Presentation of Strategic Planning for Ecotourism Development in Mond Protected Area, Booshehr Province, using the “Freeman Method

Jozi, Seyed Ali; Rezaian, Sahar; Irankhahi, Mahdi; Moradi, Nabiollah

Presentation of Strategic Planning for Ecotourism Development in Mond Protected Area, Booshehr Province, using the “Freeman Method

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Environment, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch

² Department of Natural Resource Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources,Islamic Azad University, Shahrood Branch

³ epartment of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environment and Energy, Islamic Azad University, Sciences and Research Branch

⁴ Expert of Supervision and Inspection, Environmental Protection Administration of Booshehr Province

Abstract

This research was performed with the aim of providing a quantitative strategic plan for ecotourism development in Mond Protected Area, Booshehr Province. Therefore, as a first step, Mond Protected Area’s zones were identified using the Multi Criteria Evaluation (MCE) method and valuation and analysis of the region’s ecotourism demand index was performed through completing Clawson questionnaires in the form of Travel Cost Method (TCM). Results of this investigation showed that the forecasted outdoor recreational value of Mond Protected Area was equal to 5,698,250,000 Rials per month during the period of study. For the purpose of collection and presentation of quantitative strategies for ecotourism development in Mond Protected Area, we used the Freeman strategic planning matrix method known as the “interested party matrix”. To this purpose, internal factors (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external factors (Opportunities and Threats) in study area were identified and evaluated. Finally, the Freeman matrix was completed on the basis of economic, social, cultural and ecological priorities in the study area and by loading each development alternatives, three strategies were recommended of which the strategy “attraction of investment in private sector via giving bank facilities with long term return period, with +77 score” is in the position of high important strategy of ecotourism development in study area.

Keywords