Evaluation factors threatening ecotourism and its needed infrastructures for sustainable natural resources in Kermanshah province, Iran

Ecotourism is a kind of tourism in which visitors want to visit some unique and attractive natural landscapes and enjoy observing ecotourism destinations which are suitable for ecotourism due to their attractive landscapes, biodiversity, and traditional agricultural productions. Such phenomena include endangered plant species, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, caves, rivers, wetlands, beaches, gardens, local cultures, and so on. The objectives of ecotourism are the protection and sustainable exploitation of natural attractions, improving the livelihood of the local stakeholders, and the satisfaction and well-being of tourists. Therefore, the degradation of these valuable and unique natural phenomena not only makes the ecosystems fragile and imposes consequences such as floods, erosion, dust and desertification, but also deprives the society of the employment opportunities brought about by ecotourism. Nevertheless, due to the lack of welfare infrastructure, improper management and negligence of related departments, cutrrent tourism leads to the destruction of natural resources. The purpose of this research was to identify areas prone to ecotourism and its feasibility based on existing capabilities and required infrastructure in Kermanshah province.

Kermanshah province (west of Iran) has beautiful, diverse and unique ecotourism attractions, which are actually a reflection of its geological, topographic, soil, climatic, vegetation and geographical conditions. This research was carried out in three stages, which includes the collection of data and information on natural phenomena capable of ecotourism, interviewing relevant experts and experienced inhabitants about the potential and capabilities of ecotourism (within a designed questionnaire) at the local scale as well as addressing the destruction factors and infrastructures required for the sustainable development of ecotourism. Validity of the content of the questionnaire was obtained based on Cronbach's alpha coefficient which obtained between 0.75 and 0.93. The questions respondents focused on centered around infrastructure and facilities for the development of ecotourism, threatening factors and proper management for its sustainability at the local scale in Kermanshah province, Iran.

The results indicated that there are 55 sites that are suitable for ecotourism industry in Kermanshah province, Iran. These ecotourism destinations include mountain highlands, forest park, forest reserve, cave, river, spring, tourist village (with traditional handicrafts, livestock and garden products, herbal plants), nomadic lifestyle, landslide (2016), Bazidraz mountain (relics of Iraq war) and urban gardens were detected in 55 places in Kermanshah province. Due to the phenomenon of dissolution, high altitude above sea level and sufficient rainfall, most of the mountains of the province have diverse faces such as valleys, ravines, rocks, rocky outcrops, springs and caves with unique biological diversity that are suitable for climbing, forest survey, skiing, temporary accommodation, recreation and scientific studies (botany, geography) on a local, provincial, national and global scale. Some cases are also suitable for forest reserves due to having rare or endangered plant species or having a special habitat for the establishment of extinct species. In addition, areas of rivers, pastures, traditional ways of life and animal husbandry activities and livestock products of nomads, villages with tourism destinations and handicrafts are also important in the development of ecotourism in this province.Furthermore, the results of the interview with experts showed that the security of the region for tourists, outstanding cultural features and local traditions of villagers and nomads along with natural tourist attractions were the most important factors attracting ecotourism in Kermanshah province. Also, the most important threats to ecotourism include lack of funds to equip surveillance forces (vehicles, fire suppression equipment, etc.), lack of planning to provide infrastructure facilities for ecotourism development, excessive livestock grazing, change of national land use, cultural barriers, and abandonment, garbage and plastic waste in the environment. Finally, the most important factors affecting the sustainability of ecotourism include preventing the destruction of ecotourism areas with the participation of local residents, private sector investment, preserving and reviving the traditions and historical identity of rural and nomadic life, training professional skills to guides and personnel related to ecotourism, the establishment of accommodation and reception facilities in line with international tourism standards.

Based on the results of this survey, there are 11 types of ecotourism in Kermanshah province, which are suitable for the sustainability of ecotourism and natural resources due to favorable geological, topographical, climatic and vegetation conditions. However, the current trend of nature tourism, which is effective without payment and supervision, destroys ecotourism destinations in various ways, including soil compaction, crushing plants, cutting of bush and branches, arson fire, and plastic waste. This improper tourism not only does not generate income for the local inhabitants, but also damages their farms and living environment. Numerous road constructions and land use changes and factors like this have an increasing trend that is almost irreversible. By providing the necessary facilities for the comprehensive management of ecotourism in Kermanshah province, the sustainability of natural resources, the satisfaction of tourists, and the creation of employment for local residents will be realized.