Assessing the Ecotourism Potential of Urban Wetlands Using Strategic SWOT Analysis: A Case Study of the Aynak Wetland, Rasht
Seyyed Mahmood Hashemi
1
(
)
Pooya Talebi
2
(
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Guilan, Iran
)
Fatemeh Hamivand
3
(
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Sowmeh Sara, Guilan, Iran
)
Keywords: urban wetland, ecotourism, SWOT analysis, sustainable development, Aynak wetland,
Abstract :
Urban wetlands, as sensitive ecosystems, play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and supporting sustainable development. Aynak Wetland in Rasht, as the largest urban wetland in Iran, faces multiple challenges, including industrial pollution, invasive species, and unregulated urban expansion. This study aimed to evaluate the ecotourism potential of the wetland and propose sustainable management strategies. A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating field surveys (347 samples) and a strategic SWOT analysis. Internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) were weighted and ranked using SPSS (version 22) and Microsoft Excel. The reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.84. The total weighted scores for strengths (1.719) and opportunities (1.829) exceeded those of weaknesses (1.38) and threats (1.169). Key strengths identified include proximity to the city center of Rasht, the presence of migratory birds, and the availability of permanent water resources. The main challenges were industrial pollutants, the spread of invasive species (such as water hyacinth), and the absence of an integrated management plan. Based on the SWOT matrix results, an aggressive (SO) strategy—focusing on the development of ecotourism infrastructure, the establishment of nature-based camps, and enhanced local community engagement—is recommended as the optimal approach. This study highlights the critical need to integrate urban planning with ecological conservation in the management of Iran's urban wetlands.
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