Structural modeling the effects of ecotourism based on local community approach (Case study: Baladeh-e-Noor‌ Summer Rangelands)

 Abstract Background and objective: Ecotourism in addition to creating employment and increasing income prevents the outflow of human and material capital from rural areas; which, of course, has positive and negative effects. Then, according many limitations and problems in the study area, including the lack of effective employment opportunities, high unemployment and low incomes, the study of socio-economic effects of ecotourism as the most important dimension of the effects of ecotourism can take an effective step in solving these problems. So, the purpose of this study is to investigate the direct and indirect positive or negative socio-economic and environmental effects of ecotourism on local communities. Methodology: The study area is a mountainous watershed, called Balade-Nour, located in the Mazandaran Province, Nour city and in 55 kilometers from the main road of Haraz (Amol-Tehran). The summer grazing lands rangelands of this area are based on communally-council ownership. The research method is based on descriptive-analytical method. Survey data is collected from the sample heads of households and the Islamic Council of the villages. The pre-test questionnaire was used and the reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) was calculated. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by consulting professors and experts. The main variables were determined and the final questionnaires were completed by 214 people of local communities and 9 villages by random sampling method. In these questionnaires, various variables were examined, including socio-economic characteristics of the pastoralists, technical characteristics of the rangelands and other related questions affecting the empowerment of local communities using path way analysis method. Path analysis method is commonly used in investigating the direct and indirect effects of independent variables on the dependent variable. In order to investigate the relationships between the latent variables of the research on each other, the structural equation modeling method has been used. Results: The results showed that the highest frequency (49.2%) of stakeholders had 50-75 years old. Most respondents (81.8%) had undergraduate degree (ill educated and illetrate). The lowest frequency (0.5%) belonged to people with master's degree or higher. Independent variables explained about 69% of the total variance of ecotourism effects. The sum of direct and indirect effects of social (0.43) and economic (0.37) indicators were the most influential positive factors on the evaluation of ecotourism effects, respectively. Then, work experience, income, and environmental factors had a negative impact on local communities, respectively. Therefore, the social factor as the most important and influential variable of the structural model of analysis both in terms of quantity and in terms of paths of influence reflects the good feeling of the local community about the arrival of tourists and the formation of social connections between people. In addition, have a good effect on the economic situation of the region, especially solving the problem of seasonal unemployment. Hence the social effects and consequently the positive effects that ecotourism has on the livelihood diversity of local communities is so effective that it increases the participation and social cohesion of individuals to work together for the benefit of ecotourism. Conclusion: According to the results, social index are the main necessary factor causes empowerment the local communities of the studied region. Improving the quality of life, increasing public awareness of the value of rangelands, increasing familiarity with social rights and interest in ancient cultures and traditions, more village fame, encourage and develop people's cultural and social participation, disseminate and strengthen indigenous and local culture, reduce migration, creating opportunities for rural women to work in side jobs, familiarity of tourists and local people with different types of cultural tourism are operational and scientific solutions to encourage ranchers to provide more participation.