Evaluation of Geotourism Potential of Karst Landforms Using the Renard Method(Case Study: Azarshahr Township)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

1 PhD in Geomorphology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Professor, Allameh Amini Educational University, Tabriz. .

2 Professor, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

3 MSc in Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract
Background and Objective: Geomorphosites are a novel concept in tourism studies, emphasizing unique locations with scientific, ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic values. In recent years, geotourism and geomorphotourism have emerged as highly appealing concepts, attracting a diverse range of individuals with varied interests, as well as governments, environmental groups, and conservation organizations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the geotourism potential of karst landforms in Azarshahr Township using the Reynard method.
Methodology: For this purpose, field surveys were conducted to assess two main criteria: scientific value, added value, and a composite value. The scientific value comprises conservation status, rarity, representativeness, and paleogeographic significance, while the added value includes cultural, historical, religious, geohistorical, and economic values. The composite value encompasses global significance, educational value, threats, and management measures.
Results and Findings: The findings revealed that the geomorphosites in the region scored highest in the main criteria as follows: scientific value (0.53), composite value (0.47), and added value (0.34). Among the sub-criteria, educational value (0.79), paleogeography and geohistory (0.75), and threats (0.70) received the highest scores. In terms of geotourism potential, the examined landforms—travertines, springs, and caves—demonstrated the highest capacity to attract tourists across the three evaluation criteria (scientific value, added value, and composite value).

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Volume 5, Issue 3 - Serial Number 17
Autumn 2024
Pages 381-400

  • Receive Date 04 August 2024
  • Revise Date 14 October 2024
  • Accept Date 17 November 2024
  • First Publish Date 21 November 2024
  • Publish Date 21 November 2024