Assessment of livability trends and ecological zoning in arid and semi-arid regions: Evidence from Chabahar, Konarak, and Zarabad, Iran
Ecological livability is a key concept in environmental and ecology studies, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainability. Given its importance, numerous studies in Chinese cities have assessed and ranked ecological livability based on various ecological indicators. However, the ecological potential of other regions has received comparatively less attention. A major research gap in existing studies is the lack of zoning frameworks for livable settlements based on ecological indicators. This study addresses this gap by investigating whether the spatial distribution of human settlements in the Chabahar, Konarak, and Zarabad counties of southeastern Iran aligns with the area’s ecological capacities and potentials. To this end, the study first examines livability trends over the period 2010 – 2022. It then identifies optimal zones for livable settlement development using 27 ecological indicators. For this purpose, regions in southern and southeastern Iran were selected, and the evaluation was conducted using multi-source data and geographic information system tools. The results indicate that ecological indicators in the region are in a sensitive and fragile state, and livability trends exhibit a sinusoidal pattern over time. In addition, the zoning analysis indicates that many current settlements are not located in ecologically suitable areas according to livability standards. The findings provide a basis for informed decision-making in human settlement development. They also enable planners to better understand the existing conditions and to formulate strategies that enhance resilience and improve livability in urban communities in the face of natural and anthropogenic challenges.
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