estimate the conservation value of various ecosystem features of the Gavkhouni wetland utilizing the choice test and conditional logit model. The results indicate that visitors are willing to pay for preserving the wetland’s plant and forest coverage, maintaining natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring the wetland’s hygiene, and raising its water level. Calculations, based on ten hypothetical policies, provide valuable tools for policymakers.
