Evaluating Playa Geosites in Qom for Sustainable Geotourism Development: An NCT-Based Approach

Introduction: Geotourism in arid regions represents one of the most appealing branches of nature-based tourism, focusing on geological features and distinctive landscapes to offer visitors a unique experience. Playas and desiccated salt lakes are among the most significant geotourism attractions in desert environments, as they provide valuable evidence of regional climatic history and geological processes. Geotourism in such areas can also contribute to the sustainable development of local communities by creating economic opportunities, generating employment, and promoting the conservation of these fragile ecosystems. More broadly, geotourism in deserts and playa landscapes offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of Earth systems, enjoy pristine natural environments, and foster a culture of natural resource conservation. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate selected geosites in Qom Province in support of desert geotourism development.
Materials and Methods:  This study employed topographic and geological data, field observations, and questionnaire surveys to achieve its objectives. The multi-criteria NCT model was applied to assess the selected sites, identify potential threats, and support planning for conservation and sustainable development. The questionnaires consisted of two sections: one designed for experts and researchers, and the other for local residents and visitors. Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale. To ensure consistency in the evaluation framework, the selected phenomena were limited to playas. Four playas in Qom Province were assessed: Hoz-e Soltan, Mareh Wetland, Ghadir-e Asb Playa, and Namak Lake Playa. The reliability of the questionnaires was tested using Cronbach’s alpha. Within the NCT framework, each geosite was evaluated according to the following group criteria: scientific and geological value, ecological and conservation value, cultural-historical and social value, economic and tourism value, and management capacity and sustainable development potential. A perception gap analysis was also conducted to identify differences in viewpoints between experts and the local community. In addition, field investigations were undertaken to qualitatively verify and interpret the results.
Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the scientific value index (N) achieved the highest score among the three principal indices, followed by the tourism value index (T) and the conservation value index ©. This finding suggests that, despite their considerable scientific and tourism significance, the geosites are also exposed to potential threats. A comparison between expert assessments and local community perceptions revealed differences in emphasis, although the overall patterns were broadly consistent. The tourism value of the playas in Qom Province falls within a moderate to relatively high range, indicating a substantial potential for geotourism development. At the same time, the presence of potential threats highlights the need for targeted conservation measures. Comparative analysis further showed that the dominance of scientific value (N) over the other dimensions is consistent with the established literature, which regards playas as important archives of climatic fluctuations and tectonic processes. Meanwhile, the moderate to relatively high tourism value (T) demonstrates the potential to translate this scientific significance into meaningful visitor experiences and geotourism development in line with global trends.
Conclusion: Qom Province contains a rare assemblage of playas formed through the interaction of tectonic, climatic, and hydrological processes, endowing them with high scientific, educational, and tourism value. Recognizing these landscapes as geosites can play a key role in the sustainable development of the province’s desert regions. Hoz-e Soltan and Namak Lake are particularly outstanding examples, with strong potential for geotourism, geoscience education, and climate change research. Ghadir-e Asb Playa and Mareh Wetland, owing to their distinctive hydrological and environmental characteristics, are important not only for their geological attributes but also for their ecological significance. Adopting a geosite-based perspective toward the playas of Qom Province can also enhance public awareness of the vulnerability of desert ecosystems.