University of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Analysis of Green Infrastructure-based Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Planning (Case Study: Birjand City)Analysis of Green Infrastructure-based Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Planning (Case Study: Birjand City)128986410.22111/gaij.2026.54884.3340FAZahraRamezani Noghabi AvalM.A In Geography and Environmental Hazards, University of Birjand, Birjand, IranMohammadEskandari SaniAssociate professor, department of geography, University of Birjand, Birjand, IranMortezaEmailnejadAssociate professor, department of geography, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.Journal Article20260222Accelerating climate change and its intensifying impacts on dry and semi‑arid cities highlight the urgent need for adaptive, green‑infrastructure‑based approaches in urban spatial planning. Birjand, characterized by an arid climate, limited water resources, and unbalanced urban expansion, faces high vulnerability to rising temperatures, urban heat island effects, severe drought, and flash floods. Despite scattered studies on green infrastructure in Iran, the simultaneous examination of spatial justice, spatial distribution of green spaces, and their role in climate adaptation in small arid cities such as Birjand remains limited, revealing a significant research gap. This study aims to identify effective green infrastructure strategies for climate adaptation within Birjand’s urban spatial planning. A mixed‑methods approach was employed, including vegetation change analysis using NDVI derived from Sentinel‑2 imagery (2017–2024), GIS‑based spatial analysis (spatial autocorrelation and kernel density), statistical analysis of expert questionnaires (n = 50) using SPSS, and qualitative interviews with urban and environmental specialists. The findings indicate that Birjand’s green infrastructure is currently at a lower‑to‑moderate performance level. Green space distribution is spatially uneven and clustered (concentrated in central, high‑density districts and insufficient in the south and west). Weak connectivity within the green network reduces ecosystem services, while public awareness and urban planning practices inadequately reflect the role of green infrastructure in climate resilience. NDVI analysis shows a relative decline in vegetation cover during the study period, driven by climatic pressures and urban expansion. Key strategies highlighted by the study include the use of drought‑resistant native species (e.g., Haloxylon, Tamarix, Melia azedarach), adoption of smart irrigation systems, establishment of continuous green corridors, development of pocket parks and green roofs/walls, and strengthening community engagement through education. These measures not only enhance climate and environmental resilience but also promote spatial justice and improve quality of life within Birjand’s urban planning framework.<br />By offering a localized framework tailored to the dry‑climate cities of eastern Iran, this study contributes new insights to the existing literature and provides practical recommendations for integrated climate‑responsive policymaking.Accelerating climate change and its intensifying impacts on dry and semi‑arid cities highlight the urgent need for adaptive, green‑infrastructure‑based approaches in urban spatial planning. Birjand, characterized by an arid climate, limited water resources, and unbalanced urban expansion, faces high vulnerability to rising temperatures, urban heat island effects, severe drought, and flash floods. Despite scattered studies on green infrastructure in Iran, the simultaneous examination of spatial justice, spatial distribution of green spaces, and their role in climate adaptation in small arid cities such as Birjand remains limited, revealing a significant research gap. This study aims to identify effective green infrastructure strategies for climate adaptation within Birjand’s urban spatial planning. A mixed‑methods approach was employed, including vegetation change analysis using NDVI derived from Sentinel‑2 imagery (2017–2024), GIS‑based spatial analysis (spatial autocorrelation and kernel density), statistical analysis of expert questionnaires (n = 50) using SPSS, and qualitative interviews with urban and environmental specialists. The findings indicate that Birjand’s green infrastructure is currently at a lower‑to‑moderate performance level. Green space distribution is spatially uneven and clustered (concentrated in central, high‑density districts and insufficient in the south and west). Weak connectivity within the green network reduces ecosystem services, while public awareness and urban planning practices inadequately reflect the role of green infrastructure in climate resilience. NDVI analysis shows a relative decline in vegetation cover during the study period, driven by climatic pressures and urban expansion. Key strategies highlighted by the study include the use of drought‑resistant native species (e.g., Haloxylon, Tamarix, Melia azedarach), adoption of smart irrigation systems, establishment of continuous green corridors, development of pocket parks and green roofs/walls, and strengthening community engagement through education. These measures not only enhance climate and environmental resilience but also promote spatial justice and improve quality of life within Birjand’s urban planning framework.<br />By offering a localized framework tailored to the dry‑climate cities of eastern Iran, this study contributes new insights to the existing literature and provides practical recommendations for integrated climate‑responsive policymaking.https://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9864_eeef849cdf3057f8cb2003c8be1add12.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Water Security of the Zahedan Metropolis in the Context of Climate Change and Tran’s boundary Hydro politics of the Helmand BasinWater Security of the Zahedan Metropolis in the Context of Climate Change and Tran’s boundary Hydro politics of the Helmand Basin2956973410.22111/gaij.2026.54377.3330FAFatemehBakhshi ShadmehriPhD Graduate in Political Geography,Department of Geography,Faculty of Humanities,Ferdowsi University of Mashhad,Mashhad, IranSeyyed HadiZarghaniProfessor in Political Geography, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.AbbasaliDadashi RoudbariAssistant Professor in Climatology, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20251229Water security, as one of the fundamental dimensions of human security, has become a strategic and multidimensional issue in recent decades, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Zahedan metropolis, due to its location in an arid climate, rapid population growth, expansion of informal settlements, and dependence of urban water supply sources on cross-border sources (water transfer from semi-wells in Zabol to Zahedan), faces a high level of water vulnerability. The present study, with the aim of comprehensively assessing the water security of Zahedan metropolis, examines the simultaneous effects of climate change and hydropolitical relations of the transboundary Hirmand watershed on the sustainability of the city's water resources.<br />The research method is applied and based on a mixed approach (quantitative-qualitative). In the climate section, CRU database data and the Standard Precipitation-Evaporation-Transpiration Index (SPEI) were used to analyze temperature, precipitation, and drought trends in Helmand Basin for the period 1991–2022. In the hydropolitical section, qualitative content analysis was used to review the 1972 treaty, documents and reports on Afghanistan's infrastructure policies and measures as an upstream country, and spatial-geopolitical analysis of the relations between the two countries. The climate findings show that Helmand Basin has faced a significant increase in temperature, a gradual decrease in precipitation, and an intensification of the frequency and severity of droughts over the past three decades, such that precipitation in the Zahedan metropolis has decreased by 7.94 mm per decade; a trend that has severely weakened the basin's natural capacity for sustainable water supply and increased the dependence of downstream areas, especially Zahedan, on unstable river flows. On the other hand, hydropolitical analysis indicates the dominance of the competition and hydrohegemony model in Iran-Afghanistan relations. The development of dams and diversion projects such as the Kamal Khan Dam, along with the weakness of the implementation mechanisms of the 1972 Hirmand Treaty, has put additional pressure on Zahedan's water security. The results of the study show that Zahedan's water insecurity is the result of a complex interaction of natural (climate change) and human-political (hydropolitics) factors, and its continuation can have widespread consequences for food, social, economic, and national security.Water security, as one of the fundamental dimensions of human security, has become a strategic and multidimensional issue in recent decades, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Zahedan metropolis, due to its location in an arid climate, rapid population growth, expansion of informal settlements, and dependence of urban water supply sources on cross-border sources (water transfer from semi-wells in Zabol to Zahedan), faces a high level of water vulnerability. The present study, with the aim of comprehensively assessing the water security of Zahedan metropolis, examines the simultaneous effects of climate change and hydropolitical relations of the transboundary Hirmand watershed on the sustainability of the city's water resources.<br />The research method is applied and based on a mixed approach (quantitative-qualitative). In the climate section, CRU database data and the Standard Precipitation-Evaporation-Transpiration Index (SPEI) were used to analyze temperature, precipitation, and drought trends in Helmand Basin for the period 1991–2022. In the hydropolitical section, qualitative content analysis was used to review the 1972 treaty, documents and reports on Afghanistan's infrastructure policies and measures as an upstream country, and spatial-geopolitical analysis of the relations between the two countries. The climate findings show that Helmand Basin has faced a significant increase in temperature, a gradual decrease in precipitation, and an intensification of the frequency and severity of droughts over the past three decades, such that precipitation in the Zahedan metropolis has decreased by 7.94 mm per decade; a trend that has severely weakened the basin's natural capacity for sustainable water supply and increased the dependence of downstream areas, especially Zahedan, on unstable river flows. On the other hand, hydropolitical analysis indicates the dominance of the competition and hydrohegemony model in Iran-Afghanistan relations. The development of dams and diversion projects such as the Kamal Khan Dam, along with the weakness of the implementation mechanisms of the 1972 Hirmand Treaty, has put additional pressure on Zahedan's water security. The results of the study show that Zahedan's water insecurity is the result of a complex interaction of natural (climate change) and human-political (hydropolitics) factors, and its continuation can have widespread consequences for food, social, economic, and national security.https://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9734_bd703e81ec2c90edcf6d040aec2a72e3.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Evaluation and Analysis of Sustainable Housing Components in Kirkuk CityEvaluation and Analysis of Sustainable Housing Components in Kirkuk City5786977410.22111/gaij.2026.54189.3320FASamirAhmad AzizMaster's degree in Geography and Urban Planning, University of Maragheh, IranOmidMobarakiAssociate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Maragheh,, IranEbrahimSamiAssistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Maragheh,, IranJournal Article20251211Housing is one of the important urban uses. Housing, as a fundamental concept, is initially defined as a physical unit that provides a specific and limited space for residence. But housing also has other dimensions; it is at home that people experience a sense of security, peace, and intimacy and form their individual and social identity. Sustainable housing pays attention not only to the physical aspects of housing, but also to its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the components of sustainable housing in the city of Kirkuk. The research method is descriptive-analytical and is also practical in terms of purpose. Library and survey methods were used to collect data. SPSS software and one-sample t-tests, stepwise regression, and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The results of examining the components of sustainable housing in the city of Kirkuk indicate that; The accessibility component had the highest rank with an average of 2.94, followed by the economic component in second place with an average of 2.83, the social component in third place with an average of 2.65, the physical component with an average of 2.51, and finally the environmental component with an average of 2.42. The result of the stepwise regression test showed that the environmental component with a beta of 0.301 has the highest impact and the economic component with a beta of 0.205 has the lowest impact on the sustainable housing situation in KirkukHousing is one of the important urban uses. Housing, as a fundamental concept, is initially defined as a physical unit that provides a specific and limited space for residence. But housing also has other dimensions; it is at home that people experience a sense of security, peace, and intimacy and form their individual and social identity. Sustainable housing pays attention not only to the physical aspects of housing, but also to its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the components of sustainable housing in the city of Kirkuk. The research method is descriptive-analytical and is also practical in terms of purpose. Library and survey methods were used to collect data. SPSS software and one-sample t-tests, stepwise regression, and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The results of examining the components of sustainable housing in the city of Kirkuk indicate that; The accessibility component had the highest rank with an average of 2.94, followed by the economic component in second place with an average of 2.83, the social component in third place with an average of 2.65, the physical component with an average of 2.51, and finally the environmental component with an average of 2.42. The result of the stepwise regression test showed that the environmental component with a beta of 0.301 has the highest impact and the economic component with a beta of 0.205 has the lowest impact on the sustainable housing situation in Kirkukhttps://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9774_613cbe7ae4267011c6614db9a5ee7040.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Explanation and Presentation of a Strategic Model for Integrated Management of Public Spaces in Urban Fabrics of Tabriz Based on Futures’ StudiesExplanation and Presentation of a Strategic Model for Integrated Management of Public Spaces in Urban Fabrics of Tabriz Based on Futures’ Studies87112986010.22111/gaij.2026.54162.3319FAMasoudHaghlesanAssociate Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ilkhchi Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilkhchi, Iran.Journal Article20251209Rapid urbanization and the complexities of urban management in metropolitan cities like Tabriz have intensified challenges such as functional disruption, declining livability, and reduced vitality of public spaces. However, no integrated strategic model based on futures studies has yet been proposed for the different urban fabrics of Tabriz. The sectoral and short-sighted management of these spaces has led to an inability to cope with instabilities and future changes. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to develop and present an integrated strategic management model for public spaces in Tabriz's urban fabrics based on a futures studies approach, providing a coherent framework for the sustainable improvement of these spaces through a forward-looking and holistic perspective.This research is applied in terms of purpose and mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) in terms of approach. In the qualitative phase, using thematic analysis and semi-structured interviews with 20 experts (urban managers, university professors, and urban planners), the key factors affecting the management of public spaces in Tabriz's future horizon were extracted. In the quantitative phase, these factors were presented in a questionnaire based on the cross-impact analysis technique MicMac to 30 experts. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by expert opinion, and its reliability was confirmed using the test-retest method. Data were analyzed using MICMAC software to identify key drivers and analyze the cross-impact matrix.The findings showed that the stakeholder participation factor, with an influence score of 88, had the greatest impact on the system, while the quality of public space factor, with a score of 67, had the least impact. Furthermore, six key drivers were identified based on their direct and indirect influence, at the forefront of which was "attracting capital and private sector participation" with direct and indirect influence scores of 798 and 660, respectively. The final model was presented as a four-layer framework, proposing strategic focus on three main driving factors (with an average score of over 730) as the core component for transforming the system.The innovation of this research lies in the integration of three elements integrated institutional management, a futures studies approach based on uncertainties, and differentiation of Tabriz's urban fabrics within a strategic model. Rapid urbanization and the complexities of urban management in metropolitan cities like Tabriz have intensified challenges such as functional disruption, declining livability, and reduced vitality of public spaces. However, no integrated strategic model based on futures studies has yet been proposed for the different urban fabrics of Tabriz. The sectoral and short-sighted management of these spaces has led to an inability to cope with instabilities and future changes. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to develop and present an integrated strategic management model for public spaces in Tabriz's urban fabrics based on a futures studies approach, providing a coherent framework for the sustainable improvement of these spaces through a forward-looking and holistic perspective.This research is applied in terms of purpose and mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) in terms of approach. In the qualitative phase, using thematic analysis and semi-structured interviews with 20 experts (urban managers, university professors, and urban planners), the key factors affecting the management of public spaces in Tabriz's future horizon were extracted. In the quantitative phase, these factors were presented in a questionnaire based on the cross-impact analysis technique MicMac to 30 experts. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by expert opinion, and its reliability was confirmed using the test-retest method. Data were analyzed using MICMAC software to identify key drivers and analyze the cross-impact matrix.The findings showed that the stakeholder participation factor, with an influence score of 88, had the greatest impact on the system, while the quality of public space factor, with a score of 67, had the least impact. Furthermore, six key drivers were identified based on their direct and indirect influence, at the forefront of which was "attracting capital and private sector participation" with direct and indirect influence scores of 798 and 660, respectively. The final model was presented as a four-layer framework, proposing strategic focus on three main driving factors (with an average score of over 730) as the core component for transforming the system.The innovation of this research lies in the integration of three elements integrated institutional management, a futures studies approach based on uncertainties, and differentiation of Tabriz's urban fabrics within a strategic model. https://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9860_506b2211c5d1a2de44937d7623ebade7.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Analysis of Co‑creation in the Digitalization of Peripheral settlement in MashhadAnalysis of Co‑creation in the Digitalization of Peripheral settlement in Mashhad113138990410.22111/gaij.2026.54423.3331FASaraJalalieMaster’s of Urban Design, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, IranAliMonazzam IsmailpourAssistant Professor Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, IranSorayaFirouzi JahantighPhD in Urban Planning Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranMansourAlmasiniaMaster of Science in Geography and Urban Planning, Hesar Azad University, Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20260101Enhancing digital co‑creation in marginalized neighborhoods represents a vital step toward reducing the digital divide and alleviating socio‑economic deprivation. Through facilitating access to information, strengthening civic participation, and improving interaction with service institutions, this process can contribute significantly to residents’ empowerment and the improvement of their quality of life. The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate digital co‑creation in the marginalized neighborhoods of Mashhad. The research is applied in nature, and data collection was carried out using both library (documentary) and field methods (observation and questionnaire). Data analysis employed descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and variance) and inferential statistics (one‑sample t‑test and Pearson correlation). The findings of the sample study indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship among all six key indicators—digital participation, diversity of digital stakeholders, transparency and access to digital information, digital two‑way interaction and communication, outputs and achievements of digitalization, and participant satisfaction with digital participation—showing the positive effects of digitalization on the marginal urban areas under study. However, except for the indicator of digital two‑way interaction and communication with a mean value of 3.00, all other indicators scored below the numerical desirability threshold (3). Therefore, a significant difference at the 0.01 alpha level is observed, and most of the factors have been evaluated positively. The results of the Pearson correlation test reveal that at a significance level of sig = 0.000, the indicators of digital co‑creation in the studied urban neighborhoods are interrelated. The indicator of participant satisfaction with digital participation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.762, shows the strongest relationship with the main research variable, whereas the indicator of transparency and access to digital information, with a coefficient of 0.382, shows the weakest relationship.Enhancing digital co‑creation in marginalized neighborhoods represents a vital step toward reducing the digital divide and alleviating socio‑economic deprivation. Through facilitating access to information, strengthening civic participation, and improving interaction with service institutions, this process can contribute significantly to residents’ empowerment and the improvement of their quality of life. The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate digital co‑creation in the marginalized neighborhoods of Mashhad. The research is applied in nature, and data collection was carried out using both library (documentary) and field methods (observation and questionnaire). Data analysis employed descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and variance) and inferential statistics (one‑sample t‑test and Pearson correlation). The findings of the sample study indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship among all six key indicators—digital participation, diversity of digital stakeholders, transparency and access to digital information, digital two‑way interaction and communication, outputs and achievements of digitalization, and participant satisfaction with digital participation—showing the positive effects of digitalization on the marginal urban areas under study. However, except for the indicator of digital two‑way interaction and communication with a mean value of 3.00, all other indicators scored below the numerical desirability threshold (3). Therefore, a significant difference at the 0.01 alpha level is observed, and most of the factors have been evaluated positively. The results of the Pearson correlation test reveal that at a significance level of sig = 0.000, the indicators of digital co‑creation in the studied urban neighborhoods are interrelated. The indicator of participant satisfaction with digital participation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.762, shows the strongest relationship with the main research variable, whereas the indicator of transparency and access to digital information, with a coefficient of 0.382, shows the weakest relationship.https://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9904_32cd619f531f15cca17bc886f9de3b96.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Analysis of the Effects of the new Arg Jadid Bam Special Economic Zone on the Physical Development of Human Settlements (Case Study: Bam District)Analysis of the Effects of the new Arg Jadid Bam Special Economic Zone on the Physical Development of Human Settlements (Case Study: Bam District)139172981010.22111/gaij.2026.53382.3307FAMohammad RezaAboliMaster's student in Land Use Planning, Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, IranAliHosseiniAssociate Professor, Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, IranHosseinMansourianAssociate Professor, Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, IranJournal Article20250929Over the past two decades, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Iran has been promoted as a strategy to accelerate industrialization, attract foreign direct investment, and improve employment indicators. Despite their rapid expansion, the spatial, social, and environmental impacts of these zones at the local level have received limited attention. This study aims to evaluate the multidimensional effects of the Arg‑e Jadid Bam Special Economic Zone on the physical and social transformations of surrounding settlements. The Arg‑e Jadid Special Economic Zone is located near Bam in Kerman Province, southeastern Iran, and is considered one of the country’s major industrial hubs. The concentration of industries, particularly in the automotive sector, has attracted labor migration and significantly influenced the spatial and demographic structure of nearby settlements. This research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through field surveys and remote sensing techniques. A total of 220 questionnaires were completed by local residents (120) and non-local migrants (100). In addition, satellite images from 2007 and 2025 were analyzed to examine physical and land-use changes. The data were analyzed using a one-sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings show that in the social dimension, the level of place attachment among residents was above the theoretical average, while indicators such as social trust, hope for the future, and continuity of local traditions were below the average level. Economically, employment opportunities and small businesses have increased; however, rising land and housing prices have imposed financial pressure on households. Environmentally, declining water quality and weaknesses in waste and wastewater management were observed. Physically, rapid housing construction and reconstruction driven by increasing demand have placed pressure on local infrastructure. Overall, the Arg‑e Jadid Special Economic Zone has improved employment and investment indicators but has also created challenges related to social sustainability, environmental conditions, and the housing market. Integrating industrial development with comprehensive environmental management and improved land‑use planning is essential for achieving sustainable regional development.Over the past two decades, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Iran has been promoted as a strategy to accelerate industrialization, attract foreign direct investment, and improve employment indicators. Despite their rapid expansion, the spatial, social, and environmental impacts of these zones at the local level have received limited attention. This study aims to evaluate the multidimensional effects of the Arg‑e Jadid Bam Special Economic Zone on the physical and social transformations of surrounding settlements. The Arg‑e Jadid Special Economic Zone is located near Bam in Kerman Province, southeastern Iran, and is considered one of the country’s major industrial hubs. The concentration of industries, particularly in the automotive sector, has attracted labor migration and significantly influenced the spatial and demographic structure of nearby settlements. This research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through field surveys and remote sensing techniques. A total of 220 questionnaires were completed by local residents (120) and non-local migrants (100). In addition, satellite images from 2007 and 2025 were analyzed to examine physical and land-use changes. The data were analyzed using a one-sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings show that in the social dimension, the level of place attachment among residents was above the theoretical average, while indicators such as social trust, hope for the future, and continuity of local traditions were below the average level. Economically, employment opportunities and small businesses have increased; however, rising land and housing prices have imposed financial pressure on households. Environmentally, declining water quality and weaknesses in waste and wastewater management were observed. Physically, rapid housing construction and reconstruction driven by increasing demand have placed pressure on local infrastructure. Overall, the Arg‑e Jadid Special Economic Zone has improved employment and investment indicators but has also created challenges related to social sustainability, environmental conditions, and the housing market. Integrating industrial development with comprehensive environmental management and improved land‑use planning is essential for achieving sustainable regional development.https://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9810_0f338db5006a315ac3856617fd874b54.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Designing a Coordinated Urban Governance Model in Iran with Emphasis on the Role of MunicipalitiesDesigning a Coordinated Urban Governance Model in Iran with Emphasis on the Role of Municipalities173216991710.22111/gaij.2026.54302.3327FABehrouzMohamadrezapourPh.D. Student in Land Use Planning, Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, IranNaserSoltaniAssociate Prof, Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.MinaHosseiniPh.D. Student in Land Use Planning, Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.0009-0009-2810-6329Journal Article20251222Urban governance in Iran faces serious institutional, legal, and financial challenges. Municipalities, despite their legal status, have not been able to play a pivotal role in coordinating urban policies due to centralization, limited sustainable resources, and overlapping responsibilities with other institutions. This gap has created a crisis of institutional coordination, reduced efficiency, and weakened the quality of urban management, showing that the absence of a clear local institutional-legal model for coordinated urban governance is the main problem of urban management in Iran. The aim of this research is to present a local model for coordinated urban governance in Iran with emphasis on the role of municipalities. The study was conducted using a qualitative-analytical approach based on institutional and legal analysis. Data were collected through documentary and library studies, including laws, regulations, and official reports, and examined using content analysis. An institutional-organizational approach was then applied to analyze the relationships between municipalities and other local and national institutions. In the final step, the Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) method was used to identify the deeper roots of the institutional coordination crisis. The findings showed that Iranian municipalities face extensive responsibilities but limited authority. Institutional centralization, financial dependence on unstable resources, inter-organizational overlap, and negative cultural narratives have reduced efficiency and social legitimacy. The results indicate that improving the quality of urban governance will only be possible through institutional coherence, transparency, social participation, and a comprehensive coordinated approach across institutional, organizational, and cultural levelsUrban governance in Iran faces serious institutional, legal, and financial challenges. Municipalities, despite their legal status, have not been able to play a pivotal role in coordinating urban policies due to centralization, limited sustainable resources, and overlapping responsibilities with other institutions. This gap has created a crisis of institutional coordination, reduced efficiency, and weakened the quality of urban management, showing that the absence of a clear local institutional-legal model for coordinated urban governance is the main problem of urban management in Iran. The aim of this research is to present a local model for coordinated urban governance in Iran with emphasis on the role of municipalities. The study was conducted using a qualitative-analytical approach based on institutional and legal analysis. Data were collected through documentary and library studies, including laws, regulations, and official reports, and examined using content analysis. An institutional-organizational approach was then applied to analyze the relationships between municipalities and other local and national institutions. In the final step, the Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) method was used to identify the deeper roots of the institutional coordination crisis. The findings showed that Iranian municipalities face extensive responsibilities but limited authority. Institutional centralization, financial dependence on unstable resources, inter-organizational overlap, and negative cultural narratives have reduced efficiency and social legitimacy. The results indicate that improving the quality of urban governance will only be possible through institutional coherence, transparency, social participation, and a comprehensive coordinated approach across institutional, organizational, and cultural levelshttps://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9917_3021a3338cb877b0444e496669b42f2e.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanGeography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement2345-2277165920260622Monitoring Land Use Changes Using Satellite Images and an Object-Based Classification Model (Case Study: Mehran Plain)Monitoring Land Use Changes Using Satellite Images and an Object-Based Classification Model (Case Study: Mehran Plain)217248988810.22111/gaij.2026.49111.3214FAAminMohammadiMSc in Soil and Water Conservation, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.MarzbanFaramarziAssociate Professor, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.HasanFathizadPhD in Combating Desertification, Department of management arid and desert regions, College of Natural Resources and Desert, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.RezaOmidipourAssistant Professor, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.Journal Article20240621Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are among the most significant environmental–socioeconomic processes affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and the provision of ecosystem services. Urban expansion, agricultural development, and the conversion of rangelands into croplands are major drivers of land use change that may lead to land degradation and reduced resource sustainability. Therefore, continuous and accurate monitoring of LULC changes is essential for resource planning and management. The present study aims to investigate land use changes in the Mehran Plain, Ilam Province, using Landsat satellite imagery including Landsat 5 (1996), Landsat 7 (2002 and 2010), and Landsat 8 (2022) through an object-based classification approach. To present and analyze the classification results, indices such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and change detection techniques were employed. The results indicated that barren lands achieved producer’s and user’s accuracies exceeding 99% in 2002, demonstrating high spectral separability of remote sensing data for this class. Conversely, the lowest producer’s and user’s accuracies were observed for barren lands in 2010, with values of 79% and 77%, respectively. The highest overall classification accuracy was obtained for 2022, with an overall accuracy of 90.28% and a Kappa coefficient of 86.89%. The greatest land use area changes in the study area were related to agricultural lands and fair and poor rangelands. NDVI results from 1996 to 2022 indicated an increase in vegetation cover in 2022, mainly due to the expansion of agricultural lands. Change detection analysis revealed that the most significant transitions involved the conversion of fair rangelands into agricultural lands and poor rangelands. The findings can contribute to land evaluation, environmental studies, and integrated planning and management for the sustainable utilization of natural resources and the reduction of land degradation in the regionLand use and land cover (LULC) changes are among the most significant environmental–socioeconomic processes affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and the provision of ecosystem services. Urban expansion, agricultural development, and the conversion of rangelands into croplands are major drivers of land use change that may lead to land degradation and reduced resource sustainability. Therefore, continuous and accurate monitoring of LULC changes is essential for resource planning and management. The present study aims to investigate land use changes in the Mehran Plain, Ilam Province, using Landsat satellite imagery including Landsat 5 (1996), Landsat 7 (2002 and 2010), and Landsat 8 (2022) through an object-based classification approach. To present and analyze the classification results, indices such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and change detection techniques were employed. The results indicated that barren lands achieved producer’s and user’s accuracies exceeding 99% in 2002, demonstrating high spectral separability of remote sensing data for this class. Conversely, the lowest producer’s and user’s accuracies were observed for barren lands in 2010, with values of 79% and 77%, respectively. The highest overall classification accuracy was obtained for 2022, with an overall accuracy of 90.28% and a Kappa coefficient of 86.89%. The greatest land use area changes in the study area were related to agricultural lands and fair and poor rangelands. NDVI results from 1996 to 2022 indicated an increase in vegetation cover in 2022, mainly due to the expansion of agricultural lands. Change detection analysis revealed that the most significant transitions involved the conversion of fair rangelands into agricultural lands and poor rangelands. The findings can contribute to land evaluation, environmental studies, and integrated planning and management for the sustainable utilization of natural resources and the reduction of land degradation in the regionhttps://gaij.usb.ac.ir/article_9888_7a548fc9d243257d9b0b85d6419787ad.pdf