سازمان جغرافیایی فصلنامه علمی- پژوهشی اطلاعات جغرافیایی « سپهر» 2588-3860 34 135 2025 09 23 Identification of areas susceptible to nature-based tourism development in Khomeini Shahr County شناسایی نواحی مستعد توسعه گردشگری مبتنی بر طبیعت در شهرستان خمینی‌شهر 99 118 730110 10.22131/sepehr.2025.2052922.3121 FA نرگس امینی زاده دانش‌آموخته کارشناسی ارشد اکوتوریسم، گروه جغرافیا و گردشگری، دانشکده منابع طبیعی و علوم زمین، دانشگاه کاشان، کاشان، ایران 0009-0002-0057-7830 سیدحجت موسوی دانشیار گروه جغرافیا و گردشگری، دانشکده منابع طبیعی و علوم زمین، دانشگاه کاشان، کاشان، ایران 0000-0003-1818-439X Journal Article 2025 02 12 Extended Abstract Introduction Nature-based tourism plays an important role in protecting the environment, increasing environmental awareness, and improving the economy of local communities. This type of tourism, by emphasizing the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, provides an opportunity for sustainable development. Nature-based tourism not only preserves natural and cultural resources, but can also have a positive impact on job creation, increasing the income of local communities, and promoting environmental awareness. Ecotourism, in line with ecological principles and laws, involves visiting natural areas for the purpose of learning, studying, or carrying out environmentally friendly activities. The development of nature-based tourism requires careful planning and understanding of regional capacities to prevent potential damage to the environment and local communities. Tourism development refers to the process of its growth and expansion in an area that can improve the economy and lives of local people. The issue of sustainability also becomes more important when prioritizing among the various susceptible areas and revisiting less susceptible or vulnerable areas in later priorities. Khomeini Shahr County, due to its geographical location, natural landscapes, biodiversity, cultural-historical attractions, rich local culture, and proximity to Isfahan city, has high potential for the development of nature-based tourism. This county, whose tourism capabilities have been hidden under the shadow of urbanization due to the growth of technology and industry, needs to re-identify its neglected nature-based tourism phenomena. Therefore, the present study, taking into account these principles, has identified suitable areas for the development of nature-based tourism with a systemic perspective and a comprehensive approach. The results of this study can be used in formulating tourism development programs for the county, protecting the environment, and improving the economic situation of the region. Material and Methods Khomeini Shahr County, with an area of 184 square kilometers, is located in central part of Isfahan Province, bordered by Shahin Shahr and Meymeh County to north, Falavarjan County to south, Isfahan County to east, and Najafabad County to west. This county is located at a geographical location of 51 degrees and 24 minutes to 51 degrees and 36 minutes east longitude and 32 degrees and 35 minutes to 32 degrees and 47 minutes north latitude. present study is based on spatial analysis of spatial data using geographic technologies, which is based on purpose of "applied", based on nature of data "quantitative", based on research method "analytical and statistical", based on time of implementation "cross-sectional", and based on method of data collection "field and spatial". To conduct research, first, based on comparative studies and theoretical research literature, criteria and sub-criteria affecting zoning of areas prone to nature tourism were determined and categorized into main groups. Data collection was carried out in a spatial-spatial and analytical manner through basic data such as base maps, digital elevation models, Google Earth satellite images, and data archives of relevant institutions. digital layers of above-mentioned criteria were carried out through densitometry and distance measurement functions. Data analysis was carried out based on analytical principles and spatial-spatial analysis functions in ArcGIS and Google Earth software environments. Results and Discussion Results of distance measurement from Qamishloo protected area showed northern and northwestern parts of county have shortest distance and southern and southeastern areas have maximum distance of up to 19,510 meters. Results of distance from communication roads of Khomein Shahr showed longest distance from road network is up to 5,470 meters, which is observed in northern and northwestern parts of region. Results of roads density showed that highest density of communication network, 0.6854 kilometers per hectare, is observed in central areas and parts of northern and southern areas. Results of distance measurement from population centers showed longest distance to residential centers, 5,320 meters, is observed in north, northwest, and parts of county center. Results of residential centers density showed highest density of 0.02281 settlements per hectare was located in central and southern parts, and with increasing distance in northwestern areas, natural phenomena prevailed. Results of altitude factor assessment showed highest altitude above sea level, 2495 meters, was located in northern parts of the region. Also, central and southern parts of Khomeini Shahr, with a minimum altitude of 1572 meters above sea level, are suitable places for ecotourism development in Khomeini Shahr in terms of altitude factor. Slope class map showed northern parts of County had highest slope of 66.79 degrees. Also, central and southern parts of County had a minimum slope of less than 239.5 degrees, which makes these areas susceptible to ecotourism development. Conclusion In this study, by identifying and weighting key factors affecting development of ecotourism based on principles of spatial analysis, Khomeini Shahr County was divided into zones suitable for ecotourism from very unsuitable to very suitable. These zones allow identification of areas with highest potential for investment and development of sustainable ecotourism infrastructure and help decision-makers and planners to adopt a targeted approach to developing tourism in areas with unique natural capabilities. very suitable zone covers 13.11% (equivalent to 2291 hectares) of county area, mainly in north and northwest of Khomeini Shahr City. suitable zone constitutes 23% (equivalent to 4016 hectares) of county area around very suitable zone. Most of county area is in medium category in terms of ecotourism. This zone covers 30.82% (equivalent to 5385 hectares) of county area, almost in most areas except south and border areas of county. unsuitable zone covers 23.67% (equivalent to 4137 hectares) of county area, mainly on edge of border strip. highly unsuitable zone covers 9.42% (equivalent to 1646 hectares) of county area, especially in south and southeast. results of this research provide a suitable basis for informed and strategic decisions in field of responsible nature tourism activities and sustainable investments. Using these results, decision-makers and planners will be able to identify areas with high potential for ecotourism development and develop appropriate and sustainable development plans, taking into account ecological capacities and socio-economic indicators of each region. This data-based approach will ensure long-term success of investments and optimize positive impacts of tourism on local communities and environmental protection. در برنامه‌های توسعه گردشگری، شناسایی و پهنه‌بندی مناطق مستعد، نقش محوری در موفقیت و پایداری ایفا می‌کند. در این راستا، پژوهش حاضر قصد دارد با استفاده از روش تحلیل آمایشی داده‌های مکانی در سیستم اطلاعات جغرافیایی، پهنه‌های مناسب توسعه گردشگری مبتنی بر طبیعت در شهرستان خمینی‌شهر را شناسایی کند. این پژوهش بر اساس هدف کاربردی، بر اساس ماهیت داده‌ کمّی، بر اساس روش تحقیق آمایشی و تحلیلی، بر اساس زمان انجام مقطعی و بر اساس شیوۀ جمع‌آوری داده‌ها میدانی و مکانی است. به این منظور، داده‌های مکانی زیرمعیارهای فاصله از منطقه حفاظت‌شده قمیشلو، فاصله و تراکم شبکه راه‌ها، فاصله و تراکم مراکز جمعیتی، ارتفاع و شیب زمین جمع‌آوری و لایه‌های رقومی آنها در نرم‌افزار ArcGIS تهیه شد. سپس با مقایسه زوجی عوامل، ارجحیت آنها براساس نظرات کارشناسی استخراج شد. نهایتاً لایه‌های رقومی با توجه به وزن هر عامل ترکیب و نقشه قابلیت اراضی پتانسیل گردشگری مبتنی بر طبیعت ایجاد شد. نتایج نشان داد 13.11 درصد (2291 هکتار) از مساحت شهرستان خمینی‌شهر به‌عنوان پهنه بسیار مناسب، عمدتاً در شمال و شمال‌غرب قرار دارد. پهنه مناسب 23 درصد (4016 هکتار) از مساحت را در اطراف پهنه بسیارمناسب به خود اختصاص داد. پهنه متوسط با 30.82 درصد (5385 هکتار) از مساحت شهرستان در اکثر نواحی، به جز جنوب و مرزها، پراکندگی دارد. پهنه نامناسب با 23.67 درصد (4137 هکتار) وسعت، بیشتر در نوار مرزی و پهنه بسیار نامناسب با 9.42 درصد (1646 هکتار) وسعت در جنوب و جنوب‌شرق گستردگی دارند. این پهنه‌ها، امکان شناسایی نواحی با بیشترین پتانسیل گردشگری پایدار برای بهره‌برداری، سرمایه‌گذاری و توسعۀ زیرساخت‌ها را فراهم می‌آورند. همچنین به تصمیم‌گیران و برنامه‌ریزان کمک می‌کنند تا با اتخاذ رویکردی هدفمند، به توسعۀ توریسم در مناطق دارای قابلیت‌های طبیعی منحصربه‌فرد بپردازند.

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