Journal of Natural Environment

Journal of Natural Environment

Geotourism assessment of natural protected areas using quantitative methods, case study: Geosites of Mirabad protected Area

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Seyyed Asadullah Hejazi
Seyyed Abdulsalam Heydari
Adel Rasouli
Taha Imanzadeh
Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22059/jne.2023.360321.2556
Abstract
Quantitative evaluation is one of the most valuable geodiversity events accounted for a  crucial step in any geoconservative strategy and in establishing priorities in site management. Mirabad Protected Area in West Azerbaijan Province is one of the four regions of the Environmental Protection Organization which has been studied and evaluated in this research. In this study, the identification and evaluation of Geosites in Mirabad Protected Area was done by comparing the Comenesco method with the Serrano and Gonzalez-Truba methods. In the Comenescu method, using five criteria, i.e., scientific value, aesthetic value, cultural value, economic value, and management value, and in the Serrano and Gonzalez-Truba method, using three intrinsic and scientific values, cultural value, and user value and management value, the value of each selected Geosites in the region was calculated. The results of this research show that Kharpap waterfall Geosite is ranked 1st with 9 points (out of a total of 20 points) in the Camenseco method and the lowest point related to the Biluke triangular surfaces with a total of 6.6 points, Perdanan recreation in the Serano method ranked first with a score of 6.6. 13.6 (out of 30 points). Also, the triangular surfaces of Biluke with the lowest score (10 points) ranked 5th. since the results of these two models are very close compared to each other, so they can be used as a basis for development and management. By using management and planning and global standards and integration, it is feasible to provide effective economic and tourism value for the development of Mirabad Protected Area.
Keywords
Assessment model
Geosites
Geotourism
Mirabad protected area
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