چكيده لاتين :
Introduction
The southern hillside of Alborz Mountains and specially Koohsar Natural Park is a suitable destination to alleviate daily stresses in Tehran metropolitan area. The purpose of this research is to provide principles and solutions for sustainable mountainous landscape planning, and their future development. Preservation and promotion of natural heritage and tourism enhancement, with emphasis on environmental quality, is among the planning goals of such environments. In this regard, the master plan of the study area was produced based on the recreational demands of visitors and environmental parameters like topography, geology, climate, habitats, hydrology, land cover and land use. Finally, site design was provided. The expected results of the research are: conflict mitigation on intact areas using zoning procedure emphasizing on the reduction of negative human conflicts. We considered modeling for planning with the least environmental deterioration, for sustainable tourism planning and finally to achieve tourism planning principles. Then, we compare the research findings and provide a strategic plan (the best planning option) of Koohsar Natural Park aiming at considering the sustainable planning principles, tourism development, and environmental quality promotion.
Since Iranʹs ecosystems have high utilization capacities due to different varieties, it is not possible to utilize these capacities without recognizing the environmental potentials and capacities and without unique studies and ecological planning. Programming must be based on environmental conditions and the human needs which will be utilized.
The needs and characteristics of Tehran Metropolitan and the need for developing recreational areas require goal setting and special planning from various view points, especially environmental point of view. These are vital in conducting comprehensive development programs and natural resource preservation. The environmental deterioration process in mountainous regions, especially in Southern Alborz (Koohsar Nature Park), along with other factors such as geographical situation, increasing population growth, urban development and the citizensʹ need for recreation, make the importance of the region more obvious. Therefore, it is better to plan such areas in a systematic and fundamental framework.
Corresponding author: Tel: 09163434146
The main goal in recreational planning is to create the most stable long-term balance among recreational resources and peopleʹs needs and preferences. Recreational needs and demands are increasingly required and this determines proper places for recreational activities. Determination of these places requires an accurate evaluation on different resources which are expected to be used as a recreational resource. Hence, obtaining an integrated, logical and efficient plan for the study area of 5000 hectares is not possible without considering utilized community and its different structures and specifications. Some bulk studies results exist about mountain and forest parks in Iran, but mostly they have no strong aspects of performance and application. Some mountain Parks of other cities in Iran do not have any suitable and sufficient spaces and they are mostly considered as afforested green areas.
E-mail: shahrzad_mehrmand@yahoo.com
The purpose of this research is to provide principles and solutions for the sustainable planning of parks and mountainous landscapes, and their ecological development. Preserving natural heritage and tourism enhancement, emphasizing on preservation and promotion of environmental quality, and providing appropriate conditions for research activities and recreation are among the planning goals of these types of environments.
Material and Methods
Table 1: Recreation suitability model (Mikaeili, 1996)
The methodology of the research is based on the data collection and resource identification, through surveys and library reviews, questionnaires and data analysis methods in recognition stage. The method used in this research is to create proper balance in using resources and recreational activities according to the protection and development of nature (table 1). To determine the recreational potential of the research area, some landscape factors have been studied and evaluated first. For evaluating the environment for recreational usages, some indicators such as soil structure, Topography, geology and tectonic, climate and bio-environmental quantities and resources in comparison with view points of some experts such as McHarg (1969-2009), Gold (1980) and Makhdoum (1994), were selected. In addition, a comparative method of zoning which has been derived from recreational land-use planning method, and visual perspective evaluation method, has been used (table 2).
Table 2: Score of main recreation suitability parameters
Residential, commercial, industrial
Suitable for agriculture
No coverage
No
Conserved
>10
Not enough
Not enough
In susceptible area
Recreation suitability parameter
Land uie
Agriculture capability
Forest
Water resource®
Conservation
Accessibility (km)
Electric power facilities
Fresh water facilities
Flood and fire hazard
Score
Under development (Residential, commercial, industrial)
Less Suitable for agriculture
Less coverage
Limited
Slightly Conserved
5-10
Less enough
Less enough
Near to susceptible area
Open and green
Un- Suitable for agriculture
Dense coverage
High
No Conservation
<5
Enough
Enough
(out of) Far from susceptible area
12
Recreation suitability parameter
Zone
Land use
Agriculture capability
Forest
Water resources
Conservation
Accessibility
Electric Power
Fresh water
Flood and fire hazard
Visual quality
Fault
Topography
Sum
Results and Conclusion
The most effective method to protect nature is the acceptance of this theory that nature must perfectly be transferred to cities. Also the most determinant factor in permanent usage of suburban lands is paying attention to ecological principles which protect the stable balance of these zones.
The results of the research are: conflict mitigation on intact areas using zoning procedure emphasizing on natural reservation and quality promotion, preservation of rare species and natural environment and reduction of human negative conflicts.
It is evident that designing mountainous areas will be stable if it is carried out due to natural protection and stable development principles. In this case, the balance between environmental protection and development is set perfectly. For permanent protection, it is necessary to recognize basic natural properties and resources and plan based on ecological principles.
The stability and protection of cultural and natural landscapes are key factors in achieving stability in mountainous areas tourism (figure 1).
™ Road
Pedestrian Trail "7 Site entrance Forestation Wind direction Boundary
Plantation *** Open view * Functional Points ^ Orchards Elec. Power Noise
t
Visitor Center
(\TU Road & Pedestrian Overlay
Fig. 1: Site Analysis (Note: Figure is multi-scaled - North )
Considering high sensitivity of mountainous areas and focusing on the important role of ecotourism means that natural ecosystems promotion and protection, implanting plans based on ecotourism, can be effective ways in balancing protection and utilizing natural resources. We considered modeling for planning with the least environmental degradation, i.e. a model for sustainable tourism planning with regard to environmental considerations in order to achieve the goals. Finally, we compared the research findings and provided a strategic plan (the best planning option) for Koohsar Natural Park, aiming at considering sustainable planning principles, tourism development, and environmental quality promotion
