Quantitative Zoning of Ecotourism Potential in Oshtorankouh Protected Area Using Delphi Method, Analytic Hierarchy Process, and Weighted Overlay Methods

Aims Zoning is applied to achieve a scientific and appropriate management based on efficient criteria to make possible the proper use of the resources. Materials & Methods Zoning of the areas in order to study ecotourism potential, as an approach based on multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), prevents personalized high-handed management and leads to identify appropriate recreational spots according to their natural capacities. Oshtorankouh protected area, located in Lorestan province, has been recognized as a protected area since 1966. This study has introduced a quantitative, weighted, and native model and Delphi method for this area by using Delphi questionnaire and hierarchical analysis in order to determine its ecotourism potential. The layers of gradient, direction, land type, water, fault, residential areas, land coverage, and road were overlayed by applying the weights resulted from AHP. Findings The final output is a map, in which zero has the lowest value and 5 is considered the highest value (0-100% efficiency). Only 2 hectares of this area gained a score of 5, and there was not any zero point in the region. The largest area has the score of 2 (40% efficiency), which includes more than 55% of the total area. Conclusion We are succeeded to determine the ecotourism potential of Oshtorankouh, using the AHP, Delphi method, and weighting by GIS software. Combining different methods and quantifying effective criteria by using different maps and tools reduce the impact of personal opinions on management decisions and provide appropriate results in accordance to the potential of the area.