Comprehensive Analysis of Tourism Ecosystem Health Assessment (Case Study: Western basin of the Hyrcanian forests)

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, P.O.Box 1417853111, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/poll.2025.387850.2715

Abstract

Human activities are increasingly impacting landscapes, creating significant social, economic, and environmental challenges that threaten sustainable development in both urban and rural areas. Ecosystem health, fundamental to sustainable development, directly and indirectly influences human well-being.  The rapid expansion of tourism in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, exemplifies this challenge.  While tourism is often considered relatively environmentally friendly, its complex interactions within the tourism ecosystem necessitate comprehensive assessment. This 2023 study utilized the VORSH model, a robust framework encompassing productive capacity, structural integrity, resilience, ecosystem service functionality, and socio-economic indicators, to evaluate the health of Mazandaran's tourism ecosystems. Analysis of the health score of the study area showed a value between 0.2 and 0.8. Although 54% of the region has good health and 24% has moderate health, 22% has a worrying level. Coastal areas displayed the most severe impacts, with degradation escalating from west to east.  This trend, if left unchecked, will likely result in irreversible environmental damage. The findings emphasize the urgent need for proactive, sustainable tourism management strategies to protect Mazandaran's valuable ecosystems and ensure long-term socio-economic well-being. Further research should focus on targeted interventions to mitigate identified vulnerabilities.

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References

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Pollution
Volume 11, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 973-985

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