Formation - Development and Modelling Process of Carrying Capacity Theory in the National Parks

Impacts of recreational activities on natural reserves have reached a worrying level. as the result of this worrisome, it is suggested that use of these reserves, especially national parks, should not go beyond a certain level. carrying capacity defining this situation is stated as the degree of acceptable recreational use density in natural areas considering long term conservation of these natural areas. the concept of recreational carrying capacity coming out in 1960s has had different aspects in the last 50 years by gaining social, physical, ecological and economic characteristics. some visitor management models have been put forward to provide protection, use and sustainability balance in national parks. the aim of present study is to review development process of recreational carrying capacity, dimensions of recreational carrying capacity and visitor management models. in this study the benefits and challenges of capacity analyses and the factors which is effective in ensuring the success are discussed.