ANNEX 17

GUIDELINES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN AND ADJACENT TO

NATURAL AREAS AND CODES OF PRACTICE FOR TOUR OPERATORS
AND TOURISTS
1.0 Introduction

This Annex provides guidelines for:

developing tourism facilities adjacent to and within in key natural and cultural
areas;
management planning guidelines for specific landscape areas; and
codes of practice for tour operators and tourists when using Irans natural and
cultural tourism sites.

2.0 Guidelines For Tourism Development In Or Adjacent To

Key Natural Areas

2.1 Location Factors:

The appropriate location for tourism development depends on a number of factors that
determine the compatibility of activities proposed, the nature and scale of the
development and the market factors that determine the projects feasibility.

2.1.1 Physical Factors

A range of physical factors must be taken into account to determine an appropriate

location for future tourism development. These include:

Accessibility: a site must be readily accessible to the intending users. Accessibility is

dependent on roads as a majority of visitors are expected to be traveling by motor vehicle.
If the site is not accessible by a road of appropriate standards the provision of a new road
is necessary. However, the impact on the environment in terms of road construction and
operation must be considered.

Serviceability: a site must be capable of being equipped with infrastructure services to

achieve the desired level of amenity without an adverse impact on the environment.

Hazards:

Land slip: development should be restricted to those localities that offer a stable landform
and where risks of erosion or landslip are minimized
Flooding: flood liable locations should be avoided. If a development is to be carried out
within the flood plain, it needs to be constructed above the 100-year flood line with flood
free access and without seriously affecting the flood plain.
Fire: development should be excluded from areas identified as having significant fire
hazard. If the risk of fire is moderate, a number of precautionary measures should be
taken to minimize vulnerability to fire.
2.1.2 Topography

The siting of a development should be sympathetic to the existing landform:

2
 earthworks should be minimized to limit adverse visual impacts and to reduce
exposure to erosion or instability;
design and place structures so they follow contour lines and relate to the form of
the terrain;
build on the sides of hills not on the top so that the form of the natural feature will
be protected;
use slopes to create parking spaces under buildings; and
on steep slopes design buildings for that unique condition;
avoid high land coverage on rough, unique and/or steep terrain;
keep the same floor area ratio while minimizing the coverage by designing multi
story structures. However the building should not be higher than the surrounding
landforms;
unique soil conditions or fragile ecological systems such as sand dunes require
designs that do not disturb the natural system; and
preserve natural features such as rock outcrops, trees, etc. rather than improving
them for ease of construction.

2.1.3 Drainage

The need to maintain the natural surface drainage system is important and can be
achieved by:

providing storage for excess storm water run off in lakes and temporary ponds;
avoiding building in floodplains;
locating structures in areas that are not prone to natural disasters or design
structures that can withstand a natural disaster (e.g. hurricane, tornadoes,
earthquakes, mudslides, erosion, floods, subsidence, etc.); and
providing retention and/or detention to avoid run off onto adjacent properties.

2.1.4 Soils

Development should be sensitive to local soil conditions and the structural quality of the
soils should determine the construction type. This can be achieved by:

maintaining soil as a fertile medium for plant growth;

restricting construction areas and movement of heavy machinery to avoid
unnecessary soil compaction;
stockpiling topsoil from excavated areas for reuse after construction is complete;
providing sub-surface drainage of all wet soils for all developments;
maintaining water balance and water table by avoiding compaction of soil, and
hardening of surfaces that results in excessive run off.

2.1.5 Vegetation

3
When dealing with vegetation, consideration should be given to:

utilizing existing tree patterns by maintaining the scale, rhythm and form of
hedgerows and other linear elements;
retaining large masses of trees, woods or forests with which large scale structures
relate well. Areas can be cleared creating tree masses to relate to building
complexes;
retaining scattered clumps and individual trees that relate well to single building
forms.
building in woods rather than treeless fields;
maintaining visual continuity by avoiding indiscriminate tree planting;
maintaining habitats for wildlife by instigating a vegetation management program;
and
ensuring that new tree planting complements existing trees to be preserved.

2.1.6 Orientation

To the Sun:

in the climatic conditions of the provinces, a southern aspect is generally favored;

desirable slope orientation should be towards the southern side;
in winter, the slope orientation desired orientation in the morning and afternoon is
to the southeast to southwest;
in the summer, the desired orientation in the early morning and late afternoon is
east and west; and
an undesirable slope orientation in the winter is towards the west, north, and east,
and in the summer towards the southeast to southwest.

To the Wind:

consider wind direction during the seasons;

buildings should be insulated to protect from cold winds and open to allow winds
to cool in summer;
buildings should be located on the lee side of the hill to protect them from winter
prevailing winds; and
locate buildings or plant hedgerows and tree buffers to protect the proposed
buildings from prevailing winds.

The most desirable location for building with respect to wind and hills also depends on
the shape of the hill.

Cold air accumulates in valley floors and tends to move downward to the valley floor.
This particularly occurs during nighttime cooling. Trees should be planted to protect
buildings from summer sun but allows for cooling breezes. Deciduous trees are desirable
as they provide shade in summer while letting winter sun through.

4
Design buildings and layouts to take into account the daytime and nighttime direction of
air movement.

Orientation on a site should also be influenced by opportunities for favorable views or

aspects.

2.1.7 Visual

buildings located on a slope can take advantage of the view when the lower
buildings are kept under the line of vision of the one above;
buildings on flat terrain have to be placed so they do not block views;
when the terrain offers no view, buildings should be placed so that an internal or
contained view becomes significant;
place buildings to take advantage of vistas or to create vistas;
design and place buildings to take advantage of both close views and distant
views;
the brow or crest of a hill is a more critical location than the top of the hill as it
offers views down the hill into the valley as well as distant views out;
make use of visual elements when designing paths, roads, etc.;
avoid crossing prominent landforms with roads or other man-made structures,
therefore maintaining the identity or integrity of the features; and
it is of vital importance that any tourist development does not visually detract
from the scenic values of the natural area. The development locations should be
subordinate to the dominant landforms or features of the locality.

2.2 Environmental Considerations

The desirability of an intended development and the appropriate scale and intensity also
depends on the environmental capacity and recreational role of the adjacent natural area.

2.2.1 Environmental Capacity

Environmental Management: appropriate management provisions need to be put in

place where adjacent natural areas are expected to attract a large number of visitors.
If an adequate management plan is not in place, the developer should contribute to the
implementation of an ongoing management plan for all natural areas affected by the
development.

Activity Suitability: tourist activities adjacent to a protected natural habitat must be

limited to those, which are non-threatening to the environment. Activities that have a
damaging impact on the natural habitat should be confined to areas outside the designated
natural habitats.

2.2.1 Separation

5
 the margins of any natural area may suffer impacts form undue exposure to wind,
human activity, introduced plant species and other factors;
by maintaining a transition zone between the natural area and the location of
development the physical integrity of the natural area can be preserved;
extending and upgrading this transition zone through supplementary planting and
other protective management techniques can enhance the buffer area to increase
protection of the natural area;
the separation distance between a tourism development and the natural area
depends on variables such as terrain, the nature and scale of development, and the
characteristics of the natural area.

2.2.3 Noise

The proposed development should be sufficiently separated from the natural area to
ensure that noise levels from the development do not distress the native fauna or cause
nuisance to the users.

The possibilities for noise reduction include:

Creation of a buffer between living areas and noise source; and

avoiding prominent sites for projects that generate a lot of noise e.g. industry,
highways, airports, etc.

2.2.4 Energy

overhead power lines should be avoided. The placing of any underground conduit
must be undertaken in a manner that will minimize disturbance.
The use of passive solar energy, optimization of orientation, and other design
features should be considered to make the development as energy efficient as
possible.
Positioning of openings and design of overhangs to prelude summer sun but to
allow lower angle winter sun to enter. Deciduous tree planting can further enhance
sun control.
Artificial lighting should be designed and located so as to avoid adverse impact on
native fauna.

2.2.5 Water Supply

Where development is not within economic reach of a treated and reticulated potable
water supply, it should be limited in scale to that which can be safely and reliably served
by proven alternative sources such as rood-water, surface water or ground water. Both
sustainable quantity and quality of the water must meet the required standards to the
satisfaction of the local administration.

2.2.6 Waste Control

6
The contamination of the natural area by solid and liquid waste should be avoided by a
combination of separation distance and appropriate environmental management
techniques. The most effective critical barrier for isolation of potential pollution effects is
separate drainage catchments.

Liquid Waste: must not contaminate or degrade natural areas. Where an adequate
reticulated sewer system of appropriate capacity and quality of treatment is not within
economical reach, the development must be limited to a scale which will not generate
liquid waste beyond the capacity to effectively treat, manage, contain and utilize the
effluent on site. Depending on the location, scale and design of the project and the
sensitivity, proximity and relationship of the natural area to the development, such self-
contained waste system might comprise:

package treatment plant incorporating nutrient-stripping capability with disposal

by on site irrigation;
septic system subjects to adequate demonstration of capacity, security and
environmental safety;
self-contained mini aerobic treatment system of bio-cycle type subject to
adequate demonstration of performance and suitability to the situation;
Self-contained biological compost system subject to adequate demonstration of
capacity and environmental safety.

Solid Waste Disposal: recycling systems should be in place to ensure sufficient waste
control. It will be necessary for solid waste to be removed from the site on a regular basis.

2.3 Design Guidelines

the scale and nature of development should be generally dependent on and

compatible with the adjacent natural resource area as its primary attraction. The
choice and design of facilities should consequently focus on the enjoyment of an
unspoiled environment;
the character of development should be closely related to the character of the
adjacent natural area and subservient to it in terms of scale and impacts;
the scale of development should not dominate the natural attraction area or cause
visitation to exceed the environmental capacity of the adjacent natural area; and
each element should be of human scale and texture.

2.3.1 Infrastructure

The choice of infrastructure service systems for roads, energy, water supply and disposal
and the like will depend on the scale of development, the environmental sensitivity of the
setting and the proximity and economical availability of reticulated services. As a general
approach, the provision of services should be as unobtrusive and energy-efficient as
possible.

7
Movement:
create a hierarchy of roads each with a clearly defined function;
avoid through traffic in tourist developments by the correct selection of street
patterns;
walkways and paths should follow natural and /or man made edges and linear
elements;
roads and paths should follow contour lines and other natural features;
roads should follow established man-made or natural patterns, forms, edges and
lines

Access and Parking:

the provision of access and parking should be unobtrusive and sympathetic to the
existing landform;
access roads should be curvilinear and tailored to fit comfortably within the
contours with minimal earthworks;
car parks and servicing areas should be located away form prominent views and
significant landscape; and
avoid intersection of streams and rivers by distribution and access roads.

2.3.2 Development Principles

Development Patterns:

tourist developments should be of a small compact scale and clustered to preserve the
natural features.
within the development an organized pattern of roads, open spaces, paths, and
activities should be provided.
distribute activities according to proximity, location and linkage.
create a compatible environment.
create an overall mixture of uses and unit types depending on expected visitor needs.
create an environment that is in harmony with the natural and man-made resources of
the area.

Development Scale:

the development should not dominate or undermine the essential natural values or
character of the natural area;
a major resort development dominating a limited natural area is inappropriate; and
the scale and nature of the proposed tourist resort must be clearly subservient to
the scale and nature of the surrounding natural area.

2.3.3 Materials

8
Preferred materials will be local natural materials such as stone and timber most closely
associated with the particular setting.

2.3.4 Landscape

landscape areas surrounding the tourist development can enhance the design
theme and integrate the development more closely with the adjacent natural area;
plant selection should be limited to endemic species naturally occurring in the
area. This will allow for low maintenance procedures, particularly a reduced use
of automatic irrigation;
landscape treatment can also be used to rehabilitate previously disturbed areas, to
preserve existing trees and natural features and to create opportunities for
controlled on-site education and interpretation experiences. This will help to limit
the visitor impact on the adjacent natural area;
landscape designs should consider the use of local materials and craftsmanship;
hard surface areas should be kept to a minimum to reduce surface run off; and
footpaths and other landscape features should not cut into the terrain but follow
the contour lines in order to minimize earthworks and to preserve the existing
landform.

2.3.5 Building Forms

Building forms should generally be simple and understated so as to remain

subservient to the natural character of the area;
generally, low-rise buildings with pitched roof forms would be preferred; and
the size of buildings should be compact and human in scale rather than
monumental or intimidating.

3.0 Management Planning Guidelines For Specific

Landscape Areas

Given the focus of existing and future tourism development on Irans sensitive coastal,
mountain, desert, and wetlands and lakes, and mineral spring landscapes, the use of
appropriate development and management guidelines is important to ensure that these are
used on a sustainable basis. The basic development and management guidelines that
should be adopted when developing tourism in these landscape environments are
provided below.

3.1 Tourism Development in Coastal Landscapes

Since Iran has more than 2,500 km of coastlines situated at the northern and southern part
of the country with a rich ecological diversity and a diversified typology, the coastal areas
in Iran are of great importance in the development of tourism, especially domestic
tourism. Some of the main topics of these resources are:

9
 most part of the northern coastlines (Caspian Sea coastlines) are sandy beaches
with slim slopes;
the Caspian Sea is very safe for swimming; there are not any dangerous
animals.(shark);
most part of the southern coastlines (Persian Gulf and Oman Sea) are cliff
beaches, but have rich diversity of landscapes;
some parts of the southern coastlines are Coral Reefs and Mangroves jungle
which have a highly importance in developing ecotourism;
the Caspian coastlines are occupied by several kinds of tourism facilities and
most parts of this region occupied with private and public sectors, This region
shows harmful effects of the tourism on the natural areas. Therefore necessity
of preparing Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZM) for preventing
the negative effects and organizing sustainable practices and conserving rich
ecological regions is vital; and
the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Coastlines are mostly untouched and
undeveloped, therefore necessity of preparing ICZM plans for these area to
organizing sustainable tourism practices with considering natural and historical
values is vital.

In considering the development of tourism in coastal landscapes, it is necessary to

identify the basic planning and management guidelines, and specific development
guidelines. Both of these elements are reviewed below.

3.1.1 Tourism Planning and Management Guidelines

Management planning in coastal environments must consider three functions:

site selection and defining the region;

management guidelines or strategies (i.e. how to use the region according to
the strategies)
logistic planning (providing job description for different types of employee
such as nature and hunting guards, personnel, facilities and services, education,
budget and all the required resources for managing the site.

The ICZM should cover three main objectives:

develop and emphasize on the sectional management, for example Human

Resource Development, Develop legislation and job opportunities;
support and protecting the bio diversity in the coastal ecosystems, for example
prevent damaging of habitats, pollution and over usage; and
encourage sustainable development and sustainable use of coastal resources.

The preparation of an ICZM Plan must include the following procedure:

initiating efforts and formulation of the ICZM plan

formal adoption of the plan; and
10
 Operational implementation of the plan.

3.1.2 Initiating Efforts and Formulation of the ICZM Plan

These procedures involve:

forming the plan formulation team;

assembling the necessary data and information;
developing a coastal resource base;
preparing the social organization and structures;
coordinating with existing environment and resource related programs;
defining the management area or zones;
defining NGO `s responsibilities; and
assessment of the impact of existing and new tourism related development in
coastal region.

3.1.3 Formal Adoption

The main objectives of the plan that considers the protection, recreation, education &
scientific research values of the zone must be documented in the laws and regulations.
The rules must cover multi purpose use of the coastal zone region, especially tourism and
recreation uses.

3.1.4 Operational Phase

The implementation of the operational phase involves:

program implementation
monitoring and evaluation; and
program enforcement.

In preparation of ICZM, attention needs to be paid to the requirements of traditional users

of sea resources, and emphasis given to the traditional ownership models is likely to be
more beneficial in achieving the objectives.

As the coastal areas still have special and rich bio diversity zones that are not protected
and managed, assigning coastal protected areas that consider ecotourism activities is
highly recommended.

The main objectives of the managers of these coastal areas should be to:

prepare the Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan for the area;
monitor development in the coastal area to ensure ecological sustainability;
plan a comprehensive management program including continuous monitoring
plans;

11
 plan and manage ecological research plans;
Encourage the participation of local (native) people and plan for public
awareness and training program especially for youth;
control and monitor the outside activities affecting the protected area;
develop and apply a holistic view in management procedures; and
the EIA process should be undertaken for each kind of development;

3.1.5 Tourism Development Guidelines

For establishing tourism development in a coastline region, the following principles must
be considered as key factors:

Local Community Participation: participation in the planning and

management of the area by the local community should be encouraged.

Set Back: important in siting a tourist resort are setback guidelines and
regulations. A set back is defined as an area left free of any physical modification.
Setbacks are important because they allow for natural coastal processes to occur
uninterrupted and ensure both physical and visual access to the coastline. In Kish
Island, this setback defined as 70 m from the beach edges. A comprehensive
coastal zone management plan allows for variable setbacks which depends on:

- the section of the coast under consideration;

- sea level rate changes;
- onshore and offshore natural structures such as lagoons, dune systems, rock
platforms and reefs;
- offshore and onshore currents;
- vegetation cover;
- the rates of coastal erosion;
- the type of structures to be constructed; and
- an overall appraisal of the site and its limitations.

Carrying capacity: the relative physical, perceptual, and ecological carrying

capacities of the coastal environment that is the target for development are
important factors in determining the scale and location of tourism development.
Seasonal factors: monthly and daily tide changes are key factors especially in the
inter-tidal region.
Climate factors: such as prevailing wind (direction and density), sunshine hours,
and rainfall average are key factors.
Topography and surface drainage factors: including slopes, watercourses and
natural water paths.
Natural specifications of the beach: such as flora and fauna (coral reefs),
zoology, morphology, slope, and energy gradients.
Existing uses: including man-made and use by terrestrial and marine animals.

3.2 Tourism Development in Mountain Landscapes

12
Mountain areas have special interest for tourists, but the ecosystems and habitats in these
areas are fragile and have a highly protection value. Therefore the tourism and
recreational use of these areas must be carefully controlled and managed.

3.2.1 Management Planning Guidelines

The following principles must be considered in using mountain areas for tourism and
recreational purpose:

participation in the planning and management of the area by the local

community should be encouraged;
all of these areas should have management plan;
policies and strategies must respect to the tourism and recreational value of
mountain areas, in order to keep this value control accessibility and number of
tourists could be useful;
provide accessibility to special landscapes except restricted natural reserves
concerning the defined criteria is recommended;
prevent the tourism activities that are opposite to the nature quality;
trekking trails must be constructed with high security, and where necessary using
fancies and rubs are useful, using light and signs beside the trails are
recommended;
constructing emergency use trekking trails is vital;
prepare codes of conducts for tourists, local peoples and tour guides;
provide interpretation facilities at the entrance and beside the main trekking trails
is highly recommended;
proper tourism facilities should be located beside the main trekking trails
including camping sites, water, fireplaces, and WC area;
managers of these regions must consider all the natural hazards and prepare
management plans for reducing their negative effects;
free rescue activities should be available for tourists, local people and regions
employees;
continuous monitoring and evaluation, assessing the negative and positive impacts
of each development are vital for improving the management practices;
local native peoples and professional climbing teachers could be employed
voluntary as tourist guide; and
the EIA process should be undertaken for each kinds of development.

3.2.2 Tourism Development Guidelines

As mountain ecosystems are highly fragile and sensitive, tourism development must be
limited in numbers, and adapted to the natural quality of the area. In this context:

access roads and walking trails should be carefully developed to minimize loss of
aesthetic value and soil erosion due to concentrated runoff;

13
 local traditional materials should be used in construction of tourism facilities;
special attention must be paid to the waste management systems of any tourism
development;
natural hazards must be considered in locating tourism development;
the siting of a development should be sympathetic to the existing landform; and
earthworks in relation to access, foundations, and other structures should be
minimized to limit adverse visual impacts and to reduce exposure to erosion or
instability;

One of the natural tourism resources in the mountain areas are caves, There are several
caves in the country which most of them are planned for tourism use, according to the
existing samples of development in Ali Sadr and Goori Ghalee Caves which are
inappropriate to the nature the following principles must be considered in developing
caves for tourism purposes:

in order to maintain natural quality of the cave construction of infrastructure

facilities must be minimized and controlled regarding to the above criteria;
use yellow Lights for lightening the caves paths;
the carrying capacity of cave must be measured;
development outside the cave that has negative effects within the cave must
be restricted; and
if the cave has water resources, a balance between use and reproduction of
water should be considered.

One of the important natural tourism resources in mountain areas comprises forest, and
special attention must be paid to the natural quality of these areas. It is therefore of vital
importance for these areas to have management plan considering their importance for
tourism. Developments in these areas should:

use wood and stone material in constructing buildings;

tourism development must be limited and adapted to these environments; and
the construction of roads and infrastructure should consider the above criteria.

3.3 Tourism Development in Wetlands and Lakes

By definition wetlands are: swamps, marshes, fens, tidal marshes, peat lands and other
ecosystems which are dominated by water and their depth is generally shallow (not more
than 6 meters). The presence of water may be permanent, temporary or seasonal and it
may be fresh or salty, but the plant and animal organism in wetlands have adapted to the
situation to create unique communities that reflect the conditions at specific sites.
Wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife, act as staging areas for migrating wildfowl,
filter sediments and control flooding in stream systems and protect the shores from
erosion in coastal areas.

14
Iran has more than 200 wetlands that 20 of them are registered as international wetlands
according to the Ramsar Convention. Iran also has more than 50 lakes that have a high
importance from tourism point of view.

3.3.1 Management Planning Guidelines

In tourism planning and management the rich quality of the wetland and lake ecosystems
must be considered. The following elements should be included in a management plan:

participation in the planning and management of the area by the local

community should be encouraged;
the flora and fauna of these areas must be protected;
hunting in these area must be limited to assigned seasons with control;
the type of the tourism development must be adapted to the nature of these
areas;
limited small tourism development is recommended;
a balance between use of water and water production must be considered;
carrying capacity should be measured; and
the EIA process should be undertaken for each kinds of development.

3.3.2 Tourism Development Guidelines

In developing tourist facilities adjacent to wetland and lake areas:

tourism development should be minimized according to the management and

planning guidelines set out above;
access to these areas must be limited and controlled
road development should be set well back from the foreshore to prevent
concentrated run-off and siltation;
silt traps should be provided to capture silt from road run-off;
vehicle access to the shorelines should be prevented except at properly designed
and operated boat launching ramps;
development should be set back according to the likely incidence of flooding,
wave surge in windy conditions, and disturbance to endemic flora and fauna;
development should not dominate the natural environment;
development should be well screened by natural vegetation, and the roof of
tourism development should not be visible above the tree line;
access over the water should be by low impact and low profile board walks
constructed of timber materials;
interpretation and explanation of the natural values of the site should be given
priority

3.4 Tourism Development in Desert Landscapes

15
Iran has two major deserts, the Dasht-e Kavir, and the Kavir-e Lut that are of increasing
interest to tourism. Desert ecosystems and habitats are fragile and have a high protection
value. Therefore the tourism and recreational use of these areas must be carefully
controlled and managed.

3.4.1 Management Planning Guidelines

The following principles should be considered in tourism planning and management in

desert areas:

participation in the planning and management of the area by the local

community should be encouraged;
since natural resources are limited in desert areas, all the regions that plan for
tourism must have an effective environmental management plan designed to
reduce the adverse impact of tourism on desert resources;
to maintain community support and participation, it is important to use local
tourist guides for tourists visiting desert areas;
special attention needs to be given to natural hazards like sand storms and
flash flooding; and
the EIA process should be undertaken for each kinds of development.

3.4.2 Guidelines for Tourism Development

The following principles should be considered in tourism development in desert areas:

each kind of development should be adapted to the climate and natural situation of
the desert areas including consideration of proper orientation and proper materials;
special trekking trails could be developed in desert areas with appropriate
facilities for tourists to ensure safety, security, and a good appreciation of desert
values;
emphasis should be given to using traditional ways of adapting to the harsh desert
environment such as use of ventilation-shafts, carminative and subterranean
tourism structures, and Iranian Gardens;
in sand dune areas, the roof of any development should not be visible above the
crest of the dunes, while in wadis, the roof of any development should not be
visible above the tree line;
access roads and trails need to be carefully developed to secure them against flash
flooding, and wind born sand movement;
heating and cooling energy systems should be highly efficient and complementary
by making use of the high diurnal temperature ranges experienced in the desert;
development capacities should be tied to the natural rechargeable capacity of the
aquifer from which water is drawn;
as far as possible, water should be treated and recycled;
the creation of large areas of vegetation and gardens surrounding tourism
structures should be avoided unless sufficient water is proved. Semi treated water
should be used for flushing and gardens;
16
3.5 Tourism Development in Mineral Springs Areas:

There are many hot springs and other mineral springs in Iran that if well developed and
improved could be attractive for health tourism. The Sareein hot springs and
Damavand springs are best examples of these resources and it is important that these
are developed according to sustainable development principles and practices.

3.5.1 Management and Planning Guidelines

The following principles should be considered in tourism planning and management in

these areas:

participation in the planning and management of the area by the local community
should be encouraged;
it is of vital importance preparing environmental management plans for these
areas, considering carrying capacities and LAC;
the EIA process should be undertaken for each kind of development;
keep a good balance between usage and reproduction of the water;
prevent contamination of area by pollutants; and
use local people as employees in the area;

3.5.2 Tourism Development Guidelines

tourism development should be limited, and consider the above criteria;

careful attention needs to be given to the protection and conservation of the
spring source by avoiding obstructions and obtrusive developments;
proper tourism facilities and services should be designed beside the springs,
and include the development of natural bathrooms, use of local materials in the
construction of accommodation and other facilities based on the above criteria;
constructing structures with artificial or non-natural materials in these areas
should be restricted.

5.0 Code Of Practice For Tour Operators And Tourists

5.1 Code of Practice for Tour Operators

In some countries, (e.g. Australia, Canada, USA) tourism operators and travel agents have
adopted a Code of Practice for their ecotourism operations and business activities.
Usually the Codes of Practice are voluntary commitments to sustainable tourism
development, but may often be associated with accreditation standards for inclusion
within a professional tourism group.

For example a Codes of Practice for Tourism Operators will often refer to a commitment
to:

17
 Strengthen the conservation effort for, and enhance the natural integrity of, the
places visited.
Respect the sensitivities of other cultures.
Be efficient in the use of natural resources such as water and energy.
Ensure waste disposal has minimal environmental and aesthetic impacts.
Develop a recycling program.
Support other tourism operators who have a conservation ethic.
Keep abreast of current political and environmental issues, especially those
relating to the natural area being used.
Network with other stakeholders to keep informed of developments and to
encourage the use of the Code of Practice.
Endeavor to use distribution networks (e.g. catalogues) and retail outlets to raise
environmental awareness by distributing conservation guidelines to consumers.
Support ecotourism education/training for guides and managers.
Employ tour guides who are well versed and respectful of local cultures and
environments.
Give clients appropriate verbal and written educational material (interpretation)
and guidance with respect to the natural and cultural history and values of the area
being visited.
Use locally produced goods that benefit the local community but do not buy goods
made from threatened or endangered species.
Never intentionally disturb or encourage the disturbance of wildlife or wildlife
habitats.
Keep vehicles to designated roads and trails.
Abide by the rules and regulations of the natural areas.
Commit to the principal of best environmental practice.
Comply with national safety standards.
Ensure truth in advertising.
Maximize the quality of experience for visitors and the local community.

5.2 Code of Practice for Visitors

The Code of Practice sets out the ethics and standards for promoting a better
understanding, appreciation and respect for the conservation of the natural and cultural
environments. The guidelines for visitors reflect many of the messages being promoted
by conservation managers of natural areas around the world and generally seek minimal
impact from human activities. For instance, the guidelines often refer to the need for
visitors to:

Leave the natural area cleaner than how you found it.
Take only photographs, leave only footprints.
Stay on the designated paths and trails.

18
 Not introduce exotic plants and animals into the area.
Not disturb the wildlife and their habitat.
Follow local park regulations.
Do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals.
Support conservation programs that are working to preserve and protect the local
environment.
Use methods of transport and patronize accommodation that promote energy
conservation and adopt environmentally conscious practices (e.g. Recycling,
waste treatment, noise attenuation, local community involvement).
Respect local community customs.

Some useful references for Codes of Practice in the tourism industry are:

Ceballos - Lascurain H (1996). Tourism, Ecotourism and Protected Areas: The

State of nature based tourism around the world and guidelines for its
development, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland
Commonwealth Department of Tourism (1994) Best Practice Ecotourism: A
Guide to Energy and Waste Minimization, Australia
Commonwealth of Australia (1996) National Ecotourism Accreditation Program
Lindberg K and Hawkins D. E (1999) Ecotourism: A Guide for Planners and
Managers, The Ecotourism Society
WearingSandMcLeanJ(1998).DevelopingEcotourism:ACommunityBased
Approach,HMLeisurePlanningPty,Williamstown,Victoria,Australia

19