The Economic effects of invasive plant (Gundelia tournefortii L.) on sustainable livelihood of local communities (Case study: Damavand summer rangelands- Tehran)

Plants (medicinal, industrial and edible) Rangelands are one of the most valuable resources in the vast range of natural resources of Iran, which, if used properly, can play an important role in creating jobs in local communities. In order to estimate the economic value of (Gundelia tournefortii L.), dependence degree of natives and its share in rural household income compared to the function of forage production and the amount of direct and indirect employment from it was done in a number of conventional arrangements in Damavand. Sampling of vegetation was performed by systematic-random method in the areas identifying plant types and the amount of surface cover, densit, forage production and grazing capacity was measured. The results showed that the total gross income from the operation of forage per year was 66066000 thousand Rials, its cost was 19387260 thousand Rials, net profit was 46678740 thousand Rials and economic rent was 3842 thousand Rials. Also, the total gross income from the exploitation of artichokes in the study area per year was 202500000 thousand Rials, its cost was equal to 89610000 thousand Rials, net income was 112890000 thousand Rials and economic rent was equal to 9291 thousand Rials. Taking into account the number of households and individuals affiliated with the regionchr('39')s ranchers, the direct and indirect employment of the forage production during one year was 86 and 257 jobs, respectively, and the number of employed people using Gundelia tournefortii L. was 72 and 216 jobs, respectively. Considering the projected income from the two functions of exploiting Gundelia tournefortii L. and forage production and importance of economic value on local communities it seems that the management of invasive plants in rangeland ecosystems should be such that while maintaining the health and integrity of these ecosystems, it causes transparency and facilitates processes. Decide on the multifunctional use of rangelands and an efficient approach to range management.