Factors Affecting the Participation of Local Communities in Water Resource Conservation (Case Study: Ilam Dam Watershed)

In the context of protecting water resources in watersheds, the participation of local communities in water resource management holds significant importance. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors influencing participatory behavior of watershed residents in protecting water resources within the Ilam Dam Watershed. This research falls under the category of descriptive-correlational studies, in which the survey technique was used for data collection. The statistical population included 135 watershed residents, who were selected randomly as the sample. The method of data and information collection was a questionnaire. The results of the descriptive analysis of the indicators revealed that the relationship between the participatory behavior of watershed residents and three variables—normative beliefs, legal norms, and participatory norms—was at a moderate level. Additionally, the results of the Spearman correlation coefficient analysis indicated that these three variables had a positive and significant relationship with the participatory behavior of watershed residents at a 1% error level. Moreover, legal norms, normative beliefs, and participatory norms, respectively, had the highest contribution to the participatory behavior of watershed residents in protecting water resources. Therefore, it seems that strengthening the norms and beliefs of watershed residents regarding the protection of water resources leads to increased participatory behaviors. This enhancement of awareness and change in attitude within local communities results in more active participation and greater responsibility, which, ultimately, through the synergy of these communities with conservation policies, will contribute to the sustainable management of water resources and ensure their sustainability.
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
The conservation and sustainable management of water resources in watersheds is one of the fundamental challenges in environmental management and sustainable development. Overexploitation of water resources, climate change, and unsustainable human activities are among the factors that have adversely affected the quality and quantity of water resources. In this context, the participation of local communities in water resource management plays a key role in enhancing efficiency, reducing degradation, and maintaining ecological balance. As the primary users of water resources, local communities can play a significant role in preventing waste and degradation if they are aware of and accept their responsibilities regarding resource conservation. Therefore, understanding and analyzing the factors influencing their participatory behavior can help develop appropriate strategies to strengthen this participation. This study aims to examine the impact of normative beliefs, legal norms, and participatory norms on the participatory behavior of watershed residents in the conservation of water resources.
 
2-Materials and Methods
In this study, the chosen method is applied in terms of purpose and field-based in terms of data collection, conducted descriptively using the survey technique. For this research, the required statistics and information were gathered from books, domestic and international journals, theses, and collections of conference and seminar papers. The statistical population consists of the residents of the Ilam Dam Watershed, totaling 135 inhabitants. The statistical population of this study included 135 residents of the Ilam Dam Watershed, who were selected using a random sampling method. The primary data collection tool was a questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by a group of experts. To assess reliability, Cronbach’s alpha method was used, and the results indicated an acceptable level of reliability for the questionnaire. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using statistical software. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the status of the variables, and Spearman’s correlation test was employed to examine the relationships between them. The results of the Spearman correlation test indicated that these three variables have a positive and significant relationship with the dependent variable, watershed residents' participatory behavior in water resource conservation, at a 1% error level. Among these factors, legal norms had the strongest influence on participatory behavior, as compliance with water resource management regulations led to increased active participation among watershed residents. After that, normative beliefs and participatory norms, respectively, had the greatest influence on active public participation. The findings of this study indicate that establishing and strengthening legal norms, normative beliefs, and participatory norms can enhance motivation for participation among local communities. Since participatory behaviors are influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors, developing policies that reinforce these aspects is of particular importance. The participation of local communities in water resource conservation requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach, including raising awareness, formulating supportive regulations, and strengthening social interactions. Establishing local water resource management institutions and enhancing their role can pave the way for the development of more responsible behaviors in water resource conservation.
 
3- Results and Discussion
The descriptive analysis of the indicators showed that the participatory behavior of watershed residents is at a moderate level. In examining the four main factors, the average score for the participatory behavior factor of watershed residents was 3.76, with the highest score belonging to participation in educational and extension classes, which had a mean rank of 4.18. The average score for the normative beliefs factor was 3.61, with the highest score related to the necessity of penalizing individuals who damage the watershed, which had a mean rank of 3.95. The average score for the normative beliefs factor was 3.61, with the highest score related to the necessity of penalizing individuals who damage the watershed, which had a mean rank of 3.95. The average score for the legal norms factor was 3.70, with the highest score in this section belonging to the item on distrust in watershed destruction prohibition laws, which had a mean of 4.10. Finally, the average score for the participatory norms factor was 3.00, with the highest score in this category related to sharing information about the watershed and the consequences of its degradation with other watershed residents, which had a mean of 3.45. The analysis of variables influencing this behavior indicated that the three factors, normative beliefs, legal norms, and participatory norms, have a direct impact on individuals' participatory behavior.
 
4- Conclusion
Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that strengthening normative beliefs, enforcing water resource management laws more effectively, and promoting a culture of participation within local communities have a significant impact on enhancing responsible behaviors toward water resources. Raising awareness and shifting perspectives on the importance of water conservation can lead to more active participation, ultimately ensuring the sustainability of water resources. Moreover, government and local institutions' support for educational and cultural programs on water resource conservation can play a crucial role in changing the attitudes and behaviors of watershed residents. More responsible behaviors and the synergy between local communities and protective and supportive policies are fundamental steps toward the preservation and sustainable management of water resources. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers adopt a participatory approach based on local knowledge to develop strategies that enhance public participation in water resource conservation.