Evaluation of Urban Ecological Textures Management Case Study: District 9 of Isfahan

Extended Abstract
Introduction
Increased population, economic development of societies, the rapid growth of cities, and lack of attention to natural areas are the factors causing degradation of natural zones surrounded by urban texture, and environmental issues. Ignorance of tourism potentials of urban ecological areas and lack of tourism management in district 9 of Isfahan have led to degradation of some gardens and agricultural lands, as well as non-optimal use of natural attractions over recent years. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the management status of urban ecological textures in district 9 of Isfahan, Iran.
 
Methodology
The present research is applied and descriptive-analytical in terms of purpose and method, respectively. Regarding the study field, research method, and diverse aspects of the studied subjects, a hybrid method of bibliographic (using books, statistical references, and observing the studied texture) and field studies (map of current and past situation, questionnaire, and interview) were used. The statistical population comprised District 9 of Isfahan Municipality, and the sample size included 15 managers and experts in urban ecologic textures of Isfahan. The study was conducted using the STAR method.
 
Results and discussion
Findings in the field of texture management in District 9 of Isfahan show that in terms of legislation, currently the law of Article 14 of the Municipal Land, Clean Air Law, Law on Preservation and Expansion of Green Space in cities for tissue management has been approved. Municipality and Agriculture Ministry are responsible for texture management planning which Municipality prevents any illegal construction through control and surveillance patrols. The agriculture Ministry also monitors and controls these lands. Regarding resources management, Municipality allocates a part of toll revenues to the development and preservation of Nazhvan Zone. According to the findings of ecologic texture in District 9 of Isfahan, this texture is managed and protected by the Agriculture Ministry and Municipality, Environment Organization, Regional Water Organization, and Ministry of Energy. The current situation of the ecologic texture of District 9 is not optimal in terms of development and urban upgrading. Furthermore, the relevant rules are not efficient, and people cannot use their land optimally. According to findings associated with ecotourism in District 9, some factors have caused improper economic situation of studied texture. These factors include lack of ownership rights of farmers who cannot benefit from revenues of agricultural and horticultural products, lack of tourist attraction plans for the development of ecotourism and agricultural tourism, absence of medicinal plants and gardens to develop this industry and its financial benefits. This area presents considerable social characteristics so that neighbours have indigenous and rural structures with neighbor-oriented culture, local communities, and family relations near the construction and neighbouring blocks. On the other hand, all measures and actions are pursued by trustees in neighbourhood. Environmental features of the studied district can be seen in the Zayandeh Rud River, surrounding areas, streams, rivers, and Madis (rivers that join the streams), Atashgah Mountain, etc. Cultural characteristics also include indigenous and neighbourhood texture with local customs.
 
Conclusion
Results indicated inappropriate current management situation of the ecological texture of District 9 in Isfahan. According to obtained results of t-value, mean values of texture management (-7.15), ecological management (-0.13), and ecotourism (-9.15) were significantly lower than the average rate of 3 (Sig≤0.05). Therefore, the obtained t-values proved the non-optimal management situation of all three dimensions of texture management, ecological management, and ecotourism in District 9 of Isfahan. The results also signified that the weakness in the regulations, lack of proper planning and negligence of the principled land uses have caused the region’s ecological situation to be presently not desirable. In this study, a model has been offered and its application can be accompanied by positive results for the improvement of ecotourism management in district 9. Based thereon, for better management of the ecological textures, especially in district 9 of Isfahan’s municipality, attention should be paid to the aspects of urban texture, ecological texture and ecotourism management. Therefore, it is necessary for managers to recognize and analyze the current situation in these dimensions, and pay attention to them in planning. Accordingly, some strategies must be adopted to improve ecotourism management of urban ecological textures of District 9 in Isfahan. These strategies include improving structure quality, coordinating associated organizations, participation of people in comprehensive tourism plan, protecting resources and security, exploiting ownership rights and economic revenues, promoting quality of natural spaces and areas, and developing ecological zones.