Development of tourism in rangelands with emphasis on the role of local communities and tourists (Case study: Lasem watershed in Amol– Mazandaran province–Iran)

Assignment of additional exploitation of rangelands including ecotourism to the natives in addition to compensation for residents is thought to prevent further destruction of the pastures. In doing so, the local communities are financially supported and so their participation rate will be higher in protecting and restoring of rangelands. Lasem Watershed is one of Iran's rangelands with great potential in attracting tourists due to the location and climatic conditions. We studied viewpoints of local communities in terms of acceptingtourists and those of touristsin terms of regionalrecreationdemand and safety for the study. The research was implemented using questionnaire through interviews with tourists and local natives and finally analyzing them with SPSS software. The results show that although in this area there are no tourist facilities at present, but demand for outdoor recreation is high. Also, analysis of the questionnaire designed for rangeland managers using the sign test showed even though they believe this area have high potential for tourism (99% confidence) and its profitability, but their acceptance of tourism presence in the area is below average. Furtheranalysisshowed that native people do not disagree with the presence of tourists, but they do so with presence of governmentaland non-governmentalorganizations in this area. Local communitiesbelieve that the governmentintends to take control of their rangelands under the rubric of extendingservice facilitiesandamenities. Thisindicates thattourism inthis areahave socialacceptancefrom the part ofrangeland managers but lack oftrust betweenrangeland managersandgovernment officials have led totheir opposition totourismfacilities. With rangeland managerstakingbenefit from tourist uses of their rangeland, they will become more motivated toparticipate in the touristic plans.