Suitability analysis for Eco-tourism in rangelands using Fuzzy logic based multi-criteria model (case study: rangeland of Jahan Nama Protected Area)

Rangelands, as one of the world's largest terrestrial ecosystems, are the source of millions of lives. Over the past decades in Iran, these ecosystems have been suffered from degradation and lack of productivity for many reasons and hence there is an urgent need to seek alternative livelihoods for rangeland locals and stakeholders. An alternative livelihood is community based tourism. Rangeland ecotourism should be in accordance with the potential of the area. In this study, a set of criteria was considered regarding land conservation for suitability analysis. These criteria were standardized, weighed and integrated using fuzzy logic based multi-criteria model. The results showed that attractiveness and conservation criteria, characterized with weights of 0.444 and 0.222, were the most important criteria for suitability analysis. The results of suitability analysis in the rangelands of Jahan Nama Protected Area showed that Festuca</em>-Bromus</em> vegetation type, located around village of Jahan Nama, had the highest suitability. As a whole, of 15361 hectares rangeland area, 1516.5 ha are suitable for rangeland land use. This can be attributed to beautiful landscapes, topographic diversity, and proximity to the Jahan Nama village as the service center, access road and favorable climate. The fuzzy logic based multi-criteria model, used in this study, showed high flexibility in weight of criteria. The criteria suggested here could be promising as a base for suitability analysis in other rangelands of Iran.