Investigating the Environmental Effects of Ecotourismand the Role of Environmental Education in Reducing its Destructive Effects(Case study: South Khorasan province)

Increasing the number of tourists with the high ecological potential of a region can have devastating and irreversible effects on the host or destination community or lead to a decrease in the quality of the tourism experience. Ethical codes also have their own complexities and must be carefully considered. If this is not taken into the account, environmental and social problems will plague society and if the environment is destroyed, the greatest harm is to man himself, who is in fact in conflict with sustainable development. Conservation means both the care and rational use of natural resources; therefore, ecotourism is sustainable that responds to the needs of today's generation and also considers the needs of future generations. The present study is an applied research that, considering the cases mentioned, has investigated the environmental effects of ecotourism in South Khorasan province and the position of environmental education in reducing its destructive effects. This means that it covers all the needs of the host and host community and benefits both parties. The method of review is through observation, interview and review of available documents, which first refers to the tourism potentials of this province as well as the problems that have been encountered due to the development of ecotourism. Finally, environmental education has been discussed as the best and most effective way to inform and create a sense of responsibility among the community, especially those who enter it with the aim of protecting nature.