Watershed viability: A novel threshold-integrated pressure-state-response framework
- 1Corresponding author.
- 2Department of Watershed Management Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor 46417-76489, Mazandaran Province, Iran
Abstract
This study proposes a new framework to operationalize watershed viability by quantifying the buffer capacity of a watershed, which refers to the relative position of current conditions within the dynamic resilience and release thresholds. The framework has been developed in line with the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model and local indicators, enabling an actionable, diagnostic assessment for watershed managers. Accordingly, a new type of watershed viability is proposed, which uses a 10-point scale ranging from inviable to viable. It is operationalized using the PSR model and applied to the Shazand Watershed in Iran. Statistically refined key criteria were determined using field surveys and normalized criteria to identify dynamic resilience and release thresholds. The viability index was then calculated by comparing the prevailing conditions to these thresholds. Findings showed that the mean viability index of the Shazand Watershed is 43.46% (±6.58%), indicating moderate viability with a negative trend. The industrial area (7.85%), specific sediment yield (9.32%), and employment ratio (14.13%) were the most important contributing variables to the P, S, and R indices, respectively. Sub-watersheds 10 and 11 were top-prioritized for being closest to their release thresholds. The research concludes that the viability measure provides essential and practical insights for managers to direct their interventions, prevent further degradation, and focus on restoring the ecosystem, especially in watersheds under significant anthropogenic strains.
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BibTeX
@article{sadeghi2026watershed,
title = {{Watershed viability: A novel threshold-integrated pressure-state-response framework}},
author = {Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi and Marjan Bahlekeh},
journal = {Ecological Indicators},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.115440},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.115440},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Watershed viability: A novel threshold-integrated pressure-state-response framework
AU - Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi
AU - Marjan Bahlekeh
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - Ecological Indicators
DO - 10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.115440
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.115440
AB - This study proposes a new framework to operationalize watershed viability by quantifying the buffer capacity of a watershed, which refers to the relative position of current conditions within the dynamic resilience and release thresholds. The framework has been developed in line with the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model and local indicators, enabling an actionable, diagnostic assessment for watershed managers. Accordingly, a new type of watershed viability is proposed, which uses a 10-point scale ranging from inviable to viable. It is operationalized using the PSR model and applied to the Shazand Watershed in Iran. Statistically refined key criteria were determined using field surveys and normalized criteria to identify dynamic resilience and release thresholds. The viability index was then calculated by comparing the prevailing conditions to these thresholds. Findings showed that the mean viability index of the Shazand Watershed is 43.46% (±6.58%), indicating moderate viability with a negative trend. The industrial area (7.85%), specific sediment yield (9.32%), and employment ratio (14.13%) were the most important contributing variables to the P, S, and R indices, respectively. Sub-watersheds 10 and 11 were top-prioritized for being closest to their release thresholds. The research concludes that the viability measure provides essential and practical insights for managers to direct their interventions, prevent further degradation, and focus on restoring the ecosystem, especially in watersheds under significant anthropogenic strains.
SN - 1470-160X
SN - 1872-7034
ER -