The aim of this study is to investigate the land ethics of tourists regarding the geotourism resources in the Protected Area of Manesht and Ghelarang, Ilam Province, Iran. The theoretical framework of the research is based on environmental knowledge, environmental behavior, normative pressures, facilities, multiple incentive models, ability, opportunity and environmental ethics model. Approximate number of tourists visiting (local tourist) the protected area in the specified time range (spring 2017) was 3,000. Using the Cochran sampling formula, the sample size was determined to be 475 people and questionnaires, based on available sampling, were distributed among the tourists. The findings show that there is no significant relationship between tourists' age, the habitat, and environmental behaviors. In contrast, there is a positive relationship with gender and level of education. This study demonstrates that the lowest score in the assessment section of the variables analyzed was related to environmental knowledge and facilities. Hence, the low environmental knowledge of tourists needs to be improved through training so that they can gain an increased environmental awareness over time. Further, the second factor involves discussion of structural facilities that are rooted in national macroeconomic, and management policies which requires a comprehensive overview of Iran's tourism management.

The north of Ilam Province in Iran has a great variety of geodiversity features, and the presence of geodiversity resources, along with other geological and geomorphological values, has enriched the area. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the geodiversity in the north of Ilam Province. The main indices for assessing geodiversity in the present study include geology, geomorphology, geomorphosites, paleontology, pedology, hydrology, mineral resources, and fossil species. In addition to assessing geodiversity, the hazard maps of the area were also prepared and overlapped with the geodiversity attraction maps, to identify areas with high geodiversity attraction as well as areas with high vulnerability. The results showed that 71% of the region had moderate and high attraction in terms of geodiversity indices. The most attractive areas are located in the north, center, and southeast of the region, which include the entire protected area of Manesht, Bankul, and Ghalarang; the Gachan and Arghavan area; and to the south the Sivan Arch and the Kabir Kuh area. The hazard map analysis also showed that the areas with the highest score in terms of geodiversity indices had many hazards indicating high sensitivity, unsustainable exploitation, and a growing trend of their destruction. All areas with high geodiversity attraction are exposed to severe human hazards. Most of these hazards are concentrated in the center and southeast of the region, which corresponds to areas with high geodiversity attraction. Due to their specific sensitivities, these areas can maintain their existence if they are exploited in a sustainable manner; otherwise, we will see these resources degraded and destroyed in the future.

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