https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/ Human Ecology en daily 1 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_229607.html One of the key requirements of adopting a holistic perspective toward the environment and human life in the contemporary era is adherence to the principles of sustainable development in planning, which simultaneously pursues economic, social, and environmental objectives. Coastal border areas, particularly islands, have long been recognized as dynamic and significant environments due to their biodiversity and their role in sustaining local livelihoods. To ensure long-term benefits, strengthen capacities in these regions, and mitigate the adverse effects of development, the sustainable tourism approach provides a foundation for conserving biological resources while promoting the well-being of local communities. This study demonstrates how a proper assessment of various environmental layers—such as water, land, vegetation, and wildlife—in coastal islands can lead to the formation of spatial experiences that foster sustainable tourism, with a particular focus on Hengam Island. By identifying the island’s inherent potentials and analyzing its environmental layers, the research offers a spatial model aligned with the principles of sustainable development and the enhancement of tourism capacities. The study seeks to address two central questions: How can the evaluation of environmental layers and natural assets in Hengam Island generate new spatial experiences? And what vision does the sustainable tourism approach provide for the island’s future development and planning? The research methodology is based on a qualitative approach with an inductive reasoning process, combining field studies and case study analysis with documentary and archival data, supported by design-level assessments and spatial planning. The findings ultimately propose a framework for spatial definition and expression aimed at creating sustainable experiences and stronger environmental interactions, offering a physical program for the functional, perceptual, and structural utilization of Hengam Island’s areas and resources. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_230700.html The purpose of this research is to sociologically analyze the impact of social changes on the political behavior of society. This research is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of its method. The statistical population of the present study includes women and men aged 18 to 65 years after 2009 in Iran; who were studied using a stratified random sampling method. Also, standard questionnaires and a researcher-made questionnaire on party activity were used to collect information. Pearson correlation statistical technique was used to analyze the collected information. The qualitative findings of the research show that sociological analysis, as a theorizing approach in social sciences, examines the relationships between social changes and political behavior. The impact of social changes on the political behavior of society is diverse and complex and is affected by various factors including values, beliefs, motivations, and identity of individuals. The results of the research show that social changes have an impact on the political behavior of society. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_231473.html This study aimed to investigate the application of circular architecture principles in optimizing fossil fuel consumption in residential buildings in Iran, using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 professional architects from Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Shiraz and analyzed using thematic analysis and NVivo software. The findings identified four main themes: implementation barriers (high costs, lack of technical knowledge, cultural resistance), innovative opportunities (integration of traditional patterns such as brick and windbreak, digital innovations, interdisciplinary collaboration), practical impact (20-30% reduction in gas consumption, long-term sustainability, 15-25% reduction in CO₂ emissions), and proposed solutions (education, local research, community participation). Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) paradigmatic model showed that opportunities enhance the central phenomenon (optimizing fuel consumption), but barriers moderate it, and solutions manage this moderation. These principles contribute to Iran’s sustainable development and energy security goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Comparison with previous studies showed that traditional Iranian models have similar potential to global approaches, but cultural and economic barriers are more prominent in Iran. Suggestions include: aligning national regulations with circular principles, subsidies for recycled materials, and training of architects. This research fills a qualitative gap in the experiences of Iranian architects and contributes to the development of sustainable architecture. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_232619.html The diversity and complexity of the tourism industry, varying with geographical regions, have created unique opportunities for tourism planning and management. In areas prone to tourism industry development, it is necessary to seek the driving factors of tourism flow, as tourism is one of the most dynamic economic activities of the present era. Although tourism development is not a universal solution to all problems, it will present planners with a suitable strategy for sustainable economic development, reducing regional deprivation, and comprehensive economic development in a city or country. Therefore, addressing the issue of rural tourism will examine the needs of urban dwellers considering changes in economic factors and place them in an optimal state. This research is applied in nature and descriptive-analytical in terms of its characteristics. Our statistical population in this research consists of rural households in the city of Sowme Sara, officials, and tourists. To examine the impact of the factors mentioned in tourism, we used a questionnaire as a tool. The responses and data were collected from the statistical population and analysed using statistical tests in SPSS software and the HOLSAT model. The results indicate that, according to the statistical tests conducted on the components of the two hypotheses, both hypotheses are confirmed. These structures have been able to contribute to the development of tourism in the region. The results obtained from the HOLSAT model show positive performance in the components of the economic structure and contradictory results, indicating a need for re-planning in this regard. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_232794.html The extensive migration of Afghans to Iran, as a prominent social phenomenon, has generated diverse attitudes within Iranian society. The significance of this phenomenon is rooted in the cultural and historical continuity between the two nations, yet it has consistently been accompanied by challenges such as population density, competition over resources, and social tensions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the attitudes and thought patterns of Iranian Instagram users toward Afghan migrants, addressing how these attitudes are represented in comments. The research employed a qualitative content analysis approach, with a sample consisting of 512 purposively selected comments from news, social, and educational Instagram pages (from Junel to December 2024), chosen based on criteria such as thematic relevance, user engagement, and diversity of perspectives. The texts were analyzed using the framework proposed by Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). Five main themes were identified: perceived threat (including resource scarcity and security risks), nationalistic superiority, state-nation urgency (support or opposition to migration policies), stereotypes and prejudice, and supportiveness (emotional and rational). The findings reveal that perceived threat, nationalistic superiority, state-nation urgency, and stereotypes reinforce the discourse of migrant deportation, whereas supportiveness contributes to social inclusion. This research enhances understanding of the paradoxical cultural-social space surrounding Afghan migration in Iran and recommends revising migration policies, promoting humane discourses, and directing future studies toward more diverse contexts to reduce tensions in the existing human geography space. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_232795.html Architectural social identity refers to the concept of a tangible expression of collective memory and cultural identity that reflects how people experience and interact with their environment. In this regard, rereading the components that influence architectural social identity in enduring buildings can play a pivotal role in presenting desirable architectural designs. Therefore, the present study was written with the aim of reviewing the components that influence social identity in the historical bazaar of Tabriz. The research method in the present study is mixed with an applied purpose and a descriptive-analytical nature, and to analyze the data have been used the partial least squares model in the Warp-pls software. Also, the statistical population of the study includes architectural experts and elites, and due to the uncertainty of the size of the statistical population, the sample size was estimated at 200 people using Cohen's formula at a confidence level of 95%. The research findings show that the greatest impact on the social identity of the historical bazaar of Tabriz is related to the perceptual-semantic, memorable, event-responsive, and spatial-functional components with coefficients of 0.691, 0.651, 0.603, and 0.564. Among the sub-variables, the most influential were the reflection of spiritual elements, values, and beliefs, creating a sense of familiarity and memorability of the space, emphasizing various social, cultural, and religious events, benefiting from history and tradition in design, and paying attention to the social dimension of man, and the existence of spaces for social interactions. Also, the reinterpretation of these components should be based on a contextual approach (continuity/change and unity/plurality) and regionalism (difference/similarity). https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_233540.html Governments, as the main actors in the geopolitical arena, seek to establish geopolitical relations with other actors in order to ensure security, maintain and gain more benefits, as well as to improve their position and dignity at the global level. Meanwhile, Iran, as one of the most important regional players in Southwest Asia, has many geopolitical interests, which include increasing the level of influence beyond its borders, especially among its neighbors, including Iraq. is Based on this, the current research examines the various challenges that exist in the path of expanding Iran's geopolitical territory in Iraq. Considering the regional and international importance of this issue and the effects of territory expansion on regional and international relations, the present research has analyzed the most important challenges of Iran in this field at both sub-national and national levels with a descriptive and analytical approach. The results of the research show that: the most important challenges for the expansion of Iran's geopolitical territory at the sub-national level for the country of Iraq are: the existence of a political break in the relations between the Shiites of Iraq and Iran, the existence of religious and political extremist ideas (Baathism ) were among the Sunnis of Iraq. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_233690.html This study focuses on identifying and analyzing the principles of green architecture in mosque design and evaluating the extent to which these principles are applied in modern mosques compared to historical examples. The main motivation for this research lies in the limited studies conducted on the incorporation of green architecture principles in mosque design, particularly in Iran. Mosques, as spaces with spiritual and social functions, hold significant potential for fostering sustainability and contributing to environmental quality improvement. To achieve this objective, the study addresses three key questions: First, what green architecture features should be considered in mosque design? Second, which of these features have the greatest impact on enhancing mosque architecture? Third, how do modern mosques compare to historical examples in adhering to these features? In response to these questions, the research adopts a mixed methodology combining literature review and survey methods. Initially, using the Delphi method and participation from nine experts in the field, 27 key features were selected from an initial pool of 40 proposed attributes. Subsequently, a questionnaire was developed based on these features and distributed to 300 architectural engineers. A total of 126 valid responses were collected and analyzed. The findings reveal that, despite theoretical advancements in understanding green architecture, many critical principles of green architecture are underutilized in modern mosque designs. Among the most impactful features for improving green architecture are energy optimization, effective utilization of natural light and ventilation, consideration of climate and building orientation, use of local materials, and promoting adaptability for long-term functional changes. Moreover, exploratory factor analysis identified four primary factors related to green architecture in mosque design: Design and Energy, Environmental Quality, Management and Sustainability, and Context and Culture. The study advocates for a creative reinterpretation of historical architectural heritage alongside contemporary knowledge and technologies as an effective approach to achieving green mosque designs that meet modern and future needs. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_233746.html Spatial equity in access to emergency services particularly fire and rescue services for vulnerable populations is a fundamental pillar of inclusive urban safety and citizenship in contemporary cities. This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to evaluate the spatial accessibility of people with disabilities to fire stations in Ardabil city, Iran. The research dataset comprises the geolocated records of 6,586 registered individuals with disabilities from the provincial Welfare Organization, seven operational fire stations, and the city’s road network. Analyses were conducted using Network Analysis, Service Area delineation, and Location-Allocation modeling within a GIS environment. Findings reveal a clustered and uneven spatial distribution of the disabled population across the city: District 4 hosts the highest number (1,967 individuals), while District 3 has the lowest (617 individuals). Notably, District 5 a peripheral and socioeconomically vulnerable area lacks any fire station. Despite this, over 99.8% of individuals with disabilities reside within the standard 7-minute emergency response radius. However, spatial analyses caution that nominal (or apparent) accessibility does not necessarily equate to actual accessibility, as physical, communicative, and institutional barriers can significantly impede effective service delivery. To advance spatial justice and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the study recommends optimizing fire station locations particularly by establishing a new station in District 5 revising service distribution criteria, and integrating vulnerability-related demographic variables into emergency planning frameworks. Such measures can substantially enhance equitable access to fire and rescue services for all citizens, especially persons with disabilities. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_234088.html The present study aims to conduct a comparative and qualitative analysis of the factors affecting voting behavior in the tenth and eleventh periods of the Islamic Consultative Assembly elections, focusing on the constituencies of Qasr-e-Shirin, Sar-e-Pul-Zahab, and Gilan-e-Gharb. This is the first research work in this field, and by utilizing the qualitative content analysis approach and using MaxQDA software, it examined the views of 30 local elites on the factors of tribal-tribal, religious, county-based, political-faction, and economic divisions. The findings indicate that these factors have been effective in both periods, but except for the religious factor, which shows a decreasing trend in the eleventh period, other factors have had an increasing trend compared to the tenth period. Overall, the data indicate that the electoral behavior of citizens in this area in both periods has been less subject to program-oriented indicators and is more affected by informal mechanisms, identity networks, and livelihood interests. A comparative analysis of changes in the gaps indicates that over time, voters' tendency to act on political culture has decreased and voting has been shaped in informal and identity contexts. This research emphasizes the need to review previous theories of voting and the need to develop indigenous models in analyzing political behavior in this region and the surrounding areas of Iran. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_234274.html Isfahan city, one of Iran’s most important cultural, architectural, historical, and tourism centers, faces a serious threat to the stability of its historical and tourist structures due to land subsidence. This study aims to analyze the trend of land subsidence in Isfahan from 2016 to 2024 and to assess the magnitude of subsidence according to the tourist sites associated with different historical dynasties. The research is applied and employs a descriptive-analytical approach, using remote sensing imagery and spatial data of historical and tourist sites. The dataset includes Sentinel-1 satellite images, downloaded from the Alaska website, with two images selected per year (beginning and end of each year). Subsidence analysis was conducted using SNAP software to accurately identify land changes and subsidence patterns over the 2016–2024 period. The results indicate that subsidence has been fluctuating, with the highest intensities observed in 2018 and 2021 at 14.2 cm and 13.6 cm, respectively, while the lowest values were recorded in 2022 and 2023 at 7.6 cm and 8.5 cm, respectively. Districts 9, 11, and 15 experienced the most pronounced effects, linked to groundwater depletion and urban pressures. The highest subsidence among individual sites occurred at Rahnan Bath (2.75 cm), Monar Jonban (2.50 cm), and the Fire Temple (2.03 cm), while the average subsidence for other sites ranged between 0.5 and 1 cm. Furthermore, the greatest subsidence by historical period was observed in Safavid-era monuments, totaling 25.49 cm with an average of 4.47 cm, whereas Qajar-era sites experienced the least damage, with an average of 3.59 cm. Overall, subsidence in Isfahan is a continuous process that threatens both the city’s infrastructure and its cultural heritage. Targeted management and continuous monitoring through interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to mitigate risks to historical and tourist sites. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_234380.html Urban waste management has become one of the most significant challenges facing megacities, especially in developing countries, over recent decades. The aim of this study is to identify and propose efficient urban management strategies with a focus on incentive and implementation mechanisms to enhance local community participation in waste management. Tehran has been selected as the case study. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with experts and stakeholders in the field of urban management, while the quantitative phase included content analysis and a comparative study of successful global experiences. Data collection tools consisted of a specialized questionnaire and a checklist for evaluating strategies based on legal, economic, social, cultural, and infrastructural criteria. The primary innovation of this research lies in presenting a localized model that combines incentive mechanisms (such as urban tax discounts, financial incentives, education, and cultural promotion) with enforcement tools (including mandatory regulations and penalties) to increase citizen participation. The findings indicate that strategies such as waste banks, deposit-return systems, green schools, and local campaigns are most compatible with Iran’s context and can play an effective role in enhancing public participation and mitigating the environmental consequences of waste disposal. Accordingly, it is recommended that urban management focus on continuous education, legislative reforms, and the design of financial incentives to facilitate the achievement of sustainable development in the field of waste management. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_234381.html Villages, as the main bases of food production and the formation of sustainable livelihoods, have always been in direct interaction with natural resources, especially water resources. In Iran, many villages have been formed adjacent to water sources such as wetlands, and the Anzali Wetland, as one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the country, plays a vital role in the economy and sustainability of its surrounding villages. This research has been conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of the rivers in the Anzali Wetland basin on the economy of the surrounding villages and has specifically considered the decrease in the depth and surface area of this wetland as a key variable. The research method was descriptive-analytical and data were collected through interviews and questionnaires from a targeted sample of 40 local residents, farmers, and experts in the region. The results show that the decreased water flow of the rivers entering the wetland, in addition to ecological changes and reduced biodiversity, has had extensive consequences in the economic and social spheres of the villages. Among these consequences, one can mention the decrease in agricultural income due to water scarcity, a significant decline in fishing activities, stagnation of indigenous tourism, increased migration of villagers, change of land use from agricultural to residential or commercial, and cultural and social transformations. Also, with the lowering of the wetland's water level, land values have increased abnormally and more pressure has been put on natural resources. The findings emphasize the necessity of implementing integrated water resource management policies, providing environmental water rights, and utilizing ecosystem-based approaches to revive the Anzali Wetland and the economic and social sustainability of local communities. This research shows that there is a direct relationship between the ecological health of the wetland and the livelihood of the residents of the surrounding villages, and without comprehensive planning, sustainable development in this region will not be achieved. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_234622.html Recent global environmental challenges have prompted both developed and developing countries to seek strategies for sustaining growth and development while preserving their environment. One effective tool for achieving economic development alongside improvements in environmental quality is international trade. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to examine the environmental impacts of bilateral trade in information and communication technology (ICT) goods between developed (North) and developing (South) countries. To this end, a panel model was employed, utilizing pooled data from 2000 to 2023 for 33 developed and 78 developing countries. Additionally, the influence of factors such as energy consumption, foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), and population density on environmental quality was investigated. The results indicate that ICT imports from both North and South increase carbon emissions in developed countries, with imports from the North having a stronger effect. Conversely, in developing countries, imports from the North increase CO2 emissions, while imports from the South improve environmental quality, highlighting the benefits of South-South regional trade in reducing pollution. These findings confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, exhibiting a U-shaped pattern in developed countries and an inverted U-shaped pattern in developing countries. The Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) is supported in the South but rejected in the North. Furthermore, energy consumption degrades environmental quality in both groups of countries. FDI contributes to environmental improvement in developed countries but leads to environmental degradation in developing countries. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_234881.html Cultural ecosystem services (CES) represent a complex and subjective component influencing quality of life, social cohesion, and the preservation of cultural diversity. However, the evaluation of CES in arid and desert regions is often biased toward criteria developed for temperate and urban ecosystems. This study aimed to identify, analyze, and prioritize evaluation criteria for cultural ecosystem services tailored to the natural and cultural characteristics of desert areas, with a particular focus on the Iranian context. Relevant sources were selected using a systematic review method and the PRISMA protocol, resulting in 80 ISI-indexed articles retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, which were analyzed through MAXQDA software. Additionally, 500 articles were subjected to bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. The selected 80 ISI articles (2000–2025) were qualitatively analyzed with MAXQDA 2024, and the bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.18. The developed model was further refined through expert judgment using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The MAXQDA analysis revealed that “aesthetic values” (29.3%) and “tourism” (14.9%) were the most frequently cited criteria in global studies, but their importance diminishes in desert contexts. Based on AHP results and expert evaluations, the developed model emphasized “cultural heritage” (weight = 0.405), “sense of place and identity” (0.283), and “symbolic and religious values” (0.198) as the main criteria. The consistency ratio (CR = 0.0228) confirmed the high reliability of expert judgments. The proposed model, by focusing on local and intangible criteria, provides a fair and practical framework for evaluating cultural ecosystem services in desert regions and can serve as an effective tool in sustainable planning and management of these areas. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_235116.html Applying FinTech and paying attention to environmental issues in today's competitive world has become not only an advantage, but also an inevitable necessity for organizations. In other words, we are in an era where a one-dimensional focus on economic issues cannot help organizations achieve success, and managers, in addition to drawing a profitability perspective, must also pay special attention to sustainability performance; therefore, this study examines the impact of FinTech and green transformational leadership on sustainability performance (ESG) with the mediating role of green competitive advantage. The research method is based on an applied objective and on a descriptive survey implementation and a statistical population including employees and managers of Parsian Bank in Tehran. To collect information, standard questionnaires and to examine the research hypotheses, structural equation modeling with SmartPLS software has been used. The results show that FinTech and green transformational leadership have an impact on green competitive advantage and sustainability performance (ESG). It was also observed that green competitive advantage plays a mediating role in the impact of FinTech and green transformational leadership on sustainability performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that by using FinTech and implementing a green transformational leadership style, sustainability and environmental performance will improve and a green competitive advantage will be created for the bank. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_235910.html Given the increasing global challenges such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, environmental pollution, and socio-economic inequalities, attention to sustainable development education as a key tool for cultivating informed and responsible citizens has become increasingly important. The present study, using an analytical-descriptive approach and a systematic literature review, examines the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development education in the science curriculum of junior high school, emphasizing the role of teachers. The results of previous studies show that although some environmental components have been considered in science textbooks, the social and economic dimensions of sustainable development are still weak and there is no comprehensive and integrated approach to cover all dimensions of sustainability. This situation shows that science education in its current form does not have sufficient capacity to prepare students to play an active role in achieving sustainable development goals. Accordingly, the present study emphasizes the need to review the content of science textbooks and more seriously integrate sustainable development components. On the other hand, the role of teachers in implementing sustainability-related education is very crucial, because the quality of teaching, teachers' attitudes, and their ability to make connections between scientific concepts and environmental and social issues have a direct impact on students' learning. On the other hand, the results of the studies indicate several challenges for teachers in implementing these educations, which are, respectively, the importance of educational and curricular contents, resource limitations, perspectives and beliefs, conceptual, cultural, and environmental complexity, and finally political and organizational support. These findings indicate that education for sustainable development requires a comprehensive transformation in curriculum content, educational policies, and teacher empowerment. Ultimately, reviewing the educational content of experimental sciences and providing a supportive environment for teachers can be an important step towards educating a future generation that is aware, responsible, and capable in achieving the goals of sustainable development. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_236201.html The nomadic tribes of the Mugan Plain have traditionally lived in tents, with animal husbandry as their main occupation. Consequently, this ethnic group was not accustomed to a settled lifestyle and constantly migrated to secure fodder for their livestock, lacking permanent residences. In the late Qajar period, when some Iranian cities came under Russian control, parts of the Mugan Plain were annexed by Russia, and the Shahsavan tribes were prohibited from crossing the border. Nevertheless, they frequently raided the newly occupied territories and engaged in acts of plunder, leading both Iranian and Russian governments to adopt policies aimed at curbing these incursions. This article seeks to analyze the impact of Iran’s domestic and foreign policies on the Shahsavan tribes’ way of life by examining the conditions in the Mugan Plain and the Shahsavan confederation. It concludes that the Iranian government’s policies during the late Qajar and Pahlavi eras—including disarmament of tribes, nationalization of rangelands, land reforms, sedentarization of nomads, and their employment in the agricultural and industrial sectors—led to profound changes in the lives of the Shahsavan tribes. They were compelled to abandon nomadism, settle permanently, and shift from animal husbandry to farming. Due to shortages of arable land and the consequences of land reform, some were ultimately forced to migrate to urban areas. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_236275.html Ferula assa-foetida L. is a key medicinal-industrial species in Iran, and its cultivation development can simultaneously help protect natural habitats, provide local employment, and reduce raw sales. This study aimed to assess the ecological suitability of the location for the establishment and development of Ferula assa-foetida in Nehbandan County and provide an "action plan" for executive decision-making. Materials and Methods: Topographic data from DEM with a resolution of 30 meters, 15-year climate (precipitation, temperature, and humidity), and topsoil data (0–30 cm: texture, pH, EC, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, lime, gypsum, and saturated moisture) were collected and assimilated to a 30-meter grid. Layer normalization was performed with appropriate fuzzy functions (fuzzy large/small/medium/optimum). The criteria were weighted using the AHP based on the judgments of 15 experts, and the results were analyzed in Expert Choice software (CR=0.05<0.1). The final overlap was obtained using the gamma operator in ArcGIS Pro 3.4 (γ = 0.8) and the Jenks classification. “Rainfall” with a relative weight of 0.219 was the most effective factor, followed by “altitude” (0.146) and “temperature/LST” (0.120). The soil texture package had an intermediate share (sand 0.073, silt 0.040, clay 0.022), and the modifier indices, including saturated moisture (0.066) and slope direction (0.061), moderated the classes. In soil chemistry, pH (0.059) and salinity (EC=0.045) identified local limiting factors; the nutrients nitrogen (0.034), potassium (0.019), and phosphorus (0.010), as well as lime (0.011) and gypsum (0.007), played a secondary and manageable role. The final map showed “very suitable/suitable” cores mainly in the northern foothill belts and central-eastern outcrops; in contrast, the southern and southwestern plains were assigned to the “moderate to poor” classes due to low rainfall, high LST, and, in some places, ultra-sandy/salinity textures. The spatial skeleton of the suitability of Anghozeh in Nehbandan is built with the three pillars of “precipitation-altitude-temperature” and is trimmed with “texture-soil chemistry-slope direction”. Accordingly, it is recommended to focus investment and promotion on the "very suitable/suitable" islands of the north and east, and to improve border areas with targeted interventions commensurate with the "limiting factor" (reducing salinity/alkalinity, optimizing soil texture and moisture, selecting sunny directions). In addition to reducing pressure on harvesting from natural habitats, this study's output provides a basis for locating processing rings and reducing raw sales, and offers a generalizable model for provinces with the same climate. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_236433.html The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of adopting smart irrigation technologies on water productivity and farmers’ income from a rural development perspective, focusing on wheat farmers in Lorestan Province. The research employed a mixed-method (quantitative–qualitative) approach with a causal–comparative design. The statistical population comprised all irrigated wheat farmers in rural areas of Lorestan Province during the 2022–2023 cropping year. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 400 farmers (200 technology adopters and 200 non-adopters) were selected as the sample. Qualitative data were collected through 40 semi-structured interviews, and quantitative data were obtained using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, multiple linear regression, and qualitative content analysis.Quantitative findings indicated that technology adoption reduced water consumption by 29.7%, increased yield by 10.5%, and consequently improved water productivity by 58.2% in a statistically significant manner. However, due to high investment and depreciation costs, no statistically significant difference was observed in net income between adopters and non-adopters. Regression analysis confirmed that technology adoption was the strongest predictor of water productivity, while it had no statistically significant effect on net income.Qualitative findings identified high initial investment costs and concerns about technical support as the main barriers to technology adoption, while trusted extension agents and hands-on training were recognized as key facilitating factors. Overall, the results suggest that under current conditions, smart irrigation technologies represent an effective technical and environmental solution but remain economically unattractive for smallholder farmers in Lorestan Province. The success of these technologies depends on the creation of a supportive ecosystem, including innovative financing models, strengthened local support services, and integration with optimal crop management practices. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_236554.html This study aimed to explain the dimensions and mechanisms of cultural synergy in a multi-ethnic Iranian metropolis—specifically Bandar Abbas, a city that, due to its port status, migration flows, and ethnic diversity, is both compelled to coexist and simultaneously in need of a locally grounded model to overcome latent tensions and social cleavages. This qualitative research employed the systematic version of grounded theory. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with 18 participants, including cultural elites, urban sociologists, NGO activists, and culturally informed citizens of Bandar Abbas, and were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis resulted in a three-dimensional model consisting of: (1) contextual dimension (historical and social conditions enabling synergy, such as ethnic diversity, lived experiences of coexistence, and the presence of culture making institutions), (2) interactional dimension (actual mechanisms of encounter and dialogue, such as shared public spaces, institutional mediation, intercultural education, and joint symbolic events), and (3) consequential dimension (translation of interactions into cultural and social development, enhanced intergroup trust, and increased urban participation). The findings indicate that in Bandar Abbas, cultural synergy is realized not through top down prescriptions but through designing equitable interactional situations and institutional support for marginalized voices, with the interactional dimension serving as the crucial link between cultural capacities and social development. This model can serve as a foundation for cultural policymaking and urban management in southern and port cities of Iran. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_238073.html The livelihood styles of local communities have always been influenced by various factors, the nature of which has transformed over time. Technological developments and social, cultural, and political environments have directly and indirectly affected all aspects of life and the economy in these communities. Among these, the pace of livelihood changes has increased remarkably in recent decades, and the role of governmental decisions in these changes is undeniable. This research aims to investigate the impact of the rural-urban role transition and its effects on the livelihood style transformations of the residents of Somarin City in Ardabil. The present study, in terms of nature, is an applied research, and in terms of methodology, it is a quantitative-qualitative study. The statistical population of this research consists of all residents of the rural-city of Somarin, and the sample population includes 252 households estimated using the Cochran's formula and selected through systematic random sampling to complete the questionnaire. The analysis of the study's results indicates that changes have occurred in the livelihood-oriented lifestyle index, but these changes are not comprehensive. The findings show that 50% of the respondents rated the results at a moderate to high level. This investigation reveals that livelihoods and their related factors in small, local communities are undergoing fundamental changes. The attitudes of individuals, societal needs, informational infrastructures, and governmental decisions, alongside modern global developments, have collectively laid the groundwork for the transformation of the livelihood style in the studied local community. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_239100.html In the geometry of Islamic motifs, proportions derived from nature can be observed. These geometric proportions are subject to abstract and supernatural principles, with the belief in the sacredness of their subject matter, and are considered to have a symbolic language. Hence, they are called sacred geometry. This research is descriptive-analytical, which examines the thought of sacred geometry and the symbology of the role of the divine spider web, common in the architectural decorations of the city of Fez in Morocco. The findings indicate that geometry, in relation to essence and nature, refers to the righteousness of God's justice in creating the universe based on the "destiny" and inherent merit and limits of objects and phenomena. The limit of everything is represented as the essence and form of everything according to geometric patterns. In Islamic art, form is the carrier of eternal monotheistic truths and is crystallized in the field of visual imagination in geometric crystalline forms. The dot, triangle, circle, and square are the most important geometric symbols in Islamic culture and art. The geometric pattern of the spider's web, also called the rose decoration, is a decoder of the symbolic form of objects and beings in the natural world. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_239362.html Rural landscapes are a vital component of the human heritage and the most common type of cultural landscape with special natural and historical values. Living and dynamic systems of rural landscapes represent the knowledge, tradition and culture of indigenous communities and have been created in interaction with the structure of the natural environment. They provide cultural support and ecosystem services for human societies with numerous and multifunctional economic and social benefits. The abandonment and degradation of rural landscapes is affected by human or natural factors, and in Iran in particular, the one-sided attitude of guiding plans, tourism development and the like. The aim of the present research is to investigate the factors of destruction and abandonment of the cultural landscape of villages and to explain the strategies for the protection and restoration of rural landscapes in accordance with the analysis of the structural characteristics of the landscape, environmental potential and limitations of indigenous settlements in the face of new challenges. Also, in this research, which is a fundamental research and was conducted with a descriptive-analytical method, an extensive study of the layers that make up the landscape of the village of Pas-Qale Shemiranat in the southern heights of the Alborz Mountains overlooking and adjacent to the slopes of Tehran was conducted through the analysis of existing plans, surveying, verifying and producing up-to-date information, maps and documents, and the reasons for the destruction of the landscape of this village were explained. One of the innovations of the above research is the research process based on the approach of comprehensive environmental protection, especially the protection and development of the values of the village's natural and cultural heritage. The main result of the above research is to provide sustainable planning and landscape design solutions for the village of Pas Qale in the form of a rural ecomuseum. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_239363.html The management of polymer-based drilling waste poses significant challenges due to its high organic load, substantial sludge generation, and limited water resources in oil-producing regions, necessitating the adoption of efficient and cost-effective treatment methods. In this study, the combined sedimentation–electrocoagulation (EC) process was evaluated from economic and energy perspectives and compared with the conventional chemical coagulation method using polyaluminum chloride (PAC). The cost–benefit analysis was conducted on the basis of treating one cubic meter of wastewater, using prevailing Iranian prices for the years 2024–2025. The results indicated that the direct treatment cost of EC was approximately 11,760 IRR/m³, whereas that of PAC was about 21,100 IRR/m³. When accounting for the benefits of water recovery (0.8 m³ for EC compared to 0.6 m³ for PAC) and reduced disposal costs, the net treatment cost for EC decreased to approximately –7,040 IRR/m³, representing a net economic saving. In contrast, the PAC process still exhibited a positive net cost of approximately 5,400 IRR/m³. Moreover, the specific energy consumption for COD removal in the scalable EC scenario was calculated to be about 1.77 kWh/kgCOD, while a higher value of 8.85 kWh/kgCOD was observed at the laboratory scale. Overall, the findings demonstrate that electrocoagulation, operating under alkaline conditions and employing low-cost, reusable steel electrodes, represents an economically viable and industrially scalable treatment option and, in many scenarios, outperforms conventional chemical coagulation. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_240006.html Today in the metropolis of Ahvaz, spatial inequality in the distribution of urban services, along with intensified environmental crises (drought and dust storms), has reinforced a vicious cycle of deprivation–distrust–dissatisfaction, thereby weakening social cohesion. In the multi ethnic context of Ahvaz, this issue has become even more complex, deepening the gap between citizens’ expectations and the realities of service provision. Accordingly, examining citizenship rights (including civil, political, and social rights) and social justice (with dimensions of economic individualism, equality, equity, and need) simultaneously within the multi ethnic context of Ahvaz contributes to filling a knowledge gap in urban theories.The research method is descriptive–survey. The statistical population consists of all citizens aged 18 and above residing in the metropolis of Ahvaz. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula with a 0.05 margin of error, yielding 384 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Urban and Municipal Services Satisfaction Questionnaire by Ebrahimzadeh and Kazemizadeh (2015), the Citizenship Rights Questionnaire by Sharifi and Eslamiyeh (2012), and the Social Justice Questionnaire by Rasinski (1987). Data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that in the metropolis of Ahvaz, citizenship rights, with a path coefficient of 0.586 (t = 6.207, p < 0.001), are the strongest predictor of social satisfaction, while social justice, with a coefficient of 0.277 (t = 2.435, p = 0.015), has a significant but weaker effect. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_240219.html In today’s world, social tolerance is regarded as a vital prerequisite for the development of peaceful relations within societies. This study aims to analyze the impact of economic capital on social tolerance in Isfahan Province, with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of perceived financial security, perceived social anomie, and perceived relative deprivation. The research adopts a quantitative approach with a descriptive–correlational design and is conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consists of citizens aged 18 years and older in Isfahan Province, from whom a sample of 384 respondents was selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings indicate that economic capital has a direct and significant effect on social tolerance (β = 0.46). Moreover, economic capital indirectly affects social tolerance by enhancing perceived financial security (indirect effect = 0.38), reducing perceived social anomie (indirect effect = 0.13), and decreasing perceived relative deprivation (indirect effect = 0.19). These results are consistent with the theoretical perspectives of Pierre Bourdieu, Émile Durkheim, Robert K. Merton, Ted Gurr, and Walter Runciman. Overall, the findings demonstrate that higher levels of economic capital are associated with improved financial security, lower perceptions of social anomie, and reduced feelings of relative deprivation, which ultimately contribute to increased social tolerance. This study highlights the crucial role of economic capital in promoting social tolerance, both directly and indirectly through key mediating variables. Enhancing economic capital and ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources can improve financial security, reduce social anomie and relative deprivation, and ultimately foster greater social tolerance. These findings underscore the importance of economic and social policies aimed at reducing inequality and improving overall economic conditions. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_241573.html Transformation and change in Iran’s press organizations over recent decades have become one of the main and central topics in media studies and change management. The main objective of this study is to identify the factors influencing transformation in Iran’s press organizations. In terms of purpose, the research is applied one, and in terms of data collection method, it is descriptive–survey-based. The data collection instrument is a questionnaire designed according to scientific criteria. The validity of the research’s questionnaire was confirmed by experts and specialists, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87, indicating good reliability of the data collection instrument. The population of this study includes all desk editors and journalists working in the press who have more than five years of professional experience and hold at least an university master’s degree. Using probability sampling and Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 384 respondents was determined. Accordingly, 400 questionnaires were distributed among the population’s research, of which 391 questionnaires were valid and suitable for analysis. In this research, the study variables were measured using the items designed in the questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant relationship between the decline in advertising revenue and the necessity for transformation and change in press organizations. This means that advertising revenue is considered one of the primary sources of financial support for press organizations, and its decline can lead to constraints in content production, a reduction in professional quality, workforce downsizing, and a weakening of media competitiveness. There is also a significant relationship between changes in audience consumption patterns and the necessity for transformation and change in press organizations. This implies that changes in audience consumption patterns are among the most important indicators of transformation in the media environment, directly affecting business models, content production methods, distribution structures, and audience engagement strategies. Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between the instability of media policies and the necessity for transformation and change in press organizations. In other words, instability in media policies creates uncertainty within the organizational environment, weakens long-term planning, reduces coherence in decision-making, and disrupts professional journalistic processes. Such conditions expose press organizations to multiple challenges, including reduced effectiveness, declining audience trust, and increased adaptation costs. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_235413.html Flash floods are one of the most destructive natural hazards, especially in rural areas where communities are highly exposed and have limited capacity to adapt. Their rapid onset, short warning times, and the intense transport of sediments pose serious risks to settlements, infrastructure, and livelihoods. In the Gorganrood watershed of Golestan Province, the combination of diverse climatic conditions, land use patterns, and various environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities further exacerbates these risks. The goal of this research is to create a detailed model for assessing the risk of flash floods and their impacts on rural communities. This study examines the factors that contribute to flash floods and the vulnerability of rural populations. Additionally, it aims to provide a comprehensive scientific basis for understanding flash flood dynamics and their impacts, which can support community preparedness and effective risk reduction measures. The study employs a mixed-methods approach that combines spatial analysis with field-based data collection. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 75 participants, including residents, experts, and local officials, to assess the significance of various indicators: physical, institutional, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, and GIS was utilized to examine spatial patterns and identify hotspots of vulnerability. The findings show that land-use dynamics are the most influential factor in determining flash flood risk, receiving the highest mean score (3.41), while environmental indicators ranked lowest (2.94). Risk assessments further revealed that villages in central and northern sub-basins face the greatest exposure, though vulnerability patterns remain fragmented and lack spatial coherence. Importantly, socio-cultural and institutional factors—including income, education, preparedness, governance, and coordination—were consistently prioritized by both experts and community members as decisive drivers of resilience. The principal outcome of the study is an integrated spatial model that combines hazard parameters with socio-economic and institutional vulnerabilities. Structured across five analytical stages, the model provides a comprehensive framework for identifying high-risk areas and explaining variations in community resilience. By demonstrating the interplay between physical drivers and social dynamics, the research advances the understanding of flash flood risks in rural settings and delivers practical insights that can guide more effective preparedness and risk reduction measures. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_238069.html The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ behavior regarding their willingness to pay (WTP) for the development of sustainable agricultural technologies, with a case study of farmers in Lorestan Province, Iran. This research was descriptive–correlational and employed a field survey method. Data were collected from a sample of 430 wheat and rice farmers in five counties (Khorramabad, Borujerd, Aligudarz, Dorud, and Kuhdasht), selected through stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were analyzed using binary logit and probit econometric models. The results indicated that, on average, 41.9% of farmers in Lorestan Province were willing to pay for pressurized irrigation technology. Findings from the logistic regression model showed that access to financial credit (odds ratio = 2.44) and direct experience of drought (odds ratio = 2.83) were the strongest positive predictors of willingness to pay. In addition, perceived behavioral control (perceived technical capability), positive attitude, and membership in water user cooperatives were identified as other significant positive determinants. Conversely, increasing age had a significant and negative effect on farmers’ willingness to pay. These results emphasize the importance of integrating financial support mechanisms, practical training programs to reduce technology-related apprehension, and targeted interventions in drought-prone areas when designing policies for the development and extension of sustainable agricultural technologies in Lorestan Province. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_241718.html In the contemporary business environment, characterized by globalization, digital transformations, and an emphasis on sustainability, marketing management plays a pivotal role in enhancing local development. This approach positions marketing as a strategic tool for exploiting local potentials such as natural resources, cultural heritage, and young workforce. However, emerging economies like Iraq face structural challenges, including political instability, financial constraints, and environmental issues, which impact local development. These challenges highlight the necessity of identifying critical success factors in local marketing, where place branding and territorial marketing position local communities as competitive products in global markets and facilitate foreign direct investment attraction. The primary objective of this research is to examine the design of a model based on critical success factors to strengthen the performance of local development projects. The present study employed a qualitative approach using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory, based on semi-structured interviews with experts (professors, managers, and marketers). Snowball sampling continued until theoretical saturation, and data were coded at three levels: open, axial, and selective. The findings reveal a paradigmatic model comprising causal conditions (employment development, technological innovation), central phenomenon (digital and brand-oriented marketing), context (community participation, cultural adaptation), intervening conditions (local risks, government regulations), strategies (stakeholder interaction, performance monitoring), and consequences (economic growth, environmental protection, social welfare). Consequently, marketing as a critical success factor not only enhances local economic sustainability through market-oriented coordination and strategic utilization of digital tools but also, by reducing project failure rates and overcoming structural challenges in emerging economies like Iraq, increases long-term competitiveness and contributes to sustainable and inclusive community development. This model provides a practical framework for policymakers and managers to optimize the integration of marketing in local planning. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243072.html This study aimed to assess the environmental quality of the Ozgol neighborhood and propose urban redesign strategies based on the prioritization of dimensions and sub-indicators. A mixed-methods approach was employed, where qualitative data were collected through 25 semi-structured interviews with residents and urban design experts, and quantitative analysis involved weighting environmental quality dimensions and sub-indicators using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and ranking redesign strategies through AHP–TOPSIS. Qualitative findings revealed that Ozgol faces significant challenges in the physical-spatial, social, and perceptual–meaningful dimensions, with residents highlighting poor street and sidewalk quality, limited green spaces, nighttime insecurity, and reduced social interactions. Quantitative results indicated that the physical-spatial dimension (weight = 0.312) and social dimension (weight = 0.248) have the highest impact on environmental quality, and improving sub-indicators such as street quality, access to open spaces, social interactions, and psychological security should be prioritized. The ranking of urban redesign strategies further emphasized the importance of enhancing public spaces, green areas, and street safety to improve residents’ environmental experience. The study demonstrates that effective urban redesign requires a multidimensional approach addressing physical, social, and perceptual needs simultaneously to enhance environmental quality, increase resident satisfaction and sense of belonging, and promote sustainable development and spatial justice. In addition to corroborating previous research, this study provides a combined qualitative–quantitative framework for prioritizing urban redesign strategies, which can serve as a decision-making model for similar neighborhoods.