Environmental Risk Assessment of tourist routes (Case Study: Dohezar forest road, Iran)

Subject Areas : Environmental Risk Analysis

masomeh rahbari ¹ , Saeed Motahari ² , Azita Behbahaninia ³ , Samira Khadivi ⁴

1 - PhD Student in Environmental Management, Department of Environment, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran. *(Corresponding Author)
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran.
4 - Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

Received: 2024-12-14 Accepted : 2025-01-18 Published : 2025-01-20

Keywords: Risk assessment, tourism, environmental aspects, Dohezar forest. ,

Abstract :

Background and Objective: Forests conservation is an issue of concern due to their critical role as one of the most important ecosystems which can affect both humankind and other species. The aim of this study was to identify environmental risks and prioritizing them in Dohezar forest as a tourism site in Iran.

Material and Methodology: the first step of the study was data collection through research review. In the next step, environmental capability of the region for the tourism development was assessed by the combined method (Makhdoom, 2008 and FAO, 2006) and overlaying of information layers with via GIS. Finally, both qualitative and quantitative methods of risk assessment were used in determination of risk degree and level of all factors.

Findings: The results showed that 118.73 and 487.72 ha of total area are suitable for intensive and extensive recreation respectively, and the rest has a conservation value. “Climate change” and “natural disasters” have the highest level of risk, while air pollution has at the lowest risk level.

Discussion and Conclusion: The study area is not in a good position in terms of risk levels and several factors have to be considered in tourism risk management.

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