Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Maryam Sabouri ¹
• Haydeh Ara ²
• Mohammad Kia Kianian ³
• Amin Salehpour Jam ⁴

¹ MSc., Combat Desertification Department, Desert Studies Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Arid Lands Mnagement Department, Desert Studies Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Combat Desertification Department, Desert Studies Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

⁴ Associate Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Over the past decades, excessive and unplanned exploitation of watershed resources (soil, water, and vegetation) has led to a decline in their overall health. One approach that can play a preventive role in this regard is to focus on alternative livelihoods, especially in the ecotourism and tourism sectors. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and assess geosites and geomorphosites across different regions. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the tourism value of geomorphotourism landscapes in the Hableh-Rud basin using the Pralong model.
 
Materials and methods
To evaluate these geosites, detailed information about the studied area was obtained through field and library studies. The Hableh-Rud watershed, with an area of 1,265,977 hectares, is located between 52°39' to 53°08' east longitude and 35°26' to 35°57' north latitude in Tehran and Semnan provinces. From among the geomorphic sites in the Hableh-Rud region, three sites were selected, and a detailed profile was prepared for each geomorphosite. The sites include Rudafshan Cave in the west of Damavand city, Khumdeh Spring, and Vashi Gorge. In this research, based on the Pralong model, a survey of experts knowledgeable about the study area and visiting tourists (30 people) was conducted using a simple random sampling method. The Pralong model specifically evaluates the tourism quality of geomorphosites and their potential for use. In this model, the tourism value of a site is calculated as the average of its aesthetic, scientific, cultural, and functional-economic values. Specific criteria and scales have been defined to determine the value of each aspect of the tourism quality of geomorphic sites. Accordingly, the tourism score of a site is the average of these four criteria.
 
Results and discussion
After analyzing the data, it was determined that, among the three selected sites, the Vashi Gorge geosite has the highest geomorphotourism value, with a tourism score of 0.54 and an average use potential value of 0.68. Factors that have increased the value and importance of the Vashi Gorge include its uniqueness at the national level, pleasant and cool climate, distinctive geomorphological forms and unique engravings on the stone wall of the gorge, as well as the scenery of the waterfall and the presence of a very beautiful meadow surrounding it. This gorge, with its raging river and cool water, has attracted many visitors and tourists. The Rudafshan Cave geosites ranked second with a tourism score of (0.41). The reasons for this ranking can be attributed to the concentration of geomorphological phenomena in a small area (inside the cave), its location next to Rudafshan village, and natural attractions (Delichai River, the pristine nature of the village with green and tall trees). The Khumdeh mineral spring with a score of (0.31) ranked third. The reasons include the unique character of the spring in the region, its therapeutic properties, its proximity to the flowing Hableh-Rud River, the beautiful surrounding nature, and easy access via an asphalted road. The evaluations show that the tourism values of the geomorphological landforms in the Vashi Gorge region are mainly due to the high scores for physical beauty, cultural value, and scientific value of this landform. The interrelationships between these values should be considered. In general, across all landforms, the aesthetic score and the scientific score are similar.
 
Conclusions
According to the results, the highest tourism quality and value belong to the Vashi Gorge, and the lowest belongs to the Khumdeh mineral spring. However, except for the Vashi Gorge, the scores for scientific and aesthetic quality, as well as use potential, in the other landforms are very low. It is necessary to provide these landforms with the facilities needed by tourists to ensure optimal utilization of these areas. The tourism value of these sites depends on the high quality of their aesthetic appeal and their cultural and scientific qualities. Factors such as difficult access, the lack of amenities and proper services, and insufficient attention to geotourism have contributed to the relatively low total calculated scores.
 

Keywords

• Alternative livelihoods
• Natural attractions
• Semnan
• Valuation
• Vashi Gorge