Industrialization of Nature in the Time of Complexity Unawareness: The Case of Chitgar Lake, Iran

Arash Akhshik, Hamed Rezapouraghdam, Haywantee Ramkissoon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To find answers to the challenges linked with ecological well-being, policymakers and authorities now prefer the ecosystem-based approach, as the solutions inspired by nature may deflect from ecological collapse. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are rhapsodized both in practice and academia as a means to achieve sustainable development. However, NBS, which inherently is supposed to bring forth positive outcomes, may also lead to unsustainable turmoil. On the other hand, the majority of the studies about NBS are from Western countries and studies focusing on the paradoxical functionality of NBS are scant, especially in the Middle East. In an attempt to bridge this gap, the current study uses one of the largest blue artificial infrastructures in the Middle East as a case. Following the phenomenological interpretive approach, the authors argue that NBS may fabricate unintended problems when the complexity of the supra systems are overlooked. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)583-606
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Hospitality and Tourism Research
Volume46
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chitgar Lake
  • complex systems
  • ecological modernization
  • Iran
  • nature-based solutions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

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