The rapid expansion of tourism in the mountainous terrains of the Soran and Rawanduz districts (Kurdistan Region, Iraq) presents a critical paradox between economic revitalization and severe environmental degradation. This research quantitatively evaluates the geo-environmental impacts of uncontrolled mass tourism on seven highly sensitive bio-geological sites, including vulnerable karst aquifers (Bekhal, Gali Ali Beg) and rugged alpine topographies (Mount Korek, Rawanduz Canyon). Employing a robust mixed-methods approach, the study triangulates empirical fieldwork observations, multi-temporal geospatial analysis utilizing Landsat 8 satellite imagery, and official socio-economic tourism statistics spanning a seven-year period (2018–2025). The synthesized data reveals a staggering 166% surge in tourist influx over the study period, which statistically correlates ( 𝑟 =−0.84, 𝑝 < 0.05) with profound ecological distress. Geospatial analysis using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) indicates an 18.5% decline in vegetative cover driven by severe soil compaction, while Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) classifications expose a 22% expansion of impervious concrete surfaces consuming natural geological terrains. Furthermore, field assessments confirm systematic contamination of the region's permeable karst systems from untreated wastewater, alongside imminent geohazards caused by the massive, unregulated accumulation of solid waste along the Rawanduz Canyon rims. The findings conclusively demonstrate that current anthropogenic pressures have vastly exceeded the natural carrying capacity of the region. To mitigate these impacts and prevent irreversible bio-geological collapse, this study proposes an urgent strategic transition toward a "Sustainable Ecotourism" framework. Key recommendations include the enforcement of rigid carrying capacity limits, the establishment of protected Geo-Parks, and the mandatory installation of decentralized wastewater filtration systems for all commercial hospitality infrastructures. Keywords: Sustainable Tourism, Karst Contamination, Geo-environmental impacts, Kurdistan Region
