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Received: 2026/07/26 | Accepted: 2026/09/2
Received: 2026/07/26 | Accepted: 2026/09/2
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1- Department of Geography, Na. C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Department of Geography, Na. C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad ,hami.dsaberi@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Geography, Hakim Sabzevari University
2- Department of Geography, Na. C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad ,
3- Department of Geography, Hakim Sabzevari University
Abstract (161 Views)
Aims: This study aimed to assess the capacities of Susangerd for transitioning toward an ecological city, identify existing strengths and weaknesses, and propose strategies for sustainable urban development.
Methodology: This applied research employed a descriptive-analytical design with a localized strategic planning approach in Susangerd at 2026-2027. The statistical population consisted of 100 urban and environmental experts, of whom 30 were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire across four dimensions (environmental, social, economic, and managerial) with confirmed validity (CVR=0.78, CVI=0.82) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.85), along with semi-structured expert interviews. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient, Friedman test, qualitative content analysis, and SWOT matrix in SPSS 26.
Findings: The overall status of ecological city indicators was unfavorable with a mean of 2.33 out of 5. The economic dimension (2.09) was the most unfavorable, while the social dimension (2.62) was relatively favorable. Green employment (1.87) scored lowest, whereas indigenous culture compatible with nature (2.88) scored highest. Significant positive correlations were observed among all dimensions (strongest: management-environment at 0.61). The Friedman test identified air quality (mean rank 8.85), environmental budget (8.12), and green space (7.78) as the most critical indicators. Weighted scores for internal (2.32) and external (2.38) factors indicated the predominance of weaknesses over strengths and threats over opportunities. The city's strategic position fell within Zone 9 of the IE matrix (weak-unfavorable). Eighteen strategies were formulated, with review and defensive strategies as priorities; "Utilizing modern technologies for air pollution control" achieved the highest priority.
Conclusion: The ecological city indicators in Susangerd are at an unfavorable level, with managerial and environmental weaknesses outweighing strengths. Strategy prioritization indicates that utilizing modern technologies for air pollution control, developing sustainable transportation, and environmental culture-building are the most critical immediate actions to overcome the current crisis and move toward realizing the ecological city.
Methodology: This applied research employed a descriptive-analytical design with a localized strategic planning approach in Susangerd at 2026-2027. The statistical population consisted of 100 urban and environmental experts, of whom 30 were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire across four dimensions (environmental, social, economic, and managerial) with confirmed validity (CVR=0.78, CVI=0.82) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.85), along with semi-structured expert interviews. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient, Friedman test, qualitative content analysis, and SWOT matrix in SPSS 26.
Findings: The overall status of ecological city indicators was unfavorable with a mean of 2.33 out of 5. The economic dimension (2.09) was the most unfavorable, while the social dimension (2.62) was relatively favorable. Green employment (1.87) scored lowest, whereas indigenous culture compatible with nature (2.88) scored highest. Significant positive correlations were observed among all dimensions (strongest: management-environment at 0.61). The Friedman test identified air quality (mean rank 8.85), environmental budget (8.12), and green space (7.78) as the most critical indicators. Weighted scores for internal (2.32) and external (2.38) factors indicated the predominance of weaknesses over strengths and threats over opportunities. The city's strategic position fell within Zone 9 of the IE matrix (weak-unfavorable). Eighteen strategies were formulated, with review and defensive strategies as priorities; "Utilizing modern technologies for air pollution control" achieved the highest priority.
Conclusion: The ecological city indicators in Susangerd are at an unfavorable level, with managerial and environmental weaknesses outweighing strengths. Strategy prioritization indicates that utilizing modern technologies for air pollution control, developing sustainable transportation, and environmental culture-building are the most critical immediate actions to overcome the current crisis and move toward realizing the ecological city.
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