Spatial Assessment of Coastal Biodiversity in Southern Iran with a Regional Planning Approach (Case Study: Bushehr Province)

Document Type : Research Article - Case Study

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Human Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D. student in Land Use Planning, Department of Human Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

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.

Highlights

  • As we move closer to the coastline, environmental conditions in the area become more constrained.
  • The concentration of areas with favorable and suitable biodiversity conditions is higher in the southeast of the region.
  • To answer the research question, 11 indicators were utilized, 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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Abbizzadeh, S. (2023). Analyzing the Key Drivers of Resilience in Coastal Cities. Urban Planning and Environmental Development, Published Online, September 22, 2023. [In Persian]
Aguiar, B. V., Murias, P., & Rodríguez-González, D. (2019). Sustainable urban liveability: A practical proposal based on a composite indicator. Sustainability, 11(1), 86.‏ doi: 10. 3390/su11010086.
Amanpour, S., Hosseini Siyahgoli, M., & Azar Borzin, N. (2022). Evaluation of the location of Mehr housing with an emphasis on environmental aspects (Case study: Mehr housing in Izeh city). Geography and Urban Space Development, 9(3), 103-120. [In Persian]
Amiri, M., Khatibi, A., & Faghihi, M. (2023). Investigation and analysis of land for physical development of coastal cities based on geotechnical criteria: A case study of Bandar Abbas city. Amirkabir Civil Engineering Journal, 55(6), 1263-1284. [In Persian]
Arian Kia, M., & Shirazi Iraee, S. (2024). Spatial analysis of the sustainability status of the tripartite areas of Gorgan city based on the physical-spatial index. Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, Published Online. [In Persian]
Azimi Amli, J., Nowaei, M., & Janbaz Ghobadi, Gh. R. (2023). Strategic analysis of the application of good governance in sustainable development of coastal cities: A case study of Babolsar, Nour, and Ramsar. Human Geography Research, Published Online, 17 Dey 1402. [In Persian]
Cabioch, B., and Robert, S. (2022). Integrated beach management in large coastal cities. A review. Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 217, 106019, pp. 1-11.
Colijn, C. J., & Binnendijk, A. C. (1998). Physical planning in the coastal region of Zeeland, the Netherlands. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 4, 135-142.
Dehghaniyan, M., Zarei, B., & Najafi, M. J. (2021). Explaining opportunities and challenges of sustainable security development in border areas: A case study of Bushehr province. Defense Management and Research, 20(92), 33-65. [In Persian]
Dewa, D. D., Buchori, I., Sejati, A. W., & Liu, Y. (2022). Shannon Entropy-based urban spatial fragmentation to ensure sustainable development of the urban coastal city: A case study of Semarang, Indonesia. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 28, 100839.‏ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2022.100839
Dsouza, N., Carroll-Scott, A., Bilal, U., Headen, I. E., Quick, H., Reis, R., ... & Martinez-Donate, A. P. (2024). Development and validation of statewide survey-based measures of livability in Connecticut. Health & Place, 89, 103282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103282
Eilanolu, M., & Adibi, B. (2020). Measurement and evaluation of mental quality of life in coastal cities: A case study of Bandar Imam Khomeini. Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas, 1(1), 89-112. [In Persian]
Farajollahi, A., Pourmohammadi, M. R., Heidari Cheyaneh, R., & Mokhtari, D. (2022). Comparative analysis of urban sustainability with an emphasis on physical indicators of ten districts in the metropolis of Tabriz. Geography and Planning, 26(81), 173-189. [In Persian]
Fendiriani, A., Adrianto, D. W., & Wijaya, I. N. S. (2024). LIVABILITY LEVEL OF COASTAL SETTLEMENT IN KARANGSARI VILLAGE, TUBAN REGENCY. Urban Issues & Planning Journal, 2(2), 77-90. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.urbanesis.2024.2.2.1
Ghanbarzadeh Darband, H., Amir Ahmadi, A., Pourhashemi, Z., & Pourhashemi, S. (2023). Locating optimal areas for physical development of the city of Sabzevar based on environmental indicators. Geographical Sciences (Applied Geography). Online publication on May 10, 2023. [In Persian]
Gurran, N., Norman, B., & Hamin, E. (2013). Climate change adaptation in coastal Australia: An audit of planning practice. Ocean & coastal management, 86, 100-109. Gurran, N., Norman, B., & Hamin, E. (2013). Climate change adaptation in coastal Australia: An audit of planning practice. Ocean & coastal management, 86, 100-109.
Hughes, W., & Zhang, W. (2023). Evaluation of post-disaster home livability for coastal communities in a changing climate. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 96, 103951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103951
Henocque, Y. (2013). Enhancing social capital for sustainable coastal development: Is satoumi the answer?. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 116, 66-73.
Hosseini, A., Zarei, B., Ahmadi, S. A., & Rostami, R. (2021). Clarifying regional development with emphasis on maritime economy employment: A case study of Bushehr province. Spatial Planning, 11(39), 129-152. [In Persian]
Hosseini, S. M., Rahnama, M. R., Ghanbari, M., & Mohammadi Hemmati, S. (2019). Evaluating and measuring urban sustainability in the metropolitan area of Ahvaz. Sustainable City, 2(2), 1-17. [In Persian]
Ioannidis, S. (2019). An overview of yachting tourism and its role in the development of coastal areas of Croatia. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Issues, 1(1), 30-43.
Karimi, A., Pourtaheri, M., & Ahmadi, H. (2017). Analysis of spatial organization and classification of the urban system in Kurdistan province. Environmental Studies of Haft Hesar, 6(19), 31-52. [In Persian]
Li, Z. (2024). An Investigation of Urban Heat Island Effect and Environmental Livability based on Remote Sensing Methods. Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology, 108, 6-13. https://doi.org/10.54097/mapvbb31
Li, Z., Luan, W., Wang, X., Wan, S., Su, M., & Zhang, Z. (2022). Spatial expansion regular pattern and driving factors of estuarine and coastal harbors. Ocean & Coastal Management, 216, 105980.‏ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105980
Liu, P., & Zhu, B. (2022). Temporal-spatial evolution of green total factor productivity in China's coastal cities under carbon emission constraints. Sustainable Cities and Society, 104231.‏ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104231
Majidi Nik, M., & Biglari, S. (2022). Evaluation and Zoning of Earthquake Hazard in Bushehr Province. Crisis Management, 11, Special Issue on Defense, 1-14. [In Persian]
Milanés, C. B., Montero, O. P., Szlafsztein, C. F., & Pimentel, M. A. D. S. (2020). Climate change and spatial justice in coastal planning in Cuba and Brazil. Ambiente & Sociedade, 23, e01841.
Mohammadzadeh Khani, S., Khakpour, B., & Madahi, S. M. (2020). Optimal location for physical development of the city of Bojnord using GIS software and network analysis method. Geography and Urban Space Development, 7(1), 17-34. [In Persian]
Mouratidis, K. (2020). Commute satisfaction, neighborhood satisfaction, and housing satisfaction as predictors of subjective well-being and indicators of urban livability. Travel Behaviour and Society, 21, 265–78.
Mousavi, S. Y., Rostami, R., Ghadimi, B., & Mirzaei, K. (2021). Explaining the factors affecting urban sustainability: A case study of Ilam city. Sustainable City, 4(2), 107-124. [In Persian]
Mowlavi, M., & Amjadiyan, A. (2023). Identification of suitable areas for locating multi-purpose green spaces for temporary settlement after crises: Case study of Rasht city. Human Geography Research, Online publication on February 19, 2024. [In Persian]
Nazmfar, H., Taqviziravani, E., & Mansourian, H. (2022). Ranking urban areas of Sari city based on the level of sustainability indicators. Human Geography Research, 54(4), 1379-1395. [In Persian]
Nobakht, R., & Rostam Ali Zadeh, V. (2023). Migration, adaptation, and population sustainability in industrial-coastal counties of Iran: A case study of Kongan County, Bushehr Province. Geography and Development, 21(70), 248-225. [In Persian]
Pan, Lihu. Yang, Fenyu. Lu, Feiping. Qin, Shipeng. Yan, Huimin and Peng, Rui (2020), Multi-Agent Simulation of Safe Livability and Sustainable Development in Cities, journal Sustainability 2020, 12, 2070; doi: 10. 3390/su12052070.
Paul, A. (2024). Assessment of metropolitan livability variations using objective-subjective approach. World Development Sustainability, 4, 100135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2024.100135
Pishgah Hadian, H., Kaidnejad, R., Bolandian, G. H., & Darvishpur, H. (2020). An analysis of regional development in the macro policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Strategic Studies of Basij, 23(88), 5-41. [In Persian]
Purkiani, M., Salehi, A., Mohammadbakhti, M., & Salajegheh, S. (2024). Analysis of the position of factors influencing urban branding: A case study of Bushehr city. Applied Research in Geographic Sciences, 24(73), 47-73. [In Persian]
Raeei, M., Mehrnama, V., & Arshpour, A. R. (2022). Foreign investment and sustainable development in the coasts of Makran from the perspective of jurisprudence and law with an emphasis on capacities and challenges. Journal of Economic Jurisprudence Studies, 4(4), 227-246. [In Persian]
Rafieyan, M., & Gahchi, G. K. (2021). Identification and prioritization of environmental quality indicators in coastal zones. Urban Studies, 10(38), 3-16. [In Persian]
Rajabi, S., & Ghaffari, S. (2021). Identification of the subject matter of scientific productions in the field of coastal areas using scientometric approach. Journal of Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas, 2(1), 103-114. [In Persian]
Ramaswami, A. (2020). Unpacking the Urban Infrastructure Nexus with Environment, Health, Livability, Well-Being, and Equity, One Earth, 2(2), 120-124, 21 February 2020.
Razjouyan, M., Motavalli, S., & Janbaz Ghobadi, Gh. R. (2020). Organizing coastal land uses for urban tourism development: A case study of Sorkhehroud city. Journal of Applied Research in Geographical Sciences, 20(57), 125-145. [In Persian]
Saghaei, M., Gonbaki, A., & Fadaei Jazi, F. (2021). Coastal tourism planning with environmental sustainability approach: A case study of coastal cities in Bushehr province. Journal of Regional Planning, 11(43), 139-124. [In Persian]
Shakermi, N., Rahnama, M. R., & Zamani Poor, M. (2023). Strategic planning for the development of Lorestan province based on regional competitive identity. Geography and Regional Development, 21(2), 1-27. [In Persian]
Shaterian, M., Dalvand, H., & Heidari Soorshjani, R. (2021). Modeling the impact of sustainability on quality of life based on public opinion survey: A case study of Dorud city. Sustainable City, 4(1), 71-86. [In Persian]
Shohani, N., Farahani, H., & Niksarat, M. (2023). Analysis of environmental potentials in rural sustainability with emphasis on land management and using the AHP model: A case study of Ivan County in Ilam. Human Geography Research, 55(1), 189-208. [In Persian]
Shokri Firouzjah, P., Ranjbar, Z., & Janbaz Ghobadi, Gh. R. (2022). Spatial analysis of physical resilience with emphasis on urban regeneration: A case study of coastal cities in Mazandaran province. Urban Ecology, 13(4), 17-34. [In Persian]
Statistical Center of Iran. (2021). Statistical Yearbook of Bushehr Province, 1400. [In Persian]
Talebi, M. S., & Sazgari Ardakani, M. (2023). Location of non-hazardous waste disposal sites in Meybod city using multi-criteria decision-making modeling in GIS environment. Geography Quarterly (Regional Planning), 13(Special Issue), 249-264. [In Persian]
Tay, C., Lindsey, E. O., Chin, S. T., McCaughey, J. W., Bekaert, D., Nguyen, M., ... & Hill, E. M. (2022). Sea-level rise from land subsidence in major coastal cities. Nature Sustainability, 5(12), 1049-1057.‏ https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-022-00947-z
Varesi, H., Taqvayi, M., & Mohammadpanahi, S. (2023). Strategic planning for regional development in Ilam based on regional competitiveness. Geography and Regional Development, 21(1), 231-209. [In Persian]
Veicy, H. (2023). The Development of Makran Depends on the Adoption of Maritime Strategy and Land Use Planning.‏ Journal of Geography, 21(77): 54-31. http://dor.net/dor/20.1001.1.27833739.1402.21.77.3.6
Wang, N., Zhu, G., Li, X., Xu, M., Cheng, J., Yi, W., ... & Xie, Z. (2022). The Transition and Suggestions of Coastal Port Reclamation Policy in China. Available at SSRN 4258844.‏ http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4258844
Wu, L.L., (2020). Correlation between population migration and regional planning based on urbanization of coastal cities. In: Al-Tarawneh, O. and Megahed, A. (eds.), Recent Developments of Port, Marine, and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 110, 50–53. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. https://doi.org/10.2112/JCR-SI110-012.1
Yamani, M., Alizadeh, Sh., Sarvestani, M. R., & Ghahroodi Talaei, M. (2023). Analysis of changes in the western coastlines of the Caspian Sea in the form of coastal cells (from Talesh to Anzali). Land Use Planning Journal, 15(1), 201-220. [In Persian]
Yan, M., Fan, S., Zhang, L., Mahmood, R., Chen, B., and Dong, Y. (2022). Vegetation Dynamics Due to Urbanization in the Coastal Cities along the Maritime Silk Road. Land 11(2), 164, pp. 1-16.
Yang, Shih-Hsien. Nam Hoai Tran. Calista Y. Tsai, Nien Chia Yang and Chih-Ming Chang (2021), Developing Transportation Livability-Related Indicators for Green Urban Road Rating System in Taiwan, journal Sustainability, 13, 14016. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132414016.
Yasouri, M., & Sajjadi, M. (2019). Formulation of spatial development status in Rasht County with emphasis on the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) model. Development Strategy, 57, 154-182. [In Persian]
Zaki, A., Buchori, I., Sejati, A. W., & Liu, Y. (2022). An object-based image analysis in QGIS for image classification and assessment of coastal spatial planning. The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Science, 25(2), 349-359.‏ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2022.03.002
Zhan, D., Kwan, M-P., Zhang, W., Fan, J., Yu, J., & Dang, Y. (2018), Assessment and determinants of satisfaction with urban livability in China, Cities, Vol.79: 92-101.
Ziari, K., Salari Moghadam, Z., & Hataminia, H. (2019). Assessment and evaluation of urban neighborhoods' sustainability: A case study of District 15 in the metropolitan Tehran. Sustainable City, 2(3), 41-58. [In Persian]
Geographical Studies of Coastal Areas Journal
Volume 6, Issue 3 - Serial Number 22
September 2025
Pages 1-20

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics