Ecological Capability Evaluation and Prioritization of Capable Zones for the Purpose of Ecotourism Development (A case study of Minoodasht area)

In order to prevent negative impacts of tourism, ecological capability evaluation and land planning is necessary, which leads to optimized development pattern of tourism destination. National park, protected areas, forests and beautiful waterfalls, in Minoodasht area has high potential in ecotourism development, but removing forests, building new roads, change of land use in forests and protected areas, has caused incompatibility between activities and structures in this area. Hence, to sustainably develop ecotourism in this area, ecological capability evaluation and prioritizing capable zones for ecotourism is necessary. In this research, GIS and related ecological model is used to identify intensive and extensive ecotourism capable zones. From 1362 recognized environmental units in Minoodasht County (with an area of 1576 km􀬶), 83 units with an area of 11􀀃km􀬶 had capability for intensive ecotourism, 1036 units with an area of 1355􀀃km􀬶 had capability for extensive ecotourism, and 243 units with an area of 219􀀃km􀬶 werent capable for ecotourism. Afterwards 4 intensive ecotourism development capable zones were prioritized using AHP and considering natural and cultural attractions, facilities and amenities, accessibility, and distance to residential areas criteria.