文章基本信息

标题：Factors affecting possibility of ecotourism development and sustaining natural resources using SWOT approach in west Iran
本地全文：下载
作者：Mosayeb Heshmati ; Mohammad Gheitury ; Samad Shadfar 等
期刊名称：International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks
印刷版ISSN：2577-4441
出版年度：2022
卷号：10
期号：2
页码：173-183
语种：English
出版社：KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
摘要：The impacts of mass and unsupervised ecotourism on natural resources have tremendously increased. As natural resources conservation and ecotourism issues are now at the forefront of public opinion, this study was conducted in Kermanshah Province, Iran (KPI) which is suitable for ecotourism due to its attractive landscapes, biodiversity, and traditional agricultural productions. This research was carried out through field survey and interview with relevant experts (March 2019–March 2020). Accordingly, the strategies for combining ecotourism development and natural resources protection were explored using strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) approach. The respondents were specialized in the field of geography, watershed management, ecotourism, economy, forest, rangeland, agriculture and extension. Results showed that ecotourism destinations mostly included some parts of attractive mountains, forests, rangelands, caves, rivers, springs, tourism villages and urban gardens. Moreover, the strategy solutions based on opportunities- strengths (S-O) included legal documentation and cadastral mapping of natural resources, increasing public participation and awareness, livelihood resilience and job creation for inhabitants through development of local markets, and construction of welfare facilities for visitors. Meanwhile, considering strengths that can curtail vulnerability to the external threats (S-T strategies) include combating corruption and lobbying forces, regular and strict field monitoring, heavy penalties on degradation activities (mainly arson fire, tree cutting and rubbish disposal), security guaranty and financial support for investors, increasing protected reserve areas, preserving the traditional village, and proper pathways building for public walking in the natural heritages. These strategies can assist the governments in balancing ecotourism development and sustainability of natural resources at local scale such as KPI.