The Impacts of Rural Area Development on Ecotourism: Evidence from Masouleh

ABSTRACT: Ecotourism as an outstanding segment of tourism has influential impacts on the economy and environment of the destinations. All that countries especially the developing countries like Iran have been investing a lot on ecotourism in their natural sites such as rural areas. The ongoing developmental activities as well as expanding efforts which are being in rustic areas bring a number of impacts on the environment of the destinations that accordingly influence the ecotourism. In this study the researcher aims to find the impacts of developmental operations on the ecotourism of Masoule, a rustic area which is a famous ecotourism destination in the north part of Iran. In order to get the necessary data, qualitative research approach was applied in this study using in depth interviews. The analysis of data revealed that ecotourism is the main economic source for the locals in Masoule. Due to the presence of the ecotourists and also the facilities provided for them the environmental face of the area has been completely changed during the recent years. At first glance the expansion of the area and development in Masoule has resulted in upgrading the quality of social life and enhancing the life standards both for locals and ecotourists. On the other hand considering only the beneficial factors in such developmental activities have resulted in substantial damages to the environment and ecosystem of the area which also has degrading the natural beauty and scenery of Masoule and might endanger the whole ecotouristic attractions of the area in near future. The study showed that a series of sustainable developmental actions is a remedy for preservation of the environment and well being of the local individuals. Keywords: Ecotourism, Developmental impacts, Rural areas, Local community, Masoule. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………