Protected areas and its ecotourism attractions;A case study of Khan- gormaz protected Area in Hamadan Province, Iran

Ecotourism is economic activity that minimizes environmental impacts and at the same time, generates incomes for local communities. Ecotourism continues to become a management strategy for protected areas. Khan- Gormaz protected area with about 10,000 hectares surface area is situated in Hamadan province in Iran. This research has been conducted during 2001 through 2008. To identify and define ecologic resources of the region, digital maps were used and on this basis the topology situations of studied area have been accomplished. Kham- Gormaz protected area has different species of plants, mammals, reptiles and birds. The most mammal population belongs to wild sheep and the second abundance is related to wild goat. This region has 6 permanent springs and there are 16 villages around the region. All villages are located in the border area of the region. The main business of these villagers is related to farming, gardening and animal husbandry.Since management the Khan- Gormaz protected area is very important, it is highly recommended that consultant of Khan-Gormaz protected area management plan should accelerate to complete and approve the guideline for the preparation of management plans for the studied area. The management plan should also set a carrying capacity for ecotourism.