Original Research The Geodiversity of the Shotori Mountain Range in Eastern Central Iran and its Role in Geotourism Development of the Tabas UNESCO Global Geopark

Regional geotourism planning requires a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of geoheritage. Despite the exceptional geodiversity of the Tabas UNESCO Global Geopark, no regional-scale framework has previously been developed for geotourism planning in the Shotori Mountain Range. This study identifies and classifies the mountain range's geodiversity and develops a qualitative geotourism zoning framework based on its spatial distribution. The methodology integrates geological maps, satellite imagery, field investigations, and spatial analysis to classify geodiversity into eight thematic groups: stratigraphic and sedimentary, karst, structural, geomorphological, geoarchaeological, igneous, mineral, and villages and local communities as complementary geotourism elements. The spatial distribution and concentration of these groups were used to define three geotourism zones with different development potential. Rather than evaluating individual geosites, the proposed framework provides a regional approach for organizing geoheritage and identifying priority areas for geotourism planning. By integrating the spatial distribution of geoheritage into a coherent zoning strategy, the study provides a scientific basis for geoheritage management, geoconservation, and sustainable geotourism planning, while offering a practical and transferable model for UNESCO Global Geoparks.