برنامه ريزي گردشگري حيات وحش در استان چهارمحال و بختياري

tourism , wildlife tourism , protected wildlife areas , Chaharmahal an‎d Bakhtiari Province

Planning for Wildlife Tourism in Chaharmahal an‎d Bakhtiari Province

جغرافيا و برنامه ريزي روستايي

The tourism industry, as one of the largest an‎d most profitable economic activities in the world, contributes to the development of local communities by creating job opportunities an‎d generating income. Wildlife tourism, as a sub-branch of ecotourism, focuses on the interaction between humans an‎d nature, allowing for the observation of wildlife in their natural habitats. The Chaharmahal an‎d Bakhtiari province, with its rich biodiversity an‎d diverse ecosystems, provides suitable conditions for the development of wildlife tourism. However, challenges such as habitat destruction an‎d overhunting pose threats to this industry an‎d the region’s biodiversity. This research aims to assess the current status of wildlife tourism in the province an‎d provide strategies for its improvement. The study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology an‎d is of an applied nature. Data were collected through survey methods an‎d library studies, utilizing questionnaires as the primary research tool. A purposive sampling method was employed, targeting experts an‎d specialists in the field of wildlife tourism within the province, with a sample size of 80 individuals gathered through interviews. Utilizing statistical an‎d analytical software, the collected data were examined. The findings indicate that the average familiarity of respondents with wildlife tourism is 3.35, while their awareness of active participants in this field is 3.07, highlighting the necessity for educational an‎d informational programs. The average agreement of respondents regarding the development of this type of tourism is 3.93, while the necessity for planning is rated at 1.72, indicating a lack of perceived urgency in this area. The current state of tourism in the province is considered undesirable, with an average rating of 2.59, while the feasibility of its development is assessed at 2.69, reflecting a relative optimism among respondents. Furthermore, an average of 4.19 indicates a positive impact of tourism on community awareness an‎d participation in wildlife conservation. Strengths an‎d weaknesses in infrastructure an‎d the performance of the environmental organization were identified, with averages of 4.21 an‎d 3.72, emphasizing the need for improvement an‎d investment in this sector. The conclusion of the research shows that realizing the existing potentials for wildlife tourism requires comprehensive, strategic, an‎d multifaceted planning. This planning should include strengthening infrastructure, raising public awareness, an‎d educating local communities. Given the high potential of Chaharmahal an‎d Bakhtiari province in terms of biodiversity an‎d natural attractions, developing wildlife tourism could serve as an effective tool for environmental protection an‎d increasing local revenues.

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