This study was designed to demarcate the Ecotourism Potential Zones (ETPZs) of West Bengal using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted linear algorithm by considering three sustainable tourism parameters and sixteen indicators. Those three parameters are 1) physical (P), 2) social (S), and 3) availability of scenic beauty and infrastructures (ASI). Overall, 5 parameters are merged under physical (P), 2 parameters are integrated under social (S), and 9 parameters are incorporated under availability of scenic beauty and infrastructures (ASI). A 4-step procedure has been adopted for this study: 1) a simple hierarchical structure has been outlined, 2) pair-wise comparison matrices are formed, 3) weighted linear algorithm technique is utilized to get the ecotourism potentiality zone, and 4) ecotourism potentiality map is classified into high, moderate and low categories based on the principle of Dominant and Distinctive Function (DDF). As a result, about 61.65% area is identified with high ecotourism potential zone, 17.86% area is observed under the moderate ecotourism potential zone, and 20.48% area is recognized as the low ecotourism potential zone. Thus, the study considers an exceptional methodological framework that is applicable in any region of the world.

Soil erosion, primarily driven by natural and human-induced factors, is a significant contributor to soil degradation and natural disasters. Effective watershed management practices can mitigate these issues. This study aimed to create a soil erosion susceptibility map for the sub-watersheds of the Teesta River using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) model. Ten morphometric parameters were considered to assess susceptibility, including Bifurcation Ratio, Circulatory Ratio, Basin Length, Stream Frequency, Drainage Density, Basin Perimeter, Basin Width, Shape Factor, Drainage Texture, and Elongation Ratio. The relative weights of these parameters were determined using the AHP-ENTROPY method. The integrated weights were then applied in the WASPAS model to rank the sub-watersheds. Results indicate that sub-watersheds Rangit (SW5), Chel (SW14), Rangyong Chhu (SW4), Lhonak Chhu (SW1), Chakung Chhu (SW6), and Lish (SW13) are highly susceptible to soil erosion. These sub-watersheds should be prioritized for conservation efforts. The originality of this study lies in its application of the WASPAS method in the context of soil erosion, providing a more comprehensive and accurate assessment compared to traditional methods.