Estimating the carrying capacity of tourism and the necessity of forest stands management (Case study: Darkeshforest, North Khorasan, Iran)

This study focuses on the carrying capacity estimation for Darkesh forest in Northeast Iran. Four factors were used for estimating the carrying capacity including tourist flows, size of the area, optimum space available for each tourist, and visiting time. Results showed that the physical carrying capacity was ۲۷۲۷ ha or ۱۶۵ visitors/day, while the real carrying capacity was ۲۷۱۹ ha or ۱۳۲ visitors/day. An average of ۲۰۰ tourists per day visited the park during ۲۰۱۵, which was much higher than the estimated carrying capacity. Development of recreational uses in the study area would also affect the forest production and other benefits in long term. This study suggested that to prevent intense use of the forest area, a plan must be developed. On the other hand, the number of visitors has to be precisely calculated in order to maintain healthy forest stands and to secure the ecological benefits for future generations.

Keywords:

Estimation , Carrying capacity , Management , Darkesh forest , Iran