Drafting Guidelines for Enhancing Tourist Attractions in Local Rangeland Organization Systems (The Case Study of Lar Absar Rangeland in Mazandaran)

Tourism within traditional rangeland organization systems is a neglected service of such natural resources. The present study explores the criteria and indices affecting the suitability of rangeland areas with special attention paid to the capabilities of traditional rangeland organizations. As a case study, the tourism activities of Lar Absar rangeland in Mazandaran Province are examined over the period 2019-2020. The findings are expected to raise awareness of, and draw more attention to, the potential attractions of the local traditional rangeland organization, thereby encouraging rangeland owners to direct more efforts toward the development of tourism within their rangeland territories. The attractions of the local rangeland organization have not yet been duly considered in the definitions of rangeland tourism indicators and criteria. Focusing on these aspects, the current study provides a review of research findings reported elsewhere, carries out field observations, and conducts interviews with rangeland owners and tourists to open new horizons in and to draft new guidelines for rangeland tourism. The results show that the proposed guidelines duly account for the present infrastructure, environmental and ecological issues, and the socio-economic aspects of the study area and are practically effective for tourism development in Lar Absar rangeland system.