Shahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121The trend of land use changes and the level of ecological risk in the Hara Protected AreaThe trend of land use changes and the level of ecological risk in the Hara Protected Area11910398410.48308/sdge.2023.232851.1147FAParvanehSobhaniDepartment of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty,
University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.0000-0001-9878-3768AfshinDanehkarDepartment of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty,
University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.0000-0003-0641-9286Journal Article20230821<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Monitoring the trend of long-term Land Use (LU) changes in Protected Areas (PAs) and ecological risk assessment is one of the appropriate management methods for prevention of habitat destruction and threats in these areas. The Hara Protected Area (PA) is known as the largest natural habitat in the Persian Gulf and in terms of diversity in habitat form, there are three types of deltaic, island and coastal types with dense, low and thin covers. This area is also rich in flora and fauna and pristine natural landscapes. Therefore, it is necessary to control the process of changes caused by various human activities development and also to assess the ecological risk level caused by these activities. In this regard, the main research questions are: 1) What is the trend of LU changes in the studied area? 2) What is the ecological risk in this area? 3) Considering land use changes trend and ecological risk in the area, what is the status of the landscape pattern indicators?<br /> <br /><strong>Materials and Methods</strong><br />In this study, from the topographic map of the studied area (on a scale of 1:25000) and satellite images of Landsat TM in 1989 and 1999, Landsat ETM+ in 2009 and OLI_TIRS in 2021 to evaluate LU changes and habitat integrity was used. In order to classify the images, the random forest algorithm was used and the accuracy of the classification was also evaluated using the overall accuracy obtained from the confusion matrix.<br />To obtain the ecological risk index, distance sampling method was used in time scale. The studied area was divided into ecological risk assessment units with an area of 10 * 10 km. Then, based on the number of lost (damaged) landscape indicators in each year, ecological risk level was calculated and the obtained results were assigned to evaluation areas as the central pixel. In addition to measuring ecological risk level, from the landscape Separation index (Si) to show the degree of dispersion of patches, from the landscape Fragmentation index (Fi) to check the integrity of the habitat, the Fractal Dimension index (FDi) and Vulnerability (Vi) were also used to measure the geometric order and complexity of the patches. <br /> <br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Human activities development has caused significant changes in the structure and function of the natural ecosystems of the land. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor and understand the spatial-temporal dynamics of LU changes and the resulting ecological risk. Among the LU classes in the area, tidal zones have the most increasing trend, and water areas show a decreasing trend. The results of the ecological risk assessment also indicate that due to population growth, economic development, and human activities, especially tourism, ecological risk level has increased in very high and high levels classes. Fi, Si, Di, FDi, and Vi indices evaluation, also indicated that most changes are related to mangrove forests and the distance between small forest patches has increased.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />According to the results, the mangrove forests of the Hara PA have experienced many changes in terms of size and quality over time, and despite their high importance, their distribution and expansion are decreasing due to human activities. In line with these changes, the landscape pattern of the Hara PA has also been affected and its quality has decreased. Accordingly, continuous control and monitoring of human activities to prevent the increase of ecological risk and the reduction of habitat quality in the PAs is essential, and according to the protection approaches, any indiscriminate and unplanned exploitation is prohibited in these areas. <br /> <strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Monitoring the trend of long-term Land Use (LU) changes in Protected Areas (PAs) and ecological risk assessment is one of the appropriate management methods for prevention of habitat destruction and threats in these areas. The Hara Protected Area (PA) is known as the largest natural habitat in the Persian Gulf and in terms of diversity in habitat form, there are three types of deltaic, island and coastal types with dense, low and thin covers. This area is also rich in flora and fauna and pristine natural landscapes. Therefore, it is necessary to control the process of changes caused by various human activities development and also to assess the ecological risk level caused by these activities. In this regard, the main research questions are: 1) What is the trend of LU changes in the studied area? 2) What is the ecological risk in this area? 3) Considering land use changes trend and ecological risk in the area, what is the status of the landscape pattern indicators?<br /> <br /><strong>Materials and Methods</strong><br />In this study, from the topographic map of the studied area (on a scale of 1:25000) and satellite images of Landsat TM in 1989 and 1999, Landsat ETM+ in 2009 and OLI_TIRS in 2021 to evaluate LU changes and habitat integrity was used. In order to classify the images, the random forest algorithm was used and the accuracy of the classification was also evaluated using the overall accuracy obtained from the confusion matrix.<br />To obtain the ecological risk index, distance sampling method was used in time scale. The studied area was divided into ecological risk assessment units with an area of 10 * 10 km. Then, based on the number of lost (damaged) landscape indicators in each year, ecological risk level was calculated and the obtained results were assigned to evaluation areas as the central pixel. In addition to measuring ecological risk level, from the landscape Separation index (Si) to show the degree of dispersion of patches, from the landscape Fragmentation index (Fi) to check the integrity of the habitat, the Fractal Dimension index (FDi) and Vulnerability (Vi) were also used to measure the geometric order and complexity of the patches. <br /> <br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Human activities development has caused significant changes in the structure and function of the natural ecosystems of the land. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor and understand the spatial-temporal dynamics of LU changes and the resulting ecological risk. Among the LU classes in the area, tidal zones have the most increasing trend, and water areas show a decreasing trend. The results of the ecological risk assessment also indicate that due to population growth, economic development, and human activities, especially tourism, ecological risk level has increased in very high and high levels classes. Fi, Si, Di, FDi, and Vi indices evaluation, also indicated that most changes are related to mangrove forests and the distance between small forest patches has increased.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />According to the results, the mangrove forests of the Hara PA have experienced many changes in terms of size and quality over time, and despite their high importance, their distribution and expansion are decreasing due to human activities. In line with these changes, the landscape pattern of the Hara PA has also been affected and its quality has decreased. Accordingly, continuous control and monitoring of human activities to prevent the increase of ecological risk and the reduction of habitat quality in the PAs is essential, and according to the protection approaches, any indiscriminate and unplanned exploitation is prohibited in these areas. <br /> https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_103984_dd7c4614cf70d08d05a3cc7423f16958.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Analysis of the impact of information and communication technology on creative tourism (Case study: rural areas of Isfahan province)Analysis of the impact of information and communication technology on creative tourism (Case study: rural areas of Isfahan province)203710421310.48308/sdge.2023.228128.1062FAAhmadHajarianGeography and Rural Planning Department, College of Geography and Planning, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran.0000-0003-4487-3586Journal Article20220724<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />In the literature and planning of tourism studies and tourism development, creativity and innovation are undoubtedly considered essential factors for development. Isfahan province, as one of the country's tourism hubs and the 7.8% share of this province in the development of digital technology, can play a significant role in development. According to the mentioned introduction, the rural areas of Isfahan province, which have the capacity and capability of tourism, have not used this opportunity as they should, and the residents of these areas have faced many problems, information and communication technologies as an effective component in to introduce, identify, expand and develop tourism in these areas, it can be fruitful. Therefore, the current research seeks to answer the following question: What are the effects of information and communication technology on the creation of creative tourism infrastructures in the studied area?<br /><strong>Methodology </strong><br />The current research is applied research in terms of its purpose and causal research in terms of its nature. The statistical population of the research consisted of 3808 heads of households in 19 villages selected for tourism in Isfahan province. Cochran's formula was used to calculate the statistical sample size, and based on this, the sample size was estimated to be 349 households, which were selected by systematic random method from the rural community. Cronbach's alpha method was used in SPSS 22 to comply with the working principles and technique and to measure the reliability in compiling and setting up the questionnaire. The results indicate that the questionnaire has high reliability so the total reliability of the questionnaire is equal to 0.855. Also, while ensuring the normality of the data distribution, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to measure the data collected from the T-Tech test, and the structural equation model (Smart PLS) was used.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The results of the Pearson correlation test (assuring the normal distribution of the data) show that there is a positive and significant correlation between the dimensions of information and communication technology with the formation of creative tourism infrastructure at a significance level of less than 0.01, so with the increase in the use of information and communication and its dimensions, creative tourism infrastructure has also improved. To investigate the impact of information and communication technology on creative tourism infrastructure, using the variance-based structural equation modeling approach, the independent and dependent variables of the research were entered into the structural equation model as latent variables and in the form of first-order factor models. All the indicators of the current research have a factor load of more than 0.4 and have high reliability and validity for measuring variables, and there is an acceptable correlation between the indicators. The relationship between indicators is significant and direct; According to the standard coefficients, 27.2% of the changes in the creative tourism infrastructure level are directly predicted by the creative process index. In general, according to the coefficient of determination (R2) for the variable of creative tourism infrastructure (0.967), it was found that the influence of rural information-communication technology on creative tourism infrastructure is strong.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Creative rural tourism can add new parts to the economic, social, cultural, and management dimensions of the village and create new opportunities for the development of the village on a national and transnational scale. In general, according to the coefficient of determination (R2) for the variable of creative tourism infrastructure (0.967), it was determined that the influence of rural information-communication technology (ICT) on creative tourism infrastructure is strong; And 99.7 percent of creative tourism infrastructure changes in the studied area are predicted by the use of rural information-communication technology. The value obtained for the GOF index (0.887), also confirms the very appropriate fit of the structural model of the research.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />In the literature and planning of tourism studies and tourism development, creativity and innovation are undoubtedly considered essential factors for development. Isfahan province, as one of the country's tourism hubs and the 7.8% share of this province in the development of digital technology, can play a significant role in development. According to the mentioned introduction, the rural areas of Isfahan province, which have the capacity and capability of tourism, have not used this opportunity as they should, and the residents of these areas have faced many problems, information and communication technologies as an effective component in to introduce, identify, expand and develop tourism in these areas, it can be fruitful. Therefore, the current research seeks to answer the following question: What are the effects of information and communication technology on the creation of creative tourism infrastructures in the studied area?<br /><strong>Methodology </strong><br />The current research is applied research in terms of its purpose and causal research in terms of its nature. The statistical population of the research consisted of 3808 heads of households in 19 villages selected for tourism in Isfahan province. Cochran's formula was used to calculate the statistical sample size, and based on this, the sample size was estimated to be 349 households, which were selected by systematic random method from the rural community. Cronbach's alpha method was used in SPSS 22 to comply with the working principles and technique and to measure the reliability in compiling and setting up the questionnaire. The results indicate that the questionnaire has high reliability so the total reliability of the questionnaire is equal to 0.855. Also, while ensuring the normality of the data distribution, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to measure the data collected from the T-Tech test, and the structural equation model (Smart PLS) was used.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The results of the Pearson correlation test (assuring the normal distribution of the data) show that there is a positive and significant correlation between the dimensions of information and communication technology with the formation of creative tourism infrastructure at a significance level of less than 0.01, so with the increase in the use of information and communication and its dimensions, creative tourism infrastructure has also improved. To investigate the impact of information and communication technology on creative tourism infrastructure, using the variance-based structural equation modeling approach, the independent and dependent variables of the research were entered into the structural equation model as latent variables and in the form of first-order factor models. All the indicators of the current research have a factor load of more than 0.4 and have high reliability and validity for measuring variables, and there is an acceptable correlation between the indicators. The relationship between indicators is significant and direct; According to the standard coefficients, 27.2% of the changes in the creative tourism infrastructure level are directly predicted by the creative process index. In general, according to the coefficient of determination (R2) for the variable of creative tourism infrastructure (0.967), it was found that the influence of rural information-communication technology on creative tourism infrastructure is strong.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Creative rural tourism can add new parts to the economic, social, cultural, and management dimensions of the village and create new opportunities for the development of the village on a national and transnational scale. In general, according to the coefficient of determination (R2) for the variable of creative tourism infrastructure (0.967), it was determined that the influence of rural information-communication technology (ICT) on creative tourism infrastructure is strong; And 99.7 percent of creative tourism infrastructure changes in the studied area are predicted by the use of rural information-communication technology. The value obtained for the GOF index (0.887), also confirms the very appropriate fit of the structural model of the research.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104213_7a5aaf1da6934521d45735bfb50d12c3.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121The Practical Concept of Green Smart Building (Case Study: District 1, City of Tehran)The Practical Concept of Green Smart Building (Case Study: District 1, City of Tehran)385310421410.48308/sdge.2023.230000.1103FAShahinKhalediDepartment of Architecture - Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0009-0009-1096-590XFarahHabibDepartment of Architecture - Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-8052-6229HamidMajediDepartment of Architecture - Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5374-5669Journal Article20221230<strong>Background </strong><strong>and</strong><strong> purpose</strong><br />Sustainable and green approaches in architecture are expanding due to the importance of achieving goals of reducing carbon footprint and adapting to the consequences of global warming. The design and construction of smart green buildings have been considered as an efficient model in terms of energy consumption and meeting the needs of residents. Smart green buildings use the green Internet of Things and ICT. In addition to the proper management of energy, water, and waste, they affect the health and quality of the indoor environment, while the investment cost and higher selling price may limit their development. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the feasibility of green smart building concept implementation from the project beneficiaries’ perspective in Iran, analyzing the views of residents and home buyers.<br /><strong>Methods</strong><br />This applied research uses an analytical-descriptive method based on desk research, field studies, and questionnaires. The effective factors in the application of smart green building concepts, as the innovation of the study, have been investigated with its goals including technology, energy saving, and creating a healthy and clean environment. A questionnaire with 39 questions was designed, encompassing four dimensions comprising the benefits of smart green building, factors affecting buyers' willingness, estimation of necessary cost for construction, and factors affecting the implementation of smart green concept in construction. Then, possible effective factors in the successful implementation of green building criteria were classified into three categories: leadership and responsibility, principles and techniques, and feedback and creating public trust. The research was conducted focusing on District 1 of Tehran in the northernmost part of the city, and the resident households with the ability to purchase a green residential unit with an added value equal to 10-31% compared to normal units formed the target statistical population. In the pre-test stage, the questionnaire was distributed among 30 individuals and the sample size was obtained by analyzing the data. After collecting the data, all statistical analyzes analyses were done using SPSS software.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The results of the survey of 62 responses to the questionnaire show that among the advantages of smart green buildings, energy efficiency, material efficiency, and land efficiency are more important, respectively. Most respondents believe that green smart buildings save maintenance costs and thus reduce energy demand for lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Economic incentives are the priority of policy measures, and granting tax discounts to buyers of green housing affects buyers' willingness. Labeling buildings and paying subsidized loans and grants are in the next positions. Moreover, half of the respondents estimated the added value needed to build a house or apartment with a green rating compared with a similar normal house or apartment to be more than 30%, which is congruent with previous studies. Buyers' willingness to pay additional prices rises with increasing income and 40.3% of respondents are willing to pay more to buy a green smart building as a new house or apartment.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />To increase buyers’ willingness to pay extra, it is necessary to moderate the price of green buildings. Providing suitable platforms to raise public awareness about the concept of green building can help users and consumers to make proper decisions. Currently, green building is prioritized due to its environmental effects. Nevertheless, it is necessary to consider its potential economic and human benefits, which is one of the key points for the success of green buildings in the future. The successful implementation of the smart green building program requires defining the vision and technological instructions, preparing a road map, and then prioritizing and streamlining the construction and renovation projects with the aim of sustainability.<strong>Background </strong><strong>and</strong><strong> purpose</strong><br />Sustainable and green approaches in architecture are expanding due to the importance of achieving goals of reducing carbon footprint and adapting to the consequences of global warming. The design and construction of smart green buildings have been considered as an efficient model in terms of energy consumption and meeting the needs of residents. Smart green buildings use the green Internet of Things and ICT. In addition to the proper management of energy, water, and waste, they affect the health and quality of the indoor environment, while the investment cost and higher selling price may limit their development. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the feasibility of green smart building concept implementation from the project beneficiaries’ perspective in Iran, analyzing the views of residents and home buyers.<br /><strong>Methods</strong><br />This applied research uses an analytical-descriptive method based on desk research, field studies, and questionnaires. The effective factors in the application of smart green building concepts, as the innovation of the study, have been investigated with its goals including technology, energy saving, and creating a healthy and clean environment. A questionnaire with 39 questions was designed, encompassing four dimensions comprising the benefits of smart green building, factors affecting buyers' willingness, estimation of necessary cost for construction, and factors affecting the implementation of smart green concept in construction. Then, possible effective factors in the successful implementation of green building criteria were classified into three categories: leadership and responsibility, principles and techniques, and feedback and creating public trust. The research was conducted focusing on District 1 of Tehran in the northernmost part of the city, and the resident households with the ability to purchase a green residential unit with an added value equal to 10-31% compared to normal units formed the target statistical population. In the pre-test stage, the questionnaire was distributed among 30 individuals and the sample size was obtained by analyzing the data. After collecting the data, all statistical analyzes analyses were done using SPSS software.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The results of the survey of 62 responses to the questionnaire show that among the advantages of smart green buildings, energy efficiency, material efficiency, and land efficiency are more important, respectively. Most respondents believe that green smart buildings save maintenance costs and thus reduce energy demand for lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Economic incentives are the priority of policy measures, and granting tax discounts to buyers of green housing affects buyers' willingness. Labeling buildings and paying subsidized loans and grants are in the next positions. Moreover, half of the respondents estimated the added value needed to build a house or apartment with a green rating compared with a similar normal house or apartment to be more than 30%, which is congruent with previous studies. Buyers' willingness to pay additional prices rises with increasing income and 40.3% of respondents are willing to pay more to buy a green smart building as a new house or apartment.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />To increase buyers’ willingness to pay extra, it is necessary to moderate the price of green buildings. Providing suitable platforms to raise public awareness about the concept of green building can help users and consumers to make proper decisions. Currently, green building is prioritized due to its environmental effects. Nevertheless, it is necessary to consider its potential economic and human benefits, which is one of the key points for the success of green buildings in the future. The successful implementation of the smart green building program requires defining the vision and technological instructions, preparing a road map, and then prioritizing and streamlining the construction and renovation projects with the aim of sustainability.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104214_345ecb33bffe4d74f7538ffb634dc5e8.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Explaining Co-Relationship between the Visual Complexity of Townscape and its Physical Identity (Case Study: The Historical Core of Kermanshah City)Explaining Co-Relationship between the Visual Complexity of Townscape and its Physical Identity (Case Study: The Historical Core of Kermanshah City)547110394610.48308/sdge.2023.233111.1152FARozhinMarziDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-9776-3834MahmudRezaeiDepartment of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-9776-3834ToofanHaghaniDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-4170-3728Journal Article20230912<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The townscape combines traditional and modern elements shaped across different periods and styles. Some components evoke memories and a sense of belonging, while others hinder the recognition of the city's texture, failing to engage the senses. The theory of complexity seeks to reveal hidden orders within identifying elements, suggesting that spatial relationships follow specific mathematical formulas rather than random arrangements. Though complex, the resulting shape, form, and geometry contain a hidden order that imbues meaning, contributing to the identity and sense of belonging within a space. This research aims to connect physical complexity theory with townscape theories to interpret the complexity of physically identity-laden townscapes, particularly those with historical significance.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This study employs a simultaneous descriptive-analytical and quantitative-qualitative approach. It comprises two main sections as the first delves into theoretical foundations related to fractals and their application in townscapes, examining historical context. The second part involves selecting and photographing townscapes in the historical context of Kermanshah city to measure their physical complexity. To calculate the fractal dimension, each photo is categorized into three scales as far, middle, and close distances. Fractal dimensions are calculated using "ImageJ" software for 14 images from seven historical townscapes, including elements added to the townscapes in different periods.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Calculating fractal dimensions for selected townscapes within the historical context of Kermanshah at varying distances revealed interesting patterns. It was observed that older townscapes featuring buildings and historical elements exhibit higher complexity compared to newer townscapes. When examining the fractal dimension at a middle distance, it became evident that historical townscapes, characterized by a strong physical identity, showcase increased physical complexity, which is accompanied by either a constant or slight decrease in complexity. This trend is reiterated in the near distance, demonstrating an escalation in physical complexity as one approaches the townscape with a more pronounced physical identity. In addition to changes in the fractal dimension, it is noteworthy that images at a far distance encompass more elements and components compared to the other two distances. Consequently, one might expect a decrease in the fractal dimension as details diminish in the overall image. However, this outcome was observed only in newer townscapes.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The results indicate that townscapes of Kermanshah with a stronger historical identity exhibit higher physical complexity than those lacking historical identity. Additionally, there is a direct correlation between fractal dimension (physical complexity) and subjective knowledge and meaning associated with the townscape. The evaluation of complexity from three different scales reveals that physical complexity is more consistent in historical urban townscapes compared to newer ones. Over time, townscapes become richer and more physically complex, provided newer elements contribute to the continuity of physical-visual content instead of disrupting it. In townscapes with a more complex urban identity, the similarity between old and new elements surpasses differentiation, emphasizing unity and continuity overabundance and transformation. Calculating these complexities is a valuable tool for monitoring damage to historical city sights and proposing solutions for preserving identity, continuity, and connection between the present and the future.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The townscape combines traditional and modern elements shaped across different periods and styles. Some components evoke memories and a sense of belonging, while others hinder the recognition of the city's texture, failing to engage the senses. The theory of complexity seeks to reveal hidden orders within identifying elements, suggesting that spatial relationships follow specific mathematical formulas rather than random arrangements. Though complex, the resulting shape, form, and geometry contain a hidden order that imbues meaning, contributing to the identity and sense of belonging within a space. This research aims to connect physical complexity theory with townscape theories to interpret the complexity of physically identity-laden townscapes, particularly those with historical significance.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This study employs a simultaneous descriptive-analytical and quantitative-qualitative approach. It comprises two main sections as the first delves into theoretical foundations related to fractals and their application in townscapes, examining historical context. The second part involves selecting and photographing townscapes in the historical context of Kermanshah city to measure their physical complexity. To calculate the fractal dimension, each photo is categorized into three scales as far, middle, and close distances. Fractal dimensions are calculated using "ImageJ" software for 14 images from seven historical townscapes, including elements added to the townscapes in different periods.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Calculating fractal dimensions for selected townscapes within the historical context of Kermanshah at varying distances revealed interesting patterns. It was observed that older townscapes featuring buildings and historical elements exhibit higher complexity compared to newer townscapes. When examining the fractal dimension at a middle distance, it became evident that historical townscapes, characterized by a strong physical identity, showcase increased physical complexity, which is accompanied by either a constant or slight decrease in complexity. This trend is reiterated in the near distance, demonstrating an escalation in physical complexity as one approaches the townscape with a more pronounced physical identity. In addition to changes in the fractal dimension, it is noteworthy that images at a far distance encompass more elements and components compared to the other two distances. Consequently, one might expect a decrease in the fractal dimension as details diminish in the overall image. However, this outcome was observed only in newer townscapes.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The results indicate that townscapes of Kermanshah with a stronger historical identity exhibit higher physical complexity than those lacking historical identity. Additionally, there is a direct correlation between fractal dimension (physical complexity) and subjective knowledge and meaning associated with the townscape. The evaluation of complexity from three different scales reveals that physical complexity is more consistent in historical urban townscapes compared to newer ones. Over time, townscapes become richer and more physically complex, provided newer elements contribute to the continuity of physical-visual content instead of disrupting it. In townscapes with a more complex urban identity, the similarity between old and new elements surpasses differentiation, emphasizing unity and continuity overabundance and transformation. Calculating these complexities is a valuable tool for monitoring damage to historical city sights and proposing solutions for preserving identity, continuity, and connection between the present and the future.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_103946_023b243fb8f7cb692695b629c9e2b1c8.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Suitable Approach for City Flood Crisis Management: A Case Study of Ilam CitySuitable Approach for City Flood Crisis Management: A Case Study of Ilam City728910421510.48308/sdge.2023.230355.1114FAKeramatolaZiariDepartment of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran,0000-0001-9135-4768Seyed AbassRajaeiDepartment of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Iran0000-0002-6113-2811RasoulDarabkhaniKish Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-7026-2108Journal Article20230123<strong>Background and Purpose</strong><br />As one of the natural disasters, flood is one of the main challenges for developing countries, which affects many countries of the world every year along with the loss of life and money. In Iran, floods are one of the most frequent natural events that cause much damage due to human intervention in nature and urban development incompatible with natural factors. Many cities in Iran face geomorphological limitations in terms of the physical development process, which has caused these cities to develop towards unsuitable and flood-prone lands. Due to these conditions, Ilam is one of the cities that has expanded to the river bank. Weaknesses of urban management, on the one hand, and traditional crisis management (relying on relief and rescue after the crisis) have caused this city to suffer life and financial losses in the recent flood crisis. Based on the results of the investigations mentioned above and the future studies method, this article seeks to achieve a suitable model of flood crisis management in Ilam.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The type of research is applied, and its research method is descriptive-analytical and survey. Documentary and field methods based on expert questionnaires have been used to collect information and understand the current situation. This survey extracted the effective dimensions and indicators based on theoretical studies. The future research method was used through Mic Mac software to achieve the goal and present the model and scenario. The statistical population includes experts related to the field of natural disasters and crisis management, including experts from the Red Crescent Society, the General Directorate of Crisis Management, the Regional Water and Sewerage Company, the University of Medical Sciences, the municipality, etc. (number of 30 people, sample size using the Delphi method).<br />The spatial scope of the research is Ilam, the capital of Ilam province. The most important dimensions examined in this research are natural (soil type, permanent rivers, topography, rainfall regime), physical (worn-out texture, land use type, respect for neighbors, building density, city texture type, etc.), administrative (urban laws, construction supervision, surface water management, location of sensitive and vital uses, observance of privacy, a written system of crisis management, single urban management, coordination of executive systems, specialization in urban management, documentation and knowledge transfer system, implementation of local management, separation, and verification duties between urban institutions, appropriate financial allocation based on the program), economic (property, income, and insurance), socio-cultural (population density, public participation, public awareness).<br /> <br /><strong>Findings and Discussion</strong><br />In the framework of behavioral and structural schools according to the reality of Ilam, this article has presented the appropriate model of flood crisis management in Ilam. Emphasizing school, social, and economic dimensions and relevant indicators have been developed to answer the article's question. According to the mentioned materials, the perspective used in this article can be called the perspective of structural and behavioral schools of urban flood crisis management under reality. Based on the facts of the mentioned schools, the relevant indicators have been set and compiled to achieve the appropriate model of flood crisis management in Ilam. Thirty-six key factors affecting the current situation of flood crisis management in Ilam, which experts have weighted, were investigated and quantitatively analyzed in Mic Mac software. Concerning the identified factors of the current crisis management (which is traditional), strategies appropriate to the current situation of flood crisis management in Ilam have been presented.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The results of the present research have shown that urban planning and especially urban management during the discussed periods has not been able to properly monitor the physical development of the city and the preservation of river privacy in Ilam. On the other hand, the structural measures of urban management in creating channels and urban flood routes show that implementation plans with appropriate studies on floods have not occurred in Ilam. Suppose the situation of the country's crisis management system is traditional, based on the theory of behavioral and structural schools according to reality. In that case, it is possible to present a suitable urban flood crisis management model, which is the example of Ilam. Moreover, the results of this research are confirmed and can be generalized to cities with similar conditions.<strong>Background and Purpose</strong><br />As one of the natural disasters, flood is one of the main challenges for developing countries, which affects many countries of the world every year along with the loss of life and money. In Iran, floods are one of the most frequent natural events that cause much damage due to human intervention in nature and urban development incompatible with natural factors. Many cities in Iran face geomorphological limitations in terms of the physical development process, which has caused these cities to develop towards unsuitable and flood-prone lands. Due to these conditions, Ilam is one of the cities that has expanded to the river bank. Weaknesses of urban management, on the one hand, and traditional crisis management (relying on relief and rescue after the crisis) have caused this city to suffer life and financial losses in the recent flood crisis. Based on the results of the investigations mentioned above and the future studies method, this article seeks to achieve a suitable model of flood crisis management in Ilam.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The type of research is applied, and its research method is descriptive-analytical and survey. Documentary and field methods based on expert questionnaires have been used to collect information and understand the current situation. This survey extracted the effective dimensions and indicators based on theoretical studies. The future research method was used through Mic Mac software to achieve the goal and present the model and scenario. The statistical population includes experts related to the field of natural disasters and crisis management, including experts from the Red Crescent Society, the General Directorate of Crisis Management, the Regional Water and Sewerage Company, the University of Medical Sciences, the municipality, etc. (number of 30 people, sample size using the Delphi method).<br />The spatial scope of the research is Ilam, the capital of Ilam province. The most important dimensions examined in this research are natural (soil type, permanent rivers, topography, rainfall regime), physical (worn-out texture, land use type, respect for neighbors, building density, city texture type, etc.), administrative (urban laws, construction supervision, surface water management, location of sensitive and vital uses, observance of privacy, a written system of crisis management, single urban management, coordination of executive systems, specialization in urban management, documentation and knowledge transfer system, implementation of local management, separation, and verification duties between urban institutions, appropriate financial allocation based on the program), economic (property, income, and insurance), socio-cultural (population density, public participation, public awareness).<br /> <br /><strong>Findings and Discussion</strong><br />In the framework of behavioral and structural schools according to the reality of Ilam, this article has presented the appropriate model of flood crisis management in Ilam. Emphasizing school, social, and economic dimensions and relevant indicators have been developed to answer the article's question. According to the mentioned materials, the perspective used in this article can be called the perspective of structural and behavioral schools of urban flood crisis management under reality. Based on the facts of the mentioned schools, the relevant indicators have been set and compiled to achieve the appropriate model of flood crisis management in Ilam. Thirty-six key factors affecting the current situation of flood crisis management in Ilam, which experts have weighted, were investigated and quantitatively analyzed in Mic Mac software. Concerning the identified factors of the current crisis management (which is traditional), strategies appropriate to the current situation of flood crisis management in Ilam have been presented.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The results of the present research have shown that urban planning and especially urban management during the discussed periods has not been able to properly monitor the physical development of the city and the preservation of river privacy in Ilam. On the other hand, the structural measures of urban management in creating channels and urban flood routes show that implementation plans with appropriate studies on floods have not occurred in Ilam. Suppose the situation of the country's crisis management system is traditional, based on the theory of behavioral and structural schools according to reality. In that case, it is possible to present a suitable urban flood crisis management model, which is the example of Ilam. Moreover, the results of this research are confirmed and can be generalized to cities with similar conditions.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104215_53f7235d27cc40d10f35210555c499d4.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Analyzing the resilience capacity of critical infrastructures in areas vulnerable to climate change: a study in Khuzestan provinceAnalyzing the resilience capacity of critical infrastructures in areas vulnerable to climate change: a study in Khuzestan province9010610389210.48308/sdge.2023.232648.1141FAMehrnooshHasanzadehDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of enginering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.0009-0009-9858-7586Mohammad BagherHeidarpanahUrban planning department, faculty of enginering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.0009-0009-9858-7586Journal Article20230807<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The resilience approach has gained an important place in various sciences, including urban and regional studies, during the last two decades. This matter is very important in the balanced, flexible and wise arrangement of the basic infrastructures, especially in the areas that are exposed to climate change and the damages caused by it. The research literature shows that many analytical models and frameworks have been presented to measure the resilience of vital and infrastructure systems. One of the most important models for evaluating the quality and capacity of resilience in infrastructure systems is the resilience adaptation cycle model. Considering the importance of resilience of critical infrastructures in Khuzestan province, this research has explained the resilience capacity of critical infrastructures in this province using this model.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />For the collection of descriptive data, documentary and library studies were used, and for the analytical data part, a survey method was used in the form of a targeted Delphi method. In this regard, the opinions of 30 experts and specialists were used in two stages, in the field of resilience of critical infrastructures and urban and regional planning. The first stage is to explain and explain the subject, model stages, indicators related to each of them and confirmation by experts, and the second stage is to weigh and measure the quality of the province's vital infrastructures in 5 infrastructures of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications and transportation. The basis of the resilience adaptation cycle model and the constituent indicators of the stages of the model have been discussed. To analyze the opinions of experts and outputs, the model of similarity to the fuzzy ideal option has been used.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The analysis of the results related to the indicators of the collapse stage as the first stage in the resilience adaptation cycle model for the critical infrastructures of the province when hazards occur shows that the critical electricity infrastructure has the lowest weight in all indicators and subsequently weak. It is the highest quality from the point of view of resilience, and from the point of view of the mentioned indicators, it has the priority of improvement. The analysis of the resilience capacity of the province's vital infrastructures in the reorganization stage as the second stage of the resilience adaptation cycle model shows that the electricity infrastructure has the weakest and lowest rank in all the indicators of this stage. It shows the low resilience of this infrastructure in Khuzestan province. The productivity stage is the third stage in the resilience adaptation cycle model to measure the resilience capacity of critical infrastructures in the province, and the results of this stage indicate that the critical electricity infrastructure has the lowest rating and the weakest quality in terms of resilience, just like the previous stages. Is. The balance stage is the last stage and the most complete stage in the resilience adaptation cycle model, the status of its indicators for the critical infrastructures of Khuzestan province shows that the open power facilities have the lowest weights and the weakest quality from the perspective of resilience. It is in the equilibrium stage.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The results of this research show that among the vital infrastructures of the province, the electricity infrastructure had an unfavorable condition from the point of view of resilience in all four stages of the model. After this infrastructure, the water infrastructure had a worse condition and received the lowest weights. Also, the infrastructures of gas, telecommunications and transportation, respectively, obtained the third to fifth ranks of resilience in the form of the resilience adaptation cycle model in the province. The final analysis of the quality of critical infrastructures of the province from the point of view of the stages of the resilience adaptation cycle model showed that the reorganization stage has the weakest quality and subsequently has a higher priority for planning in order to improve the quality of infrastructural resilience in Khuzestan province. The results of this research can pave the way for policies based on the resilient design of the province's vital infrastructure against natural hazards caused by climate change.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The resilience approach has gained an important place in various sciences, including urban and regional studies, during the last two decades. This matter is very important in the balanced, flexible and wise arrangement of the basic infrastructures, especially in the areas that are exposed to climate change and the damages caused by it. The research literature shows that many analytical models and frameworks have been presented to measure the resilience of vital and infrastructure systems. One of the most important models for evaluating the quality and capacity of resilience in infrastructure systems is the resilience adaptation cycle model. Considering the importance of resilience of critical infrastructures in Khuzestan province, this research has explained the resilience capacity of critical infrastructures in this province using this model.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />For the collection of descriptive data, documentary and library studies were used, and for the analytical data part, a survey method was used in the form of a targeted Delphi method. In this regard, the opinions of 30 experts and specialists were used in two stages, in the field of resilience of critical infrastructures and urban and regional planning. The first stage is to explain and explain the subject, model stages, indicators related to each of them and confirmation by experts, and the second stage is to weigh and measure the quality of the province's vital infrastructures in 5 infrastructures of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications and transportation. The basis of the resilience adaptation cycle model and the constituent indicators of the stages of the model have been discussed. To analyze the opinions of experts and outputs, the model of similarity to the fuzzy ideal option has been used.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The analysis of the results related to the indicators of the collapse stage as the first stage in the resilience adaptation cycle model for the critical infrastructures of the province when hazards occur shows that the critical electricity infrastructure has the lowest weight in all indicators and subsequently weak. It is the highest quality from the point of view of resilience, and from the point of view of the mentioned indicators, it has the priority of improvement. The analysis of the resilience capacity of the province's vital infrastructures in the reorganization stage as the second stage of the resilience adaptation cycle model shows that the electricity infrastructure has the weakest and lowest rank in all the indicators of this stage. It shows the low resilience of this infrastructure in Khuzestan province. The productivity stage is the third stage in the resilience adaptation cycle model to measure the resilience capacity of critical infrastructures in the province, and the results of this stage indicate that the critical electricity infrastructure has the lowest rating and the weakest quality in terms of resilience, just like the previous stages. Is. The balance stage is the last stage and the most complete stage in the resilience adaptation cycle model, the status of its indicators for the critical infrastructures of Khuzestan province shows that the open power facilities have the lowest weights and the weakest quality from the perspective of resilience. It is in the equilibrium stage.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The results of this research show that among the vital infrastructures of the province, the electricity infrastructure had an unfavorable condition from the point of view of resilience in all four stages of the model. After this infrastructure, the water infrastructure had a worse condition and received the lowest weights. Also, the infrastructures of gas, telecommunications and transportation, respectively, obtained the third to fifth ranks of resilience in the form of the resilience adaptation cycle model in the province. The final analysis of the quality of critical infrastructures of the province from the point of view of the stages of the resilience adaptation cycle model showed that the reorganization stage has the weakest quality and subsequently has a higher priority for planning in order to improve the quality of infrastructural resilience in Khuzestan province. The results of this research can pave the way for policies based on the resilient design of the province's vital infrastructure against natural hazards caused by climate change.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_103892_3a53654ec4cfa266d60f8d41bd7ce466.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121The role of the Aesthetic Components of the Natural Landscape Around the Dam's in the Development of Coastal Tourism (Case study: Sefidroud Manjil Dam Area)The role of the Aesthetic Components of the Natural Landscape Around the Dam's in the Development of Coastal Tourism (Case study: Sefidroud Manjil Dam Area)10712110421610.48308/sdge.2023.233274.1157FAMiladBabaei EliasiDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0000-0002-7499-0743ZiaddinTavakkoliDepartment of Urban Design, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Kamal-ul-Molek Nowshahr Institute of Higher
Education, Nowshahr, Iran0009-0003-8771-1947SaberMohammadpourDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0000-0002-5496-2542MohammadGhambari HamedaniDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Alborz Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1895-7666Journal Article20230929<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />What is inferred from the review of previous studies, many studies have been conducted in different parts of Iran and the world in relation to coastal tourism, but less has been discussed in the aesthetic discussion of the natural landscape around dams in the development of tourism. Therefore, while investigating this issue, the current research has studied the area of Sefidroud Manjil Dam as an area that can be prosperous and increase tourists by investing in it. Therefore, the novelty of the present study lies in the fact that to discover the relationship between natural aesthetics and the development of coastal tourism, while studying a large set of previous studies, the researcher has re-edited the influencing variables based on the purpose of this study. Therefore, the main goal of the current research is to investigate the role or effect of the aesthetic components of the natural landscape around the dams in the development of coastal tourism.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The current research is in the category of applied research in terms of its purpose, and it is descriptive-analytical in terms of the nature and method of doing the work. To collect information, two library and field methods were used, which were used to examine the theoretical framework of the documentary and library method (books, theses, research, and articles) and to examine the aesthetic factors of the natural landscape around Sefidroud Dam in the direction of tourism development from studies Field and questionnaire tools have been used.<br />Also, data collection was done through a questionnaire with four independent variables (economic, social-cultural, physical - functional, and Environmental) and one dependent variable (coastal tourism development) with 24 items. For this purpose, to ensure the validity of the questionnaire as well as the selected indicators and items, it was given to 6 professors and researchers of urban planning and urban geography, and after applying their opinions, the questionnaire was finally modified and approved. The statistical population of the research was formed by professors and doctoral students of geography and urban planning and urban planning, experts and specialists in the field of tourism in Guilan province and Manjil city, who had sufficient knowledge of tourism and Manjil city. Also, the sample size was based on Sample Power software, 30 people were randomly selected. In the following, to analyze the data and answer the research questions, the structural equation modeling method was used in the Smart PLS software environment.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />In this research, according to the calculation of GOF based on the outputs of SmartPLS software, which showed a value of 0/641, it can be said that the model has a strong fit. Therefore, in the continuation of the analysis, the researcher is allowed to investigate and test his research questions. Therefore, the research hypothesis was confirmed at 99% confidence level and zero significance level. In such a way that there is a significant relationship between environmental aesthetic quality factors as an independent variable and tourist development and attraction as a dependent variable. Also, the obtained path coefficient is equal to 0/881, which indicates a very strong effect coefficient between them. So, it can be confidently acknowledged that the variable of aesthetic quality in all the investigated dimensions can have a strong and positive effect on the promotion of tourism.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The final summary of the current research indicates that success in achieving comprehensive goals depends on continuous interaction between key factors and detailed planning for the development and improvement of coastal tourism in Manjil city. Therefore, according to the results of the research, it can be stated that the obstacles to the development of tourism on the coast of Sefidroud Manjil Dam depend on elements such as physical - functional, environmental, economic and socio-cultural elements, and until these problems are not resolved, tourism There will be no significant growth in the mentioned areas.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />What is inferred from the review of previous studies, many studies have been conducted in different parts of Iran and the world in relation to coastal tourism, but less has been discussed in the aesthetic discussion of the natural landscape around dams in the development of tourism. Therefore, while investigating this issue, the current research has studied the area of Sefidroud Manjil Dam as an area that can be prosperous and increase tourists by investing in it. Therefore, the novelty of the present study lies in the fact that to discover the relationship between natural aesthetics and the development of coastal tourism, while studying a large set of previous studies, the researcher has re-edited the influencing variables based on the purpose of this study. Therefore, the main goal of the current research is to investigate the role or effect of the aesthetic components of the natural landscape around the dams in the development of coastal tourism.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The current research is in the category of applied research in terms of its purpose, and it is descriptive-analytical in terms of the nature and method of doing the work. To collect information, two library and field methods were used, which were used to examine the theoretical framework of the documentary and library method (books, theses, research, and articles) and to examine the aesthetic factors of the natural landscape around Sefidroud Dam in the direction of tourism development from studies Field and questionnaire tools have been used.<br />Also, data collection was done through a questionnaire with four independent variables (economic, social-cultural, physical - functional, and Environmental) and one dependent variable (coastal tourism development) with 24 items. For this purpose, to ensure the validity of the questionnaire as well as the selected indicators and items, it was given to 6 professors and researchers of urban planning and urban geography, and after applying their opinions, the questionnaire was finally modified and approved. The statistical population of the research was formed by professors and doctoral students of geography and urban planning and urban planning, experts and specialists in the field of tourism in Guilan province and Manjil city, who had sufficient knowledge of tourism and Manjil city. Also, the sample size was based on Sample Power software, 30 people were randomly selected. In the following, to analyze the data and answer the research questions, the structural equation modeling method was used in the Smart PLS software environment.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />In this research, according to the calculation of GOF based on the outputs of SmartPLS software, which showed a value of 0/641, it can be said that the model has a strong fit. Therefore, in the continuation of the analysis, the researcher is allowed to investigate and test his research questions. Therefore, the research hypothesis was confirmed at 99% confidence level and zero significance level. In such a way that there is a significant relationship between environmental aesthetic quality factors as an independent variable and tourist development and attraction as a dependent variable. Also, the obtained path coefficient is equal to 0/881, which indicates a very strong effect coefficient between them. So, it can be confidently acknowledged that the variable of aesthetic quality in all the investigated dimensions can have a strong and positive effect on the promotion of tourism.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The final summary of the current research indicates that success in achieving comprehensive goals depends on continuous interaction between key factors and detailed planning for the development and improvement of coastal tourism in Manjil city. Therefore, according to the results of the research, it can be stated that the obstacles to the development of tourism on the coast of Sefidroud Manjil Dam depend on elements such as physical - functional, environmental, economic and socio-cultural elements, and until these problems are not resolved, tourism There will be no significant growth in the mentioned areas.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104216_3221bb921d2a64015c56cecc9799e417.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Content analysis of sustainable urban tourism studies with emphasis on the terminology of the concept of "challenge"Content analysis of sustainable urban tourism studies with emphasis on the terminology of the concept of "challenge"12214310403410.48308/sdge.2023.232716.1142FARezaMotaharDepartment of Urban Planning, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology,
Tehran, Iran0009-0007-4649-5722Seyed AbdolhadiDaneshpourDepartment of Urban Planning, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology,
Tehran, Iran0000-0003-2373-5985Journal Article20230812<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Language is one of the most important human inventions in communicating. It seems that every knowledge arises from a paradigm and is defined with its own words; Because words make it possible to transfer knowledge and show their epistemological point of view. Also, specialized terms and their definitions have a basic role in transferring concepts and expanding science. Therefore, it seems that their imprecise application, especially in research activities, can lead to a deviation in the recognition of the researcher's intellectual paradigm and subsequently question the question and objectives, theoretical and operational solutions, findings and especially the research results. Therefore, the present study tries to define the word "challenge" correctly and explain a framework of its criteria in the field of urban research, especially sustainable tourism, and then analyze the content of domestic and foreign articles on sustainable tourism and finally compare their attitude with this term.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In this section, in order to dissect the research and analyze the fundamental elements of its methodological structure, the adapted model of onion research by Saunders has been used. Based on this, the paradigm of this interpretative-critical research and its logic is questioning; The research is qualitative and the information gathering strategy is a library; The research method is systematic content analysis, which with the aim of achieving a comprehensive definition of the word "challenge" in the researches of urban planners in the subject area of sustainable tourism, collected the necessary information through library studies and questionnaires and used the systematic content analysis method. In order to complete the questionnaires, ten experts were selected by non-probability snowball sampling method. In fact, this research has tried to achieve a comprehensive definition of the word challenge by combining the common definitions of domestic and foreign researches and extracting its criteria; Then confirm their authenticity by experts. In the next step, based on the extracted criteria and using the method of systematic content analysis, the systematic and comprehensive review and interpretation of the content of sustainable tourism research and the analysis of researchers' attitude regarding the word "challenge" have been done. Therefore, the current research is based on five stages, including determining the purpose of the study, collecting research data, coding the units of analysis, classification and interpretive evaluation of the conducted categories.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Based on the results of this research, the desired definition of the word "challenge" in tourism research is: "A challenge is a new condition and situation that introduces issues and problems into various areas and dimensions, from outside the urban system, and influences its future trajectory; depending on its scale, the urban system requires the responsible and active deployment of all its potential and actual capabilities in order to provide promising solutions to overcome prevailing conditions and achieve desired goals." Ultimately, based on a comparative analysis of forty domestic and foreign articles, it seems that currently, some domestic researchers do not have a clear and accurate understanding of the term "challenge" according to the defined criteria.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />It appears that one of the main reasons for the difference in attitude towards the term "challenge" in domestic and foreign research is the literal translation of this term into Persian; which should be considered in future research to take into account all aspects of the concept and its criteria.<br /> <strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Language is one of the most important human inventions in communicating. It seems that every knowledge arises from a paradigm and is defined with its own words; Because words make it possible to transfer knowledge and show their epistemological point of view. Also, specialized terms and their definitions have a basic role in transferring concepts and expanding science. Therefore, it seems that their imprecise application, especially in research activities, can lead to a deviation in the recognition of the researcher's intellectual paradigm and subsequently question the question and objectives, theoretical and operational solutions, findings and especially the research results. Therefore, the present study tries to define the word "challenge" correctly and explain a framework of its criteria in the field of urban research, especially sustainable tourism, and then analyze the content of domestic and foreign articles on sustainable tourism and finally compare their attitude with this term.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In this section, in order to dissect the research and analyze the fundamental elements of its methodological structure, the adapted model of onion research by Saunders has been used. Based on this, the paradigm of this interpretative-critical research and its logic is questioning; The research is qualitative and the information gathering strategy is a library; The research method is systematic content analysis, which with the aim of achieving a comprehensive definition of the word "challenge" in the researches of urban planners in the subject area of sustainable tourism, collected the necessary information through library studies and questionnaires and used the systematic content analysis method. In order to complete the questionnaires, ten experts were selected by non-probability snowball sampling method. In fact, this research has tried to achieve a comprehensive definition of the word challenge by combining the common definitions of domestic and foreign researches and extracting its criteria; Then confirm their authenticity by experts. In the next step, based on the extracted criteria and using the method of systematic content analysis, the systematic and comprehensive review and interpretation of the content of sustainable tourism research and the analysis of researchers' attitude regarding the word "challenge" have been done. Therefore, the current research is based on five stages, including determining the purpose of the study, collecting research data, coding the units of analysis, classification and interpretive evaluation of the conducted categories.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Based on the results of this research, the desired definition of the word "challenge" in tourism research is: "A challenge is a new condition and situation that introduces issues and problems into various areas and dimensions, from outside the urban system, and influences its future trajectory; depending on its scale, the urban system requires the responsible and active deployment of all its potential and actual capabilities in order to provide promising solutions to overcome prevailing conditions and achieve desired goals." Ultimately, based on a comparative analysis of forty domestic and foreign articles, it seems that currently, some domestic researchers do not have a clear and accurate understanding of the term "challenge" according to the defined criteria.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />It appears that one of the main reasons for the difference in attitude towards the term "challenge" in domestic and foreign research is the literal translation of this term into Persian; which should be considered in future research to take into account all aspects of the concept and its criteria.<br /> https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104034_233e89797818728019e327ab43bd4cd8.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Effective Factors in Achieving the Objectives of Rural Development Plans (Case Study: Zabul County)Effective Factors in Achieving the Objectives of Rural Development Plans (Case Study: Zabul County)14416210424110.48308/sdge.2024.230423.1115FABahramImaniDepartment of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Arabil, Iran0009-0008-2668-1170SamanehSaraniDepartment of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Arabil, Iran0000-0002-8539-5085Journal Article20230126<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The rural areas show that the policies and planning of some of the implemented rural programs and projects have played a leading role, and some have played a hindering role in rural development. Moreover, it is necessary to provide the necessary foundations for the development of rural settlements by knowing more precisely and examining more plans and projects of rural development. However, in this region, for the realization of rural development plans, there are factors, drivers, and drivers as well as inhibiting factors that need to be identified and investigated. Because it is necessary to achieve the goals of rural development plans, it is necessary and necessary to identify the effective promoting and hindering factors in realizing rural development plans. Considering the importance of this issue, this research aims to analyze the effective factors in realizing the goals of the rural development plans of Zabol.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The methodology of this research is applied and analytical-descriptive according to the purpose. The method of collecting research data was a combined library-field method. The statistical community includes experts in various fields of geography, management, and economics, experts from governorates and governorates of Sistan and Baluchestan province. In this regard, the number of samples studied was 80 local professors and experts, which was calculated and obtained using non-probability sampling. The results obtained from Bartlett's test, which approximates the chi-square statistic, were obtained for research indicators at a significance level of p≥0.01, smaller than 5%, which shows that factor analysis is suitable for identifying the structure of the factor model.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />According to the column of relative cumulative variance, the effective driving factors in the realization of the goals of rural development plans of Zabol can be in the management dimension 70.03%, the economic dimension 86.86%, the social dimension 71.16%, the physical dimension 66.02% and the natural dimension explain 47.43% of the variability (variance) of the variables. Effective driving factors in realizing the goals of rural development projects of Zabol in the economic field, including taking advantage of opportunities and economic development, project entrepreneurship, and job creation, in the management field, including needs assessment and implementation commitment, knowledge and awareness and the process of implementation and participation, and in the natural context, include environmental platforms and ecotourism. Based on the relative cumulative variance column, the inhibiting factors can be 80.19% in the management dimension, 65.24% in the economic dimension, 76.76% in the social dimension, 82.17% in the physical dimension and 66.95% in the natural dimension of variability. variance) to explain the variables. The effective inhibiting factors in realizing the goals of rural development plans of Zabol in the field of management include inefficiency of consultants, weak management, linear plan, and one-dimensional approach; in the economic field, including negligence in the economic development program; in the physical field, including the lack of infrastructural planning, regulations, and proper improvement program; and in the natural context, including environmental substrates.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The research results showed that among the five investigated factors, the economic factor was recognized as the most important factor promoting the realization of rural development plans and the physical factor as the most important factor hindering the realization of the goals of rural development plans in Zabol. So that the economic factor has been one of the most critical driving factors due to its essential role in rural development and especially the realization of the goals of rural development plans; therefore, the economic factor should be taken into development planners. Also, the investigation of the inhibiting factors of the rural development plans in Zabol showed that economic, social, physical, management and natural factors are the most important effective inhibitors in realizing the goals of the rural development plans in Zabol. Among these inhibitors, the physical factor is the most important inhibitory factor that must be considered.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The rural areas show that the policies and planning of some of the implemented rural programs and projects have played a leading role, and some have played a hindering role in rural development. Moreover, it is necessary to provide the necessary foundations for the development of rural settlements by knowing more precisely and examining more plans and projects of rural development. However, in this region, for the realization of rural development plans, there are factors, drivers, and drivers as well as inhibiting factors that need to be identified and investigated. Because it is necessary to achieve the goals of rural development plans, it is necessary and necessary to identify the effective promoting and hindering factors in realizing rural development plans. Considering the importance of this issue, this research aims to analyze the effective factors in realizing the goals of the rural development plans of Zabol.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The methodology of this research is applied and analytical-descriptive according to the purpose. The method of collecting research data was a combined library-field method. The statistical community includes experts in various fields of geography, management, and economics, experts from governorates and governorates of Sistan and Baluchestan province. In this regard, the number of samples studied was 80 local professors and experts, which was calculated and obtained using non-probability sampling. The results obtained from Bartlett's test, which approximates the chi-square statistic, were obtained for research indicators at a significance level of p≥0.01, smaller than 5%, which shows that factor analysis is suitable for identifying the structure of the factor model.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />According to the column of relative cumulative variance, the effective driving factors in the realization of the goals of rural development plans of Zabol can be in the management dimension 70.03%, the economic dimension 86.86%, the social dimension 71.16%, the physical dimension 66.02% and the natural dimension explain 47.43% of the variability (variance) of the variables. Effective driving factors in realizing the goals of rural development projects of Zabol in the economic field, including taking advantage of opportunities and economic development, project entrepreneurship, and job creation, in the management field, including needs assessment and implementation commitment, knowledge and awareness and the process of implementation and participation, and in the natural context, include environmental platforms and ecotourism. Based on the relative cumulative variance column, the inhibiting factors can be 80.19% in the management dimension, 65.24% in the economic dimension, 76.76% in the social dimension, 82.17% in the physical dimension and 66.95% in the natural dimension of variability. variance) to explain the variables. The effective inhibiting factors in realizing the goals of rural development plans of Zabol in the field of management include inefficiency of consultants, weak management, linear plan, and one-dimensional approach; in the economic field, including negligence in the economic development program; in the physical field, including the lack of infrastructural planning, regulations, and proper improvement program; and in the natural context, including environmental substrates.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The research results showed that among the five investigated factors, the economic factor was recognized as the most important factor promoting the realization of rural development plans and the physical factor as the most important factor hindering the realization of the goals of rural development plans in Zabol. So that the economic factor has been one of the most critical driving factors due to its essential role in rural development and especially the realization of the goals of rural development plans; therefore, the economic factor should be taken into development planners. Also, the investigation of the inhibiting factors of the rural development plans in Zabol showed that economic, social, physical, management and natural factors are the most important effective inhibitors in realizing the goals of the rural development plans in Zabol. Among these inhibitors, the physical factor is the most important inhibitory factor that must be considered.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104241_d4cbd55fa3e4c685ef11a383ef0a3fc1.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Determine the Key Factors of Creative Tourism Development in Borujerd CountyDetermine the Key Factors of Creative Tourism Development in Borujerd County16317910390310.48308/sdge.2023.231915.1131FANargesAhmadifardDepartment of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6611-1799MajidSaeidiradDepartment of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6611-1799Journal Article20230601<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The summary of the results of the research background shows that the development of sustainable tourism will not be possible without planning due to its importance and the potential positive and negative effects it brings. Therefore, it will be necessary to adopt fundamental policies through the process of planning and management. Therefore, urban and rural management can move towards the sustainable development of tourism with the knowledge of key drivers. The literature review of the subject in this research shows that in addition to paying attention to the sustainable development of tourism by determining the key drivers in a highly competitive world in planning and management, there will also be a need for a creative approach in order to examine the desired indicators with Determined and examined from a creative point of view. Therefore, the current research aims to identify the key factors affecting the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County by relying on the new perspective of planning and using special futures studies methods.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The current research is analytical and exploratory in nature and based on the futures studies approach and survey and field method; it is also of a mixed type in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the research includes 35 people from the trustees of organizations and experts related to the subject in Borujerd County. In the qualitative part, in order to identify the driving forces and uncertainties, observation, environmental scanning and documentary studies, group discussions and semi-structured interviews (Delphi technique) were used, and in the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. Looking at the PESTEL approach, the dimensions and variables affecting the development of creative tourism, such as environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions, etc. in this County were examined and finally, by using MICMAC software, the key drivers affecting the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County has been identified and ranked.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The findings of the research and the distribution of the variables in the distribution plane to determine the state of stability and instability of the system in the studied area indicate the instability of the system. It means that creative tourism in Borujerd County is not in a good condition. Finally, according to the ranks obtained from the direct and indirect influence of the variables, 10 key factors were selected as key indicators effective on the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County, which are: "Increasing air, rail and ground lines to the County "; "Marketing and supporting investors"; "Access to the global network"; "Improve the level of foreign languages and communication with universities and industry"; "Improving the level of knowledge of employees of tourism units"; "Attention to ethnic and cultural diversity"; "Participation of natives and attention to vulnerable groups"; "Supporting the rites and traditions of urban and rural society and holding events"; "Oriental ethics and maintaining social security" and "Employment in the tourism sector". Thus, the future scenarios of creative tourism in Borujerd County should be designed based on these factors.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Based on the results obtained, several key factors were selected as key indicators effective for the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County in the future, which ranks from one to three, respectively, including the increase of air, rail and ground lines to the city, marketing and support for investors and Access to the global network. Also, based on the findings of the research, the final drivers affecting creative tourism in Borujerd County include "social-cultural factors with four drivers", "economic factors with two drivers", "educational factors with two drivers" and "infrastructural and physical factors with one driver " respectively. One of the most important results of this research is the state of distribution and dispersion of the variables affecting creative tourism in Borujerd County, which indicates the instability of the system in the study area, which shows the need to pay attention to any planning considering the uncertainties of the future and with Taking advantage of knowledge will be foresight.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />The summary of the results of the research background shows that the development of sustainable tourism will not be possible without planning due to its importance and the potential positive and negative effects it brings. Therefore, it will be necessary to adopt fundamental policies through the process of planning and management. Therefore, urban and rural management can move towards the sustainable development of tourism with the knowledge of key drivers. The literature review of the subject in this research shows that in addition to paying attention to the sustainable development of tourism by determining the key drivers in a highly competitive world in planning and management, there will also be a need for a creative approach in order to examine the desired indicators with Determined and examined from a creative point of view. Therefore, the current research aims to identify the key factors affecting the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County by relying on the new perspective of planning and using special futures studies methods.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The current research is analytical and exploratory in nature and based on the futures studies approach and survey and field method; it is also of a mixed type in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the research includes 35 people from the trustees of organizations and experts related to the subject in Borujerd County. In the qualitative part, in order to identify the driving forces and uncertainties, observation, environmental scanning and documentary studies, group discussions and semi-structured interviews (Delphi technique) were used, and in the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. Looking at the PESTEL approach, the dimensions and variables affecting the development of creative tourism, such as environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions, etc. in this County were examined and finally, by using MICMAC software, the key drivers affecting the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County has been identified and ranked.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />The findings of the research and the distribution of the variables in the distribution plane to determine the state of stability and instability of the system in the studied area indicate the instability of the system. It means that creative tourism in Borujerd County is not in a good condition. Finally, according to the ranks obtained from the direct and indirect influence of the variables, 10 key factors were selected as key indicators effective on the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County, which are: "Increasing air, rail and ground lines to the County "; "Marketing and supporting investors"; "Access to the global network"; "Improve the level of foreign languages and communication with universities and industry"; "Improving the level of knowledge of employees of tourism units"; "Attention to ethnic and cultural diversity"; "Participation of natives and attention to vulnerable groups"; "Supporting the rites and traditions of urban and rural society and holding events"; "Oriental ethics and maintaining social security" and "Employment in the tourism sector". Thus, the future scenarios of creative tourism in Borujerd County should be designed based on these factors.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Based on the results obtained, several key factors were selected as key indicators effective for the development of creative tourism in Borujerd County in the future, which ranks from one to three, respectively, including the increase of air, rail and ground lines to the city, marketing and support for investors and Access to the global network. Also, based on the findings of the research, the final drivers affecting creative tourism in Borujerd County include "social-cultural factors with four drivers", "economic factors with two drivers", "educational factors with two drivers" and "infrastructural and physical factors with one driver " respectively. One of the most important results of this research is the state of distribution and dispersion of the variables affecting creative tourism in Borujerd County, which indicates the instability of the system in the study area, which shows the need to pay attention to any planning considering the uncertainties of the future and with Taking advantage of knowledge will be foresight.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_103903_654292ad24f79ffcc2791c205cd85e7f.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Urban Metabolism Sustainability Based on the Regenerative City ApproachUrban Metabolism Sustainability Based on the Regenerative City Approach18020010389510.48308/sdge.2023.103895FAMortezaGhourchiDepartment of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-1835-5275Mohammad TaghiRazavianDepartment of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6759-6054RoghayehSoleimaniDepartment of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8517-299XJournal Article20220719<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Current cities are petropolises, where all key functions, including production, consumption, and transportation, are reliant on massive injections of oil and fossil fuels. These cities, characterized by a linear metabolism pattern increase disorder, resource waste, and pollution in other regions. Urban metabolism acts as a lens for measuring a city's human-natural function and it is a suitable method for evaluating the level of urban sustainability. The regenerative approach, by integrating the inputs and outputs of urban metabolism within a regenerative mindset, serves as a scientific foundation for identifying current environmental issues and revitalizing urban ecosystem health. This study aims to examine the use of generative city criteria in urban metabolism sustainability and their categorization, utilizing urban metabolism as a basis for assessing sustainability criteria. Essentially, this research aims to bridge the gap between regenerative principles and sustainability of urban metabolism.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This research adopts a mixed documentary and interpretive approach, utilizing relevant theoretical literature, studies conducted in the field, and a comparison of new approaches to explicate the concepts and indicators for measuring urban metabolism sustainability based on the regenerative city approach. Content analysis is employed as the research strategy, and data collection relies on library resources. Ultimately, a selective coding process is used to identify relationships between key concepts, conduct thematic synthesis, and address research questions, resulting in the presentation of final research indicators. Furthermore, a structural interpretive modeling is employed to categorize the indicators based on their importance and impact on the sustainability system.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Through content analysis of relevant texts and documents, sustainability components are derived based on four elements: water, energy, food, and materials. Regarding the water element, sustainability criteria for urban metabolism involve reducing production with high efficiency, minimizing waste, and promoting water recycling. For the food element, sustainability criteria emphasize reducing resource inputs, minimizing domestic consumption, and promoting food recycling. In the energy sector, sustainability criteria are influenced by regenerative factors, such as energy production based on ecosystem potential, renewable resources, and ecosystem resource restoration. In the materials sector, sustainability criteria, such as reducing production and promoting material recycling in alignment with regenerative principles, contribute to reducing the ecological footprint, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring resource sustainability. Additionally, indicators for assessing urban metabolism sustainability based on the regenerative city criteria are categorized into three levels, representing the importance and effectiveness of each indicator level in urban ecosystem sustainability.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />This research aims to enhance understanding and insights into the role and significance of the regenerative approach in urban metabolism sustainability. What sets this study apart from other urban metabolism studies is the integration of urban metabolism gaps within the framework of regenerative thinking for comprehending sustainability in systems. The findings demonstrate that the influence of regenerative criteria on metabolism studies enhances the comprehension of sustainability journals through the intrinsic relations between the urban system and the extra-regional system. This circular pattern can significantly contribute to integrated land development, reducing resource consumption, minimizing reliance on unstable resources, and increasing dependence on ecological capital.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Current cities are petropolises, where all key functions, including production, consumption, and transportation, are reliant on massive injections of oil and fossil fuels. These cities, characterized by a linear metabolism pattern increase disorder, resource waste, and pollution in other regions. Urban metabolism acts as a lens for measuring a city's human-natural function and it is a suitable method for evaluating the level of urban sustainability. The regenerative approach, by integrating the inputs and outputs of urban metabolism within a regenerative mindset, serves as a scientific foundation for identifying current environmental issues and revitalizing urban ecosystem health. This study aims to examine the use of generative city criteria in urban metabolism sustainability and their categorization, utilizing urban metabolism as a basis for assessing sustainability criteria. Essentially, this research aims to bridge the gap between regenerative principles and sustainability of urban metabolism.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This research adopts a mixed documentary and interpretive approach, utilizing relevant theoretical literature, studies conducted in the field, and a comparison of new approaches to explicate the concepts and indicators for measuring urban metabolism sustainability based on the regenerative city approach. Content analysis is employed as the research strategy, and data collection relies on library resources. Ultimately, a selective coding process is used to identify relationships between key concepts, conduct thematic synthesis, and address research questions, resulting in the presentation of final research indicators. Furthermore, a structural interpretive modeling is employed to categorize the indicators based on their importance and impact on the sustainability system.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />Through content analysis of relevant texts and documents, sustainability components are derived based on four elements: water, energy, food, and materials. Regarding the water element, sustainability criteria for urban metabolism involve reducing production with high efficiency, minimizing waste, and promoting water recycling. For the food element, sustainability criteria emphasize reducing resource inputs, minimizing domestic consumption, and promoting food recycling. In the energy sector, sustainability criteria are influenced by regenerative factors, such as energy production based on ecosystem potential, renewable resources, and ecosystem resource restoration. In the materials sector, sustainability criteria, such as reducing production and promoting material recycling in alignment with regenerative principles, contribute to reducing the ecological footprint, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring resource sustainability. Additionally, indicators for assessing urban metabolism sustainability based on the regenerative city criteria are categorized into three levels, representing the importance and effectiveness of each indicator level in urban ecosystem sustainability.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />This research aims to enhance understanding and insights into the role and significance of the regenerative approach in urban metabolism sustainability. What sets this study apart from other urban metabolism studies is the integration of urban metabolism gaps within the framework of regenerative thinking for comprehending sustainability in systems. The findings demonstrate that the influence of regenerative criteria on metabolism studies enhances the comprehension of sustainability journals through the intrinsic relations between the urban system and the extra-regional system. This circular pattern can significantly contribute to integrated land development, reducing resource consumption, minimizing reliance on unstable resources, and increasing dependence on ecological capital.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_103895_51096670a18de3dbac0e197cf09db6da.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Development of Geographical Environment2476-58055920240121Relationship Between Land Snails and Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Hyrcanian Forests in Northern Iran; A Conservational Approach in BiodiversityRelationship Between Land Snails and Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Hyrcanian Forests in Northern Iran; A Conservational Approach in Biodiversity20121410416310.48308/sdge.2024.234211.1178FASimaMohammadiDepartment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, Research Institute of Environmental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8000-2916FarahamAhmadzadehDepartment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, Research Institute of Environmental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-7152-8484Journal Article20231222<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Biodiversity within ecosystems is intricately linked to a various factor, with soil physicochemical characteristics standing out as pivotal contributors. The soil, particularly in forests, functions as a dynamic habitat supporting a diverse array of organisms, including land snails, which play a significant role in forest ecosystems. This study focuses on unraveling the intricate correlation between the presence of land snails and six key soil parameters: pH, total calcium (Ca), total magnesium (Mg), exchangeable calcium (Ca<sup>++</sup>), exchangeable magnesium (Mg<sup>++</sup>), and soil Saturation Moisture percent. These factors are investigated as crucial elements influencing the distribution patterns of land snails.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The research was conducted in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, specifically targeting three distinct forest regions situated in Kordkoy, Amol, and Tonekabon. These areas were designated as sampling sites during field surveys. To ensure a comprehensive and representative approach, sampling was conducted at three distinct locations within each forest, resulting in a total of 27 sample plots, each measuring 3 m × 3 m for detailed ecological assessment. The identification of snails and the evaluation of biodiversity were enhanced by employing DNA barcoding techniques. Snail abundance and species diversity were measured at each forest site, offering valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these ecosystems. This quantification process provided a comprehensive understanding of the population density of snails and the variety of species present in each forest location. The analysis of soil factors involved laboratory methods, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized to simplify the multidimensional data. It identified important variables for subsequent Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), a sophisticated statistical technique. This comprehensive approach played a pivotal role in unraveling intricate relationships between soil physicochemical factors and the presence of snails. The analysis not only clarified the correlations between environmental variables and species distribution within the forests but also offered profound insights into the nuanced interplay shaping the ecological dynamics of these ecosystems.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />A total of 679 snails were collected from the sampling stations, and phylogenetic tree analysis along with species delimitation revealed 37 sequences belonging to 10 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). ANOVA results indicated significant variations in snail abundance among the forests. Following PCA, key factors for CCA were identified, and CCA, utilizing total calcium, total magnesium, and soil saturation moisture percentage as factors, demonstrated a positive correlation with most OTUs and snail abundance. These factors are vital in shaping the distribution and biodiversity of land snails. Land snails need Ca and Mg to restore the shell. Also, areas with moist soil are more favorable habitats for Snails provide.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />In conclusion, this research establishes a foundational understanding of the intricate relationship between soil properties and snail communities in sections of the Hyrcanian forests. The insights gained from such studies contribute fundamental information essential for developing a native biodiversity index based on land snails. This index, in turn, holds promise for informing the formulation of effective management strategies aimed at conserving the diverse fauna of land snails within these ecologically vital forest ecosystems.<strong>Background and purpose</strong><br />Biodiversity within ecosystems is intricately linked to a various factor, with soil physicochemical characteristics standing out as pivotal contributors. The soil, particularly in forests, functions as a dynamic habitat supporting a diverse array of organisms, including land snails, which play a significant role in forest ecosystems. This study focuses on unraveling the intricate correlation between the presence of land snails and six key soil parameters: pH, total calcium (Ca), total magnesium (Mg), exchangeable calcium (Ca<sup>++</sup>), exchangeable magnesium (Mg<sup>++</sup>), and soil Saturation Moisture percent. These factors are investigated as crucial elements influencing the distribution patterns of land snails.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />The research was conducted in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, specifically targeting three distinct forest regions situated in Kordkoy, Amol, and Tonekabon. These areas were designated as sampling sites during field surveys. To ensure a comprehensive and representative approach, sampling was conducted at three distinct locations within each forest, resulting in a total of 27 sample plots, each measuring 3 m × 3 m for detailed ecological assessment. The identification of snails and the evaluation of biodiversity were enhanced by employing DNA barcoding techniques. Snail abundance and species diversity were measured at each forest site, offering valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these ecosystems. This quantification process provided a comprehensive understanding of the population density of snails and the variety of species present in each forest location. The analysis of soil factors involved laboratory methods, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized to simplify the multidimensional data. It identified important variables for subsequent Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), a sophisticated statistical technique. This comprehensive approach played a pivotal role in unraveling intricate relationships between soil physicochemical factors and the presence of snails. The analysis not only clarified the correlations between environmental variables and species distribution within the forests but also offered profound insights into the nuanced interplay shaping the ecological dynamics of these ecosystems.<br /><strong>Findings and discussion</strong><br />A total of 679 snails were collected from the sampling stations, and phylogenetic tree analysis along with species delimitation revealed 37 sequences belonging to 10 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). ANOVA results indicated significant variations in snail abundance among the forests. Following PCA, key factors for CCA were identified, and CCA, utilizing total calcium, total magnesium, and soil saturation moisture percentage as factors, demonstrated a positive correlation with most OTUs and snail abundance. These factors are vital in shaping the distribution and biodiversity of land snails. Land snails need Ca and Mg to restore the shell. Also, areas with moist soil are more favorable habitats for Snails provide.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />In conclusion, this research establishes a foundational understanding of the intricate relationship between soil properties and snail communities in sections of the Hyrcanian forests. The insights gained from such studies contribute fundamental information essential for developing a native biodiversity index based on land snails. This index, in turn, holds promise for informing the formulation of effective management strategies aimed at conserving the diverse fauna of land snails within these ecologically vital forest ecosystems.https://egsdejournal.sbu.ac.ir/article_104163_737291ac3a9755af620fb94cd91243fe.pdf