The Development of Strategies forWetland Restoration by Comprehensive Assessment ofHydrological, Land Use and Climate Changes

Abstract

Wetlands are ecosystems with specific features and functions which have been unfortunately<br />damaged by recent pressures and limitations. Fast reduction of surface flows, water and wind erosion of soil,<br />changes in the quality of water and soil resources, increasing exploitation of underground water, agricultural<br />development, climate change, etc. have had the most effect on these ecosystems. So this study shows that in the<br />last two decades, the level of groundwater has dramatically decreased as a result of human activities. Together<br />with the decrease of water resources in Agh-Gol wetland area, land use has been also changed with a faster<br />pace. Considering the studies on land use changes it can be stated that the amount of water in the area have had<br />a decreasing rate so that it has been completely dried up these days. But hydrology studies warn us that there has<br />been a thirty- five-meter reduction of water level in last years the main reason of which is planting products with<br />the high water requirement. Also the minus water balance of this sub-area shows the unsuitable situation there.<br />In general, this area has been faced with an instability which is caused by mismanagement. With a precise<br />observation and control on water withdrawal from wells, using counters and plumbing illegal wells, banning<br />planting close to thewetland, changing the planting patterns toward the productswith lesswater requirement and<br />also optimizing watering,we can be hopeful that in future the situation will be improved andAgh-Golwetlandwill<br />revive.