Evaluation of Ecological Capability of Bolhasan- e- Dezful Region for Tourism Using SMITH Method

Bolhasan forest zone with an area of 5725 hectares is located in the northeast city of Dezful. This region comprises natural forests and tourist areas. Characteristics of Bolhasan area such as cultural, historical and tourist attractions, Haft Tanan Mount and geological features near the area have led to selection of the area as a tourist destination. Hence, given the specific ecological features of the area, its ecological capability for tourism was evaluated using SMITH method. The necessary maps were prepared through identification and generation of stable and unstable resources, as well as, the desired criteria and variables for evaluating Bolhasan forest area were also considered. We dividedthe study area to networks of squares (pixels) and then ecological resources associated with the networks were evaluated and various parameters of land scored by ecotourists were also collected. Finally, mean scores for different factors in each pixel were calculated that showed the degree of ecological capability for ecotourism. The results of this study showed that about 118 pixels, i.e. about 31% are placed in the middle class and 262 pixels, about 69% are placed in the poor class. By integration of maps we determined the capability of the region for ecotourism. The resulting map showed weak to moderate condition of the region for ecotourism.