Hamidian M, Barani H, Mohammadzadeh M, Abedi Sarvestani A, Tavakoli M. Social-cultural indicators to assess and monitor the development of ecotourism within the rangeland pastoral units Ilam provincet. مرتع 2020; 14 (1) :73-84
URL:
http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-867-en.html
Department of Range Management, Faculty of Range and Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan
Abstract: (3770 Views)
Rangeland pastoral units of Iran with abundant ecotourism attractions and rich culture of the local community could provide a basis for ecotourism activities. The main purpose of this study is to develop a suitability classification model for rangeland pastoral units from the Social-cultural dimension’s point of view. The study may help on development of ecotourism, with emphasis on the rangeland pastoral units of Ilam province. The method is based on descriptive-analytical and surveying methods (surveys of experts and researchers). The Delphi method was used to identify the components and indicators of the Social-cultural dimension of ecotourism development. Interviews, reviewing related literature and field visits showed that 73 indicators are important. Indicators were classified into eight classes. Results were reviewed by a panel of experts having 31 members from six groups of stakeholders, interested in tourism affairs and ecotourism. Finally, those Indicators with mean greater than 3, SD less than 1 and CV less than 0.3 were selected. The outcome of the study showed that 6 components namely security, culture and traditions, mental and emotional, partnership and solidarity, ownership, potential capacities plus 31 indicators were suitable for monitoring and assessing the suitability of rangeland pastoral units for development of ecotourism. Among the indices for the mental and emotional component the following were outstanding (mean of 4.81) "degree of local community motivation to preserve, stabilize and revive ritual, art, indigenous architecture and handicrafts. From the component of culture and traditions wedding and funeral ceremonies and security within the properties from security component were considered as the advantages of the area on ecotourism development.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2020/04/30 | Accepted: 2020/04/30 | Published: 2020/04/30