The Impact of the Anzali Wetland Basin Rivers on the Economy of the Surrounding Villages with an Ecosystem-Based Approach

Villages, as the main bases of food production and the formation of sustainable livelihoods, have always been in direct interaction with natural resources, especially water resources. In Iran, many villages have been formed adjacent to water sources such as wetlands, and the Anzali Wetland, as one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the country, plays a vital role in the economy and sustainability of its surrounding villages. This research has been conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of the rivers in the Anzali Wetland basin on the economy of the surrounding villages and has specifically considered the decrease in the depth and surface area of this wetland as a key variable. The research method was descriptive-analytical and data were collected through interviews and questionnaires from a targeted sample of 40 local residents, farmers, and experts in the region. The results show that the decreased water flow of the rivers entering the wetland, in addition to ecological changes and reduced biodiversity, has had extensive consequences in the economic and social spheres of the villages. Among these consequences, one can mention the decrease in agricultural income due to water scarcity, a significant decline in fishing activities, stagnation of indigenous tourism, increased migration of villagers, change of land use from agricultural to residential or commercial, and cultural and social transformations. Also, with the lowering of the wetland's water level, land values have increased abnormally and more pressure has been put on natural resources. The findings emphasize the necessity of implementing integrated water resource management policies, providing environmental water rights, and utilizing ecosystem-based approaches to revive the Anzali Wetland and the economic and social sustainability of local communities. This research shows that there is a direct relationship between the ecological health of the wetland and the livelihood of the residents of the surrounding villages, and without comprehensive planning, sustainable development in this region will not be achieved.