Assessing the ecological potential of nature-based tourism development and analyzing ecological function in the Qalikuh Protected Area

Sobhani, Parvaneh; Heydari, Zeinab

doi:10.22054/tms.2026.95142.3254

Assessing the ecological potential of nature-based tourism development and analyzing ecological function in the Qalikuh Protected Area

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Parvaneh Sobhani ¹

Zeinab Heydari ²

¹ , Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

² Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/tms.2026.95142.3254

Abstract

Nature-based tourism development in protected areas, if inconsistent with environmental capacity, can increase pressure on natural resources and reduce landscape ecological performance. This study aimed to assess nature-based tourism potential and landscape ecological performance in the Qalikuh Protected Area. Tourism potential was evaluated using physical, biological, landscape, and socio-economic criteria, weighted and standardized through multi-criteria decision-making and fuzzy logic. Potential areas were classified into five classes, from very low to very high, within extensive and concentrated tourism zones. ECI, EFA, and BEI were calculated and compared for 2010 and 2025. Landscape-related criteria received the highest weights, while natural landscapes and attractions were the most influential indicators. About 88% of the extensive and 94% of the concentrated zone had low to moderate tourism potential. ECI and EFA declined, whereas BEI increased, indicating reduced landscape ecological connectivity and performance. Sustainable tourism should prioritize ecological capacity, controlled use, corridor protection, and conservation-compatible activities.

Keywords

Nature-based tourism

Ecological potential

Multi-criteria decision-making methods

Landscape ecology

Qalikuh protected area

Subjects