A Comparative Analysis of Resilience Indicators in Wetlands and Coastal Tourism Ecosystems: Case Studies of Anzali Wetland (Iran) and Chesapeake Bay Wetlands (USA)

Mosleh, Leila; Alizadeh, Shaghayegh; Azimi, Azadeh; Esmaili, Saeideh

doi:10.22034/toc.2025.498201.1180

A Comparative Analysis of Resilience Indicators in Wetlands and Coastal Tourism Ecosystems: Case Studies of Anzali Wetland (Iran) and Chesapeake Bay Wetlands (USA)

https://doi.org/10.22034/toc.2025.498201.1180

Volume 6, Issue 20
Spring 2025

Pages 32-45

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Leila Mosleh ¹

Shaghayegh Alizadeh ²

Azadeh Azimi ³

Saeideh Esmaili ³

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Management, Faculty of Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Iran.

² Ph.D. Student , Department of Governance Agriculture, Water, and Environment, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Policy and Development, Faculty of Tourism, University of Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Resilience, as an emerging concept in the theoretical foundations of sustainability, has reshaped our understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of resilience in tourist wetlands for effective environmental management, existing studies lack comprehensive comparative analyses of successful experiences. While countries like the United States are enhancing the resilience of their tourism ecosystems through successful initiatives such as the Chesapeake Wetland programs, Iran faces significant challenges in its tourist wetlands and beaches, particularly regarding pollution, climate change, and management inefficiencies. In light of the environmental and social crises exacerbated by irresponsible tourism practices in wetlands and coastal ecosystems, this study examines the concepts of sustainable development and responsible tourism in the Anzali tourist wetland, comparing it with Chesapeake Bay in the United States. The research employed the Delphi method, gathering insights from experts and stakeholders in the tourism and environmental sectors concerning both wetlands. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, with the results analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings revealed that the Anzali Wetland tourist ecosystem confronts serious challenges, including water pollution from urban wastewater, habitat destruction, and a lack of public awareness. The comparison of resilience indicators from Anzali Wetland and the Chesapeake Bay highlights disparities due to differences in stakeholder knowledge and structural frameworks. Various recommendations are proposed, including the adoption of modern technologies for wetland monitoring, educating local communities on the significance of protecting this tourist wetland and its ecosystem, and developing sustainable tourism initiatives. The findings suggest that the active participation of local communities in decision-making and management processes is crucial for safeguarding this tourist wetland and fostering environmental responsibility. Policymakers and local managers are encouraged to leverage the results of this research to design and implement comprehensive management and protection programs for the wetland based on sustainable development principles.

Keywords

Urban ecosystem

Indicator

Resilience

Coastal

Tourism

Subjects

Tourism of culture

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