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

What 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.