{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: AHP-based multi-criteria decision-making for forest sustainability of lower Himalayan foothills in northern circle, India-a case study.
{Author}: Anuradha ;Gupta S;
{Journal}: Environ Monit Assess
{Volume}: 194
{Issue}: 12
{Year}: Oct 2022 6
{Factor}: 3.307
{DOI}: 10.1007/s10661-022-10510-0
{Abstract}: Forest degradation is a major issue worldwide. The study area, situated in the lower Himalayan foothills of northern India, is also witnessing the same. A ground survey of the area revealed that socio-economic factors are a major cause of forest degradation. Therefore, sustainable forest management is required to maintain forest resources and health. This study aims to develop the most suitable and agreeable alternatives for ensuring the sustainability of forest use, increase economic benefits, and improve the living conditions of the people surrounding the forest area. This study uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a decision-making method. A pre-test was conducted prior to the main survey, which helped validate the questionnaires and deliver more reliable survey responses. The authors identified three criteria (C) and nine indicators (I).The pre-tested criteria and indicators arranged in hierarchical order were prioritized by applying the AHP. A list of 36 alternatives (A) was prepared in ascending order to select the best alternatives and was used to make suitable judgments for enhancing forest management efficiency. C, I, and A were developed based on a literature review, pre-test, and questionnaire-based field survey that recorded the preferences of different stakeholders. The survey was conducted in 77 fringe villages surrounding the forest and responses were collected from 302 respondents. The overall AHP implementation was simplified using "Super Decisions." The results advocate adopting valid options such as afforestation, agro-forestry, plantation, forest boundary demarcation, capital investment, and others to strengthen the sustainable development of the region. Furthermore, some of the major findings were shared with decision-making authorities (forest officials and village representatives). The stakeholders realized the need to accelerate participatory forest management practices, capacity building, and training of the local populations, together with other options to improve their livelihoods.