Land use pl anni ng for strategi c management (Case study: Kiyan protected area, Nahavand, Iran)

History has shown that power, influence, and cultural life of civilization societies during their evolution influence by existence of forests and natural reserves. Conservation and management of these resources are essential in Iran which consider as one of the most arid regions in the world beside their good potential of biodiversity. The study area (Kiyan forest protected area) located in 12 kilometers southwest of the Nahavand city. This study, tried to show land use planning with ecological models and finally, using SWOT model guidelines proposed for strategic management in this region and another similar climate conditions. Results of land use planning of Kiyan forest reserves as a homogeneous management zone showed that the best option is protection (National Natural Monument) and the second option is Tourism (recreation outdoor). In other word, National Natural Monument, Tourism, Forestry and Range management are the main options respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that this region converted to National Natural Monument in term of management level.

Land use planning; SWOT model; Strategic Management; Kiyan forest reserve