Abstract for: Modeling social trust in forest resources management: a case study in wild celery habitat of Zagros forests

Social trust is a crucial element for effective participatory forest resources management. Trust is a mechanism for reducing complexity in complex social-ecological systems and facilitating cooperation and interaction between different stakeholders. It is possible to understand the factors influencing the strengthening or decline of social trust through causal loop diagrams (CLDs). In this research, the structural role of social trust in the conservation and use of forest resources in the unique remaining habitat of wild celery (Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff) was investigated using CLDs. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 106 informants. Trust was modeled in two dimensions: trust between local community stakeholders, and institutional trust. The results showed that there are a total of 23 active cause-and-effect loops that create the structure of social trust. Participatory management of the forest resources in the wild celery habitat occurs in a complex social-ecological system in which social trust plays a significant role.