Strategies for the Development and Protection of Natural Corridors with an Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability and Urban Livability (Case Study: Royan City, Mazandaran)

Royan, a city in Mazandaran Province, Iran, benefits from a distinctive geographical setting and abundant natural resources, including local rivers and native vegetation. These features offer considerable potential for utilizing natural corridors to improve urban livability and promote environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as uncontrolled urban sprawl, uneven distribution of green spaces, and the absence of integrated management threaten the city’s ecological resilience. This study seeks to develop strategic approaches for the preservation and enhancement of Royan’s natural corridors, grounded in the principles of environmental sustainability and urban livability. Adopting an applied research framework with a descriptive-analytical methodology, data were gathered through documentary analysis and examined using MICMAC software to evaluate the interrelationships among 29 key indicators. Strategy prioritization was conducted using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method in MATLAB. The findings reveal that strategies such as “developing rapid response plans for natural hazard management” and “organizing educational and recreational tours with local guides” are of highest priority. These initiatives contribute to strengthening environmental resilience, reinforcing local identity, and improving quality of life, while also fostering social interaction. The results emphasize the importance of integrated policy-making, the adoption of data-driven technologies, and active community engagement. This study offers a localized framework tailored to small and developing cities, serving as a replicable model for sustainable urban planning and natural corridor management in similar contexts. It highlights the critical balance between urban growth and ecological conservation.
 
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
In the 21st century, rapid urbanization has introduced profound challenges for cities across the globe, including environmental degradation, habitat fragmentation, and a decline in urban livability. Natural corridors—defined as continuous or semi-continuous ecological pathways—function as vital infrastructures that help counteract the negative effects of urban sprawl by linking green spaces and natural habitats. These corridors play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, improving air quality, supporting mental and physical health, and strengthening social cohesion. Royan, a small city in Noor County, Mazandaran Province, Iran, benefits from a distinctive geographical location along the Caspian Sea and is rich in natural assets such as the Noor and Varazan Rivers and native vegetation. These features present significant opportunities for harnessing natural corridors to promote environmental sustainability and enhance urban livability. Yet, the city faces mounting threats from uncontrolled urban expansion, uneven distribution of green spaces, and a lack of integrated resource management, all of which undermine its ecological resilience. This study aims to develop strategic approaches for the creation and preservation of natural corridors in Royan, grounded in the principles of sustainable development and urban livability. It explores three central research questions: (1) How can strategic plans for natural corridor development be effectively formulated? (2) Which indicators most strongly influence urban livability and environmental sustainability? (3) How can a balance between urban growth and ecological conservation be achieved? By employing an interdisciplinary methodology, this research seeks to establish a practical framework for managing natural corridors in small and developing cities. The proposed model offers a replicable approach for urban contexts facing similar developmental and environmental pressures, contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban futures.
 
2-Materials and Methods
This applied study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology. The research area, Royan, is situated between 51°25′ to 52°18′ E and 36°2′ to 36°36′ N, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north, Noor city to the east, Noshahr to the west, and forested mountainous regions to the south. Data were collected through comprehensive documentary analysis, drawing from reputable national and international scientific sources. A total of 29 indicators, derived from established theoretical frameworks, were examined using MICMAC software to evaluate both direct and indirect interrelationships among variables, thereby identifying strategic indicators essential to the system. Operational strategies were prioritized using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method, implemented in MATLAB, based on expert assessments. The study engaged a panel of 27 urban planning specialists with expertise in urban livability, who contributed by completing cross-impact and strategy-criteria matrices. Indicator validation was conducted through content validity procedures, with expert feedback ensuring their necessity, relevance, and conceptual integrity. No statistical instruments, such as questionnaires, were employed, as the study relied on theoretical analysis and expert judgment. Prioritization criteria included implementation cost, economic return, environmental sustainability, pollution reduction, public participation, feasibility, short- and long-term effectiveness, scalability, and adaptability to change. To ensure impartiality, expert anonymity was maintained throughout the evaluation process.
 
3- Results and Discussion
The analysis of direct and indirect impact matrices revealed that environmental and socio-cultural dimensions exert the highest levels of influence and dependency within the natural corridor management system. Key strategic indicators—such as the number of habitat restoration projects (S5), the availability of multipurpose public spaces (S20), and income generated from nature-based tourism (S10)—play a pivotal role in shaping system dynamics. Based on these indicators, 24 operational strategies were formulated and organized into eight thematic categories. The results of the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) prioritization identified “developing rapid response plans for hazard management along the Caspian Sea” (score: 0.7177) and “organizing educational and recreational tours with local guides” (score: 0.7075) as top priorities. These strategies emphasize environmental resilience, community engagement, and the reinforcement of local cultural identity. Other highly ranked strategies included “incorporating vernacular and green architecture in the design of Fanous Coastal Park” and “developing multilevel cycling and walking paths along the coastline,” highlighting the importance of green infrastructure and universal accessibility. These findings are consistent with prior research, such as Lin et al. (2024), which underscores the role of urban river corridors in enhancing recreational experiences, and Francis et al. (2019), which emphasizes their contribution to biodiversity and social interaction.  Nevertheless, the study’s reliance on MICMAC’s expert-driven methodology and its emphasis on physical interventions over spatial justice may limit the comprehensiveness of the proposed policies. To address these limitations, integrating complementary approaches—such as the Delphi method or dynamic modeling techniques (e.g., System Dynamics or Agent-Based Modeling)—could help capture long-term system behaviors and promote equitable outcomes. Furthermore, implementation challenges such as financial constraints, institutional fragmentation, and limited community participation may impede progress. These obstacles underscore the need for participatory models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and targeted public awareness campaigns, to foster inclusive and sustainable development.
 
4- Conclusion
This study highlights the critical role of natural corridors as both ecological and social infrastructures in advancing urban livability and environmental sustainability in Royan. The analysis reveals a strong interconnection between environmental and socio-cultural indicators, underscoring the necessity of integrated policy-making that harmonizes urban development with ecological conservation. The prioritized strategies—such as rapid response plans for natural hazard management and sustainable tourism initiatives—not only enhance environmental and social quality but also act as catalysts for broader sustainable development. Nonetheless, potential risks, including increased pressure on natural resources due to tourism expansion, call for further investigation through multidimensional risk assessments. Policy implications point to the need for strengthened inter-institutional collaboration, the integration of data-driven technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for environmental monitoring, and the promotion of community engagement to ensure the sustainable use of natural spaces. Future research should consider dynamic modeling techniques, including System Dynamics and Agent-Based Modeling, to simulate long-term urban system responses to environmental and social changes.  Moreover, conducting cost-benefit analyses in real-world contexts could yield practical insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed strategies. This study presents a localized and adaptable framework tailored to small and developing cities, offering a valuable reference for urban planners and policymakers confronting similar developmental and environmental challenges.