10.57647/j.gcr.2025.0801.08

Geotourism Potential in the Zagros Simply Folded Zone: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province

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  • Aida Davoudian Dehkordi1,
  • Neda Torabi Farsani*1,
  • Vachik Hairapetian2,
  1. Department of Museum and Tourism, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
  2. Department of Geology, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Geotourism Potential in the Zagros Simply Folded Zone: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province
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Received: 2025-05-24

Revised: 2025-06-17

Accepted: 2025-07-08

Published in Issue 2025-07-28

Copyright (c) -1 Aida Davoudian Dehkordi, Neda Torabi Farsani, Vachik Hairapetian (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Davoudian Dehkordi, A., Torabi Farsani, N., & Hairapetian, V. (2025). Geotourism Potential in the Zagros Simply Folded Zone: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Geoconservation Research, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.57647/j.gcr.2025.0801.08
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Abstract

The mountainous regions of Iran, particularly Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, exhibit considerable potential for the development of geotourism. This study explores three main themes: (1) the geodiversity of the Central Zagros zone, located within Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, based on existing literature and field investigations; (2) potential geo-educational sites in the region; and (3) ideas for developing geo-products that can enhance the local economy, while also identifying both tangible and intangible cultural heritage related to geosciences. Data were analyzed using observational and qualitative methods. The findings clearly demonstrate that Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province—particularly the Central Zagros zone—possesses high geological diversity, making it a strong candidate for geotourism promotion. Further analysis identified eleven geo-educational sites based on accessibility and educational value. Lastly, several proposals for developing geo-products were formulated, grounded in both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the region. In conclusion, the study affirms that Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province offers substantial potential for sustainable geotourism development. 

Keywords

  • Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province,
  • Geo-product,
  • Geosites,
  • Geotourism
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