Fatemeh Kazemiyeh; Asma Eidi
Abstract
Tourism and the environment are interdependent. For this reason, tourism development and management are key factors in achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to evaluate tourism's environmental sustainability in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province. This research is a survey in ...
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Tourism and the environment are interdependent. For this reason, tourism development and management are key factors in achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to evaluate tourism's environmental sustainability in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province. This research is a survey in terms of practical purpose and in terms of how to collect data. The study's statistical population was the heads of households in four villages targeted for tourism in East Azerbaijan province (N = 819). Using the Krejcie-Morgan table, the statistical sample size of 265 people was calculated. The proportional stratified sampling method was used to obtain a statistical sample in each of the selected villages. To achieve the purpose of the research, in the first stage, the indicators of environmental sustainability of tourism were identified using an integrated method. Based on the two indicators, resource conservation and biodiversity and management and environmental policies were determined with 29 indicators. In the second stage, using the radar model, the overall environmental sustainability of tourism in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province was assessed. The results showed that the studied villages generally have a moderate level of environmental sustainability. Among the villages as case studies, the highest environmental sustainability score, equal to 0.585, belonged to Totehkhaneh village, and the lowest score, equal to 0.369, belonged to Kandovan village.IntroductionTourism and the environment are interdependent. For this reason, tourism development and management are critical factors in achieving sustainable development compatible with the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out all programs, including tourism, based on recognizing and evaluating the environment's potential to preserve both the natural values and the proper and continuous use of the environment. This study aimed to evaluate tourism's environmental sustainability in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province. Given the current situation and since nature is one of the most important resources in rural tourism and the destruction of nature is a threat to sustainable tourism in a destination, this study aims to assess the environmental sustainability of tourism in target villages. It was an East Azarbaijan province, and efforts were made to study and evaluate the environmental dimension of rural tourism. It is hoped that the results of this study will be helpful in the protection of rural natural resources and their preservation for the future and reduce the destructive effects of tourism in these areas and ultimately lead to sustainable tourism development and sustainable rural development in rural areas.Materials and MethodsThis research is a survey in terms of practical purpose and in terms of how to collect data. The study's statistical population was the heads of households in four villages targeted for tourism in East Azerbaijan province (N = 819). Using the Krejcie-Morgan table, the statistical sample size of 265 people was calculated. The proportional stratified sampling method was used to obtain a statistical sample in each of the selected villages. To achieve the purpose of the research, in the first stage, the indicators of environmental sustainability of tourism were identified using an integrated method. Based on the two indicators, resource conservation and biodiversity and management and environmental policies were identified with 29 indicators. In the second stage, using the radar model, the overall environmental sustainability of tourism in the target villages of East Azerbaijan province was assessed.Discussion and ResultsThe results showed that the studied villages generally have a moderate level of environmental sustainability. Among the studied villages, the highest environmental sustainability score, equal to 0.585, belonged to Totehkhaneh village, and the lowest score, equal to 0.369, belonged to Kandovan village. The environmental situation in Kandavan village is the most unstable of all, Among the studied villages; Where the oldest village in terms of tourism and the most number of incoming tourists, and has relatively more suitable tourism facilities and services. There indicates insufficient attention to this village's environment and the vulnerability of physical environments and its historical and natural monuments and attractions.ConclusionsAs noted, it can be concluded that the sustainable development of tourism in terms of policy, management, and planning is not yet in a good position, and the opportunities for tourism to develop this village have not been appropriately exploited. In the face of its threats, they have been realized in different areas and in some cases. According to field studies, the target villages are faced with many challenges and issues in the field of environmental and natural issues. This issue is fully seen in the situation of Kandovan village. Although tourism in this village has developed, its environmental damage is more obvious compared to tourism capabilities. Therefore, to solve the existing problems, it is necessary to review the programs and executive policies by considering the principles of sustainable tourism development in the province. Based on the results of the present study, the following solutions are presented, which can be effective in the sustainability of environmental resources in the tourism target villages of East Azerbaijan province. The solutions are: Increasing the level of awareness and knowledge of the general public, especially the indigenous youth active in the field of tourism, towards the environment and how to protect the capital and natural attractions of the village through training and holding orientation classes on related organizations, development Advertising programs, local public media, and publications are some of the strategies that can be effective in sustaining the natural environment of the target villages. Also, considering that most people currently use social networks, the potential of these networks can be used to the fullest, and through that sense of responsibility and environmental knowledge of the host and guest community affected. Therefore, it is suggested that the clips and purposeful and scientific training be prepared with the cooperation of the experts of the Environmental Protection and Tourism Organization and adapted to the language (in Turkish in the study area). The culture of the areas to be used. Illiterate and illiterate people should also be included. Therefore, it is necessary to take the required planning and measures.
