Ecotourism Potential Assessment for District Lower Chitral-Pakistan Using Integration of GIS and Remote Sensing

Shehla Gul; Hafeez Uddin; Mustafa Khan

Authors

Shehla Gul Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Peshawar
Hafeez Uddin Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Peshawar
Mustafa Khan Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Peshawar

Keywords:

Ecotourism, , Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model, GIS, Remote Sensing, Chitral

Abstract

Ecotourism is a sustainable and responsible tourism approach that emphasizes the protection of natural ecosystems while offering visitors immersive experiences. This study evaluates the ecotourism potential of District Lower Chitral, Pakistan, using an integrated approach that combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technologies. Planning for ecotourism development is a multi-criteria process that often involves spatial analysis. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model was employed to assess ecotourism suitability in District Lower Chitral. Eighteen variables, selected based on local knowledge and expert opinion, were considered, encompassing natural beauty, infrastructure, and physical parameters of the area. The study's results indicate that the majority of the study area has a moderate potential for ecotourism, covering 3,141.026 km² (51.33%) of the total area. Additionally, 103.3733 km² (1.69%) was classified as "Very Highly" suitable for ecotourism, and 1,750 km² (26.61%) was deemed "Highly" suitable. Areas classified as having low suitability measured 1,118.666 km² (18.28%), while the very low suitability category covered the smallest proportion, with 5.645 km² (0.09%).

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