Carrying Capacity of Nature-Tourism in Ashooradeh Island in Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve, Iran
Considering ecological sensitivity of Biosphere Reserves (BR) and their educational and aesthetic values and popularity for nature-tourism, the assessment of carrying capacity (CC) is important issue in tourism management and control of visitors flow in such areas. The aim of the present study was to assess the CC of nature-tourism in Ashooradeh Island (east of Miankeleh BR) in the north of Iran.
Using official maps of the region and extensive field surveys, 346 ha were selected out of 456 ha of the total tourism zones in Ashooradeh as useful and usable areas for visitors. IUCN formulas were used to calculate Physical (PCC), Real (RCC), and Effective (ECC) carrying capacity which determined by ecological, social and managerial characteristics of the region. In addition, 12 limiting factors were applied for better and effective calculations (including climate conditions, tourism infrastructure, ecological characteristics, and social issues).
For 346 ha of extensive and intensive tourism zones of Ashooradeh, the PCC, RCC, and ECC were 536000, 42529, and 6778 visitors per day, respectively. It is obvious that ECC was less than the others (about 16% of RCC) and presents the real number of visitors.
Ashooradeh Island has suitable potential for nature-tourism, but considering its current management conditions, it is suggested that less nature tourists visit the region.
- حق عضویت دریافتی صرف حمایت از نشریات عضو و نگهداری، تکمیل و توسعه مگیران میشود.
- پرداخت حق اشتراک و دانلود مقالات اجازه بازنشر آن در سایر رسانههای چاپی و دیجیتال را به کاربر نمیدهد.