Investigating the Economic, Social and Touristic Importance of Anzali wetland

Abstract

This resaerch was conducted in order to study the importance of economic, social and touristic to the Anzali wetland, north of Iran. Data was collected through "field research" and "documentary research". Nominal scales, Likert and Guttman scales were used for the compilation of questionnaires. Findings of the present research indicate that the variation of population growth rate in the peripheral villages of Anzali wetland underwent a decline throughout the period between 1997 and 2007, falling to 1.2% comparing to the existing 3.3%. The suitability of ecological conditions in the peripheral rural communities of Anzali wetland draws a number of tourists to the region in summer. From the viewpoint of tourists, July, August and September ? scored 11, 10 and 8 respectively ? are ecologically the most appropriate months to visit Anzali wetland and surf its peripheral natural landscapes elaborately. Scoring 29, summer has obtained the best rank of tourism among the four seasons of the year with respect to the ecological appropriateness of travelling to Anzali wetland. The ratio of summer's tourism rank to spring, autumn and winter would be 2.07, 3.63 and 7.25 respectively. In order to attract more tourists and utilize the regional potentialities in an effective manner, technically dependable, environmentally, socially, touristically and financially, sustainable planning with the integrated participation and education of the inhabitants would be necessary.

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