About the Journal
Geography is a science concerned with understanding the structural and functional aspects of spatial systems. In other words, by identifying and analyzing the environmental and socio-economic structures and functions and by discovering the patterns governing their spatiotemporal transformations, this science seeks to contribute to the organization of living conditions for individuals and human groups within settlement systems (cities, villages, regions, etc.), while preserving and protecting the environment. In this regard, modern geography seeks to respond to the socio-economic needs of spatial units at different scales through the purposeful and objective use of findings and achievements derived from geographical studies. Accordingly, geography has a valuable role and position in physical and socio-economic planning at regional, territorial, and national levels.
With global changes in recent decades, a pattern of unsustainable development has emerged that has raised numerous concerns about the future of the planet Earth. Issues such as poverty and inequality, class disparities, environmental degradation, social fragmentation and isolation, marginalization, climate change, water crises and food security, and various forms of injustice around the world are only some of the consequences of such a pattern of unsustainable development.
Therefore, at a time when environmental crises and social and economic transformations have become widespread, geography and geographers are responsible for playing their role in analyzing and forecasting ongoing events, raising the awareness of planners and implementers of development projects, as well as human communities, with the aim of identifying solutions appropriate to critical conditions. Accordingly, the Center for Regional Studies and Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, within the framework of the responsibilities defined for scientific centers and in order to encourage greater participation of academic disciplines in the country’s development process, has undertaken a significant responsibility.
In this regard, with an emphasis on knowledge-based development and support for demand-driven research, the journal Sustainable Development of Geographical Environment is published with the aim of producing, disseminating, and enhancing the level of theoretical and empirical knowledge in geographical sciences. The journal was established in 2015 [1394 in the Iranian calendar] and, with the support of the Sustainable Development Research Pole, obtained its publication license from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Since 2021 [1400 in the Iranian calendar], with the support of the Center for Regional Studies and Spatial Planning at Shahid Beheshti University and based on the resolution of the Publications Commission of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, it has been published as a semiannual journal as a scientific-research journal with a “B” ranking. Since Summer 2024 [1403 in the Iranian calendar], it has been published under the new title of “Scientific Quarterly Journal.” The purpose of publishing this journal is to expand communication among researchers and to address the country’s research and policymaking needs, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the geographical environment within the framework of emerging topics.
The journal’s policy for evaluating manuscripts emphasizes the following:
The journal, in accordance with its open-access policy, provides immediate access to its content.