Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 M.Sc., Faculty of Managment and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor,Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran
3 Ph.D., Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran , Iran
Abstract
Tourism is a valuable and quick-impact on economic approach and is raised to land use considerations, and has fewer risks and costs in the field of investment due to the availability of resources compared to other projects. The purpose of land use planning is to balance geographical distribution of economic, social and cultural activities in the area toward natural and human resources, and therefore to achieve sustainable development. Tourism as one of the multi-dimensional aspects of spatial development of a region has the potential to be the first in the development planning. In the last decade, “geoparks” as geotourism targets are considered the main approach of development in many advanced countries and those that have limited resources or related industries. National and international introduction and registration of empowerment zones called “geoparks” is the new initiatives in the development of geotourism, and is important strategies in order to achieve goals such as sustainability and environmental protection, rehabilitation and economic stability of local communities (employment, income), creation of social welfare in rural areas and low population centers which are of low interest of industrial, mining and oil budgets. In this paper, with the use of descriptive survey method (review the attractions and potentials of the Lorestan province), using SWOT strategic plan, necessary strategies to establish eoparks have been developed and proposed. Based on IE matrix, the sum of total score of internal factors of geopark role in the province geotourism was obtained to be 3.916, which means strength of the internal factors in the province. Therefore, the province capabilities in the creation of eoparks has overcome the weaknesses. The sum of total score of external factors was obtained 3.674, which means opportunities overcome the threats in the creation of geoparks. So, the creation of geoparks as a preference option in empowerment in Lorestan province was proposed and studied, and aggressive strategy was determined as the prioritized strategy in this regard.
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