The survival of ecotourism depends on creating a balance between utilization and protection of natural attractions.

According to Miras Arya, Bahman Akhlaghi said on Monday, August 8, 2024 (17 Mordad 1403): "Today, tourists are increasingly inclined towards ecotourism. While this trend has numerous benefits, it also brings threats. It is necessary to minimize these threats by creating a balance between tourists' utilization of natural attractions and their preservation and protection." The Head of the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Semnan Province added: "The ecotourism working group was a necessity that was established nationally and provincially after years of effort, so that by the synergy of executive bodies, while developing green tourism, its protection and safeguarding would also be supervised." He said: "Semnan Province, with its diverse climate and environment, including forests, mineral springs, deserts, plains, mountains, etc., is one of the destinations for domestic and foreign ecotourists. It is necessary to adopt regulations for the managed presence of tourists." Akhlaghi added: "Raising tourists' awareness about nature and natural attractions increases their sense of responsibility. Therefore, it is necessary to inform ecotourists of their duties towards natural attractions through various means." The Head of the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Semnan Province added: "Local communities and non-governmental organizations can also play a role in protecting the environment and attractions." Semnan Province to become a model for wise utilization of ecotourism in the country Mohammad Jahanshahi said at this meeting: "The presence of expert ecotourism specialists in the public and private sectors in Semnan Province, rich biodiversity, protected areas, the existence of habitats for endangered animals such as the cheetah and the Iranian wild ass, etc., can make Semnan Province a pilot for the wise utilization of green tourism in the country." The Secretary of the National Ecotourism Working Group added: "Semnan Province's proximity to the country's capital and Iran's largest population center is a special advantage for this province to benefit the most from attracting tourists, especially in the field of ecotourism. However, it is necessary for the people to accompany and stand alongside the government sector for the sustainable development of tourism and the utilization of tourism economy and employment, in order to protect natural attractions." He said: "Since the concept of modern ecotourism was introduced, many effective measures have been taken. However, it is still necessary to focus on culturalization for local communities and ecotourists." Jahanshahi emphasized that the lack of management of ecotourist presence leads to negative effects, adding: "While our duty is to provide the ground for the development of natural tourism, some issues such as the entry of off-road vehicles, grazing of livestock, crop cultivation, and plowing operations, etc., hinder the realization of this goal. Therefore, policies must be formulated for these issues as well." The Secretary of the National Ecotourism Working Group said: "Public awareness and advocacy are among the issues that can help us in this path." He added: "The target tourism village of Qaleh Bala is a successful national example in Semnan Province, and the experiences gained from this successful case should be transferred to other parts of the country through training."