Evaluation of the Role of Environmental Education in Manesht and Ghelarang Geotourism Destination, Iran

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the land ethics of tourists regarding the geotourism resources in the Protected Area of Manesht and Ghelarang, Ilam Province, Iran. The theoretical framework of the research is based on environmental knowledge, environmental behavior, normative pressures, facilities, multiple incentive models, ability, opportunity, and environmental ethics model. Approximate number of tourists visiting (local tourist) the protected area in the specified time range (spring 2017) was 3,000. Using the Cochran sampling formula, the sample size was determined to be 475 people and questionnaires, based on available sampling, were distributed among the tourists. The findings show that there is no significant relationship between tourists’ age, the habitat, and environmental behaviors. In contrast, there is a positive relationship with gender and level of education. This study demonstrates that the lowest score in the assessment section of the variables analyzed was related to environmental knowledge and facilities. Hence, the low environmental knowledge of tourists needs to be improved through training so that they can gain an increased environmental awareness over time. Further, the second factor involves discussion of structural facilities that are rooted in national macroeconomic, and management policies which require a comprehensive overview of Iran’s tourism management.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental education
• geotourism
• protected areas
• sustainability
• Iran

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Dr. Nabin Baral and Prof. Angus Morrison for their valuable comments, we also thank the Editor and anonymous reviewers for their valuable technical comments and suggestions, which greatly helped to improve the paper.