The Impact of Nature-Based Tourism on Structure and Biodiversity Characteristics of Arasbaran Forest

Biodiversity is recognized as one of the main criteria of sustainable tourism management. In addition, forest-based recreation is one of the most important activities in nature –based tourism. Consider these two issues together will provide a significant contribution to the forest management. This study conducted to understand the impacts of nature–based tourism on the structure and biodiversity of Arasbaran forest. Sampling was carried out by using of 60 circular sampling plots (1000 m2) and systematic-random sampling method in two recreational and non-recreational areas. Forest structural characteristics (density, basal area and canopy coverage), biodiversity indices (Shannon-Weiner, Simpson, richness and evenness) and species importance value index (SIV) were calculated. The results showed that there was significant difference between the study areas in terms of Shannon-Wiener, Simpson and species richness indices, while there was no significant difference between two regions in terms of evenness and forest structural characteristics (p≤ 0.01). The value of SIV showed that Acer campestre L. was the most important tree species in the recreational and non-recreational regions and followed by Carpinus betulus L. in non-recreational region. Based on the results of the present study, nature–based tourism in the forest area did not have a significant effect on the tree layer structure, but showed significant effects on biodiversity indices. This result emphasizes the sensitivity of biodiversity in forest ecosystems.