OICC Press Journal of Rangeland Science 2423-642X 16 3 2026 09 30 Grazing Permit Issuance Process and Its Challenges in Iran's Rangelands 10.57647/JRS.2026.1603.21 EN Seyed Jafar Seyed Akhlaghi Desert Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (AREEO), Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2026 09 30 Livestock grazing represents the most economically significant use of rangeland ecosystems worldwide. In Iran, decades of reliance on the "Grazing Permit" system have exposed critical inefficiencies in its implementation and widespread non-compliance, leading to overgrazing beyond the carrying capacity and unauthorized grazing practices that threaten rangeland sustainability. This study analyzed the permit issuance process across six ecological regions, employing a mixed-methods approach using 96 beneficiaries and 31 specialists. Quantitative analysis using ANOVA revealed significant regional disparities in permit issuance. On average, permits took 73 days to be processed with a range of 45 to 120 days across 15 steps. Thematic analysis identified 40 major challenges, which were categorized into systemic, legal, supervisory, economic, and social domains. Key issues included non-integrated systems, time-consuming violation reviews, inheritance complications, weak monitoring, outdated data, low expert motivation, and insufficient funding. The study recommends adopting community-based governance, developing integrated electronic systems, modernizing regulations, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms. These evidence-based solutions address the identified challenges while ensuring compliance with permit regulations through sustainable rangeland management practices, which are essential for conserving Iran's diverse ecological landscapes. The strategic implementation of these reforms is expected to enhance administrative efficiency while safeguarding the ecological integrity of these vital natural resources.