Local Participation and Ecotourism Development (An Empirical Study in Jannat Roodbar Village)

This research aims at finding an answer to the following questions: What are residents’ attitudes towards ecotourism development? What are social- economic and environmental effects of ecotourism on the local community? Is there any possibility for ecotourism in Janatroodbar district? How will much local community support ecotourism development? This survey has been conducted in JannatRoodbar. To conduct this research, a survey method was utilized as well as documentary method. The population of the study consisted of all residents of JannatRoodbar in Ramsar in 2016. The results of the study show that: First, local people’s attitudes towards ecotourism is highly positive. Second, the local community is aware of the social, economic and environmental effects of the ecotourism. Third, based on Doss’s theoretical model, there is a possibility to develop ecotourism in JannantRoodbar district. However, there is a fragility problem for this destination. Fourth, the level of the community’s support for ecotourism is very high.