Analysis of Acupuncture Strategy in Environmental Sustainability of Urban Rivers (Case Study: Qeshlaq River, Sanandaj)

Increasing urban and environmental pressures have made sustainable restoration of urban rivers such as the Qeshlaq River in Sanandaj a necessity. This study, using a descriptive-analytical and comparative method, examines the application of the “urban acupuncture” strategy as a new and appropriate approach for the environmental sustainability of this river. By benchmarking three successful global projects (Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, Floating Island in Bruges, and Kastrup Beach in Copenhagen), this study shows that small-scale, targeted, and low-cost interventions – such as creating coastal green spaces, natural filtration systems, and walking paths – can simultaneously enhance ecological quality (increasing biodiversity and improving water quality), social interaction, and economic prosperity. The suitability of this strategy for the Qeshlaq River does not stem from its apparent similarity to global examples, but rather from its inherent ability to respond to the local context. Its low-cost and participatory nature is compatible with the limited financial resources of the Sanandaj Municipality and the need for inter-institutional coordination. On the other hand, by identifying and targeting local “hotspots” (such as pollution hotspots, areas around the historic Qeshlaq Bridge, or adjacent run-down neighborhoods), this approach is able to break the vicious cycle of pollution and destruction with intelligent interventions and spread positive effects to the entire river system. As a result, urban acupuncture, with a holistic and flexible approach, offers a practical and sustainable strategy for transforming the Qeshlaq River into a vital and green urban artery.
 
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
Rivers are a vital network that supports the environment of cities and can be havens with special ecological value. Creating sustainable communities and ensuring a high quality of life have become priorities for urban regeneration. The latest urban development concepts define ways to achieve this goal by forming a smart, creative, and happy urban environment. When developing innovative approaches to the formation and implementation of public urban regeneration policies, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the relevant concepts. The problem of this research begins from here: one of the places that urgently needs regeneration in the field of urban development management is the Qeshlaq River in Sanandaj. This place, with its unique natural and historical value, has considerable potential for regeneration and transformation into a green and recreational space. The Qeshlaq River is in a vicious cycle: pollution → reduced quality of life and value → further neglect and degradation → increased pollution. Breaking this cycle is achieved by stimulating key sensitive points. This strategy moves the entire system in a direction where ecological life and social life can flow again. The necessity of the urban acupuncture strategy in the Qeshlaq River arises from the need to restore hydrological and ecological functions without causing widespread disruption to the river system. These point interventions (such as creating small structures to reduce erosion, restoring reed beds at pollutant entry points, or creating stone barriers to diversify the flow) can activate the inherent resilience of the river with minimal intervention, and their positive effects will spread nonlinearly throughout the entire river system.
 
2-Materials and Methods
The Qeshlaq Valley River is situated at 47°3′ east longitude and 35°19′ north latitude, on the extreme eastern side of Sanandaj city. From the north side, it is bounded by Naysar village; from the northeast by Sanandaj Industrial City; from the east by Behesht Mohammadi Cemetery, Asawaleh village, Qar, and their eastern heights; from the southeast by Doshan village; from the south by the freight terminal and airport; from the southwest by Gerizeh village; and from the west by the development area of Qeshlaq city. The approach of the present research is descriptive-analytical with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. The descriptive method identifies the dimensions and components of urban revitalization and describes the current status of Sanandaj’s urban rivers, while the analytical-comparative method analyzes global experiences and adapts them to local conditions to provide practical solutions. The research is applied in nature, aiming to provide practical solutions for urban river restoration. The research is comparative in order to identify the potential and challenges of using urban acupuncture in urban river restoration. The study employs a comparative design using the benchmarking method to compare and model the programs, policies, and procedures of other cities that have successful experience in urban river restoration using the urban acupuncture strategy.
 
3- Results and Discussion
The development strategy of “urban acupuncture” is a suitable and feasible approach to the revitalization of this area due to its inherent adaptation to the characteristics of the city of Sanandaj and the Qeshlaq River. This suitability is based on several key principles:
First, the logic of selecting intervention points is based on local pathology, not mere modeling. The success of acupuncture depends on the accurate identification of “pressure points” or “vital nodes” in the local context that have the greatest potential to create chain changes. In Sanandaj, these points can include historic neighborhoods adjacent to the river that face problems such as lack of quality public spaces, disconnection from the river, and physical deterioration.
Second, the low-cost, quick-to-return, and participatory nature of this strategy is perfectly suited to the conditions of Sanandaj. Large-scale renovation approaches often face governance obstacles (lack of coordination between institutions such as the municipality, environment, and natural resources) and severe budget shortages. In contrast, small-scale acupuncture interventions (such as the construction of a limited linear park, the installation of a waste disposal point, or the participatory restoration of a section of a pedestrian path) do not require large capital investments.
Third, this strategy is able to provide an integrated response to the multiple dimensions of the Qeshlaq River problem. The Qeshlaq is not simply a hydrological conduit but an “urban artery” that has ecological, historical, social, and economic dimensions. Consequently, the relevance of this strategy does not depend on Sanandaj’s superficial resemblance to Seoul or Copenhagen, but on its ability to restore the organic relationship between the city and the river through intelligent, cost-effective interventions rooted in the local context. This strategy not only manages environmental challenges such as flooding and pollution but also contributes to economic development through tourism and investment. By following global examples, Sanandaj can transform the Qeshlaq River into an urban “green artery,” which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 11 and 13).
 
4- Conclusion
The suitability of this strategy for Sanandaj is based on several pillars: first, its low-cost and participatory nature is compatible with limited financial resources and local governance challenges. Second, its holistic approach enables a simultaneous response to multiple environmental (ecological restoration, flood management), social (enhancing interactions and a sense of belonging), and economic (sustainable tourism development) dimensions. Third, and most importantly, its effectiveness depends on the intelligent selection of “hot spots” based on local pathology (such as pollution hotspots, areas around historical bridges, and adjacent dilapidated neighborhoods), rather than simply modeling itself after foreign examples. Finally, the success of this strategy depends on prerequisites that must be given serious attention: prioritizing pollution treatment interventions (especially wastewater) before beautification projects, establishing a cross-sectoral coordination mechanism between relevant institutions, and engaging the local community in genuine participation at all stages of design, implementation, and monitoring.