GIS-based site suitability evaluation for ecotourism development in Salt Range Wetlands, Punjab-Pakistan

Wetlands are the most dynamic ecosystem which strengthens human societies with indispensable and highly valued life-supporting functions. However, these wetland resources are badly influenced by anthropogenic activities such as rapid urban growth and the subsequent exploitation of lands, water bodies, and forests. To get short-term economic benefits, these wetlands further deteriorate. Developing ecotourism in such areas ensures long-term economic benefit and sustainable development. The primary objective of this study is to find out and prioritize the sites of ecotourism potential by using the geographic information system (GIS). The factors identified in this study include indicators of suitability within land ecosystems: such as landscape, wildlife, topography, accessibility, and settlement/built area characteristics. Furthermore, the evaluation process for ecotourism site development was conducted based on seven important factors, namely: land use/land cover (LU/LC), elevation, slope, species density, forest proximity, road access to lakes, and proximity to a settlement which were selected and were classed based on professional expert’s opinions. The suitability classes were identified in the study area based on the criteria and weight. These integrated approaches addressed by the study are complex because of common issues like sustainable development of ecotourism, conservation of biodiversity, and protected area management in a developing country such as Pakistan. Furthermore, it is supposed that this study can be replicated in other areas to evaluate the suitability of ecotourism development. In addition, it may also serve as a starting point for more complex studies in the future.