Assessment of logging moratorium using analytical network process in Iranian Hyrcanian forests

The aim of this research is to evaluate three forthcoming scenarios (continuing of forest management plans, logging ban, and forest management plans halt) in terms of policy change and select the best method based on sustainable forest management strategies in Iranian Hyrcanian forests. For this propose a two-layer evaluation process was considered for choosing the best alternative. Analytic network process as a decision approach is applied with Benefit–Opportunity–Cost–Risk (BOCR) merit. The data were obtained either from the previous research or through questionnaires. The results indicated that the benefits and risks were more important in terms of decision-making, compared to the opportunities and costs. Finally, the scenario of ‘continuity of forest management plans’ was selected as the most suitable alternative. The decision framework proposed in this study offers a rational means for decision-making of forest policy.