دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Identification and Prioritization of Effective Criteria for Establishing Sponge Cities Using the Intuitionistic Fuzzy SWARA Method شناسایی و اولویت‌بندی معیار‌های مؤثر بر ایجاد شهرهای اسفنجی با استفاده از روش سوارای فازی شهودی 1 28 3931 10.22126/ges.2025.12324.2887 FA زهرا تنگستانی بخش شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه شیراز، شیراز، ایران 0009-0006-7245-6527 حسن ایزدی بخش شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه شیراز، شیراز، ایران 0000-0002-9635-7076 مجتبی آراسته بخش شهرسازی، دانشکده هنر و معماری، دانشگاه شیراز، شیراز، ایران 0000-0002-0081-6494 Journal Article 2025 06 12 Sponge Cities have emerged as an innovative strategy for managing surface water and mitigating its impacts in China. This approach, which integrates natural systems with urban environments, seeks to enhance urban resilience, improve the absorption and storage of runoff, and reduce the risks associated with urban flooding—particularly those intensified by climate change and development patterns dominated by impermeable, hard infrastructure.Despite the growing international attention to Sponge Cities, domestic research has yet to provide a comprehensive and integrated analysis of the criteria required for their effective implementation. This gap underscores the need to identify and evaluate the key factors that influence their successful adoption. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify and prioritize the criteria shaping the establishment of Sponge Cities using the intuitionistic fuzzy SWARA method based on circular logic. Relevant criteria were extracted from both domestic and international scientific literature, and their weights were determined through the expert judgments of nine specialists. The results indicate that among the 36 identified criteria, rainfall intensity, the availability of comprehensive data and information systems, the permeability of urban spaces, runoff monitoring systems, and the integration of gray, green, and blue infrastructure received the highest weights, marking them as the most critical factors in realizing Sponge Cities. These findings provide a robust scientific foundation for urban planners and policymakers, enabling them to advance the implementation of Sponge Cities in Iran more systematically and purposefully by identifying and prioritizing the essential criteria of this approach. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction Rapid population growth and accelerated urbanization in recent decades, combined with the impacts of climate change, have created significant challenges for water resource management and urban livability. These trends have increased impervious surfaces, intensified surface runoff, triggered more frequent flash floods, and contributed to the formation of urban heat islands—all of which have negatively affected quality of life and the sustainability of local ecosystems. Consequently, the need for efficient management of surface runoff and urban water resources has become increasingly urgent. In response to these challenges, innovative urban water management strategies have emerged worldwide, with the Sponge City approach standing out as one of the most prominent. This approach strengthens urban resilience to climate change by enhancing runoff absorption capacity, improving water quality, and reducing the risk of urban flooding. Despite its widespread adoption in many countries, Iran still lacks a comprehensive scientific framework for identifying and prioritizing the criteria necessary for effective implementation of this approach. To address this gap, the present study identifies key Sponge City criteria through an extensive review of domestic and international literature and applies the fuzzy SWARA method with circular logic—used for the first time in this field—to rank these criteria. The primary objective is to determine and prioritize the factors that influence the establishment of Sponge Cities. Accordingly, the study seeks to answer two fundamental questions: What are the effective criteria for developing Sponge Cities, and to what extent does each criterion contribute to the realization of this approach? 2-Materials and Methods This research is applied in its objective and adopts a descriptive–analytical design, implemented through a mixed-method (qualitative–quantitative) approach. The statistical population comprises university professors with specialized expertise or credible research backgrounds in Sponge City approaches. Sampling was conducted using a purposive non-probability method. After extracting relevant criteria from various scientific articles, their importance was evaluated through a researcher-developed questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed through face validity. Expert judgments were expressed using linguistic terms, which were subsequently converted into circular fuzzy numbers through the fuzzy SWARA method based on circular logic. The weighting of the criteria was then carried out following a six-step analytical procedure. 3- Results and Discussion This study was conducted to identify and prioritize the criteria that most significantly influence the establishment of Sponge Cities. Through a content analysis of relevant scientific literature, 36 key criteria were extracted. To evaluate the importance of these criteria, expert judgments were gathered using a researcher-developed questionnaire, and the weight of each criterion was calculated using the fuzzy SWARA method with circular logic. The results indicate that rainfall intensity (weight: 0.0340), the availability of comprehensive data and information systems (weight: 0.029829), the permeability of urban spaces (weight: 0.02924), runoff monitoring systems (weight: 0.02939), the integration of gray, green, and blue infrastructure (weight: 0.02899), and the efficiency of urban infrastructure related to runoff management (weight: 0.02961) represent the six most influential criteria in advancing the Sponge City approach. Conversely, the criteria receiving the lowest weights were the presence of permeable external building layers (weight: 0.024021), urban green systems such as green roofs and walls (weight: 0.025218), the existence of campaigns and programs aimed at increasing public awareness (weight: 0.025583), the resilience of urban spatial forms against runoff (weight: 0.025699), the optimal distribution of permeable and impermeable surfaces (weight: 0.025699), and collaboration among citizens, planners, and central government institutions (weight: 0.025917). 4- Conclusion The present study aimed to identify and prioritize the key criteria influencing the establishment of Sponge Cities. The findings demonstrate that the successful realization of Sponge Cities depends on careful consideration of critical factors related to surface water management. Elements such as rainfall intensity, the permeability of urban spaces, the efficiency of runoff‑related infrastructure, and the integration of gray, green, and blue infrastructure constitute foundational components of this approach. The prioritization results further reveal that certain criteria remain underutilized due to implementation challenges, technical complexities, or high associated costs. To advance the effective implementation of Sponge Cities, it is necessary to formulate supportive policies, develop comprehensive data and information systems, ensure active engagement of urban institutions, and employ modern technological tools. Future research should concentrate on optimizing implementation models, conducting cost–benefit analyses, and assessing the practical applicability of these criteria at the urban scale. Such efforts can help establish a more robust foundation for the sustainable development and long‑term success of Sponge Cities. شهرهای اسفنجی به‌عنوان یک راهکار نوین در راستای مدیریت آب‌های سطحی و کاهش اثرات آن در کشور چین مطرح گردید. این رویکرد که با تلفیق عناصر طبیعی با عناصر محیط‌های شهری انجام شده بود به دنبال افزایش تاب‌آوری شهری، بهبود جذب و ذخیره رواناب‌ها و کاهش خطرات ناشی از سیلاب‌های شهری است تا اثرات منفی تغییرات اقلیمی و رویکرد توسعه‌ای مبتنی بر زیرساخت‌های سخت و غیر قابل نفوذپذیر را کاهش دهد. باوجود توجه گسترده به شهرهای اسفنجی در مطالعات بین‌المللی، تحلیل جامع و یکپارچه‌ای دررابطه‌با معیارهای اجرایی آن در پژوهش‌های داخلی ارائه نشده است. این خلأ، ضرورت تعیین معیار‌های مؤثر بر اجرای آن را برجسته می‌سازد. به همین منظور هدف پژوهش حاضر، شناسایی و رتبه‌بندی معیار‌های مؤثر بر ایجاد شهرهای اسفنجی با استفاده از روش سوارای فازی شهودی با منطق دایره‌ای است. در همین راستا در مطالعه حاضر، معیار‌های مرتبط با شهر اسفنجی از مطالعات علمی داخلی و خارجی استخراج و با دریافت نظر ۹ متخصص، وزن‌دهی آن‌ها انجام شده است. یافته‌های پژوهش نشان داد که از میان 36 معیار مستخرج شده، شدت بارش، وجود پایگاه‌های جامع داده اطلاعات، میزان نفوذپذیری فضاهای شهری، سیستم‌های سنجش میزان رواناب و یکپارچگی میان زیرساخت‌های خاکستری؛ سبز و آبی با بیشترین میزان وزن تخصیص‌یافته، از مهم‌ترین عوامل مؤثر در تحقق شهرهای اسفنجی محسوب می‌شوند. یافته‌های این پژوهش می‌تواند مبنای علمی قابل‌اتکایی برای برنامه‌ریزان شهری و سیاست‌گذاران فراهم کند تا با شناسایی و اولویت‌بندی معیار‌های کلیدی این رویکرد، فرایند اجرایی شهرهای اسفنجی را در ایران به‌صورت نظام‌مند و هدفمند پیش برند.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_3931_158763a4c0422524d2326c6a4a36615c.pdf

دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Evaluation of Floristic Diversity and Carbon Storage in Soil and Biomass of Dominant Rangeland Species and Their Role in Ecological Sustainability ارزیابی تنوع فلورستیک و ذخیره‌سازی کربن در خاک و زی‎توده گونه‌های غالب مرتعی و نقش آن‌ها در پایداری اکولوژیکی 29 46 3971 10.22126/ges.2025.12694.2907 FA مرتضی صابری گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری، دانشکده آب و خاک، دانشگاه زابل، زابل، ایران. 0000-0003-1596-9714 وحید کریمیان گروه مهندسی طبیعت، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه یاسوج. یاسوج، ایران 0000-0003-3093-3074 علیرضا شهریاری گروه فضای سبز، دانشکده جغرافیا و برنامه‎ریزی، دانشگاه سیستان و بلوچستان. زاهدان، ایران Journal Article 2025 08 26 Climate change and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels represent major environmental challenges, particularly for dryland ecosystems whose sustainability is increasingly at risk. Carbon sequestration in vegetation and soil—especially within rangelands—plays a crucial role in mitigating atmospheric carbon concentrations and improving soil health. This study aimed to document the flora of the Sarsaro rangelands and evaluate the carbon storage capacity of dominant plant species and their associated soils. Field sampling was conducted in 1402 using a random‑systematic design across six 100‑meter transects and five 2 × 2‑meter plots, where vegetation cover, litter, and bare soil percentages were recorded. Three indicator species—Hammada salicornica, Zygophyllum eurypterum, and Artemisia santolina—were selected for biomass assessment. Their above‑ and below‑ground organs were harvested, and organic carbon content was measured. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 60 cm and analyzed for carbon‑related properties. The results showed that vegetation cover in the rangelands was below the ecosystem’s potential capacity, with two dominant plant functional types identified. Zygophyllum eurypterum exhibited the highest aboveground biomass (31.3 t ha⁻¹) and total carbon stock (79.28 t ha⁻¹), while Hammada salicornica had the highest aboveground biomass among the species, and Artemisia santolina recorded the lowest values. Soil analyses indicated that bulk density, organic carbon content, and soil carbon stock varied significantly among species. These findings demonstrate that plant species with differing ecological traits contribute unevenly to carbon sequestration and ecosystem functioning. Implementing smart rangeland management strategies—such as selecting effective indicator species, restoring degraded vegetation, and improving soil structure—can substantially enhance carbon storage and support long‑term ecosystem sustainability. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction Climate change and the rise in greenhouse gas concentrations—particularly carbon dioxide—are among the most pressing environmental challenges of the modern era. These changes have far‑reaching impacts on the sustainability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and have been intensified by human activities such as industrialization, land‑use change, and the reduction of vegetation cover. Carbon sequestration, as a key natural process, plays a vital role in regulating atmospheric carbon levels and improving environmental quality. Through plant photosynthesis and the subsequent transfer of organic compounds into the soil, this process enhances the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Soils serve as the largest reservoir of terrestrial carbon, storing more than 70 percent of the carbon in this sector. Although rangelands sequester less carbon per unit area than forests, their extensive global coverage enables them to make a substantial contribution to the global carbon cycle. The carbon sequestration capacity of these ecosystems is influenced by factors such as species composition, ecological conditions, and management practices. Research indicates that drought‑tolerant native species—particularly in arid and semi‑arid regions—possess a higher capacity for carbon storage. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify the flora of the Sarsaro rangelands in Khash County and to assess the carbon storage capacity of dominant plant species and their associated soils. The findings are intended to provide a scientific foundation for the sustainable management and conservation of this ecologically important rangeland ecosystem. 2-Materials and Methods This study was conducted in the rangelands of Khash County, located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, an area characterized by an arid to semi‑arid climate with a mean annual precipitation of 149 mm and an average temperature of 18°C. Floristic surveys were carried out in 2023 using exploratory and systematic random sampling. Six 100‑meter transects and five 2 × 2 m plots placed at 20‑meter intervals were established to record vegetation cover, litter, and bare soil percentages. Three dominant species—Hammada salicornica, Zygophyllum eurypterum, and Artemisia santolina—were selected for biomass assessment. For each species, the above‑ and below‑ground organs of ten individual plants were harvested, weighed, dried, and subsequently analyzed in the laboratory to determine organic carbon content. Soil samples were also collected to a depth of 60 cm and examined for key physical and chemical properties. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, and the results were evaluated to determine the influence of species on vegetation cover, biomass production, and carbon storage capacity. 3- Results and Discussion Vegetation cover in the Khash rangelands was found to be below its potential capacity, largely due to limited and irregular rainfall, shallow soils, and improper grazing practices. Two dominant vegetation types were identified in the study area: Hammada salicornica–Zygophyllum eurypterum and Zygophyllum eurypterum–Artemisia santolina. The first type exhibited 19% vegetation cover and 112 kg/ha of forage production, indicating a poor ecological condition, whereas the second type showed 25% cover and 210 kg/ha of forage production, reflecting a moderate ecological status. A total of 61 plant species belonging to 23 families were recorded, with Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Chenopodiaceae being the most species‑rich families. Approximately 78.6% of the species were associated with the Irano‑Turanian phytogeographic region. Soil analyses revealed no significant differences among species in terms of pH and electrical conductivity. However, bulk density, soil organic carbon, and soil carbon stock showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01). The lowest bulk density was observed under H. salicornica (1.33 g/cm³), while Z. eurypterum exhibited the highest soil organic carbon content (0.272%) and soil carbon stock (24.02 t/ha). Biomass assessments demonstrated that Z. eurypterum had the greatest total carbon storage capacity, with 3.31 t/ha of belowground biomass and 28.79 t/ha of total carbon. H. salicornica ranked second, with the highest aboveground biomass (2.9 t/ha) and a total carbon stock of 22.52 t/ha. A. santolina had the lowest belowground biomass (1.7 t/ha) and the lowest total carbon storage (17.61 t/ha). These findings indicate that plant species with differing ecological traits and biomass allocation strategies contribute variably to carbon sequestration and play distinct roles in supporting rangeland ecosystem functioning. 4- Conclusion The findings of this study show that plant species with different biomass allocation strategies and ecological adaptations vary considerably in their capacity for carbon storage. Among the examined species, Zygophyllum eurypterum functioned as the most effective indicator species, contributing substantially to carbon fixation and improvements in soil properties, while Hammada salicornica and Artemisia santolina demonstrated comparatively lower contributions. These results highlight the importance of maintaining species diversity and prioritizing drought‑tolerant native species to enhance ecosystem stability and support habitat restoration—an essential foundation for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Effective rangeland management practices, including the selection of appropriate indicator species, vegetation restoration, controlled livestock grazing, and improvements to soil structure, can significantly strengthen ecosystem functioning and carbon storage potential. However, this study has certain limitations, particularly the absence of data on soil microbial communities, seasonal variability, and interactions between plant species and other environmental factors. Addressing these aspects in future research would provide a more comprehensive understanding of carbon storage dynamics and ecosystem processes. Overall, the results of this study offer valuable guidance for policymakers and natural resource managers seeking to restore and sustainably manage arid and semi‑arid rangelands. تغییر اقلیم و افزایش غلظت دی‌اکسیدکربن از مهم‌ترین چالش‌های زیست‌محیطی امروز هستند که پایداری اکوسیستم‌های خشک را تهدید می‌کنند. ترسیب کربن در گیاهان و خاک، به‌ویژه در مراتع، نقش کلیدی در کاهش کربن اتمسفری و بهبود کیفیت خاک ایفا می‌کند. این مطالعه با هدف شناسایی فلور مراتع سرسارو و بررسی توان ذخیره کربن گونه‌های غالب و خاک زیر اشکوب آن‌ها انجام شد. نمونه‌برداری میدانی در سال ۱۴۰۲ با روش تصادفی - سیستماتیک در شش ترانسکت ۱۰۰ متری و ۵ پلات ۲×۲ متری انجام شد و درصد پوشش‎گیاهی، لاشبرگ و خاک لخت ثبت گردید. سه گونه شاخص،Hammada salicornica، Zygophyllum eurypterum و Artemisia santolina برای اندازه‌گیری زی‎توده انتخاب شدند و اندام‌های هوایی و زیرزمینی آن‌ها برداشت و محتوای کربن آلی تعیین شد. نمونه‌های خاک تا عمق ۶۰ سانتی‌متر جمع‌آوری و تحلیل شدند. یافته‌ها نشان داد که پوشش گیاهی موجود در مراتع کمتر از ظرفیت بالقوه اکوسیستم است و دو تیپ گیاهی غالب در منطقه شناسایی شدند. گونه Z. Eurypterum بیشترین زی‎توده زمینی (۳۱/۳ تن در هکتار) و ذخیره کربن کل (۷۹/۲۸ تن در هکتار) را داشت، درحالی‌که H. Salicornica بیشترین زی‎توده هوایی و A. santolina کمترین زی‎توده زمینی را نشان دادند. تحلیل خاک نشان داد وزن مخصوص ظاهری، کربن آلی و ذخیره کربن خاک تحت‌تأثیر گونه‌ها تفاوت معنی‌داری داشتند. این یافته‌ها تأکید می‌کند که گونه‌ها با ویژگی‌های اکولوژیکی متفاوت، نقش متغیری در تثبیت کربن و عملکرد اکوسیستم ایفا می‌کنند. مدیریت هوشمند مراتع، شامل انتخاب گونه‌های شاخص، احیای پوشش گیاهی و بهبود ساختار خاک، می‌تواند ظرفیت ذخیره‌سازی کربن و پایداری اکوسیستم را به طور چشمگیری افزایش دهد.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_3971_183e0ac0b0db2f67a830df65a3c89ebe.pdf

دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Feasibility Study of Smart Village Development in the Sarfiruzabad District of Kermanshah County امکان‎سنجی توسعه روستاهای هوشمند در دهستان سرفیروزآباد شهرستان کرمانشاه 47 67 3977 10.22126/ges.2025.12695.2908 FA آزاده قبادی گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه رازی، کرمانشاه، ایران. 0009-0005-8958-5520 امیرحسین علی بیگی گروه ترویج و آموزش کشاورزی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه رازی، کرمانشاه، ایران. Journal Article 2025 08 27 Smart villages create opportunities for entrepreneurship in agriculture, improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure services, promote optimal resource utilization, and support sustainable rural development, ultimately enhancing residents’ quality of life. The need to establish smart villages is particularly urgent in Iran, especially in Kermanshah Province. Accordingly, this study aims to identify key indicators and assess the feasibility of developing smart rural areas in the Sarfiruzabad district, thereby contributing to improved village conditions and advancing smart village initiatives within the province. This applied research employs a descriptive‑analytical methodology based on survey data. The statistical population consists of heads of households in the Sarfiruzabad district, totaling 2,999 households. Using the Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample size of 341 households was determined and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher‑developed questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed through expert review and whose reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis, conducted in SPSS 2026, showed that social acceptance and cultural indicators exhibited the strongest performance, whereas environmental sustainability indicators were in the weakest condition among the studied villages. Overall, the findings indicate that the current status of smart rural development indicators in Sarfiruzabad is below optimal levels. Advancing smart rural development in the district therefore requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. A project‑oriented governmental strategy that prioritizes smart village development as a national initiative is essential for achieving meaningful and sustainable progress. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction Smart villages, while preserving the cultural and traditional foundations of rural life, promote development across all dimensions of community functioning. By integrating new and existing technologies in a rational and context‑appropriate manner, they support the continuation of local traditions, highlight regional identity, and enhance the overall quality of life. Smart villages can expand entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture, improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure services, optimize resource use, and ultimately strengthen socio‑economic well‑being and long‑term rural sustainability. Given the importance of smart village development—and the limited number of such initiatives in Iran, particularly in Kermanshah Province—the need to establish smart villages as a pathway toward sustainable rural development and poverty reduction is undeniable. However, the strategy for developing smart villages must be tailored to local conditions, as the concept cannot be uniformly applied across all rural areas. Each village’s unique opportunities, constraints, and socio‑economic characteristics must guide the approach. 2-Materials and Methods This research is applied in its purpose and descriptive‑analytical in nature, employing a survey‑based approach. The study was conducted in two distinct phases. In the first phase, aimed at identifying indigenous smart rural development indicators for the study area, the modified fuzzy Delphi technique was applied in two consecutive rounds. The sample for this phase consisted of 20 specialists and experts in agricultural extension, agricultural development, geography, and rural planning, along with village heads from the Sarfiruzabad Rural District of Kermanshah County. Participants were selected using purposive criterion‑based sampling. Data were collected through a researcher‑developed questionnaire designed according to relevant literature and the methodological requirements of the modified fuzzy Delphi process. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed through the implementation of triangular fuzzy Delphi rounds and calculation of the agreement coefficient. The second phase of the research focused on assessing the feasibility of smart rural development in the Sarfiruzabad Rural District. The statistical population comprised 2,999 households headed by residents of the district’s villages. Using the Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample size of 341 households was determined and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher‑made questionnaire whose items were derived from the indicators identified in the fuzzy Delphi phase. The validity and reliability of this instrument were verified through expert panel review and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient using SPSS 2026. 3- Results and Discussion Data analysis in the first phase of the study led to the identification of eight main components of smart rural development in the Sarfiruzabad Rural District: information and communication technology infrastructure, physical infrastructure, media literacy among villagers, rural economy, rural management and governance, environmental sustainability, access to public services, and culture and social acceptance. In total, 28 indicators were extracted across these components. The results of the one‑sample t‑test showed that among the smart rural development indicators, culture and social acceptance had the most favorable status, with a mean score of 3.26, while environmental sustainability had the weakest condition, with a mean score of 1.27. At the village level, Sarvono Sofla (mean 2.42), Sarvono Olia (mean 2.34), and Jiranbalagh (mean 2.35) were identified as having relatively better conditions in terms of smart rural development. In contrast, Gazaf Sofla (mean 1.49) and Sardar (mean 1.48) were recognized as the villages with the poorest conditions. 4- Conclusion Overall, the findings indicate that the status of smart rural development indicators in the Sarfiruzabad Rural District is severely inadequate. With the exception of culture and social acceptance, which shows a relatively favorable condition, all other indicators fall below the average. This highlights the critical role of cultural readiness and social acceptance as key drivers for adopting new technologies and advancing rural development. The results suggest that achieving smart rural development in Sarfiruzabad requires a comprehensive and synergistic approach that integrates all identified dimensions. Strengthening ICT infrastructure is fundamental, as it underpins improvements in service quality and enhances opportunities for social participation. Likewise, coordinated attention to physical infrastructure, media literacy, the rural economy, management and governance, environmental sustainability, and access to public services—alongside cultural and social acceptance—can collectively contribute to improving villagers’ quality of life and advancing sustainable rural development. روستاهای هوشمند فرصت‎های کارآفرینی در کشاورزی را تسهیل، خدمات بهداشتی، آموزشی و زیرساختی را ارتقای، بهره‎وری بهینه از منابع و پایداری توسعه در نواحی روستایی را تضمین و منجر به بهبود کیفیت زندگی گردند. نیاز به ایجاد روستاهای هوشمند در کشور علی‎الخصوص استان کرمانشاه، ضروری است؛ بنابراین پژوهش حاضر با هدف شناسایی شاخص‎ها و امکان‎سنجی توسعه روستایی هوشمند در دهستان سرفیروزآباد انجام شد تا بتوان گامی مثبت در جهت بهبود وضعیت روستاهای دهستان سرفیروزآباد و توسعه روستاهای هوشمند در این استان برداشت. پژوهش از نظر هدف کاربردی، از لحاظ ماهیت و روش توصیفی- تحلیلی و مبتنی بر پیمایش بود. جامعه آماری پژوهش را، سرپرستان خانوارهای ساکن در روستاهای دهستان سرفیروزآباد شهرستان کرمانشاه به تعداد ۲۹۹۹ تشکیل دادند. جهت تعیین حجم نمونه از جدول کرجسی و مورگان استفاده شد که تعداد ۳۴۱ خانوار به‎عنوان نمونه و روش نمونه‎گیری تصادفی طبقه‎ای انتخاب شدند. ابزار گردآوری داده‎ها، پرسش‌نامه محقق ساخته بود که روایی و پایایی آن با روش پانل متخصصان و ضریب آلفای کرونباخ تأیید شد. تحلیل داده‎ها در نرم‎افزار SPSS2026 انجام شد. نتایج نشان داد که شاخص‎های فرهنگ و پذیرش اجتماعی و پایداری زیست‎محیطی به ترتیب دارای بهترین و بدترین وضعیت در روستاهای موردمطالعه بودند. همچنین نتایج حاکی از وضعیت نامطلوب روستاهای دهستان سرفیروزآباد از نظر شاخص‎های توسعه روستایی هوشمند بود. توسعه روستایی هوشمند در دهستان سرفیروزآباد نیازمند یک رویکرد جامع و هم‌افزا است و دولت می‌بایست از رهیافت پروژه‌ای برای توسعه روستاهای هوشمند استفاده کند و این هدف را به‌عنوان یک پروژه ملی در دستور کار خود قرار دهد.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_3977_00cc8a18df5824cab2752a66468b0e37.pdf

دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Assessment and Ranking of Factors Influencing Urban Water Management Patterns with an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) Approach (Case Study: Robat Karim County) ارزیابی و رتبه‌بندی عوامل تأثیرگذار بر الگوی مدیریت آب شهری با رویکرد اهمیت - عملکرد (IPA) (مطالعه موردی: شهرستان رباط‌کریم) 69 93 3978 10.22126/ges.2025.12673.2905 FA محمدرضا عروجی گروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران. 0009-0000-2320-619X سید علی علوی گروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران. 0000-0002-0654-9489 ابوالفضل مشکینی گروه جغرافیا و برنامه‌ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران. 0000-0002-3071-275X حسن لشکری گروه اقلیم‎شناسی، دانشکده علوم زمین، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران، ایران. 0000-0002-6007-7275 Journal Article 2025 09 03 Urban water management in Iran is increasingly challenged by water scarcity and climate change, both of which threaten the sustainability and resilience of urban systems. This study evaluates and ranks the key factors influencing urban water management patterns, with a specific focus on the city of Robat Karim. The research employs the Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) technique within an applied‑developmental, mixed‑method (qualitative–quantitative), descriptive‑analytical framework. In the qualitative phase, 64 key indicators across nine factor categories—including institutional‑organizational, economic, technical‑engineering, and political dimensions—were identified through a systematic literature review and expert interviews. Data were collected using a dual‑structured questionnaire administered to 53 specialists, experts, and managers involved in water management. The findings indicate that political and economic factors hold the highest priority for intervention. Among all indicators, political will and leadership and institutional sustainability and effectiveness ranked as the most critical, with mean importance scores of 4.987 and 4.954 (on a 5‑point scale), respectively. Within the economic dimension, cost recovery rate (ranked 3rd) and water tariff adequacy and structure (ranked 6th) were also identified as high‑priority indicators. The IPA results further reveal that several high‑importance indicators exhibit low performance. Notably, water loss management (ranked 10th) and stakeholder participation (ranked 14th) require substantial improvement. These insights provide a valuable foundation for formulating operational strategies and allocating resources more effectively to enhance the efficiency and overall performance of urban water management systems. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction The escalating urban water crisis—driven by a complex interaction of environmental, demographic, and managerial factors—has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. In Iran’s predominantly arid and semi‑arid climate, this crisis is becoming increasingly severe due to excessive water consumption, unsustainable groundwater extraction, and, most critically, systemic mismanagement. The city of Robat Karim exemplifies these challenges. Despite its proximity to the Tehran metropolitan area, it faces substantial difficulties, including declining water quantity and quality, aging and inefficient infrastructure, and weak governance structures. In light of the absence of comprehensive and systematic assessments, this study aims to evaluate and rank the key indicators influencing urban water management patterns in Robat Karim using the Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) method. This approach enables the identification of priority areas requiring targeted intervention and improvement. Accordingly, the study addresses the central question: What is the current status of urban water management indicators in terms of their importance and performance, and which indicators should be prioritized for improvement? 2-Materials and Methods This study is a practical and developmental investigation employing a mixed‑method approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative techniques. In the qualitative phase, 64 key indicators across nine major dimensions of urban water management—including institutional‑organizational, economic, technical‑engineering, and political components—were identified through a systematic literature review and expert consultations. These indicators served as the foundation for developing a dual‑structured questionnaire. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 53 water management specialists, experts, and managers in Robat Karim and Tehran Province. The questionnaire, based on a Likert scale measuring both the importance and performance of each indicator, provided the primary dataset for analysis. The Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) technique was then applied. By calculating the geometric mean of the scores and plotting the results on a two‑dimensional IPA matrix, each indicator was positioned within one of four quadrants: Concentrate Here, Keep Up the Good Work, Low Priority, and Possible Overkill. Combined with the calculation of each indicator’s characteristic weight, this process enabled precise and quantitative prioritization of the factors influencing urban water management. 3- Results and Discussion The results of the IPA analysis revealed substantial gaps between the perceived importance and actual performance of urban water management indicators in Robat Karim. These findings clearly underscore the central role of political and economic dimensions in addressing the city’s water crisis. The indicators political will and leadership, institutional stability and effectiveness, and cost recovery rate emerged as the most critical systemic weaknesses, receiving the highest priority rankings. This outcome is consistent with global research emphasizing that good governance and financial sustainability are prerequisites for meaningful reform. At the same time, it marks a notable departure from traditional water management approaches in Iran, which have historically emphasized technical solutions over governance and institutional reform. Governance Gap Analysis The findings highlight a significant disconnect between the theoretical recognition of governance principles and their practical implementation. Indicators such as stakeholder participation and transparency and accountability received high importance scores but demonstrated weak performance. This suggests that the core challenge is not a lack of awareness regarding the value of participatory governance, but rather the absence of institutional mechanisms and structures necessary to embed these principles into practice. Technical–Engineering Issues Although technical‑engineering indicators—such as water loss management and network infrastructure status—were identified as major challenges, deeper analysis indicates that these issues stem from more fundamental political and economic shortcomings. Insufficient financial resources, inadequate investment, and limited political commitment hinder the ability to address technical deficiencies. As a result, these challenges cannot be effectively resolved in isolation from broader governance and economic reforms. Divergence from Emerging Technologies Despite the increasing global emphasis on smart water management technologies, indicators such as real‑time monitoring were ranked only as medium priorities. This divergence from international trends may be attributed to constraints such as limited financial capacity, institutional inertia, and resistance to technological change. These barriers reduce the likelihood of adopting advanced monitoring and management systems, even though they are widely recognized as essential tools for modern water governance. 4- Conclusion This study demonstrates that the urban water crisis in Robat Karim is rooted primarily in governance deficiencies and systemic inefficiencies, and therefore cannot be resolved through technical interventions alone. The most critical weaknesses identified relate to political will, financial sustainability, and stakeholder participation. Without establishing a robust political framework, a sustainable economic model, and effective mechanisms for meaningful public engagement, technical reforms will remain incomplete and their long‑term impact limited. Based on these findings, the following policy recommendations are proposed: Strengthen Governance and Financial Sustainability: Reinforcing political commitment at the highest levels is essential for driving comprehensive reforms. Adjusting the water tariff structure to ensure financial sustainability is equally critical for enabling long‑term system resilience. Institutionalize Participation and Transparency: Developing practical and effective mechanisms for active citizen participation, along with enhancing transparency and accountability, should be prioritized to bridge the governance gap and build public trust. Targeted Investment in Infrastructure: Modernizing key water supply and distribution infrastructure—particularly measures aimed at reducing physical water losses—must be supported through adequate and sustainable budget allocations. Collectively, these recommendations can significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of urban water management in Robat Karim and comparable regions. They provide a strategic foundation for informed policymaking and for advancing the sustainable transformation of urban water systems. مدیریت آب شهری در ایران با چالش‌های فزاینده کم‌آبی و تغییرات اقلیمی مواجه است که پایداری و تاب‌آوری مناطق شهری را تهدید می‌کند. پژوهش حاضر با هدف ارزیابی و رتبه‌بندی عوامل تأثیرگذار بر الگوی مدیریت آب شهری، با تمرکز بر شهرستان رباط‌کریم و با بهره‌گیری از تکنیک تحلیل اهمیت - عملکرد (IPA)، به بررسی این موضوع می‌پردازد. این مطالعه کاربردی - توسعه‌ای و از نوع توصیفی - تحلیلی ترکیبی (کیفی - کمی) است. در گام کیفی، ۶۴ شاخص کلیدی در ۹ عامل (شامل نهادی - سازمانی، اقتصادی، فنی - مهندسی و سیاسی) از طریق مرور نظام‌مند ادبیات و مصاحبه با خبرگان شناسایی شد. داده‌ها با استفاده از پرسش‌نامه‌ای دوگانه از ۵۳ نفر از متخصصان، کارشناسان و مدیران حوزه مدیریت آب جمع‌آوری گردید. یافته‌های پژوهش نشان می‌دهد که از میان عوامل شناسایی‌شده، عوامل سیاسی و اقتصادی دارای بالاترین اولویت برای مداخله هستند. به طور خاص، شاخص‌های «اراده سیاسی و رهبری» و «پایداری و اثربخشی نهادی» با کسب بالاترین رتبه (۱) و میانگین اهمیت 987/4 و 954/4 (در مقیاس ۵ درجه‌ای)، به‌عنوان حیاتی‌ترین عوامل شناسایی شدند. در بعد اقتصادی، شاخص‌های «نرخ بازگشت هزینه» با رتبه ۳ و «کفایت و ساختار تعرفه آب» با رتبه ۶ در اولویت‌های بالا قرار گرفتند. همچنین، تحلیل اهمیت - عملکرد نشان می‌دهد که بسیاری از شاخص‌های با اهمیت بالا، دارای عملکرد پایین هستند؛ به‌عنوان‌مثال، شاخص «مدیریت هدررفت آب» با رتبه ۱۰ و شاخص «مشارکت ذی‌نفعان» با رتبه ۱۴، نیازمند بهبود چشمگیر در عملکرد فعلی می‌باشند. این نتایج، مبنای مهمی برای تدوین راهبردهای عملیاتی و تخصیص مؤثر منابع به‌منظور ارتقای کارایی و اثربخشی مدیریت آب شهری فراهم می‌آورد.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_3978_da91655816b73bb152d71ee20d52f988.pdf

دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Analysis of the Impact of local Climate Zones on Environmental Thermal Loads of Tehran تحلیل اثر زون‎های اقلیم محلی بر بار گرمای محیطی شهر تهران 95 117 3980 10.22126/ges.2025.12557.2902 FA علی اکبر شمسی پور گروه جغرافیای طبیعی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران 0000-0001-8606-4571 مهشید کشاورز گروه جغرافیای طبیعی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران 0009-0002-1693-0256 رقیه انصاری قولنجی گروه جغرافیای طبیعی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران 0000-0002-0719-3795 Journal Article 2025 08 04 Local Climate Zones (LCZs), shaped by the physical structure, spatial layout, and surface characteristics of cities, correspond to distinct thermal environments ranging from urban heat islands (UHIs) to localized cool pockets. In this study, four sets of Landsat 8 satellite images from 2022—representing all four seasons—were used to classify Tehran’s LCZs. A total of seventeen LCZ types were identified across Tehran and its surrounding suburbs. Among the urban LCZ classes, the open high‑rise built‑up zone (LCZ 10) occupied the largest proportion of the study area (10.88%). This was followed by compact mid‑rise, sparsely built, open mid‑rise, and industrial zones (LCZ 2, 7, 5, and 8). These classes were concentrated primarily in the central districts, where nighttime temperatures were highest, forming the core of Tehran’s UHI with temperatures ranging from 14 to 16°C. In contrast, natural LCZs located around the city exhibited significantly lower temperatures, forming cool pockets with averages between –1 and 3°C. Compact built‑up zones—characterized by low sky view factor (SVF), high impervious surface ratios, limited natural ventilation, and strong solar radiation absorption—were identified as the main contributors to Tehran’s UHI. Conversely, water bodies, dense and scattered green spaces, and open areas with high air circulation functioned as effective cooling zones within the urban fabric. These findings provide valuable insights for urban climate researchers and planners, enhancing understanding of how urban form influences thermal patterns and offering guidance for strategies aimed at improving thermal comfort and mitigating UHI effects in rapidly growing cities. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction Urbanization and city development in recent decades have caused substantial changes in land use and land cover, significantly influencing urban climate, energy consumption, public health, and temperature dynamics. Morphological and anthropogenic transformations—particularly increased building density and the reduction of green spaces—have intensified the formation of urban heat islands (UHI), a phenomenon further amplified by global climate change. Accurate identification of UHI‑affected areas requires localized climate classification methods capable of capturing fine‑scale urban characteristics. One of the most widely adopted approaches in this context is the Local Climate Zones (LCZ) framework, introduced by Stewart and Oke (2012). LCZ enables the classification of urban areas based on their physical, morphological, and functional attributes. By integrating building height, urban density, land‑cover composition, and environmental indices, the LCZ system provides a comprehensive basis for analyzing local climate behavior and its influence on land surface temperature (LST) and UHI intensity. This study aims to identify the LCZs of Tehran and examine their effects on UHI intensity and spatial distribution, with particular emphasis on heat load and the physical and functional characteristics of the urban fabric at a local scale. Tehran—covering approximately 1,987 km² and characterized by a semi‑arid climate and diverse topography—offers an ideal case study for exploring the interactions between urban morphology and thermal processes. Rapid urban expansion, dense construction patterns, and the ongoing decline of green cover, especially in central districts, have created conditions conducive to the development of strong UHI effects. 2-Materials and Methods The study utilized four Landsat 8 OLI–Thermal satellite images from 2022, representing different seasons (February 13, April 18, August 24, and November 20), with spatial resolutions ranging from 30 to 100 meters and cloud cover below 10%. The images were preprocessed and clipped to the study area, and sample points for LCZ classification were collected using Google Earth. High‑accuracy training samples were then prepared and applied in a supervised classification workflow using SAGA‑GIS. Morphological indices—including Sky View Factor (SVF), surface absorption (SA), albedo, percentage of permeable surfaces (PSF), and impermeable surfaces (ISF)—were calculated for each LCZ class. Additionally, land surface temperature (LST) data from the MODIS sensor were used to assess seasonal and diurnal temperature variations and to examine the relationship between LCZ types and urban heat island (UHI) intensity. 3- Results and Discussion The LCZ classification identified 17 distinct classes of human‑made structures and natural land cover across Tehran. Bare land was the most extensive class, covering 35.13% of the study area, while LCZ G represented the smallest proportion at only 0.07%. Dense urban LCZs (LCZ 1–LCZ 3), characterized by high building density, low sky view factor (SVF), and a high proportion of impervious surfaces, formed the core of the nighttime urban heat island (UHI), with temperatures ranging from 14 to 16°C in the central districts. In contrast, natural and vegetated LCZs—such as LCZ A and LCZ B—exhibited substantially lower surface temperatures. Daytime and nighttime land surface temperature (LST) analyses showed that daytime hotspots were concentrated in industrial zones, storage facilities, and southern slopes, whereas nighttime UHI intensified in high‑density built‑up areas due to heat retention in construction materials and restricted natural ventilation. SVF demonstrated a cooling effect during the day by increasing shading and reducing heat absorption; however, at night, low SVF contributed to heat entrapment and amplified UHI intensity. Impervious surface fraction (ISF) and surface absorption (SA) exhibited strong positive correlations with UHI intensity, while vegetation cover (NDVI) played a significant cooling role. Areas with permeable surface fractions (PSF) below 30% consistently emerged as nighttime thermal hotspots. Overall, the findings indicate that a combination of urban physical and morphological characteristics—including building density and height, SVF, albedo, and the balance between permeable and impermeable surfaces—strongly shapes the spatial distribution and intensity of UHI in Tehran. Although dense high‑rise zones (LCZ 1) occupy only 1.38% of the study area, they function as the primary nighttime UHI cores. Conversely, tall but more widely spaced buildings generate lower UHI intensity under similar density conditions due to enhanced ventilation and shading. 4- Conclusion These results are consistent with previous research conducted in Iran and other cities worldwide, underscoring the value of the LCZ framework for detailed and accurate urban climate analysis. By integrating multi‑seasonal satellite observations with three‑dimensional urban morphological indices, this study establishes a comprehensive approach to LCZ classification in Tehran, enabling simultaneous evaluation of urban structure, function, and UHI dynamics. The findings offer practical guidance for urban planning, low‑carbon urban design, and UHI mitigation efforts. Policy measures informed by LCZ insights—such as expanding urban green cover, adopting high‑albedo construction materials, creating ventilation corridors, and increasing permeable surface areas—are recommended to reduce heat load and enhance urban energy resilience in Tehran and comparable metropolitan regions. زون‎های اقلیمی برآمده از مشخصات فیزیکی، چیدمان و پوشش سطحی شهرها با پهنه‎های دمایی مختلف از جزیره گرمای شهری تا چاله‎های سرمایی ارتباط دارند. در این مطالعه برای تعیین زون‎های اقلیم محلی تهران از تصاویر ماهواره لندست‎8 سال 2022 استفاده گردید. برای شهر و پیراشهر تهران، 17 زون اقلیم محلی بدست آمد. در بین طبقات اقلیمی داخل شهر، زون ساختمانی باز و بلندمرتبه (LCZ10) با 88/10درصد بیشترین گسترش را در کل محدوده داشت. بعد آن به ترتیب زون‎های مربوط به ساختمان‎های فشرده متوسط، حاشیه‎ای و ساختمان‎های باز متوسط و سیلوهای صنعتی (LCZ 2-7-5-8) بخصوص در مناطق مرکزی شهر غلبه دارند، جایی‎که با دمای شبانه بالا، محدوده جزیره گرمای شهری تهران (UHI) را با هسته دمایی 16-14درجه سلسیوس مشخص می‎کند. هسته‎ها و لکه‎های خنک نیز در زون‎های اقلیمی پیرامون شهر با LCZهای طبیعی با دمای متوسط 1 تا 3 درجه سلسیوس به دست آمدند. زون‎های اقلیم محلی مربوط به ساختمان‎های فشرده به‎دلیل پایین بودن عامل دید آسمان (SVF) که تابش خورشیدی رسیده را حبس کرده، تهویه طبیعی بسیار ضعیفی دارند؛ همچنین با ضریب سطوح نفوذناپذیر و جذب انرژی خورشیدی بالا، مهمترین عامل شکل‎گیری جزیره گرمای شهری تهران هستند. در محدوده شهر سطوح آبی، فضاهای سبز با درختان متراکم و پراکنده و فضاهای باز که قابلیت جریان هوا بالاست، به عنوان زون‎های خنک شهری شناخته می‎شوند. این یافته‎ها به محققان و برنامه‎ریزان اقلیم شهری کمک می‎کند رابطه بین فرم شهری و UHI را بهتر درک کنند و این دانش را برای ایجاد آسایش حرارتی شهری به کار گیرند.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_3980_a31d09296a9e243ed4ccb5e500faa3f7.pdf

دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Investigating the Role of Powerful Human Capital in Developing Sustainable Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship (Case Study: Rasht County) بررسی نقش سرمایه انسانی توانمند در توسعه کارآفرینی گردشگری پایدار روستایی (موردمطالعه: شهرستان رشت) 119 141 4008 10.22126/ges.2025.12429.2893 FA بهرام ایمانی گروه برنامه‎ریزی شهری و روستایی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، اردبیل، ایران. 0009-0008-2668-1170 وکیل حیدری ساربان گروه برنامه‎ریزی شهری و روستایی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، اردبیل، ایران. ارسطو یاری حصار گروه برنامه‎ریزی شهری و روستایی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، اردبیل، ایران. زهرا اکبری سقالکساری گروه برنامه‎ریزی شهری و روستایی، دانشکده علوم اجتماعی، دانشگاه محقق اردبیلی، اردبیل، ایران. 0009-0007-6118-5087 Journal Article 2025 07 14 There is growing global recognition that in knowledge‑based and specialized local economies, the presence of an efficient and motivated human workforce serves as a key driver of sustainable development. Tourism entrepreneurship—an important economic sector in many developing countries, including Iran and specifically Rasht County—requires skilled and capable entrepreneurs to overcome structural instabilities and foster long‑term growth. This study was conducted to examine the role of human capital in the development of tourism entrepreneurship within the rural settlements of Rasht County. From an applied research perspective and using a descriptive‑survey method, a researcher‑developed questionnaire was employed for data collection. Research components were identified through expert interviews with local specialists and managers, selected via purposive and non‑probability snowball sampling. Data analysis was carried out using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach and MICMAC analysis to classify components based on their level of influence and dependence. The results revealed a two‑level structure. The most influential components were C2 (educational index) and C10 (economic index), with influence scores of 10 and 14, respectively. The remaining 15 components (C1, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C11, C12, C13, C16, C17) were placed in the second level, with influence scores of 11, 7, 10, 5, 8, 16, 15, 15, 7, 9, 8, 6, 3, and 4. Although these secondary components exert comparatively less influence, they represent essential infrastructural elements that require investment to strengthen human capital and enhance entrepreneurial capacity in the tourism sector. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction There is growing global recognition that in knowledge‑based and specialized local economies, the presence of efficient human capital plays a fundamental and driving role in achieving development and sustainability. Capable human capital refers to skilled, trained, creative, motivated, and dynamic individuals within rural communities who can act as catalysts for sustainable development. Tourism entrepreneurship—an important economic sector in many developing countries, including Iran and specifically Rasht County—requires the presence of competent entrepreneurs to address the instability that often results from unplanned or unprincipled tourism activities. Rural tourism must be grounded in the principles of sustainable development, meaning it should be viewed as a vital local function that supports economic growth while preserving cultural heritage and protecting the natural environment. 2-Materials and Methods This study was conducted to examine the role of capable human capital in the development of tourism entrepreneurship within the rural settlements of Rasht County. From an applied research perspective and using a descriptive‑survey design, data were collected through a researcher‑developed questionnaire. Research components were identified through interviews with experts, specialists, and local managers selected via purposive sampling. The complex relationships among these components were then analyzed using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) approach. The indicators and components influencing sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship were derived from previous studies and a systematic review of the scientific literature. Initially, through a careful examination of reputable articles and books, a set of relevant indicators and components was identified based on their frequency and significance in the fields of human capital and tourism entrepreneurship development. By synthesizing these findings, six main indicators—educational, economic, socio‑cultural, environmental, environmental infrastructure, and governance—were extracted, each comprising several more detailed components. This selection process followed a rigorous scientific approach, ensuring alignment with the research background and theoretical frameworks so that the identified indicators were both comprehensive and practically applicable to the study context. Finally, MICMAC analysis was employed to classify the components according to their level of influence and dependence within the system. 3- Results and Discussion After determining the influence and dependence of the components in Table 8, the position of the 17 components affecting human capital development in sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship was identified within the four quadrants of the influence–dependence matrix. The first quadrant represents autonomous variables, characterized by low influence and low dependence. Components in this group are relatively isolated from the rest of the system and have limited interactions; however, they can still play a meaningful role in accelerating human capital enhancement for tourism entrepreneurship. According to Figure 6, no component falls within this quadrant. The second quadrant (Dependent) includes components with low influence but high dependence. As shown in Figure 6, these components are C3, C5, C6, C11, C13, C14, C15, C16, and C17. Although these elements rely heavily on other factors, they remain essential for strengthening human capital and advancing sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship in the destination villages of Rasht County. The third quadrant contains components with both high influence and high dependence. Only one component—C12, which involves educating and motivating local residents and stakeholder groups to actively participate in tourism programs and related decision‑making—falls into this category. This component plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall system due to its strong reciprocal relationships. The fourth quadrant (Independent) comprises key variables with high influence and low dependence. These components act as driving forces within the system. According to Figure 6, six components fall into this quadrant: C1: Training self‑sufficient, responsible, and hospitality‑oriented local individuals; C2: Enhancing community knowledge and awareness regarding the benefits of rural tourism and long‑term development policies, particularly as a catalyst for the agricultural sector; C4: Empowering women and youth through equitable training programs; C7: Establishing rural organizations and structures to strengthen human capital and develop local educational institutions; C8: Strengthening governmental (local and central) and non‑governmental institutional support; C9: Improving policies, support mechanisms, and training programs for tourism entrepreneurs, enabling continuous and up‑to‑date learning; C10: Providing targeted investments and incentives for rural entrepreneurs to initiate businesses and foster tourism innovation and entrepreneurship. Rasht County’s rural settlements possess significant potential for the development of sustainable tourism entrepreneurship, supported by rich natural and cultural assets and strategic agricultural products at regional, national, and international levels. However, achieving sustainable tourism entrepreneurship requires substantial applied resources across governance, economic, socio‑cultural, environmental, infrastructural, and—most critically—human capital dimensions. 4- Conclusion The development of management knowledge and skills can help address many of the structural challenges faced by rural communities. In an increasingly competitive tourism market, regions that prioritize the empowerment of local human capital through targeted programs and policies are more likely to secure a strong and sustainable position. At the same time, the promotion of sustainable rural tourism requires entrepreneurs who possess the knowledge and expertise to enhance economic productivity while responsibly managing environmental resources and safeguarding local cultural and ecological values. Enhancing the capabilities of local human resources in Rasht County depends on the complementary and coordinated efforts of various organizations and institutions. Key actors in this process include the Department of Tourism, Cultural Heritage and Handicrafts; the Departments of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare; banks and microfinance institutions; the Agricultural Jihad Organization; non‑governmental organizations; technical and vocational education centers; science and technology parks; and local administrative bodies. Each of these institutions plays a vital role in strengthening human capital and supporting the development of sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship. هم‌اکنون در سطح جهان این آگاهی وجود دارد که در اقتصاد محلی مبتنی بر دانش و تخصص‎گرایی، وجود نیروی انسانی کارآمد و با انگیزه، محرک اصلی توسعه پایدار است. کارآفرینی در گردشگری به‌عنوان یک حوزه اقتصادی مهم در کشورهای درحال‌توسعه و به‌طور اخص ایران و شهرستان رشت، به کارآفرینان ماهر جهت رفع ناپایداری‌های آن نیاز دارد. این مطالعه باهدف بررسی نقش این سرمایه در توسعه کارآفرینی گردشگری در سکونتگاه‌های روستایی شهرستان رشت انجام‌شده که ازنظر هدف، کاربردی و گردآوری داده‌ها توصیفی- پیمایشی و ابزار گردآوری آن پرسش‎نامه محقق ساخته است. مؤلفه‌ها گردآوری‌شده از طریق مصاحبه با خبرگان، کارشناسان و مدیران محلی با نمونه‌گیری هدفمند یا غیر احتمالی گلوله برفی انجام شد. تجزیه‌وتحلیل داده‌ها با استفاده از مدل ISM و با تحلیل MICMAC نوع مؤلفه‌ها با توجه به اثرگذاری و اثرپذیری بر سایر مؤلفه‌ها مشخص شد. پس از تعیین ارتباط و سطح هر مؤلفه نتایج حاکی از دو سطح بود که بدین ترتیب مؤلفه‌های اثرگذار این مطالعه دو مؤلفه (C2) از شاخص آموزشی و (C10) از شاخص اقتصادی و باقدرت نفوذ 10 و 14 می‌باشند. 15 مولفه دیگر پژوهش، (C1, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C11, C12, C13, ..C16, C17)، به ترتیب باقدرت نفوذ (4، 4، 3، 6، 8، 9، 7، 15، 15، 16، 8، 5، 10، 7، 11) در سطح دوم قرارگرفته‌اند. این مؤلفه‌ها تاثیرگذاری کمتری داشته، اما به عنوان زیرساخت های حیاتی، جهت توانمند نمودن نیروی انسانی و کارآفرینان ماهر باید روی آن‌ها سرمایه‌گذاری نمود.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_4008_74b82bcb3d9efc5e5e765fe16585105c.pdf

دانشگاه رازی جغرافیا و پایداری محیط 2322-3197 16 1 2026 03 21 Evaluation and Analysis of the Degree of Ecological Security in the Integrated Spatial Framework of the Caspian Plain with an Emphasis on Urban Areas ارزیابی و تحلیل درجه امنیت اکولوژیکی در چارچوب یکپارچه فضایی جلگه خزری با تأکید بر مناطق شهری 143 163 4009 10.22126/ges.2025.12493.2899 FA زهرا بیرانوند گروه محیط زیست، پردیس بین المللی کیش، دانشگاه تهران، کیش، ایران. لعبت زبردست گروه برنامه‎ریزی، مدیریت محیط زیست و HSE، دانشکده محیط زیست، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران 0000-0001-5660-9665 محمد جواد امیری گروه مهندسی سوانح، آموزش و سیستم‌های محیط زیست، دانشکده محیط زیست، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران. محمود بهروزی گروه مخاطرات محیطی، پژوهشکده علوم دریایی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران. Journal Article 2025 07 24 Ecological security—defined as maintaining the health, stability, and integrity of ecosystems—plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development. In the Caspian Plain, one of Iran’s key biodiversity hotspots, climate change and intensified human activities have increasingly threatened ecological stability. This study examined changes in ecological security across the Sari–Qaem Shahr–Babol–Amol urban corridor from 2001 to 2023. To assess these changes, several environmental indicators were derived from Landsat imagery, including impervious surface area (ISA), biotope area ratio (BAR), city density index (CDI), urban expansion intensity (UEI), proportion of vegetation (PV), normalized difference moisture index (NDMI), urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI), modified soil‑adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), normalized difference bare soil index (NDBSI), and road density. Principal component analysis (PCA) was then applied to calculate the eigenvalue contribution of each parameter and formulate the ecological security index for the study area. The results indicate that 72.7% of the region exhibited high ecological security, 15.9% moderate security, and 11.4% low security. Over the study period, 4% of areas with high ecological security declined, while areas with medium and low ecological security increased by 2.1% and 1.9%, respectively. Vegetation loss and rising urban density were identified as the primary drivers of reduced ecological security. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive land‑use planning and environmental management in the region. Priority should be given to protecting and enhancing areas with high ecological security—particularly natural vegetation cover—while regulating the expansion of built‑up areas to prevent further ecological degradation. Extended Abstract 1-Introduction Ecological security refers to maintaining the sustainability, stability, and health of ecosystem components, and it plays a crucial role in environmental planning and the pursuit of sustainable development. Yet, in many regions around the world, ecosystems are increasingly affected by both human‑induced and natural pressures, leading to the degradation of their health, integrity, and long‑term viability. The Caspian Plain, recognized as one of the most fertile regions of Iran, has experienced significant ecological stress. Climate change, along with human activities such as land‑use change, urban sprawl, tourism expansion, and industrial development, has diminished the ecological services of this valuable region and threatened its ecological security. Given the high ecological sensitivity and strategic importance of this ecosystem, establishing a robust framework for evaluating ecological security is essential for guiding sustainable development efforts. The present study aims to assess and analyze the degree of ecological security in the Caspian Plain as an integrated spatial planning unit, with particular emphasis on urban areas. This evaluation provides a clearer understanding of the extent and nature of ecological degradation that has occurred, and how these changes have contributed to the decline in ecological security across the region. 2-Materials and Methods This study was conducted to examine changes in ecological security across the Sari–Qaemshahr–Babol–Amol urban chain from 2001 to 2023. To achieve this, land‑cover maps were generated from Landsat imagery using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification algorithm. A series of environmental indicators—including impervious surface area (ISA), biotope area ratio (BAR), city density index (CDI), urban expansion intensity (UEI), proportion of vegetation (PV), normalized difference moisture index (NDMI), urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI), modified soil‑adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), normalized difference built‑up and soil index (NDBSI), and road density—were then derived from the satellite data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to determine the eigenvalue contribution of each parameter, and these values were subsequently used to formulate the ecological security index for the study area. 3- Results and Discussion The results indicate that agricultural lands, forests, and barren areas declined over the study period, while urban land cover expanded by approximately 117 km² between 2001 and 2023. Amol City experienced the greatest increase in urban area, with an expansion of 9 km². It also recorded the highest rise in impervious surface percentage, increasing from 36% to 43%. If this value reaches 60%, the ecological risk in the region will approach a critical threshold. Babol City exhibited the highest biotope area ratio (BAR), although it also showed the largest decrease, declining from 64% to 56%. The Urban Expansion Intensity (UEI) results revealed that most of the built‑up land growth in the Caspian Plain was associated with rural expansion. Only in Babol and Amol did the urban fabric itself grow substantially—by 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively—indicating relatively high UEI values. Landscape ecological metrics for built‑up areas over the 23‑year period showed irregular urban growth and increasing fragmentation of ecological patches. The ecological security modeling demonstrated that 72.7% of the study area had high ecological security, 15.9% had medium security, and 11.4% had low security, the latter primarily associated with compact built‑up zones in city centers. Over the study period, areas with high ecological security decreased by 4%, while medium‑ and low‑security areas increased by 2.1% and 1.9%, respectively. 4- Conclusion The results of this study indicate a substantial increase in built‑up areas (over 3%) and a significant decline in forest cover (nearly 10%) across the Caspian Plain between 2001 and 2023. These trends highlight urban expansion and vegetation loss as the primary drivers of natural environmental degradation in the region. The findings also reveal that ecological security has deteriorated more severely in urban areas than in rural areas. Among the evaluated parameters, greenness and urban building density exerted the strongest influence on ecological security levels. Overall, the outcomes of this research provide a valuable theoretical foundation for comprehensive ecological security management in the urban regions of the Caspian Plain. By addressing multiple dimensions of ecological degradation, the study offers insights that can guide future planning and policy‑making aimed at safeguarding the region’s environmental stability. امنیت اکولوژیکی، شامل حفظ سلامت و یکپارچگی اکوسیستم، نقش کلیدی در دست‎یابی به توسعه پایدار دارد. در جلگه خزری، به‌عنوان یک کانون مهم تنوع زیستی در ایران، تغییرات اقلیمی و فعالیت‌های انسانی از عوامل تهدید امنیت اکولوژیکی هستند. این مطالعه باهدف بررسی تغییرات امنیت اکولوژیکی این جلگه در زنجیره شهری ساری - قائم‌شهر - بابل - آمل از سال ۲۰۰۱ تا ۲۰۲۳ انجام شد. به این منظور، مؤلفه‌های محیطی شامل وسعت سطوح نفوذناپذیر (ISA)، نسبت مساحت بیوتوپ (BAR)، شاخص‎ تراکم شهری (CDI)، شدت گسترش شهری (UEI)، نسبت پوشش‎گیاهی (PV)، شاخص نرمال‌شده رطوبت زمین (NDMI)، شاخص تغییر در دمای اراضی شهری (UTFVI)، شاخص تعدیل‌یافته نرمال پوشش گیاهی و خاک (MSAVI)، شاخص نرمال‌شده خاک لخت و بایر (NDBSI) و تراکم جاده از روی تصاویر ماهواره‌ای لندست محاسبه شد. سپس درصد مقادیر ویژه با کاهش مؤلفه‌های اصلی (PCA) برای هر یک از پارامترها محاسبه و معادله‎سازی درجه امنیت اکولوژیکی برای پهنه موردنظر انجام شد. یافته‌ها نشان داد که در 7/72 درصد از پهنه، امنیت اکولوژیکی بالا، 9/15 درصد امنیت متوسط و 4/11 درصد امنیت پایینی وجود داشت. همچنین، 4 درصد از وسعت مناطق دارای امنیت اکولوژیکی بالا کاسته و 1/2 و 9/1 درصد بر مناطق با امنیت متوسط و پایین افزوده شده است. بر اساس نتایج، ازبین‌رفتن پوشش گیاهی و تراکم شهری به طور قابل‌توجهی بر کاهش امنیت اکولوژیکی تأثیر گذاشته است که مستلزم برنامه‌ریزی و مدیریت دقیق کاربری اراضی در این منطقه با تمرکز ویژه بر حفاظت و تقویت مناطق با امنیت اکولوژیکی بالا، به‌ویژه پوشش طبیعی، و کنترل گسترش مناطق ساخته شده است.

https://ges.razi.ac.ir/article_4009_8d1f11ff96fe295c8011cb5824676bbd.pdf