The Study of Eco-Tourism Potential in Wetland Areas: A Case Study of Kish Island, Southern Iran

Tourism is one of the most dynamic activities in the world today. The number of foreign and domestic tourists and tourism revenues are steadily increasing across the world. The prosperity of tourism in each geographical area, in additon to positive and negative outcomes, brings about some ecological effects which, if continue, can lead to irreparable damages. Currently, the spatial pattern of land use development trends or procedures of construction in Kish Island are not consistent with its fragile ecological conditions and severe climate. Moreover, using the available technologies for the efficient utilization and conservation of resources have not realized. In this study, some conclusions were reached. Among them are: Kish Island has some strengths and weaknesses in terms of tourism and biological factors. Marine Strengths include good sea conditions, high economic use for human consumption, industry and irrigation, surface water, tourist attractions of aqueducts system. Weaknesses include pollution of the sea due to urban wastewater, recreational activities, recovery of land on the beach and groundwater pollution caused by urban activities.