نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
گروه جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه یزد
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Urbanization and industrial expansion have significantly contributed to the degradation of natural assets, disrupting the delicate balance between urban growth and ecological sustainability. Rapid city expansion, particularly in arid regions like Yazd, exacerbates environmental challenges such as air pollution, biodiversity loss, and declining green spaces. Yazd, with a green space per capita below international standards, exemplifies the adverse effects of unsustainable development. This study seeks to identify and model the key factors influencing urban natural asset degradation in Yazd using a systems-based analytical approach, which integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions to provide a holistic understanding of the issue.
This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured expert interviews and fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to analyze the complex interactions between different factors. A total of 17 environmental and urban planning specialists were selected based on academic and professional expertise. The study used Mental Modeler software to measure system complexity and density, calculating a system density of 0.795 and an average of 11.93 connections per factor. The fuzzy cognitive maps identified key factors influencing degradation, with interconnections categorized as either reinforcing or suppressing influences. The methodology allows for a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships between urban development and environmental degradation.
The findings indicate that land-use changes (centrality score: 23.95), shifting consumer culture (21.9), and increased pressure on natural systems (21.44) are the most influential drivers of urban environmental degradation. These results align with previous studies emphasizing the cascading effects of land-use transitions on biodiversity loss and ecosystem instability.
The degradation of Yazd’s natural assets is driven by a complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors, necessitating ecosystem-based management approaches to mitigate further decline. Policy recommendations include strengthening land-use regulations to preserve green spaces, promoting sustainable urban development through eco-friendly technologies, enhancing public participation in environmental conservation, and investing in nature-based solutions such as urban forestry and green infrastructure. Future research should explore the long-term implications of climate change on urban natural assets and develop resilience strategies tailored to arid regions like Yazd.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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