The Role of Ecotourism in the Prosperity of Local People in the Tandooreh National Park and the Shir-Ahmad Wildlife Refuge- Iran

Abstract

The Shir-Ahmad wildlife refuge and the Tandooreh national park are established to maintain biodiversity. However, conservation of environment and economical condition are main issues in both areas. This research compared the role of ecotourism in the prosperity of local people of both protected areas. The results revealed that although local economic condition in both study area are below living standard but since the Tandooreh national park is more popular to visitors, then local economic have better condition with compare to the Shir-Ahmad wildlife refuge and local people are more friendly with the natural resources.