University of Guilan Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal 2783-1191 7 1 2026 03 21 Analysis of Regional Development Performance Based on Quantitative Strategic Planning (Marivān Coastal Region in Kurdistān) Analysis of Regional Development Performance Based on Quantitative Strategic Planning (Marivān Coastal Region in Kurdistān) 1 21 9576 10.22124/gscaj.2025.22674.1184 FA Maryam Sejodi Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Urban Planning, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran. Ahmad Pourahmad Professor, Department of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Ramin Ghorbāni Ph. D in Geography and Urban Planning, Department of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Abbās Druodiniā Ph. D in Geography and Urban Planning, Department of Geography, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0002-0669-2605 Ebrāhim Farhādi Ph. D in Geography and Urban Planning, Department of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2022 07 25 The purpose of this article was to present and analyze the performance of regional development based on quantitative strategic planning in the coastal region of Marivān, Kurdistān Province. A qualitative-quantitative approach was used to conduct the article. In the first section, after a field and library study (future-oriented documents, plans and programs) and using the SWOT model, four key factors were extracted in the form of 85 items and were identified by experts in the field (Delphi) using weighting software, extraction weights and dimensions. The results indicated that in the underdevelopment of the studied region, internal spatial organization (strengths and weaknesses) has less weight and external factors (threats and opportunities) are more decisive; therefore, aggressive strategies were extracted. In the second section, with the help of the Meta-SWOT strategic planning model, 15 organizational goals for the regional development of the province were determined and made available to experts over a 4-year period during the Sixth Economic, Social and Cultural Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran (2019-2020). After going through the steps and final summarization, the results indicated that the regional development of the region is affected by the factorial idea that one was, the other was not, and the reason for underdevelopment can be the same reason for the development of the region (contradiction in the law of dialectics); that is, according to the results obtained, 3 development strategies and 3 anti-development strategies are: 1. Government investment, attention of policymakers, planners and officials (or lack thereof); 2. Private sector interest in investing in the province (or lack thereof); and 3. Lack of large-scale development infrastructure. Ultimately, it can be said that comprehensive regional development policy towards the Kurdistān Province has always been reproduced under the influence of planning ideas. The purpose of this article was to present and analyze the performance of regional development based on quantitative strategic planning in the coastal region of Marivān, Kurdistān Province. A qualitative-quantitative approach was used to conduct the article. In the first section, after a field and library study (future-oriented documents, plans and programs) and using the SWOT model, four key factors were extracted in the form of 85 items and were identified by experts in the field (Delphi) using weighting software, extraction weights and dimensions. The results indicated that in the underdevelopment of the studied region, internal spatial organization (strengths and weaknesses) has less weight and external factors (threats and opportunities) are more decisive; therefore, aggressive strategies were extracted. In the second section, with the help of the Meta-SWOT strategic planning model, 15 organizational goals for the regional development of the province were determined and made available to experts over a 4-year period during the Sixth Economic, Social and Cultural Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran (2019-2020). After going through the steps and final summarization, the results indicated that the regional development of the region is affected by the factorial idea that one was, the other was not, and the reason for underdevelopment can be the same reason for the development of the region (contradiction in the law of dialectics); that is, according to the results obtained, 3 development strategies and 3 anti-development strategies are: 1. Government investment, attention of policymakers, planners and officials (or lack thereof); 2. Private sector interest in investing in the province (or lack thereof); and 3. Lack of large-scale development infrastructure. Ultimately, it can be said that comprehensive regional development policy towards the Kurdistān Province has always been reproduced under the influence of planning ideas.

https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9576_16d2f65b26f2ebcabc4a0cae0fd09d96.pdf

University of Guilan Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal 2783-1191 7 1 2026 03 21 Spatial Identification of Spruce Cultivation Areas in Rural Regions (Case Study: Ziābar Rural District, the City of Sowme'eh Sarā) Spatial Identification of Spruce Cultivation Areas in Rural Regions (Case Study: Ziābar Rural District, the City of Sowme'eh Sarā) 23 37 9581 10.22124/gscaj.2026.26159.1276 FA Shahrām Sharifi Hashjin Assistant Professor, Department of Regional Studies, Environmental Research Institute of Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran. Seyede Mohadese Hātami Shāhkhāli Ph.D.in geography and rural planning, research expert, Jihad Daneshgahi Higher Education Institute of Guilan Province, Rasht, Iran. Hamid Rezā Maskani Jifroodi Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Higher Education Institute of Guilan Province. Habib Mahmoodi Chenāri Assistant Professor, Department of Regional Studies, Environmental Research Institute of Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran. Journal Article 2024 01 22 Wood cultivation and attention to sustainable development are of great importance in countries experiencing forest scarcity. Meanwhile, demand for wood products is steadily increasing at both national and international levels. Spruce is one of the most widely cultivated fast-growing tree species and is commonly used in forest plantations. This study aimed to improve the accuracy of optical image classification using machine learning by integrating optical and radar imagery. It also represented an effort toward the monitoring, control, and spatial management of rural areas, particularly from the perspective of agricultural activities, and can be considered a novel approach to rural development in the era of the information and technology revolution. In this research, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, including spectral bands and radar polarizations, along with a digital elevation model (DEM), were utilized. The Random Forest algorithm was employed as a powerful method for classifying large and imbalanced datasets. By integrating optical and radar satellite data and applying the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, spruce plantation areas were zoned. The area under spruce cultivation in the Ziābar Rural District was estimated at 2,650 hectares. The overall classification accuracy and Kappa coefficient were obtained as 83.2% and 0.754, respectively. Accordingly, the proposed method can be regarded as a robust approach for the monitoring, control, and spatial management of agricultural activities in rural areas at various spatial scales. Wood cultivation and attention to sustainable development are of great importance in countries experiencing forest scarcity. Meanwhile, demand for wood products is steadily increasing at both national and international levels. Spruce is one of the most widely cultivated fast-growing tree species and is commonly used in forest plantations. This study aimed to improve the accuracy of optical image classification using machine learning by integrating optical and radar imagery. It also represented an effort toward the monitoring, control, and spatial management of rural areas, particularly from the perspective of agricultural activities, and can be considered a novel approach to rural development in the era of the information and technology revolution. In this research, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, including spectral bands and radar polarizations, along with a digital elevation model (DEM), were utilized. The Random Forest algorithm was employed as a powerful method for classifying large and imbalanced datasets. By integrating optical and radar satellite data and applying the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, spruce plantation areas were zoned. The area under spruce cultivation in the Ziābar Rural District was estimated at 2,650 hectares. The overall classification accuracy and Kappa coefficient were obtained as 83.2% and 0.754, respectively. Accordingly, the proposed method can be regarded as a robust approach for the monitoring, control, and spatial management of agricultural activities in rural areas at various spatial scales.

https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9581_2030ecd849beffdf2c077f13e1872214.pdf

University of Guilan Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal 2783-1191 7 1 2026 03 21 Identifying and Prioritizing the Optimal Governance Indicators of Sustainable Tourism in Khuzestān Province Identifying and Prioritizing the Optimal Governance Indicators of Sustainable Tourism in Khuzestān Province 39 59 9577 10.22124/gscaj.2025.29317.1336 FA Mahnāz Hosseini Siāhgoli Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. Majid Goodarzi Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. Journal Article 2024 12 23 Through effective policymaking, meticulous planning, and comprehensive collaboration, urban governance can foster sustainable tourism, simultaneously delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, achieving this requires identifying and prioritizing key indicators of good governance for sustainable tourism. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the indicators of good governance for sustainable tourism in Khuzestān Province. Methodologically, it was descriptive research in terms of data collection and an applied-developmental study in terms of purpose. The statistical population comprises two groups: delphi panel of 50 experts in tourism and urban management. The target population, included urban planning managers, specialists, and university professors. Data was collected using a DEMATEL questionnaire, designed through a three-round Delphi technique. To analyze the data, establish cause-effect relationships, and determine the weight of each indicator, the hybrid DANP (DEMATEL-ANP) technique was employed. The study revealed that institutional and economic indicators hold greater significance in Khuzestān Province. This implies that appropriate laws and regulations, robust economic infrastructure, and government support for the tourism industry are essential for the province’s sustainable tourism development. Conversely, while social and environmental indicators were relatively less prioritized, they remain critically important. Coastal and marine areas, as integral components of Khuzestān’s tourism potential, play a key role in attracting tourists and advancing sustainable tourism. However, environmental considerations, particularly the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, must be rigorously addressed alongside tourism development. These findings emphasize the importance of urban governance in the development of sustainable tourism and the need to pay attention to various indicators, including institutional, economic, social, and environmental indicators. They also highlight the role of beaches and the sea in the development of sustainable tourism and the need to pay attention to environmental protection in this regard. The results of this study can be a useful guide for policymakers and urban planners of Khuzestān province in developing sustainable tourism and optimally utilizing the capacities of beaches and the sea. Through effective policymaking, meticulous planning, and comprehensive collaboration, urban governance can foster sustainable tourism, simultaneously delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, achieving this requires identifying and prioritizing key indicators of good governance for sustainable tourism. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the indicators of good governance for sustainable tourism in Khuzestān Province. Methodologically, it was descriptive research in terms of data collection and an applied-developmental study in terms of purpose. The statistical population comprises two groups: delphi panel of 50 experts in tourism and urban management. The target population, included urban planning managers, specialists, and university professors. Data was collected using a DEMATEL questionnaire, designed through a three-round Delphi technique. To analyze the data, establish cause-effect relationships, and determine the weight of each indicator, the hybrid DANP (DEMATEL-ANP) technique was employed. The study revealed that institutional and economic indicators hold greater significance in Khuzestān Province. This implies that appropriate laws and regulations, robust economic infrastructure, and government support for the tourism industry are essential for the province’s sustainable tourism development. Conversely, while social and environmental indicators were relatively less prioritized, they remain critically important. Coastal and marine areas, as integral components of Khuzestān’s tourism potential, play a key role in attracting tourists and advancing sustainable tourism. However, environmental considerations, particularly the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, must be rigorously addressed alongside tourism development. These findings emphasize the importance of urban governance in the development of sustainable tourism and the need to pay attention to various indicators, including institutional, economic, social, and environmental indicators. They also highlight the role of beaches and the sea in the development of sustainable tourism and the need to pay attention to environmental protection in this regard. The results of this study can be a useful guide for policymakers and urban planners of Khuzestān province in developing sustainable tourism and optimally utilizing the capacities of beaches and the sea.

https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9577_115411399e7b2225cba1ee76567d0eb8.pdf

University of Guilan Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal 2783-1191 7 1 2026 03 21 An Analysis of Driving and Inhibiting Factors Influencing the Quality of Life in Rural Areas (Case Study: Villages in the Central District of Astara County) An Analysis of Driving and Inhibiting Factors Influencing the Quality of Life in Rural Areas (Case Study: Villages in the Central District of Astara County) 61 80 9580 10.22124/gscaj.2025.29609.1342 FA Bahrām Imāni Associate Professor, Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Tohid Karamzādeh Ph.D. Student in Rural Planning Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Journal Article 2025 02 02 The quality of life in rural communities is a crucial issue closely linked to the residents' long-term settlement and the prevention of rural-to-urban migration. The present study sought to explore the driving and inhibiting factors influencing the improvement of the quality of life in rural areas. This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The required data were collected through library and field methods (questionnaire). The statistical population consisted of 4,998 rural households in the central district of Astara County. From among them 357 were selected as a sample using Cochran's formula, which was increased to 360 respondents to improve the reliability of results. The collected data were analyzed using SMART PLS and SPSS software. Based on standard estimates, the impact of driving factors was as follows: economic-institutional index (0.625), social index (0.739), environmental-ecological index (0.877), and infrastructural-physical index (0.580). In terms of inhibiting factors, the following effects were estimated: economic-institutional index (0.705), social index (0.532), environmental-ecological index (0.413), and infrastructural-physical index (0.619), all related to the quality of life. Finally, necessary recommendations were provided. The quality of life in rural communities is a crucial issue closely linked to the residents' long-term settlement and the prevention of rural-to-urban migration. The present study sought to explore the driving and inhibiting factors influencing the improvement of the quality of life in rural areas. This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The required data were collected through library and field methods (questionnaire). The statistical population consisted of 4,998 rural households in the central district of Astara County. From among them 357 were selected as a sample using Cochran's formula, which was increased to 360 respondents to improve the reliability of results. The collected data were analyzed using SMART PLS and SPSS software. Based on standard estimates, the impact of driving factors was as follows: economic-institutional index (0.625), social index (0.739), environmental-ecological index (0.877), and infrastructural-physical index (0.580). In terms of inhibiting factors, the following effects were estimated: economic-institutional index (0.705), social index (0.532), environmental-ecological index (0.413), and infrastructural-physical index (0.619), all related to the quality of life. Finally, necessary recommendations were provided.

https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9580_0c69f91eaafedc8d19b46d425cd30a37.pdf

University of Guilan Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal 2783-1191 7 1 2026 03 21 Explaining the Spatial Distribution and Typology of Citizens’ Reactions to Crime and Norm violation in Urban Spaces of Bandar Abbās Explaining the Spatial Distribution and Typology of Citizens’ Reactions to Crime and Norm violation in Urban Spaces of Bandar Abbās 81 100 9610 10.22124/gscaj.2026.30286.1351 FA ََAmir Hamzeh Shahbāzi Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahean, Iran. Journal Article 2025 04 11 This study first evaluated the diverse perceptions of citizens regarding norm violation and crime in urban spaces. In the second step, it classified and analyzes citizens’ reactions, and in the third step, it explained the spatial, social, and economic dimensions of the various meaningful reactions exhibited by citizens in the urban spaces of Bandar Abbās. The research was applied in nature and conducted through a descriptive–analytical method. Data were collected using a survey approach (researcher-made questionnaire and two-stage random sampling) with a sample size of 407 respondents. The data were then analyzed and tested using non-parametric inferential statistical models, including Kruskal–Wallis, Kendall’s Tau-c and Tau-b, Chi-square, Spearman, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Shapiro–Wilk, and cross-tabulation. In response to three types of violations i.e., damaging green spaces, littering, and vandalizing bus stops and signage, 60% to 80% of citizens selected the options “doing nothing” or “only giving a verbal warning.” However, when reacting to three other offenses, ranging from minor to severe (verbal harassment and catcalling, hooliganism, and harassment involving physical threat toward families), only 38%, 10%, and 4% of citizens, respectively, chose “doing nothing” or “only giving a warning.” Analysis of the relationship between education level and reactions to verbal harassment (catcalling) indicated that 52% of illiterate respondents, and 0% of individuals with a doctoral degree, were willing to engage in confrontation (limited or full). The confrontation readiness index regarding catcalling was 70% among very low-income groups and 18% among very high-income groups. Spatial distribution of reactions to hooliganism and family-related harassment showed that 82% of residents in very low-income neighborhoods and 10% in very high-income neighborhoods preparedness for full or limited confrontation conflict. Variables such as literacy, employment, social class, neighborhood socio-economic level, and place of birth were significant determinants of citizens’ reactions, ranging from complete avoidance to full confrontation. This study first evaluated the diverse perceptions of citizens regarding norm violation and crime in urban spaces. In the second step, it classified and analyzes citizens’ reactions, and in the third step, it explained the spatial, social, and economic dimensions of the various meaningful reactions exhibited by citizens in the urban spaces of Bandar Abbās. The research was applied in nature and conducted through a descriptive–analytical method. Data were collected using a survey approach (researcher-made questionnaire and two-stage random sampling) with a sample size of 407 respondents. The data were then analyzed and tested using non-parametric inferential statistical models, including Kruskal–Wallis, Kendall’s Tau-c and Tau-b, Chi-square, Spearman, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Shapiro–Wilk, and cross-tabulation. In response to three types of violations i.e., damaging green spaces, littering, and vandalizing bus stops and signage, 60% to 80% of citizens selected the options “doing nothing” or “only giving a verbal warning.” However, when reacting to three other offenses, ranging from minor to severe (verbal harassment and catcalling, hooliganism, and harassment involving physical threat toward families), only 38%, 10%, and 4% of citizens, respectively, chose “doing nothing” or “only giving a warning.” Analysis of the relationship between education level and reactions to verbal harassment (catcalling) indicated that 52% of illiterate respondents, and 0% of individuals with a doctoral degree, were willing to engage in confrontation (limited or full). The confrontation readiness index regarding catcalling was 70% among very low-income groups and 18% among very high-income groups. Spatial distribution of reactions to hooliganism and family-related harassment showed that 82% of residents in very low-income neighborhoods and 10% in very high-income neighborhoods preparedness for full or limited confrontation conflict. Variables such as literacy, employment, social class, neighborhood socio-economic level, and place of birth were significant determinants of citizens’ reactions, ranging from complete avoidance to full confrontation.

https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9610_fe7cd9be7c04b0104fd951eb643cefac.pdf

University of Guilan Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal 2783-1191 7 1 2026 03 21 The Effect of Spatial Management Dimensions on Agricultural Land-Use Change (Case Study: The City of Rasht) The Effect of Spatial Management Dimensions on Agricultural Land-Use Change (Case Study: The City of Rasht) 101 120 9600 10.22124/gscaj.2026.30496.1355 FA Masomeh Altāfinezhād Graduated in Geography and Spatial Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Abdolrezā Eftekhāri Professor, Department of Geography and Rural Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Hasan Ahmadi Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2025 04 27 Spatial management, through the implementation of wise land-use planning and establishing linkages among uses, aims to balance development demands with environmental conservation while achieving economic and social objectives. Within this framework, the ecological-physical, economic, and social dimensions of spatial management in the study area have presented significant challenges. Accordingly, the present research sought to examine the effects of these dimensions on changes in agricultural land use in the city of Rasht. To achieve scientific insights, a descriptive-analytical approach was employed. Data were collected through both library research and fieldwork, and questionnaires were used as the primary data collection tool. The study population included three groups: public sector managers, private sector managers, and agricultural land users (farmers) in Rasht. Using random sampling and Cochran’s formula, a total of 37 questionnaires were distributed and completed for the public sector, 105 for the private sector, and 380 for agricultural land users. To analyze the relationships among the three factors, Spearman’s correlation test was applied, while regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha in SPSS, yielding coefficients of 0.889 for the questionnaires targeting the first two groups and 0.897 for the farmer questionnaire. The research findings indicated that all three groups agreed that the negative impacts on the ecological-physical dimension were more pronounced than those on the economic and social dimensions. In other words, the indicators used in the city reflect an unfavorable condition. Spatial management, through the implementation of wise land-use planning and establishing linkages among uses, aims to balance development demands with environmental conservation while achieving economic and social objectives. Within this framework, the ecological-physical, economic, and social dimensions of spatial management in the study area have presented significant challenges. Accordingly, the present research sought to examine the effects of these dimensions on changes in agricultural land use in the city of Rasht. To achieve scientific insights, a descriptive-analytical approach was employed. Data were collected through both library research and fieldwork, and questionnaires were used as the primary data collection tool. The study population included three groups: public sector managers, private sector managers, and agricultural land users (farmers) in Rasht. Using random sampling and Cochran’s formula, a total of 37 questionnaires were distributed and completed for the public sector, 105 for the private sector, and 380 for agricultural land users. To analyze the relationships among the three factors, Spearman’s correlation test was applied, while regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha in SPSS, yielding coefficients of 0.889 for the questionnaires targeting the first two groups and 0.897 for the farmer questionnaire. The research findings indicated that all three groups agreed that the negative impacts on the ecological-physical dimension were more pronounced than those on the economic and social dimensions. In other words, the indicators used in the city reflect an unfavorable condition.

https://hgscaj.guilan.ac.ir/article_9600_0dbaf1a5637622ebeec7090275462752.pdf