IDENTIFICATION OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN AFGHANISTAN Текст научной статьи по специальности «Социальная и экономическая география»

ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ

IDENTIFICATION OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN AFGHANISTAN

Samiullah AmanA Abdulmonir RahimiB Parwiz QaderiC Mobile number: 009370418929

A. Assistant professor Department of Geography, Faculty of Education,

Alberoni University, Kapisa, Afghanistan.

B. Assistant professor Department of Geography, Faculty of Education,

Alberoni University, Kapisa, Afghanistan.

C. Assistant professor Department of Geography, Faculty of Education,

Alberoni University, Kapisa, Afghanistan.

ВЫЯВЛЕНИЕ СТРАТЕГИЙ РАЗВИТИЯ ЭКОТУРИЗМА В АФГАНИСТАНЕ.

Самиулла Аман А Абдул Мунир Рахими B Парвиз Кадирик C

Mobile number: 0093704189297 A. Доцент кафедры географии, факультет образования, Университет Ал -Бируни, Каписа, Афганистан. Б. Доцент кафедры географии, факультет образования, Университет Ал -Бируни, Каписа, Афганистан. C. Доцент кафедры географии, факультет образования, Университет Ал -Бируни, Каписа, Афганистан.

DOI: 10.31618/NAS.2413-5291.2022.2.85.663

ABSTRACT

Ecotourism is an approach to the development of human coexistence and environment. Nowadays, it has become remarkable in the development of regions that its development is required adequate of knowledge and information, it has effective on the economic, social, and cultural problems and factors of each region. Ecotourism has been for intent to visit of origins and natural habitats to protect of heritage as a useful economic option. This kind of tourism consists social, economic, and environmental impacts. Its aim promotes the environment and facilitate in applying measures, creating opportunities of jobs, income, and promote spiritual and cultural values in host communities. This paper has tried introducing Afghanistan important ecotourism attractions examines ecotourism development strategies in Afghanistan. Therefore, in this study, based on strategy partnership approach and using descriptive-analytic methodology (combination of quantitative and qualitative methods) and using SOWT and QSPM models tried until the main strategy to action in the field of Afghanistan ecotourism development from the perspective of 40 experts and 100 people of ecotourism sites as sample identified and presented. The findings show that in order to strengthen and develop sustainable ecotourism in Afghanistan, different strategies need to be considered as strategic set of policies for management and ecotourism planning. The main strategy has shown that people believe in conservative strategy and experts believe in a defensive strategy. In fact, this difference in the focal strategy for ecotourism development only by the external aspect of the factors affecting the ecotourism development is limited in the country. The views of both groups are close together in the inner aspect.

АБСТРАКТНЫЙ

Экотуризм - это подход к развитию человеческого сосуществования и окружающей среды. В настоящее время стало замечательным в развитии регионов, что его развитие требуется достаточным знаниям и информацией, оно эффективно в отношении экономических, социальных и культурных проблем и факторов каждого региона. Экотуризм предназначался для посещения происхождения и естественных мест обитания для защиты наследия как полезный экономический вариант. Этот вид туризма состоит из социальных, экономических и экологических воздействий. Его цель продвигает окружающую среду и способствует применению мер, созданию возможностей рабочих мест, доходов и способствует духовным и культурным ценностям в сообществах принимающих. В этом документе попытался представить Афганистан важные достопримечательности экотуризма, изучающие стратегии развития экотуризма в Афганистане. Поэтому в этом исследовании, основанный на подходе к стратегическому партнерству и использованию описательной аналитической методологии (сочетание количественных и качественных методов) и использования моделей SOWT и QSPM, не предназначенных до основной стратегии действия в области развития экотуризма Афганистана с точки зрения 40 Эксперты и 100 человек из сайтов экотуризма в качестве выборки выявлены и представлены. Результаты показывают, что для укрепления и развития устойчивого экотуризма в Афганистане необходимо рассматривать различные стратегии как

стратегический набор политики для управления и планирования экотуризма. Основная стратегия показала, что люди верят в консервативную стратегию, и эксперты верят в защитную стратегию. Фактически, эта разница в основной стратегии развития экотуризма только по внешнему аспекту факторов, влияющих на развитие экотуризма, ограничена в стране. Взгляды обеих групп близки друг к другу во внутреннем аспекте.

Key words: Ecotourism, strategic planning, SWOT & QSPM Model, Afghanistan.

Ключевые слова: Экотуризм, стратегическое планирование, модель SWOT & QSPM, Афганистан.

Introduction

Natural attractions and geographically diverse climates, along with the heritage of human civilization, and ethnic racial diversification, have provided valuable human capital for human beings. That the exploitation of which requires the provision of various conditions that, in general, depend on the stability of the tourism sector (Drum and Moor, 2009). Today the existence of natural and historical potentials in Afghanistan, have changed this country one of the most attractive tourism areas in the world. The traditional features of Afghanistan have barred recognition of tourism features. Also due to internal disputes and the entry of Western countries in recent years, have increased these disputes and insecurity and caused resulting in inadequate infrastructure and tourism system in the country. The imagenation of some tourists about Afghanistan, also some administrative problems in the course of arrival of the tourist and so on up from one side these problems have negative effect on the quality and quantity of tourism industry and from other side the tourism issue does not deserve to be considered serious in the country (Nazari, 2009: 2). It therefore seems to be one of the tourism capacities is the advancement of the tourism industry in Afghanistan. One of the kinds of tourism is ecotourism which in fact, tourism based on environmental sustainability with primary concentration to natural environments experience which is the factor of promoting culture and environment and is more in line with the local community in Afghanistan. Despite tourism industry of Afghanistan faces with more challenges, weaknesses, Shortcomings, and threats. This paper examines weaknesses, shortcomings, threats, and opportunities of Afghanistan tourism development in comprehensive strategies framework analyses in long-term, till after coming peace ability to run in all over of this country (Royan,2012:84).

Theoretical

Ecotourism is one of the most economic activities in the various area in the world, that offers the suitable opportunity for visitors until aware from importance of cultures protection and how protect from local and natural cultures.

These conditions can create good incomes for local communities and distant natural area. The ecotourism is this which a good tool for protection of areas is included in.

The executive and ecotourism development follows conclusions, such as:

• Increases the protected areas ecosystem importance, and increases their economic values.

• Creation of direct income for protected areas.

• Creation of direct and indirect income for local communities, and increases their motivation in protection of environment.

• Leading to the formation of coherent from protected areas in the local and national communities.

• Promotion of sustain use culture of natural resources and motivated for decrease threats of communities. (Drum and Moor, 2009: Preface).

According to given what was said, ecotourism is a kind of responsible human of tourism in natural environment that in addition to the material and nonmaterial advantages follows the protection of environment, and its conclusion stability of linkage between sustainability of different dimensions with ecotourism. (Nazari, 2009: 2).

For instance, Butler defines the sustainable tourism a kind of tourism which can in determinant environment in unlimited time continues and according to humanity and physical does not hurt for environment and to the extent possible that no harm for development of other social activities and processes. Then, sustainable tourism is a kind of tourism that facilitated the development (Butler, 1994:4). On the other hand, according to theoretical sustainable tourism approach, ecotourism can do as a kind of sustainable tourism and has benefits for present and future generations (Dovabochesbam, 2005:2). Because today more remained natural areas protect from several ways, that ecotourism is one of them. Mainly ecotourism is a strategy for control protected areas. This kind of tourism with multi-purpose that's mean protection of environment, respect to local communities, and promote cultural components which involved host communities, which these goals have a conversation and its main motto responsible journey to natural areas for protection of environment and improvement of economic conditions of local communities (Drum and Moor, 2009: Introduction).

The tourism of that be according to sustainable ecological that's mean respond the present needs of eco-tourists and for extent and protection of exist opportunities for sustainable future and instead of hurt the ecology tries with a long of ecotourism is called sustainable (table 1).

Table 1

Sustainable Ecotourism Principles

Using of sustainable resources Protect and sustainable use from natural, cultural, and social resources are very important and motivate employment and perception in long-term.

Reduce excess consumption and wastes Reduce excess consumption and avoid from reconstruction of long term environmental hurts and help to quality of tourism.

Management of environmental diversity Maintain and promote natural, social, and cultural diversity for sustainable tourism and create base in necessary long term.

Resorts in planning Tourism development is framework strategic planning in coherent national and local. Evaluating of environmental impacts, motivate of increase long term in tourism.

Support of local economies Tourism which maintain of extent range of economic activities, local and environmental expenditures and estimate long term benefit or economic and avoid to help environmental damage.

Involved local communities General participation of local communities in part of tourism not only improve the social insurance and environment but also help for quality of tourism projects.

Consultation and general stakeholders Consultation between tourism industry and local communities' organizations and foundations if necessary which they help together in potential conflict resolution benefits.

Staff training Staff training and the integration of sustainable tourism in ways, with or personnel recruitment in all levels, and improve quality of tourism product.

Responsible tourism marketing The general tourism supply marketing and authorities according to natural and social information's and increase cultural environments in destinations area and improve customer satisfaction.

Resource: Blamey, 2001, 21

Area of study

Afghanistan is a mountainous country that has 652225 km2 area and it is located in the central heart of Asia under the roof of Pamir at the point of East-West Asia, in the vicinity of the Indian subcontinent and the grassland of Central Asia. Afghanistan in the simplest geographical definition is the mountain blade joined by a coarse and elevated summit from the Pamirs to the great Mountainsides of the Himalayas and Qar-e-Karam, and permanent and temporary snowflakes give it abundant water to the vast rivers, and on each side there are small and large rivers to the stream. Afghanistan country is a diversity land. This variety in all its geographical features seem from humanity problems up to natural features. The various tribes of Afghanistan speak with different languages and live together with different religious, Hindu Kush Mountains with 7485 meters' height and inside Amu Darya beach is located that with lower height from level of sea. Inside the country, surrounded mountainous areas, dander's and sandstones from all sides. With least distance from lush forests east of country arrives to the desert, even desert, steppic lands. Maybe we can say in front of all of these diversity and variety be climates of our country.

In fact, none of geographical features does not show the diversity of spatial and temporal dispersion of climatic elements (Mohammad Azim Azimi, 2012:22). Afghanistan as a developing country which its economic system despite has underground mines and resources and its strategic location, unfortunately due to the lack of planning and lack of expertise after long

wars, it still relies on the assistance of the international community, and to get out of this situation needs to all over sustainable development and also for income alternative new resources, instead of international community assistance, must use from All the features and capabilities available. It is clear Afghanistan has gentle climates and natural, historical, and cultural attractions and Afghanistan is a country that from one side has dependent economy to foreign countries and on other hand has special location in the world (Barbari, 3).

Also the balance of unemployment is increasing. Hence according to economy this country needs to domestic investment in this conditions, it is necessary pay attention for domestic resources. Also improving of domestic economy resources such as tourism activities development can obstacle the regional changes damages and pave the way employment for people. Afghanistan in 1965 become membership in world tourism organization and Afghanistan tourism organization established in 1948. Afghanistan tourism organization had considerable activities by 1978, but after that due to wars become inactive (Mahammad jafari:6).

Due to several decades of war Afghanistan has damaged to ancient monuments and antiquities, despite Afghanistan is one of the countries with a lot of historical monuments and has rich historical background that can attract thousands of tourists yearly. It is expected that, if tourism is paid more attention in Afghanistan, it can earn $ 4 billion to $ 7 billion annually. Due to the fact that Afghanistan is considered

one of the most important regions of the region due to geographical location, beautiful nature, historical buildings, and cultural values, there will be significant growth in tourism. Afghanistan is relatively familiar with the modern concept of tourism. More than two times of short term military occupation of this country by UK in 20 centuries, the boundaries of Afghanistan are blocked for foreigners by 1950. Due to 1960 and 1970 years when the American and European eager youth a short opening took place from Istanbul to Katmandu through the dry roads but later in 1978 the February coup took place on the left, followed by the invasion of the Soviet Union the following year, and more than two decades passed before the Afghans could hope for peace in their country again. The April coup took place on the left, followed by the invasion of the Soviet Union the following year, and more than two decades passed before the Afghans could hope for peace in their country again (website Bamyan tourism).

The study of tourism in Afghanistan is important because Afghanistan needs economic growth and economic development as well as tourism-related capabilities. Afghanistan has the capacity to attract tourists because it has ancient monuments, natural landscapes for recreational tourists and religious symbols that can attract many tourists. For example, you can mention the great castles of Balkh, Takht-e Rustam in Samangan province, and the city of Golghlah in Bamyan, as well as the Buddha of Bamiyan and the minaret of Jam, and many other ancient remains that have survived since ancient times. The areas of Bamyan, Balkh, Herat, Kandahar, Ghor, Kabul, Takhar, Parwan, Kapisa, Nuristan, Badakhshan, and Ghazni are among the most popular tourist attractions in Afghanistan. Afghanistan can specifically attract tourists for its natural beauty. Afghanistan is a mountainous country, and according to some surveys, one third of its geographical extent is mountains, so more natural landscapes can be found in the mountains and peaks. The Mountainsides of Pamir Mountains, Hindu Kush, Baba, Firoozkooh, Black Mountain and ... have created beautiful natural scenery. In some areas rivers have added to the natural beauty of natural scenery. This mountain range can attract climbers and tourists. Of the beautiful scenery, the Band e Amir in Bamyan, for example, can be found in less than a part of the world. In addition to natural attractions, there are many monuments, and monuments in different parts of Afghanistan that have added to the tourist attractions of the country, each of which has its own unique features and attractiveness, which can open thousands of tourists to Afghanistan every year. Buddhist statues, Zahak city, Golghah city, Chehelsoton in Herat, Balahshar, Tomb of Soltan Mahmud, Sanayi's tomb and ... In Ghazni, Mobarakeh's cemetery (khairqa Mubarak) and Baba Garden in Kandahar, and Tangi stoon Qalah Berber in Bamyan, Herat's mosque, castle Historical Herat, minarets and tomb of Khoja Abdullah Ansari in Shadian, and pilgrimage of Sakhi in Mazar-i-Sharif can be examples of religious and recreational tourists (website Bamyan tourism).

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, with many natural attractions, is one of the most beautiful and most

prosperous area in South Asia. In Afghanistan, natural protected areas have been identified by the World Conservation Organization since the 1970s, one of which is a natural ecosystem and a vital variety. In the identified natural habitat that has already been carried out by the organization, it remains unchanged for the first time, and its changes have been exposed of the painful political upheaval and recent years. The following areas are presented:

• Band -e- Amir: it is a national park and one of natural heritages is the world that has 4200- hectares area it was shelter birds to different kinds of fish in 1973.

• Ghazni backwater or standing water: it has 27000 hectares' area and it is shelter of Aquatic, indigenous, and immigrant birds in 1977, now it has not this area, it become very less.

• Ghazni Nawere desert: it has 7500- hectares area in 19700, it is shelter of wild life, indigenous, and immigrant birds.

• Amon pozak: it has 35000 hectares' area it is located in Nemrowz province it was shelter of indigenous and immigrant birds in 1973, now there are a lot of changes and its current area reaches 1600 hectares.

• Hajar valley in Bamyan province: it has 4000 hectares' area in 1978, it is the best shelter of different wild life and plants.

• Large Pamir in Badakshan province: it has 67938 hectares' area in 1978, it is the best shelter of wild life, medical plants, and provider of the biggest resources of water and rivers of our country. Large and small Pamir that involved Khahan and Wakhan valley, in fact it is one of large ecosystems of country, furthermore it has environmental and vital impacts for our neighbour countries such as: Pakistan, China, Tajikistan and it is called a natural ecosystem between region countries (Aman, 2016:100).

In addition of important diversity life sites that by the World Conservation Organization in the 1970s determinates there are other sites that should protect and they are important, the following areas are presented:

• Natural forests of Amu Darya River beaches Darqad (Darqae island), Khoja Bahoddin, Dashte Qala, Imam sahib, Ashraf valley belongs to Baghlan province, Handerab areas, Shewa Badakshan, Backwater or standing water of Weghnan belongs to Warsaj district of Takhar province, Natural forests, and beautiful valleys of Nuristan province, Khost province, Laghman province, Paktia province, Paktika province and Kunar province (Royan, Abdul Qadir, 2012:84).

Methodology

According to case of study issue and research objective, descriptive-analytic methodology (combination of quantitative and qualitative methods) and used SOWT and QSPM models in analytic methods. To conduct a field study, two study groups selected, from the views of 40 experts and 100 people of ecotourism sites as sample identified and presented, in both of groups lack for the sake of official statistics used from sampling that its conclusion based on

selected of 40 experts and 100 people of ecotourism sites and stakeholders. The useful analytical techniques of SWOT and QSPM for conditions and decision analysis, the evaluation of conclusions and options are for selection not only now perspective, but also considered opportunities and threats. Therefore, this study is for achieving of goals, first, a questionnaire based on the theoretical framework and situation of our country in the form of a table SWOT, designed for strategic model and offered samples (inclusive of of 40 experts and 100 people of ecotourism sites). After that designed the strategic matrix till from this designing to be identified weaknesses and threats and be offered suitable strategies. So in this study not only the strategic model considers the perspectives, but also the threats and opportunities for country's ecotourism development to be considered. The process of implementing the SWOT model is carried out in two external and internal environments, which include: strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. (Figure) The process of accomplishing the work to achieve the result in the strategic model is as follows.

First, internal factors and external factors are identified. After identifying all the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities, the Internal Factor Assessment Matrix (IFE) is a form of external factor assessment matrix (EFE). Then, the strategies adopted are scored using the QSPM matrix and each implementation is prioritized. By using expert interviews, the most important indicators of each of the above criteria will be identified and then categorized as weaknesses and strengths.

Using the hierarchical analysis model, the weight of each of the indicators of internal and external factors is determined. To prepare the IFE evaluation matrix,

first list strengths, then weaknesses, and assign each weight factor between zero (meaningless) and one (very important). In this case, the sum of the assigned weight coefficients should be equal to one. After listing each of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and writing them in their respective cells, the strategies are achieved according to the weighting order from the intersection of each of them. Therefore, this matrix always leads to four categories of ST, WT, WO, and SO strategies. (Figure 2.)

The QSPM matrix is used to assess the feasibility and sustainability of proposed solutions in the face of environmental conditions and status quo. The steps to create the QSPM matrix are as follows:

In the first column, the list of external strategic agents list includes all the threats, opportunities and strategic elements within the organization, including all weaknesses and strengths. These factors are identical to the IFE and EFE matrices. In the second column, the weighted rating of each strategic factor is exactly derived from the IFE and EFE matrices. In the following columns, a variety of strategies are derived from the SWOT matrix including four strategies WO, ST, WT and SO. Each of the columns for each type of strategy is divided into two sub-columns. One under the AS column and one under the column TAS. In the AS column, the attraction is given an appreciation, so that each strategic factor is measured and rated by the strategy. In determining the attractiveness of the attraction, the question should be answered whether this factor affects the choice of strategy? If the answer to this question is positive, then the attraction score should be given in a specific way and given the relative attractiveness of each strategy to another strategy.

(SWOT) matrix ^(Strengths) ^ (Weaknesses)

• • ^ (WO) strategy , r 1

(Opportunities) (SO) strategy

(Threats) (ST) strategy (WT )strategy

Determining of long term and short term development of

Resource: (Movahed, 2013:193)

Analyses and Results

Forty persons of experts that 5 persons were female and 35 persons were male which all of them had higher education and 100 public people of country which 85 persons were male and 15 persons were female that all of them had higher education, education, and diploma which they responded to the questionaries' by taking data from questioners and classified them at

the first step for accessibility to the most priorities in ecotourism development of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, formatted factors matrix by two groups, experts and people, based on two in two factors under the opportunities, weaknesses, strengths, and threats groups, four strategies of ecotourism development is identified in country (table 2).

Table 2.

Ecotourism development strategic matrix

Strengths) S( Existence of hospitality culture among people. Climatic diversity. vegetation diversity Geomorphological location. Ecological landscapes. Provide the fields of happiness and mental health for tourists.

Weaknesses) (W Low importance of tourism in country.

Lack of familiarity people with the

value of the natural environment and its attractions.

Not contributing people in ecotourism investment.

The transportation roads in ecotourism site have security problems in the country.

Inform about ecotourism sites of country are inadequate.

Lack of general services in tourism regions.

The relative interest of the general people in preserving the environment and nature.

Table 2

Continue, ecotourism development strategic matrix

Opportunities

)O(

Being availible for capacity in tourism investment sector. Profitability and flow of capital and income to the country. Attention of government to ecotourism and tourism in the

country. Opportunity of and cultural communication between different ethnic groups. The formation of new job opportunities for local people in the country. Reconstruction and offer new infrastractures in country( such as transportation,communications roads, hotels, and resturants and etc).

Competitive strategies / Aggressive )SO(

Improve the capacity investment according to high

potentials of country. Improve and attract invests for advantage and income of

country. Improve the investment for

creating of employment opportunities of local people according to available

capabilities. Improve the social and cultural communications according to people hospitality. Improve and reconstruction of tourism infrastructures and create new infrastructures in country for attract more tourists.

Diversity of strategies ) ST(

Diversify of invest capacities to

earn profits and income. Diversify to social and cultural communications for decrease of tourism social and cultural

impacts. Diversify and create new infrastructures such as hotels and restaurants for interest coming of tourists to the country. Diversify and attracting participation of private sector to invest in the country. Diversify to regulations and suitable public policy for attracting

supports of private sector. Diversify and initiative in creating of employments and new jobs to attracting tourists.

Table 2

Continue. Ecotourism development strategic matrix

Threats)T)Negative social and cultural impacts tourism in the

country. Immigrant and tourism to the country.

Disregard for environmental laws. The formation of social insecurities in the country. Unsuitable public policies for ecotourism management in the

country. Lack of suitable advertisements and awareness. Lack of suitable infrastructures for attract and retain of tourists in the country.

Review strategies /Clever change

direction) WO(Reviewing in government policies in attracting

investment. Reviewing in offered services and facilitates related with tourism

infrastructures of country. Reviewing the arrival tourists over the country's capacity. Reviewing in regulations and create security for welfare of tourists.

Reviewing in using of responsible and indigenous persons for more

guides tourists. Review the misleading advertising on the country's security to change the visitor's visibility _towards the country._

Defensive strategies) WT(Avoid the intruder and evil people, in order to provide security for tourists.

Avoid from environmental degradation due to the emissive arrival tourists to the country. Avoid from the entry and impact

of alien cultures for the preservation and customs of the country.

Avoid from arrival tourists that do not pay attention about environment regulations. Avoid from misleading advertising about people and security of the country.

So the results based on ecotourism development from views of experts, and people in the country, which strategies pattern, organized and their statistics in the is included in Table 3 &4. total rating templates, the relative weight conducted

Table 3.

SWOT Table of ecotourism development strategies from views of experts and people

Experts Experts People

SWOT Normalized Current Weighted Normalized Current Weighted

Weight situation scores Score Weight situation scores Score

Ol 0.05 4 0.20 0.1 3 0.3

СЛ O2 0.1 3 0.3 0.1 4 0.4

•a O3 0.03 4 0.12 0.1 2 0.2

fj O4 0.1 2 0.2 0.05 3 0.15

« Î-H о a a О O5 0.1 3 0.3 0.1 4 0.4

о о O6 0.1 4 0.4 0.1 4 0.4

t+ч O7 0.1 2 0.2 0.03 3 0.09

T1 0.1 2 0.2 0.1 2 0.2

<D "R T2 0.03 2 0.06 0.03 2 0.06

w СЛ cS ë T3 0.03 3 0.09 0.1 1 0.1

T4 0.03 1 0.03 0.03 1 0.03

H T5 0.1 1 0.1 0.03 3 0.09

T6 0.1 2 0.2 0.03 2 0.06

T7 0.03 2 0.06 0.1 2 0.2

Total 1 2.46 1 2.6S

Table 4.

SWOT Table, pattern ecotourism development strategies from views of experts and people

Experts People

Experts SWOT Normalized Weight Current situation scores Weighted Score Normalized Weight Current situation scores Weighted Score

S1 0.03 4 0.12 0.04 4 0.16

S2 0.1 3 0.3 0.1 3 0.3

f £ (73 S3 0.1 3 0.3 0.04 4 0.16

S4 0.05 4 0.20 0.1 2 0.2

m S5 0.1 4 0.4 0.1 3 0.3

S6 0.1 4 0.4 0.1 4 0.4

M S7 0.1 3 0.3 0.1 2 0.2

Ë <D S W1 0.1 3 0.3 0.1 2 0.2

Weaknesses W2 0.03 2 0.06 0.03 2 0.06

W3 0.1 1 0.1 0.03 3 0.09

W4 0.03 1 0.03 0.03 1 0.03

W5 0.1 2 0.2 0.1 1 0.1

W6 0.03 2 0.06 0.1 2 0.2

W7 0.03 3 0.09 0.03 2 0.06

Total 1 2.83 1 2.46

The Ecotourism development strategic concept map

Figure 3. The diagram of strategic analysis of ecotourism development from the point

of views experts and people.

Table 5.

Strate gic factor s Wei ght SO1 SO2 WO1 WO2 WO3 ST1 ST2 WT

A S TA S A S TA S A S TA S A S TA S A S TA S A S TA S A S TA S A S TA S

Op portunities

O1 0.1 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 %

O2 0.1 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 %

O3 0.1 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 %

O4 0.05 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 % 3 0.15 %

O5 0.1 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 %

O6 0.1 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 %

O7 0.03 3 0.06 % 4 0.12 % 3 0.06 % 4 0.12 % 3 0.06 % 4 0.12 % 3 0.06 % 4 0.12 %

Threats

T1 0.1 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 %

T2 0.03 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 %

T3 0.03 3 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 3 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 3 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 3 0.06 % 2 0.06 %

T4 0.03 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 %

T5 0.1 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 % 1 0.1 %

T6 0.1 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 % 2 0.2 %

T7 0.03 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 % 2 0.06 % 1 0.03 %

Strengths

S1 0.03 4 0.12 % 3 0.12 % 4 0.12 % 3 0.12 % 4 0.12 % 3 0.12 % 4 0.12 % 3 0.12 %

S2 0.1 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 %

S3 0.1 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 % 3 0.3 %

S4 0.05 4 0.20 % 4 0,20 % 4 0.20 % 4 0,20 % 4 0.20 % 4 0,20 % 4 0.20 % 4 0,20 %

S5 0.1 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 %

S6 0.1 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 % 4 0.4 %

S7 0.1 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 % 3 0.3 % 4 0.4 %

Weaknesses

W1 0.1 2 0.2 % 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 % 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 % 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 % 3 0.3 %

W2 0.03 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 %

W3 0.1 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 % 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 % 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 % 1 0.1 % 2 0.2 %

W4 0.03 1 0.03 % 3 0.09 % 1 0.03 % 3 0.09 % 1 0.03 % 3 0.09 % 1 0.03 % 3 0.09 %

W5 0.1 3 0.3 % 1 0.1 % 3 0.3 % 1 0.1 % 3 0.3 % 1 0.1 % 3 0.3 % 2 0.2 %

W6 0.03 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 %

W7 0.03 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 4 0.12 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 2 0.06 % 3 0.09 % 2 0.06 %

Total 5.45 5.27 5.51 5.47 6.65 5.37 5.48 5.57

Table 6.

Selected strategies prioritize.

Selected strategies Charm score Priority Strategy

(WO3) 6.65 1 Reviewing the arrival tourists over the country's capacity.

(WT) 5.57 2 Avoid the intruder and evil people, in order to provide security for tourists.

(WO1) 5.51 3 Reviewing in government policies in attracting investment.

(ST2) 5.48 4 Diversify to social and cultural communications for decrease of tourism social and cultural impacts.

(WO2) 5.47 5 Reviewing in offered services and facilitates related with tourism infrastructures of country.

(SO1) 5.45 6 Improve the capacity investment according to high potentials of country

(ST1) 5.37 7 Diversify of invest capacities to earn profits and income.

(SO2) 5.27 8 Improve and attract invests for advantage and income of country.

As can be deduced from the diagram and calculations (fig.3), from views of two groups' experts and people of the country, the focal strategy is different for ecotourism development of the country, because the conclusions illustrated which people believe to the conservative strategy and the experts believe to the defensive strategies. In fact, this different is limited only to external factors to the ecotourism development in the focal strategy of the country. The final results of the selected strategies from the QSPM model in Table 6 show that eight strategies are more prioritized. The first strategy shows that Afghanistan has the potential to attract more tourists and is a top priority for ecotourism. The second priority of the strategies is to provide security for tourists. The third priority of Table 6 is the review of changes in government policy within the framework of ecotourism.

Conclusion

Tourism is an old phenomenon which is existed from a long time in the social communities, but today tourism industry especially ecotourism, as a new approach for human coexistence and community development, for economic exploitation, it found a suitable and special position in the area development. Hence the areas have natural perspectives by geographical and environmental situation according to climatic, topographic, and hydrologic creates special attractions. In this research, each one of strengths and weaknesses with opportunity and threat participated from experts and people groups in the strategic model of ecotourism development. From the views of experts for the sake of ecotourism's opportunities and attractions are high in the country, but the development of ecotourism in the state of affairs in various aspects threatens the country as well. However, from the views of people the existence ecotourism potentials provide suitable opportunity and external conditions in the country. The total calculated scores from the views of

experts in the strategic model illustrate which the strengths and weaknesses according to ecotourism of country. From the views of people also the total calculated scores for ecotourism development weaknesses and strengths are high. So from people views of the country, the bases and capabilities of the ecotourism development in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are stronger than its external opportunities. This tendency towards the ecotourism development from the view of the general public leads to the conservative strategy, but from the experts' view, the set of conditions is correct in the image of the people's view and they do not consider the external conditions governing the ecotourism development of country in the current state of affairs. And for this reason, their focal strategy for the ecotourism development lies within the strategic defensive. According to insecurities and Social and ethnic sensitivities, one of the fastest accessibilities in tourism development is ecotourism in the country.

In this context here are some practical suggestions:

- Efforts to attract the full cooperation of government agencies and private organizations related to ecotourism of the country.

- Ensuring security ecotourism sites to attract eco-tourists.

- Promotions for attention all about ecotourism area in the level of country.

- Hold the important sessions for local people from advantages of ecotourism in the country.

- Improve the required infrastructures of ecotourism for tourist's increasing satisfaction and also access faster and easier to the tourism areas.

- Creating tourism information bank.

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