تحلیل آمایشی پهنه های مستعد توسعه تفرج گسترده طبیعت گردی در پناهگاه حیات وحش عباس آباد (مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)
درجه علمی: نشریه علمی (وزارت علوم)
آرشیو
چکیده
طبیعت گردی در مناطق حفاظت شده به عنوان یکی از زیربخش های مهم اکوتوریسم راهی برای حفاظت از چشم اندازها، تنوع زیستی و ذخایر طبیعی است؛ بنابراین توسعه تفرج گسترده در این نواحی لزوم برنامه ریزی برای آنها را دو چندان می کند. در پژوهش حاضر در راستای رویکرد توسعه پایدار طبعیت گردی سعی شد تا با بهره گیری از روش های تحلیل داده های مکانی توان اکوتوریسم در قالب شناسایی پهنه های مستعد توسعه تفرج گسترده در پناهگاه حیات وحش ارزیابی و درنهایت، ظرفیت تحمل با مدل ظرفیت پذیرش گردشگری (TCC) محاسبه شود. بدین منظور، پنج معیار سیمای سرزمین، اقلیمی، انسانی، زیستی و عوامل محدودکننده انتخاب شد که تلفیق لایه های بی بُعد آنها منجر به تهیه نقشه نهایی تفرج گسترده اکوتوریسم در دوره های گرم و سرد سال شد. نتایج نشان داد که برای تفرج طبیعت گردی در دوره گرم سال 117948 هکتار (%39) بسیار مناسب، 135137 هکتار (%44) مناسب، 52769 هکتار (%17) نامناسب و برای دوره سرد سال نیز 82347 هکتار (%27) بسیار مناسب، 128213 هکتار (%42) مناسب و 95294 هکتار (%31) نامناسب است که نشان می دهد بخش عمده ای از وسعت منطقه معادل 25/115911 هکتار (76%) قابلیت بالایی برای توسعه اکوتوریسم دارد. همچنین، ظرفیت پذیرش فیزیکی، واقعی و مؤثر این پناهگاه به ترتیب 8557، 4884 و 2665 نفر در سال محاسبه شد. این پهنه زیستی می تواند با تبیین ارزش های اکولوژیکی و طبیعی به یکی از مقاصد مهم طبیعت گردی مبدل شود. همچنین، ظرفیت پذیرش آن با برنامه ریزی مناسب برای ایجاد زیرساخت ها، تأمین تمهید های طبیعت گردی و نیروی انسانی مجرب می تواند افزایش یابد.Landuse Planning Analysis of Areas Susceptible to Extensive Nature-Based Tourism Development in Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge
Ecotourism in protected areas, a vital sub-sector of ecotourism, plays a crucial role in preserving landscapes, biodiversity, and natural reserves. Consequently, the expansion of recreational activities in these areas necessitates careful planning. This research aimed to evaluate the potential for ecotourism by employing spatial data analysis methods to identify regions suitable for extensive recreation. We calculated the carrying capacity using the Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) model in Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge. Five criteria were selected: ruggedness and landscape, climate, human factors, biological aspects, and limiting factors. The weighted combination of these layers resulted in a final map indicating potential for extensive ecotourism during both warm and cold seasons. The findings revealed that during the warm season, 117,948 hectares (39%) were classified as very suitable, 135,137 hectares (44%) as suitable, and 52,769 hectares (17%) as unsuitable. In the cold season, 82,347 hectares (27%) were very suitable, 128,213 hectares (42%) suitable, and 95,294 hectares (31%) unsuitable. Overall, a significant portion of the area, 115,911.25 hectares (76%), demonstrated high potential for ecotourism development. Additionally, the physical, real, and effective carrying capacities were determined to be 8,557, 4,884, and 2,665 visitors per year, respectively. By promoting this biosite and highlighting its biological, natural, and ecological values, it could emerge as a key destination for nature tourism. With proper planning to establish infrastructure, enhance tourism facilities, and develop skilled human resources, its capacity for visitor acceptance can be further increased. Keywords : Ecotourism, Landuse Planning Analysis, Extensive Recreation, Wildlife Refuge, Abbasabad. Introduction As the global population grows, the demand for access to pristine natural spaces for recreation increases. The significance of such access is widely acknowledged for its role in enhancing both physical and mental health. Consequently, two concurrent trends are emerging: one for ecotourism services, which is growing at an annual rate of 20–30%, and another focused on environmental protection. In response to varying environmental contexts, diverse nature tourism activities are being developed, with ecotourism standing out as a sustainable way to engage with nature. The success of ecotourism relies on the presence of beautiful landscapes, biological heritage, wildlife, and cultural diversity, all of which must be protected to ensure its sustainability. Ecotourism is fundamentally nature-based, incorporating education and interpretation of the natural environment, and is managed to promote ecological sustainability. This approach allows the natural and cultural environment to be utilized wisely, meeting tourist demands while simultaneously preserving environmental functions and fostering economic development within local communities. Iran boasts a vast and diverse territory, rich in species, genetic diversity, and various habitats. The country features an array of ecosystems, including deserts and playas with hot, dry climates, semi-tropical plains, temperate to cold mountains, broadleaf forests, coastal areas, wetlands, and both salt and freshwater lakes. These geographical and climatic conditions highlight the country's potential for nature tourism, suggesting that it could serve as a significant driver for sustainable development. To this end, protected areas have been established to conserve biological species and natural ecosystems, recognizing the economic, social, cultural, and historical values of natural landscapes while also enhancing their material and spiritual potential. Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge is one of the country's most pristine and untouched ecosystems, providing a safe habitat for a diverse range of animal species. This area holds significant potential for the development of nature tourism due to its unique natural features. A crucial first step in the sustainable development of ecotourism in such regions is evaluating the ecological potential for extensive recreation through careful planning and analysis of carrying capacity. This study aimed to assess the ecological potential for developing nature tourism using spatial data analysis methods and software. It focused on identifying areas suitable for extensive recreation and determining their carrying capacity within Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge. Given the importance of local flora and fauna, as well as the regulations governing protected areas, tourism development must be conducted in a manner that safeguards environmental values while also addressing the interests of stakeholders. In line with these principles, the primary objectives of this research included evaluating the ecological potential for ecotourism development and calculating the tourism carrying capacity in Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge. Materials & Methods Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge is situated in the eastern part of Isfahan Province, encompassing areas within Nayin and Khor counties. The western boundary of this region begins 90 kilometers along the Nayin-Chopanan road and extends eastward to the two branches of Bayazeh. Covering an area of 305,000 hectares, the refuge lies between longitudes 53°52' to 55°8' east and latitudes 33°11' to 33°44' north. To assess the ecological potential of the region for nature tourism and identify areas suitable for extensive recreation during both warm and cold seasons, several steps were undertaken. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed for planning analysis and map creation. The primary aim of establishing wildlife sanctuaries was to support populations of rare and unique species. Therefore, the design of a model and the selection of criteria and sub-criteria for identifying the most suitable locations for extensive recreation in the refuge had to prioritize both the satisfaction of nature tourists and preservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity. To develop a model for locating extensive recreation within the refuge, a combination of library research and field surveys was conducted. Five main criteria were established: terrain (roughness and geomorphology), human factors (access, services, and tourism facilities), climate (climatic elements), biological factors (vegetation cover and habitat safety), and limiting factors (hazards). Each criterion included multiple sub-criteria. Digital layers for the identified sub-criteria were created using foundational data, including digital elevation models, topographic, geological, soil, land use, and vegetation maps, as well as Google Earth and Landsat 7 satellite images. Climatic data from nearby meteorological stations were incorporated through spatial analysis, interpolation, densitometry, and area determination functions within the ArcGIS software environment. Finally, after calculating the area suitable for nature tourism, the Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) model was employed to estimate the carrying capacity of the refuge. This assessment determined the number of tourists that could be accommodated in the area at 3 levels: physical (PCC), real (RCC), and effective (ECC). Research Findings The landscape was shaped by geomorphological processes, natural conflicts, and human activities, such as agriculture and land use. This study utilized 6 sub-criteria—elevation, formation type, slope, slope direction, soil class, and land use—to evaluate the landscape characteristics. The assessment of elevation revealed that the region's altitude ranged from a minimum of 789 m to a maximum of 2,390 m. This variation in height was attributed to the presence of the Abbas Abad Mountains, which ran through the center of the wildlife refuge, providing optimal living conditions for various biological species. The slope analysis indicated a range from 0% to 249.878%, with the steepest slopes occurring in the central areas of the refuge, closely linked to the topography of the Abbas Abad Mountains. In terms of slope direction, all 8 cardinal and intercardinal directions were represented within the refuge though the east-west orientation of the mountain range predominantly influenced the northern and southern aspects. Soil conditions, along with climate and water resources, played a critical role in determining vegetation types and the settlement patterns of biological communities. The soil classification within Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge included 4 categories: rocky lands, sand dunes, eridiosols, and badlands. Land use in the refuge encompassed tree plantations (including coniferous and mountain almond), teak plantations, rocky areas, saline lands, medium-quality pastures, poor pastures, and agricultural fields. Climate plays a crucial role in ecotourism planning, significantly influencing destination selection, equipment needs, travel duration, and length of stay. This study focused on the key climatic elements that affected tourists' comfort, utilizing 5 sub-criteria: annual average temperature, annual average relative humidity, annual average precipitation, annual average wind speed, and total annual sunshine hours. The findings indicated that total annual sunshine hours in the region ranged from 3,321.87 to 3,372.64 hours. The annual average temperature varied between 18.82 and 20.08 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity levels fluctuated from 30.64% to 32.20%. Annual precipitation ranged from 87.38 to 9,462.96 millimeters. Lastly, the annual average wind speed was recorded between 3.73 and 5.25 knots. These climatic factors were essential for understanding the region's suitability for ecotourism and enhancing the overall visitor experience. The presence of appropriate arrangements, infrastructure, facilities, and services at a tourist destination was essential for its creation and development. This study evaluated these factors under the human criterion. The accessibility sub-criterion focused on 2 indicators: distance to communication roads and road density. The findings revealed that the maximum distance to communication roads in the region was 17,381.7 meters, while the maximum road density was 1.94835 meters per square meter. Additionally, the study assessed the distance to urban and rural centers as part of the sub-criterion of population centers. The results indicated that the distance to urban centers in Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge ranged from a minimum of 35,827.4 meters to a maximum of 78,403.5 meters, with the maximum distance to rural centers being 38,918.9 meters. Under the hazard criterion, 2 active mines were located in the region: Ghaem Decorative Stone Mine and Salis Good Mine with a maximum distance of 59,770.4 meters from these sites. The coexistence of historical and cultural attractions alongside natural features presented a unique opportunity for ecotourism development. The proximity to these attractions was directly related to their desirability for ecotourism. Therefore, the distance from these sites was used as an evaluation criterion, yielding a maximum distance of 23,892.5 meters. Finally, the biological criterion assessed the density and type of vegetation cover in the area. The vegetation types included conifers, almond trees, thuja, artemisia, sedges, saltbush, annual grasses, and areas devoid of vegetation. The density map of vegetation cover indicated NDVI values ranging from -0.536 to 0.798, reflecting coverage conditions from very poor to dense. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The extensive nature tourism recreation maps revealed that during the warm season, 117,948 hectares (39%) were classified as very suitable, 135,137 hectares (44%) as suitable, and 52,769 hectares (17%) as unsuitable for extensive recreation. In contrast, during the cold season, 82,347 hectares (27%) were very suitable, 128,213 hectares (42%) were suitable, and 95,294 hectares (31%) were unsuitable. Based on these findings, the Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC) for the very suitable and suitable categories of extensive recreation was calculated to be 2,359 and 2,703 people per year, respectively, in the warm season. For the cold season, the carrying capacities were estimated at 1,367 and 2,128 people per year, respectively, resulting in a total PCC of 8,557 people annually. Considering limiting factors, such as watercourses, active mining areas, roadways, habitat protection zones, and breeding seasons, the actual carrying capacity for the very suitable and suitable categories during the warm season was estimated to be 1,331 and 1,460 people per year, respectively. In the cold season, these figures were 805 and 1,288 people per year. The management adjustment coefficient determined by evaluating access levels, equipment and support services, the availability of natural and cultural attractions, visibility of biological species and geotourism phenomena, legal protections, and productivity restrictions was calculated at 42.45%. Consequently, the Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) for the very suitable and suitable categories during the warm period was estimated to be 726 and 797 people per year, respectively. For the cold period, the ECCs were projected at 439 and 703 people per year, respectively. Overall, while Abbasabad Wildlife Refuge has significant potential for developing ecotourism, it remains relatively unknown to the majority of the public with recognition primarily limited to a few researchers and nature enthusiasts. As a result, it lacks a prominent position among other attractive tourist destinations in the country. To enhance its visibility, it is essential to promote the refuge through mass media, highlighting its biological, cultural, and ecological values to ecotourism communities. This effort could encourage the inclusion of the area and its villages in nature tour itineraries. Investments from both the private and public sectors, along with the training of specialized personnel and the development of necessary facilities and infrastructure, will create a solid foundation for attracting tourists. This, in turn, will help raise awareness of the ecosystem's values and foster sustainable biotourism. In line with the study's findings, several recommendations are proposed: Infrastructure Development: Establishing facilities and infrastructure essential for nature tourism, including roads, camps, and transportation services Capacity Consideration: Paying close attention to the region's carrying capacity and limitations in tourism development programs Investment Opportunities: Creating a conducive environment for participation and investment from various sectors Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in the planning and development of tourism while ensuring their participation in protecting the region Education and Awareness: Informing and educating both tourists and the local community about the values of protected areas and the importance of conservation Organized Tours: Facilitating independent groups of visitors through small tours Signage: Installing educational and warning signs along nature trails to enhance visitor understanding and safety. Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance attractiveness of the refuge as a sustainable ecotourism destination.
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