University of GuilanGeographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal2783-11916320250923Spatial Assessment of Coastal Biodiversity in Southern Iran with a Regional Planning Approach (Case Study: Bushehr Province)Spatial Assessment of Coastal Biodiversity in Southern Iran with a Regional Planning Approach (Case Study: Bushehr Province)120906710.22124/gscaj.2025.27479.1299FAZahraTorkashvandAssistant Professor, Department of Human Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.IslamGhaziPh.D. student in Land Use Planning, Department of Human Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.MostafaArian KiaPh.D. student in Land Use Planning, Department of Human Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-1710-3319Journal Article20240515Coastal cities, due to their concentration of economic activities, have been crucial habitats for neighboring maritime nations, often characterized by high population densities. The livelihoods of residents in these cities have consistently been influenced by economic, social, cultural, and environmental conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the spatial biodiversity of coastal areas in Bushehr Province using a regional planning approach. The study was applied in terms of its objective (strategic developmental) and descriptive-analytical in nature and methodology, employing an inductive approach. To answer the research question, 11 indicators including temperature, slope, distance from roads, precipitation, distance from drainage, land use, distance from the epicenter of land subsidence, distance from fault lines, elevation, distance from the coast, and distance from the city in terms of sustainable development were utilized, employing the AHP method and ArcGIS software. The results indicated that generally, as we move closer to the coastline, the environmental conditions become more restricted. Key factors contributing to this situation include inappropriate slope, high temperature and humidity, low precipitation, presence of wetlands, sand dunes, rocks, saltwater lakes, and salt marshes, among others, which have adversely affected the environmental conditions. On the other hand, areas with favorable biodiversity conditions are more concentrated in the southeast, attributed mainly to suitable climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation), better elevation and slope, presence of vegetation, forests, and suitable conditions for agriculture.Coastal cities, due to their concentration of economic activities, have been crucial habitats for neighboring maritime nations, often characterized by high population densities. The livelihoods of residents in these cities have consistently been influenced by economic, social, cultural, and environmental conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the spatial biodiversity of coastal areas in Bushehr Province using a regional planning approach. The study was applied in terms of its objective (strategic developmental) and descriptive-analytical in nature and methodology, employing an inductive approach. To answer the research question, 11 indicators including temperature, slope, distance from roads, precipitation, distance from drainage, land use, distance from the epicenter of land subsidence, distance from fault lines, elevation, distance from the coast, and distance from the city in terms of sustainable development were utilized, employing the AHP method and ArcGIS software. The results indicated that generally, as we move closer to the coastline, the environmental conditions become more restricted. Key factors contributing to this situation include inappropriate slope, high temperature and humidity, low precipitation, presence of wetlands, sand dunes, rocks, saltwater lakes, and salt marshes, among others, which have adversely affected the environmental conditions. On the other hand, areas with favorable biodiversity conditions are more concentrated in the southeast, attributed mainly to suitable climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation), better elevation and slope, presence of vegetation, forests, and suitable conditions for agriculture.https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9067_3fd3ffc99e3b980aaa60a2095d7d3f10.pdfUniversity of GuilanGeographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal2783-11916320250823Identifying the Factors Influencing the Development of International Sports Tourism Based on Electronic Marketing (Case study: Coastal Sports in Chābahār port)Identifying the Factors Influencing the Development of International Sports Tourism Based on Electronic Marketing (Case study: Coastal Sports in Chābahār port)2141906810.22124/gscaj.2025.28789.1330FAFereshteSafarineamatiehMasters student, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, IranMeysamRahimizadehAssistant Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, IranMasoumehShahbaziAssistant Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20241026Given the importance of using electronic marketing to promote attractions and considering the high potential of tourism in the Chābahār region, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing the development of international sports tourism based on electronic marketing. This study was an applied research in terms of its purpose and followed a mixed-methods approach. Using the technique of thematic analysis and conducting interviews with twenty experts in the tourism industry, the factors influencing the development of international sports tourism based on electronic marketing in the Chābahār region were identified. In the quantitative phase, these factors were further tested using the weighted mean method. At the open coding stage, using MAXQDA software, 197 codes were identified. The research findings led to the identification of five main themes: infrastructure, competitive capacity development, institutional capacity building, regional capability development, and financial-economic development. The results of the weighted mean analysis indicated that "Infrastructure" ranked first with a weight of 0.168, "Competitive Capacity Development" ranked second with a weight of 0.167, "Institutional Capacity Building" and "Financial-Economic Development" jointly ranked third with a weight of 0.166, and finally, "Regional Capability Development" ranked fourth with a weight of 0.163. The factors identified in this study can effectively contribute to the development of international sports tourism in Chabahar through electronic marketing. Moreover, the indicators obtained can assist researchers and policymakers in implementing electronic marketing strategies within the tourism industry.Given the importance of using electronic marketing to promote attractions and considering the high potential of tourism in the Chābahār region, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing the development of international sports tourism based on electronic marketing. This study was an applied research in terms of its purpose and followed a mixed-methods approach. Using the technique of thematic analysis and conducting interviews with twenty experts in the tourism industry, the factors influencing the development of international sports tourism based on electronic marketing in the Chābahār region were identified. In the quantitative phase, these factors were further tested using the weighted mean method. At the open coding stage, using MAXQDA software, 197 codes were identified. The research findings led to the identification of five main themes: infrastructure, competitive capacity development, institutional capacity building, regional capability development, and financial-economic development. The results of the weighted mean analysis indicated that "Infrastructure" ranked first with a weight of 0.168, "Competitive Capacity Development" ranked second with a weight of 0.167, "Institutional Capacity Building" and "Financial-Economic Development" jointly ranked third with a weight of 0.166, and finally, "Regional Capability Development" ranked fourth with a weight of 0.163. The factors identified in this study can effectively contribute to the development of international sports tourism in Chabahar through electronic marketing. Moreover, the indicators obtained can assist researchers and policymakers in implementing electronic marketing strategies within the tourism industry.https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9068_cd17c501d36f7ab04dac1043a3a399aa.pdfUniversity of GuilanGeographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal2783-11916320250823The Impact of Water Crisis in Ghezel Ozan Basin on the Future Water Security of Guilan ProvinceThe Impact of Water Crisis in Ghezel Ozan Basin on the Future Water Security of Guilan Province4360907910.22124/gscaj.2025.27899.1311FAMorādKāviāni Rād1. Associate Professor, Political Geography, Department of Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.ZakeyehĀftābiPh. D, Political Geography, Department of Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.Mohammad AliMoazāf RostamiPh. D Student in Political Geography, Department of Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20240716The sustainability of life, habitats, and the persistence of living organisms in their broader concept on Earth's land is entirely depend on the limited freshwater resources. Meanwhile, due to the intertwining and synergy of a series of local and global issues, access to water resources has decreased. Therefore, the continuation of this situation has seriously challenged the security, development, welfare, and function of geographical ecosystems. Iran's dry geographical location, along with increased consumption of limited water resources, has plunged the country into the water crisis. However, the impact of this situation has shown differently in various regions. This article examines the reflection of the Ghezel Ozan basin water crisis on the water security of Guilan province. A province whose water security and economy largely depend on this river. The required research data was collected through library and field methods and analyzed using Micmac and Scenario Wizard software, and the research methodology is descriptive-analytical. In this context, variables such as uncontrolled dam construction upstream, digging unauthorized wells around the river, not using modified seeds with lower water needs, changes in precipitation patterns and climate changes, non-observance of environmental water rights, and threats arising from improper use of pesticides and fertilizers were selected as key variables. In line with the key variables and possible probable states, the output of Scenario Wizard software in the form of strong and probable scenarios showed that out of 21 situations governing the scenario page, situations that express scenarios facing the Ghezel Ozan water crisis on Guilan province's water security as approaching a critical threshold. Anticipating future developments related to this situation, from a foresight perspective, requires addressing government management and economic policies, as well as the approaches of national and local stakeholders in optimizing water resource management and mitigating the effects of key contributing factors.The sustainability of life, habitats, and the persistence of living organisms in their broader concept on Earth's land is entirely depend on the limited freshwater resources. Meanwhile, due to the intertwining and synergy of a series of local and global issues, access to water resources has decreased. Therefore, the continuation of this situation has seriously challenged the security, development, welfare, and function of geographical ecosystems. Iran's dry geographical location, along with increased consumption of limited water resources, has plunged the country into the water crisis. However, the impact of this situation has shown differently in various regions. This article examines the reflection of the Ghezel Ozan basin water crisis on the water security of Guilan province. A province whose water security and economy largely depend on this river. The required research data was collected through library and field methods and analyzed using Micmac and Scenario Wizard software, and the research methodology is descriptive-analytical. In this context, variables such as uncontrolled dam construction upstream, digging unauthorized wells around the river, not using modified seeds with lower water needs, changes in precipitation patterns and climate changes, non-observance of environmental water rights, and threats arising from improper use of pesticides and fertilizers were selected as key variables. In line with the key variables and possible probable states, the output of Scenario Wizard software in the form of strong and probable scenarios showed that out of 21 situations governing the scenario page, situations that express scenarios facing the Ghezel Ozan water crisis on Guilan province's water security as approaching a critical threshold. Anticipating future developments related to this situation, from a foresight perspective, requires addressing government management and economic policies, as well as the approaches of national and local stakeholders in optimizing water resource management and mitigating the effects of key contributing factors.https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9079_ab6fadb5ef6f34c658617af29ec42c64.pdfUniversity of GuilanGeographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal2783-11916320250923The Effect of Cultural Identity on the Perception of Authenticity, Destination Loyalty, and Tourist Satisfaction in the City of RashtThe Effect of Cultural Identity on the Perception of Authenticity, Destination Loyalty, and Tourist Satisfaction in the City of Rasht6181906310.22124/gscaj.2025.27613.1305FAMehrdadMehrjouPhD student in Urban Planning, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.AliAkbarSalaripourAssociate Professor of Urban Planning, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.Journal Article20240723Intangible cultural heritage, with its connection between the past, present, and future of communities, plays a crucial role in creating and strengthening the sense of identity of individuals in any society. In this regard, one of the ways to preserve and promote these legacies is to focus on the tourism industry. The city of Rasht, as a rich tourist destination in terms of culture and history, provides unique opportunities to examine the impact of cultural identity on the experiences of tourists. The present research examined the effect of the cultural identity of tourists on the authenticity, satisfaction, and loyalty of travelers in the development of intangible cultural heritage in the city of Rasht. Given the nature of the research topic, the research method was correlational type and within the framework of analytical methods. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The research sample included 384 people, calculated using the Cochran formula. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α= 0.91). To analyze the data, correlation and single-variable regression methods, as well as data-model fit indices, were calculated, and the analytical structural model of the research variables was presented. The results of this empirical research showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the criterion of cultural identity and the perception of authenticity. The perception of authenticity affected the experience and behavior of tourists. The cultural identity variable explained 83% and 72% of the variance in the variables of constructive and existential authenticity perception, respectively. Therefore, when developing intangible cultural heritage tourism, the relationship between cultural identity and tourists' perception of authenticity should be well utilized, and full attention should be paid to enhancing tourist satisfaction and loyalty to the destination.Intangible cultural heritage, with its connection between the past, present, and future of communities, plays a crucial role in creating and strengthening the sense of identity of individuals in any society. In this regard, one of the ways to preserve and promote these legacies is to focus on the tourism industry. The city of Rasht, as a rich tourist destination in terms of culture and history, provides unique opportunities to examine the impact of cultural identity on the experiences of tourists. The present research examined the effect of the cultural identity of tourists on the authenticity, satisfaction, and loyalty of travelers in the development of intangible cultural heritage in the city of Rasht. Given the nature of the research topic, the research method was correlational type and within the framework of analytical methods. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The research sample included 384 people, calculated using the Cochran formula. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α= 0.91). To analyze the data, correlation and single-variable regression methods, as well as data-model fit indices, were calculated, and the analytical structural model of the research variables was presented. The results of this empirical research showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the criterion of cultural identity and the perception of authenticity. The perception of authenticity affected the experience and behavior of tourists. The cultural identity variable explained 83% and 72% of the variance in the variables of constructive and existential authenticity perception, respectively. Therefore, when developing intangible cultural heritage tourism, the relationship between cultural identity and tourists' perception of authenticity should be well utilized, and full attention should be paid to enhancing tourist satisfaction and loyalty to the destination.https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9063_7e0f3e0a4a24574d74162b36f310bb58.pdfUniversity of GuilanGeographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal2783-11916320250823Optimizing the Dimensions of the South-Facing Openings an Energy Consumption Reduction Approach (Case Study: Rural Houses in the East of Guilan Province)Optimizing the Dimensions of the South-Facing Openings an Energy Consumption Reduction Approach (Case Study: Rural Houses in the East of Guilan Province)83101908510.22124/gscaj.2025.27023.1295FASeyedeh MasoumehFotokianPhD student of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran.0000-0002-1443-5254NarjesFalakianAssistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Ramsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ramsar, Iran.SeyedehMahdiehMirmiranPhD of Architecture, Department of Architecture, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.Mohammad RezaVaeziAssistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran.Journal Article20240408Heat transfer through glazing - particularly on the southern windows - can significantly increase indoor temperature fluctuations. Hence, the use of transparent façades is essential for providing adequate natural daylight. In residential buildings, especially in temperate and humid climates such as Guilan, where overcast days are more frequent and occupants tend to spend longer periods indoors, controlling energy through window openings becomes more challenging. This study aimed to optimize the size and proportions of south-facing windows in rural dwellings of eastern Guilan to reduce energy consumption while ensuring sufficient daylight availability. To begin, residential buildings in Hosseinabad village (the city of Rudsar) were classified based on building components and climatic requirements using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The most prevalent typologies were then simulated for energy performance using Rhino software and its Honeybee plugins. In the low-energy-consumption samples, southern openings—identified as contributing to increased energy demand—were further examined for optimization. Variables such as opening proportions, width, height, OKB, and WWR were analyzed. By keeping all other building components and openings constant, and using the Wallacei plugin, the optimal dimensions and ratios for southern openings were determined. Results showed that in the optimized state, annual energy consumption was reduced by 153.49 kWh. The proposed modifications, compared to the existing conditions, showed an average change of -33.3% in width, -22.22% in height, +50% in OKB, and -39.89% in WWR across the three southern-facing spaces. These changes resulted in a 0.62% reduction in energy use according to sDA standards. Additionally, the average optimized WWR was 9% lower, leading to a further reduction of 73.15 kWh/year, or 0.22% in total energy consumption.Heat transfer through glazing - particularly on the southern windows - can significantly increase indoor temperature fluctuations. Hence, the use of transparent façades is essential for providing adequate natural daylight. In residential buildings, especially in temperate and humid climates such as Guilan, where overcast days are more frequent and occupants tend to spend longer periods indoors, controlling energy through window openings becomes more challenging. This study aimed to optimize the size and proportions of south-facing windows in rural dwellings of eastern Guilan to reduce energy consumption while ensuring sufficient daylight availability. To begin, residential buildings in Hosseinabad village (the city of Rudsar) were classified based on building components and climatic requirements using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The most prevalent typologies were then simulated for energy performance using Rhino software and its Honeybee plugins. In the low-energy-consumption samples, southern openings—identified as contributing to increased energy demand—were further examined for optimization. Variables such as opening proportions, width, height, OKB, and WWR were analyzed. By keeping all other building components and openings constant, and using the Wallacei plugin, the optimal dimensions and ratios for southern openings were determined. Results showed that in the optimized state, annual energy consumption was reduced by 153.49 kWh. The proposed modifications, compared to the existing conditions, showed an average change of -33.3% in width, -22.22% in height, +50% in OKB, and -39.89% in WWR across the three southern-facing spaces. These changes resulted in a 0.62% reduction in energy use according to sDA standards. Additionally, the average optimized WWR was 9% lower, leading to a further reduction of 73.15 kWh/year, or 0.22% in total energy consumption.https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9085_3baf9ae0124b91baa26276edc2f15714.pdfUniversity of GuilanGeographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal2783-11916320250923Historical Analysis of Urban Fabric with a Focus on Physical Resilience to Floods (Case Study: Cheshmeh Kileh River, the City of Tonekabon)Historical Analysis of Urban Fabric with a Focus on Physical Resilience to Floods (Case Study: Cheshmeh Kileh River, the City of Tonekabon)103119909010.22124/gscaj.2025.24035.1223FAKerāmatollāhZiāriProfessor, Department of human geography and planning, Faculty of geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.MarziehEbrāhimipourPhd, Department of Urban Planning, Qa .c., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.DāryoushArdalānAssistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Qa. c.,Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.Journal Article20230305Despite Iran’s rich cultural, historical, and technological foundations in architecture and urban planning, the current conditions reflect a significant weakness and inefficiency in confronting natural and human-made disasters. Therefore, urban development plans must increasingly prioritize strategies that enhance resilience and reduce the vulnerability of the urban fabric. This study aimed to analyze the historical evolution of the urban fabric surrounding the Cheshmeh Kileh River in the city of Tonekabon, focusing on its vulnerability to flooding over time. The research was applied in terms of purpose, relies on both documentary and field data, and followed a spatial execution method. Using sequential aerial imagery of the study area (at intervals of 20 to 25 years), necessary maps were prepared and analyzed within a GIS environment. The findings indicated that, despite rising awareness of the dangers associated with construction in river buffer zones, the extent of encroachment into the river’s margins during the two decades from the 1990s to the 2010s increased fivefold compared to the earlier period from 1969 to 1994. This reflects a significant rise in the vulnerability of the urban fabric to flooding. The underlying causes include the absence of approved flood management legislation, failure to define clear urban river boundaries amidst unregulated urban growth, lack of scientific approaches to implementing existing regulations, and limited institutional understanding of construction restrictions and zoning guidelines near urban rivers.Despite Iran’s rich cultural, historical, and technological foundations in architecture and urban planning, the current conditions reflect a significant weakness and inefficiency in confronting natural and human-made disasters. Therefore, urban development plans must increasingly prioritize strategies that enhance resilience and reduce the vulnerability of the urban fabric. This study aimed to analyze the historical evolution of the urban fabric surrounding the Cheshmeh Kileh River in the city of Tonekabon, focusing on its vulnerability to flooding over time. The research was applied in terms of purpose, relies on both documentary and field data, and followed a spatial execution method. Using sequential aerial imagery of the study area (at intervals of 20 to 25 years), necessary maps were prepared and analyzed within a GIS environment. The findings indicated that, despite rising awareness of the dangers associated with construction in river buffer zones, the extent of encroachment into the river’s margins during the two decades from the 1990s to the 2010s increased fivefold compared to the earlier period from 1969 to 1994. This reflects a significant rise in the vulnerability of the urban fabric to flooding. The underlying causes include the absence of approved flood management legislation, failure to define clear urban river boundaries amidst unregulated urban growth, lack of scientific approaches to implementing existing regulations, and limited institutional understanding of construction restrictions and zoning guidelines near urban rivers.https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9090_2c35445406b7c9b5cdc3a5704933261c.pdf