There is a strong mutuality between tourism and environment via the creation of feedback mechanisms,
since tourism often places adverse effects upon the quality and quantity of natural and cultural resources of
the destination, leading to its qualitative and quantitative degradation. Within the Environmental Impacts
Assessment (EIA) studies, various methods have been proposed to assess and analyze the environmental
impacts. The Rapid Impact Assessment Method (RIAM) has been used in the present study to assess and
analyze the environmental impacts of Karun Dam IV touristic area. The outcome of the study indicates that
the developments in tourism can have considerable negative effects on the physical and biological
parameters in construction and utilization phases. For the optimum utilization of the resources and facilities
of the area throughout the year, and the amelioration of social welfare of the inhabitants and their ability to
enjoy the auspices of tourism development, the touristic- developmental activities besides the Karun Dam
IV should take place by the observation of environmental management programs. This will lead to
considerable positive effects in the Southwestern Zagros area