Sustainable Sport Tourism on the Erg Landforms of the Iran Desert Ecosystem
摘要
The current research has three major Objectives: (1) to recognize the negative effects of rally and off-roading on erg landforms; (2) to identify the more sustainable sports than off-roading and rally for erg landforms of the desert ecosystem in Iran; and (3) to identify suitable solutions for the development of sustainable sports tourism on this ecosystem in Iran. A qualitative method (thematic analysis) with the help of MAXQDA software was used to examine the research question and the data was gathered through semi-structured face-to-face and e-interviews. The analyses illustrated that off-roading on erg landforms has negative impacts on the wildlife, vegetation, physical and chemical properties of the soil and intensifies soil erosion. In addition, according to interviews and a literature review, 26 sports and adventure activities were suggested which are more sustainable than off-roading and rally for erg landforms of the desert ecosystem. Furthermore, the results of qualitative analysis illustrated that a feasibility study for the locations, sustainable policymaking and educational and social programmes are three suitable solutions for the development of sustainable sports tourism on this ecosystem in Iran.