About This Project
Landslides pose serious risks to mountain communities in Iran. We hypothesize that integrating geotechnical data with local knowledge enables more accurate, community-based landslide risk assessments. Through field surveys, GIS (Geographic Information System)-based risk assessment mapping, and participatory education, this project aims to empower communities to identify hazards and apply practical, low-cost mitigation to build resilience.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
This project focuses on landslide-prone mountainous areas, where deforestation, unplanned development, and heavy rainfall have made slope failures more frequent and severe. Many rural communities in Iran living in these regions lack access to hazard assessments and practical mitigation strategies. Our approach combines geotechnical fieldwork—including soil analysis, slope stability, remote-sensing survey —with GIS mapping to visualize risk areas. Also, local engagement activities such as community meetings, interviews, and participatory mapping will incorporate traditional knowledge and ensure local needs are addressed. The project will propose low-cost, sustainable measures such as improving surface drainage, planting deep-rooted vegetation to stabilize slopes, and establishing simple community-based early warning systems. By combining tools with locals, the project seeks to empower vulnerable communities to manage and reduce landslide risks effectively.
What is the significance of this project?
Landslides are a significant hazard in Iran, affecting around 25% of its mountainous regions. Every year, numerous landslide events cause casualties, injuries, and damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and communities, leading to millions of dollars in losses. This project aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge and preparedness by producing detailed landslide risk maps, conducting field-based assessments, and developing community-driven solutions. The outcomes will support disaster risk reduction planning, assist local authorities, and offer a model for other hazard-prone areas. By actively involving and educating vulnerable communities, the project will enhance local resilience and help prevent avoidable losses of life, property, and livelihoods.
What are the goals of the project?
This project aims to identify and assess landslide-prone areas by conducting detailed field surveys, including soil analysis, slope stability measurements, and observation of land-use practices. These surveys will be combined with GIS analysis to produce landslide susceptibility maps for critical zones over a 6 month period. Based on results, we will propose low-cost, nature-based mitigation techniques such as drainage improvement, reforestation, and terracing, which will be refined through consultation with locals. To ensure community engagement, we will organize participatory workshops involving local residents, local communities, and NGOs, aiming to raise awareness, share practical solutions, and co-develop action plans. We will assess workshop impacts by pre- and post-event surveys measuring changes in knowledge, preparedness, and willingness to adopt mitigation strategies. Final results will be shared through peer-reviewed publications and local reports.
Budget
Field surveys and equipment are essential to assess slope conditions, soil types, and existing landslide signs. GIS and remote sensing tools will allow us to map high-risk zones accurately and create a landslide susceptibility model. Local research assistants are critical for field logistics, data collection, and community coordination. Community workshops will raise awareness and share practical mitigation knowledge with residents. The pilot mitigation project, such as slope stabilization or drainage installation, helps test real-world solutions. Finally, funds for reporting and publication ensure we can document results and share them with both scientific audiences and local decision-makers. Together, these items ensure the project delivers both scientific value and community impact.
Endorsed by
Project Timeline
The project spans 8 months in 5 phases: planning, field surveys, GIS analysis, community engagement, and final reporting. Field data and GIS tools will identify landslide-prone zones. A pilot mitigation project and local workshops will raise awareness and test solutions. Final outputs include risk maps, a report, and a published article to support disaster planning and community resilience in vulnerable mountain areas.
May 26, 2025
Project Launched
Aug 20, 2025
Complete field data collection and site assessments
Oct 20, 2025
Finalize landslide susceptibility maps using GIS
Nov 30, 2025
Conduct local workshops on landslide risk awareness
Jan 20, 2026
Implement pilot mitigation solution
Meet the Team
Team Bio
I am a geotechnical and infrastructure engineer as well as a geo-hazards scientist with expertise in geology, engineering geology, and GIS, working as an independent researcher. My research focuses on geotechnology, community-based solutions, geohazards, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. I aim to develop practical, community-based approaches to help vulnerable regions reduce landslide risks and adapt to environmental and geological changes.
Mohammad Azarafza
I am an independent researcher specializing in geoengineering, infrastructure, geohazards, and sustainable development studies. My research team works at the intersection of sustainable development, climate resilience, and community-based solutions. We are focused on addressing challenges related to water management, disaster risk reduction, geohazards, climate change, and social equity. With expertise in GIS, environmental science, and geoengineering, we aim to create practical, scalable solutions to support vulnerable populations in adapting to environmental changes and improving their quality of life.
Lab Notes
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