![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
Abstract
Multiple criteria evaluation (MCE) is often used with GIS to identify suitable sites for multi-purpose development such as ecotourism. Typically, expert or stakeholder consultation is used to identify weights reflecting the relative importance of map layers representing different criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate a new consultative approach to GIS-based MCE, using ecotourism development in Kurdistan, Iraq, as a case study. In an initial and follow-up consultation, stakeholders were asked not only to assess the relative importance of different map layers for ecotourism development, but also to identify specific sites suitable for ecotourism. Seventy-eight ecotourism destinations nominated by participants had significantly higher MCE scores than a set of 58 locations chosen without reference to stakeholders (t-test = 21.16; p < 0.001). The approach thus provides a straightforward means of assessing the consistency of stakeholder input into MCE and could be adapted for use in other site suitability assessments.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge financial support from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the British Institute for the Study of Iraq and the University of Southampton. The University of Duhok is also acknowledged for giving permission to use one of the university workshop halls. Recognitions are due to Mr Nadr Rwsty and Ms Deedar Jaleel for providing the authors with some useful information and policy documents regarding ecotourism development in Kurdistan issued by the General Board of Tourism – KRG.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.