American Journal of Environmental Sciences 5 (6): 714-721, 2009 ISSN 1553-345X © 2009 Science Publications Corresponding Author: Naser Ahmadi Sani, Department of Forestry, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran. 714 Ecological Capability Assessment for Multiple-Use in Forest Areas Using GIS- Based Multiple Criteria Decision Making Approach Sasan Babaie-Kafaky, Asadollah Mataji and Naser Ahmadi Sani Department of Forestry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abstract: Problem statement: A valuable Source of plant and animal various species in the west of Iran is Zagros forests that, misuses by foresters and local societies has caused severe degradation. In this study, forest areas ecological assessment was carried out with a (GIS)-based MCDM approach for multiple-use planning in order to reduce degradation and improving sustainability. Approach: All of possible land uses were evaluated separately. The AHP was used to defining weight of criteria and sub-criteria. Sub-criteria were mapped at GIS environment using available data, fieldwork and IRSp6 data. A priority map for each land use was created using GIS-based WLC model. The final priority map was produced of overlying all priority maps. Ecological capability map were generated with editing priority map using present land use map, IRSp6 data, forest laws and fieldwork. Results: The Weights of criteria and sub- criteria was defined for all land uses with CR<0.10. The most important criteria and sub-criteria for each land use were resulted, too. The final priority map was indicated preference of suitable land uses for each area, ecologically. The suitability map was showed areas that are enforceable land use together. Also, the area of each suitable land use was distinct. In more than of 70% study area, current use is not based on ecological criteria, which were caused severe degradation. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that various land uses meaning multiple-use can be exist in area study that executing of those will be cause decreasing of foresters dependence to forest trees, decreasing of degradation and forest sustainability. Thus, this integrated approach could be benefit forest planners and decision makers. Recommendation: Through this study, we aimed at suggesting to forest management and other stakeholders an approach that is scientifically sound and practical. Key words: Zagros forests, multiple-use, MCDM, GIS, ecological capability INTRODUCTION An area about of 5-milion hectares, from northwest to southwest, has covered by Zagros forests that are one of the most important floristic zones in Iran. The main and dominant tree and shrub species are Persian oak (Qeurcus brantti), Qeurcus infectoria and Qeurcus libani. In this forests, so far away from the past, many of the incorrect use has caused severe degradation [20] currently considered as degraded forests with firewood production and livestock feeding recognized as the main causes [47] . Although, this forests are national but foresters use incorrectly because, they are unemployment and very poor. Current uses of this forests area are firewood production, livestock feeding and agriculture. It is explicit that continuation of degradations and regardless to land suitability cause plenty multilateral damage for all beings. The traditional use of forests is multi-objective so that forests have been used for hunting, as a source of firewood and construction materials, for collection various non-wood products, protecting soil from erosion and regulate water resources. Some forests also have cultural and religious significance [41] . All of this uses there are in Zagros forests but regardless land capability. Recently, ecologically sustainable forestry has gained acceptance [42] . If the importance of the multiple-use of forests is not continuously recognized in forest management, there is a risk that the forests will lose many of the recreational and near-natural ecosystem characteristics [19] . Nowadays, forests are often managed for multiple uses. Forest planning is a very complex activity because there are many goals, which should be achieved simultaneously, and a lot of components and elements, which must be considered [4] . In planning forest ecosystem management, evaluations