Site-Selection of Optimal Sites for Bird watching to Ecotourism and Hospitality Development in International Qurigol Wetland

Abstract

The aim of this study is site-selection optimal sites for bird watching to ecotourism and hospitality development in The International Qurigol wetland. The International Qurigol wetland which is located in East Azerbaijan province, (Tabriz) Iran, as an international wetland has been recorded in the RAMSAR Convention on 1975. About 132 bird species, live, breed and overwinter in this wetland. Wetlands are the best and most important places of living and breeding birds. By using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, GIS analysis by consideration of environmental conditions and different criteria, four optimal sites as the best and most appropriate place for construction Bird-sites in Qurigol wetland were selected. The spots is located in (N:37°55'17.44"- E: 46°41'34.57"), (N: 37°55'0.2" –E: 46°41'42.96"), (N: 37°54'32.13"- E: 46°41'52.63"), (N:37°54'39"- E: 46°42'13.08"),(N: 37°54'57.13-E: "46°42'18.65"). Planning and developing of Qurigol wetland ecotourism and hospitality with emphasis on bird watching, is a win – win cooperation and interaction between local community, Ecotourists and wetland ecosystems. The value of this research is that first time the done in this area and for international Qurigol wetland. The value of this research is for first time is done in this area and for international Qurigol wetland. There is no Brid watching site in wetland. This research can be a start for ecotourism and hospitality development studying before Implementation Phase.