journal of sustainable rural development

journal of sustainable rural development

Ecotourism and the Role of Human Factors in environmental-ecological Instability of Rural Areas (Study area: Darband watershed around the Tehran metropolis)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Elham Eftakhari 1
shila Hajehforoshnia 2
1 Assisstant professor Of Department of Geography, Payam Noor University, Tehran ,Iran
2 Assistant professor of Geomorphology, Department of Natural Resources Research, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran
10.22034/jsrd.2024.441383.1179
Abstract
Purpose: Evaluating trends affecting environmental stability and instability in tourism activities is essential. Darband watershed is one of the critical areas in ecotourism activities, and natural and human factors and unplanned and unprincipled interventions have increased its instability.
Methods: In this research, unstable processes and areas in the study area were first examined and evaluated, and then the role of environmental awareness and guiding the behavior of tourists as an influential factor in the stability of the natural regions was examined and explained. This research, using descriptive-analytical methods, investigates and evaluates the human factors affecting the increase in environmental instability in the Darband watershed and tries to investigate the role of awareness elements and tourists' behaviors in modulating this process.
Results: According to the research results, this basin has been exposed to severe instabilities and widespread destruction due to environmental sensitivities, the volume of pressure, and extensive exploitation. The role of tourists and facility and service center owners, on the one hand, and natural factors, on the other hand, is significant in this field.
Conclusion: In the current situation, a set of known natural and human factors are the most critical threats at the regional level, and the development of appropriate environmental and control programs to improve this situation through responsible institutions such as the Agricultural Jihad Organization, Environmental Protection Organization, Cultural heritage, handicrafts and tourism affairs, governorship, municipality, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), etc. will be necessary.
Keywords
ecotourism
ecological instability
Darband watershed
tourists' behavior
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journal of sustainable rural development
Volume 8, Issue 1 - Serial Number 13
Spring and Summer
Spring 2024
Pages 161-172