the application of topsis method in identification of protected natural areas with spiritual value in neyshabor township

natural sites with spiritual values are parts of land or sea that play key role in conserving biodiversity and cultural identity. the aim of this study is prioritizing protected zones with spiritual values. in the first step for this survey, based on literature review and according to multi criteria assessment, convenient conservation criteria were compiled, then for each of criterion, indices were considered that was able to be mapped and measured. in order to prioritize conservation criteria the delphi method was applied that led to present 6 criteria and 10 sub criteria. afterwards by implementing multi criteria assessment, 3 conservation zones was identified in neyshabur township and 32 percent of this township's lands that equal to 243362(ha) wasallottedfor conservation. the largest zone with 140502 hectares area is located in adjacent to neyshabur city and the smallest one with 826 hectares area is in raisi protected area. then, zones were prioritized for conservation by topsis method and on this basis the zone adjacent to neyshabur and the zone located in raisi protected area,which included 18 percent and 0.1 percent of the studied area, respectively arethe most important and the leastzones for conservation.