A Sustainability-Oriented Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Framework for Optimizing Recreational Ecological Park Development

Recreational Ecological Parks (REPs) play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development by promoting ecotourism, conserving biodiversity, and providing inclusive recreational opportunities with minimal environmental impact. Assessing the potential for REP development is crucial to optimize the sustainable use of natural resources and enhance ecological and socio-economic benefits. This study introduces a sustainability-oriented Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (SMCDA) framework to evaluate and optimize REP development in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The framework incorporates 33 criteria across five categories: 13 for network connectivity and accessibility; 10 for facilities, services, and tourism potential; 4 for landform and land use; 3 for natural hazards; and 3 for climate conditions. Criteria were standardized using the minimum–maximum method and weighted based on expert input via the Best–Worst Method. A weighted linear combination approach was then applied to generate REP suitability maps. Existing recreational and tourism (R&T) sites were assessed against these maps, and a non-parametric bootstrapping method quantified uncertainties in suitability classifications. The results revealed that approximately 8%, 17%, 26%, 30%, and 19% of the study area fell into very low, low, moderate, high, and very high suitability classes, respectively. Among 151 R&T sites, 33% and 34% were situated in areas classified as very high and high suitability. Prediction rates were most accurate in the very high suitability category, while uncertainty analysis indicated a mean of 13% and a standard deviation of 1.7%, with uncertainties predominantly concentrated in lower suitability classes. The findings underscore the SMCDA framework’s efficacy in guiding sustainable REP development by identifying optimal sites and managing uncertainties. This study contributes to sustainability by integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions into decision-making processes, thereby fostering resilience and long-term environmental stewardship in tourism planning.