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Volume 37, Issue 4 (2022)
GeoRes 2022, 37(4): 575-583 |
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Received: 2022/08/11 | Accepted: 2022/11/5 | Published: 2022/11/26
Received: 2022/08/11 | Accepted: 2022/11/5 | Published: 2022/11/26
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Parsaei K, Amoughin Z, Abbasi A, Mahkoee H. Geopolitical Analysis of Natural and Human Capabilities of Fars Province to Achieve Environmental Development. GeoRes 2022; 37 (4) :575-583
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1- Human Geography Department, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
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Introduction
Geopolitics, or the political science of geography, is a branch of political studies formed at the intersection of political geography and political science. As a concept, geopolitics may be understood as a combination of three elements of geography, power, and politics [Shabani et al., 2022]. Although the term encompasses multiple meanings and gained general recognition as an analytical approach in the late nineteenth century, it was specifically introduced in German literature in 1903 [Javadi Arjoman & Dolatyari, 2012].
The subject of geopolitics concerns the study of how geographical factors, such as location and the distribution of natural and human resources, shape international relations. Environmental geopolitics examines the performance of governments and institutions in their misuse of renewable and non-renewable environmental resources. Among the environmental threats that have drawn the attention of geopoliticians are industrial pollution, various contaminants, inadequate national policies on resource management, and uncontrolled and expansive development [Ahmadi et al., 2011]. Environmental geopolitics addresses ecological changes, security policies in the industrial world, the geography of environmental threats, global-system impacts of environmental degradation, and environmental refugees within political discourses [Kaviani Rad, 2011].
Typically, issues related to environmental geopolitics arise at the high political levels of states and institutions. Concerns about environmental degradation and social conflicts resulting from climate change have increasingly become part of contemporary debates on planetary security, militarism, and earth governance [Cocklin & Keen, 2008]. The fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) and the end of the Cold War marked a shift in the nature and sources of threats in geopolitics. During this period, issues such as natural resource scarcity, the risk of resource control by unfriendly actors, and reduced access to resources due to increasing population-driven demand became more prominent. Accordingly, the relationship between environmental security and resource-related conflicts has shaped a vast body of political and academic literature, commonly referred to as “environmental geopolitics,” advancing a postmodern perspective [Krivilev, 2009].
Environmental geopolitics is embedded within the framework of critical geopolitics. This approach emphasizes the quality of human interactions with the global biophysical environment and frames them politically, addressing issues such as resource conflicts and the role of the environment in security and confrontation within discursive structures [Kaviani Rad, 2011]. Over recent decades, notions such as “conflicts over natural resources,” “environmental degradation,” and “global warming” have formed the core of global political and environmental security discourse, precisely where “geo” (earth and biosphere) and “politics” (power relations) intersect. Consequently, ecological changes, security policies in the industrialized world, the geography of environmental threats, political consequences, global-system impacts of environmental destruction, and environmental refugees fall within the scope of environmental geopolitical studies [Kaviani Rad, 2011].
Thus, states play a central role in shaping environmental policy at national, regional, and global scales; however, the role of multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations must not be overlooked, as their influence may diminish state sovereignty. A second major challenge involves the implementation of international environmental commitments, which requires cooperation among international institutions, states, and regional and domestic organizations. Studies on international environmental policy demonstrate that non-governmental actors play a crucial role, particularly in agreements. Consequently, environmental issues have consistently attracted the attention of scholars and theorists. The ideas of thinkers such as Darwin, Malthus, Ratzel, Hofer, and the Sprouts have significantly influenced the evolution of environmental geopolitics. Aristotle believed that people and their environments are inseparable and shaped by both geographical conditions and political institutions [Zeinolabedin & Paknezhad, 2007].
According to Jean Bodin, climatic conditions affect national tendencies and the foreign policies of states. Montesquieu referred to various factors that, in his view, shaped the political divisions of Western Europe compared to the vast plains of Asia and Eastern Europe, thereby cultivating a spirit of political independence. Cohen argued that the essence of geopolitical analysis lies in the relationship between international political power and the geographical environment. In Aron’s view, geopolitics represents the geographical mapping of diplomatic–strategic relations through geo-economic analysis, natural resources, and the interpretation of diplomatic tendencies shaped by lifestyle and environment. Colin Gray believed that although natural geography imposes constraints and opportunities, it becomes fundamentally important only when considered alongside time, technology, national efforts, and strategic or tactical choices.
Undeniably, environmental degradation impedes sustainable development. If the current trend of exploitative, profit-driven resource use and environmental destruction continues, it will not only hinder sustainable development but also endanger the future of life on Earth. The destruction of biological foundations, ecological exhaustion, resource depletion, and conflicts among actors, whether groups or states, over scarce resources, as well as efforts to maintain ecological balance and sustainable development, have drawn close links with political and security issues, giving rise to the environmental turn in geopolitics [Hafeznia, 2017].
Environmental perspectives stem from philosophical and ethical foundations, representing a combination of environmental philosophy and environmental ethics. They analyze ecological issues by addressing the values, principles, and reasons for protecting the environment, and by defining human ethical obligations toward non-human elements. Various environmental approaches exist [Ghavam, 2005].
In summary, environmental approaches can be broadly categorized into ecocentric and anthropocentric perspectives:
(a) Ecocentrism: Emphasizes the intrinsic value of life and species, rejects human-centered exploitation, attributes inherent worth to all living beings, and views life as an integrated whole.
(b) Anthropocentrism: Considers nature subordinate to human needs, linking environmental preservation to the pursuit of human interests [Soleimanpour Omran et al., 2016].
The environment, as the space and setting of human life, enables human growth and flourishing. Environmental protection requires planning and collaborative efforts from both authorities and citizens. The natural environment provides the foundation upon which human life and achievements take shape, and humans cannot exist independently from it [Esmaili et al., 2016]. Today, countries seek to use geopolitical factors and other determinants of national power to adopt appropriate policies that advance comprehensive development [Abasian Fard & Mehrabi, 2022]. Therefore, before designing development strategies and implementing socio-economic programs, it is essential to assess the regional geography, identify environmental capacities, and determine the ecological potential of the land for various uses, with the aim of continuous exploitation and minimal environmental degradation [Nouri & Norouzi Avaregani, 2007].
Given the importance of biological foundations, natural and human resources, and the need to maintain ecological balance in sustainable development, and considering their close links with political, security, and competitive dynamics among human groups and political actors, particularly states, the field of environmental geopolitics has become increasingly prominent [Heydarifar, 2012]. Recognizing environmental changes as a security threat underscores the importance of integrating environmental, security, peace, and behavioral communication studies [Taghavi & Habibi, 2012].
Fars Province possesses substantial natural and human capacities that can be used to enhance environmental quality; however, this requires a geopolitical perspective. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify selected capabilities of Fars Province and examine their role in advancing the province’s environmental development.
Methodology
This survey-based study was conducted in 2022 in Fars Province using a spatial planning approach. Data and information were collected through two methods: library (documentary) research and fieldwork. In the documentary section, the theoretical and empirical literature related to the research topic was reviewed, and based on existing theoretical foundations, the geopolitical domains influencing the natural and human environmental capacities of Fars Province were identified. Four domains including economic, environmental, social, and political were determined.
For each domain, relevant indicators were identified using regional characteristics of the study area and expert opinions. After identifying the effective indicators, expert judgments were used to prioritize the criteria. The statistical population consisted of 158 experts and specialists in political science and geopolitics in Fars Province, selected through purposive sampling.
To prioritize the factors and criteria, Shannon Entropy weighting was first applied, followed by VIKOR, TOPSIS, and Entropy models . Finally, to obtain a unified final weight from the results of these methods, the Copeland aggregation technique was employed.
In multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, multiple MCDM methods may be used, and their outcomes are not always identical. Therefore, averaging or aggregation methods are utilized to merge results, one of which is the Copeland method. This method extends the Borda count by considering not only the number of “wins” but also the number of “losses” for each alternative. The Copeland score is calculated by subtracting the number of losses from the number of wins. Unlike the Borda method, Copeland incorporates both dominance (row sums) and subordination (column sums) when ranking alternatives, prioritizing them based on the difference between these two values.
Fars Province, with an area of 122,608 km², is located between 27°01′ and 31°42′ N latitudes and 50°34′ and 55°44′ E longitudes. It is bordered by Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad to the north, Yazd and Kerman to the east, Bushehr to the west, and Hormozgan to the south. According to the 2011 national census, Fars Province comprises 29 counties, 83 districts, 94 cities, and 204 rural districts. Shiraz County is the most populous, containing approximately 37% of the province’s population. Following Shiraz, the counties of Marvdasht, Kazerun, Larestan, Jahrom, Fasa, and Darab collectively account for 30.3% of the population. The remaining 22 counties have significantly smaller populations, jointly comprising 32.7% of the province’s total population.
Findings
Through a review of the research literature and expert assessments, the economic, social, environmental, and cultural–tourism domains were identified as the key areas influencing the natural and human capabilities of Fars Province. The defined indicators were evaluated through expert scoring and subsequently prepared for weighting using Shannon entropy, TOPSIS, and VIKOR models.
Based on the applied methods, the ranking of the indicators varied; therefore, to achieve a unified prioritization, aggregation strategies, including the average ranking method, the Borda method, and the Copeland method were employed. The average ranking method prioritizes options according to the mean of their ranks across different techniques, and the resulting ranks for each factor were determined accordingly. Afterward, the number of wins (row totals) and losses (column totals) was computed using the Borda method, which served as input for the final weighting of criteria using the Copeland method.
Among the studied factors, economic indicators ranked highest, indicating their dominant influence on the environmental–human capacities affecting ecological development in Fars Province. The presence of major industrial plants, adequate infrastructure, community welfare levels, technological capacity, employment opportunities, and domestic and foreign investment, particularly foreign investment were decisive drivers of economic development. Although economic expansion was widely recognized as a central factor in achieving sustainable development, its environmental implications remained complex. In the early stages of development, particularly in developing countries such as Iran, the prioritization of production and employment over environmental protection, combined with low production technologies and limited environmental awareness, often leads to intensified environmental degradation. However, once a certain threshold of per capita income is reached, this relationship reverses, and economic growth begins to improve environmental quality due to advancements in production technology, heightened environmental awareness, and the implementation of stringent environmental regulations.
Fars Province has held a distinguished economic, social, and cultural status over the past century. Beyond its geographic and physical importance, it is a major hub for tourism and higher education in southern Iran. The province accommodates more than 4,036 industrial units of various scales, with total investments amounting to 46,500 billion IRR and providing employment for 88,576 individuals, demonstrating its pivotal role in the national industrial landscape. Active industrial sectors include chemical and petrochemical industries, food and agricultural processing industries, ceramics, porcelain, metallurgy, oil and gas equipment manufacturing, electronics and telecommunications, automation and control systems, information technology, cellulose industries, and automotive body and mold production.
Fars Province is also rich in mineral resources. Out of 37 identified mineral types, 21 including limestone, gypsum, marble, refractory clay, industrial soil, salt, silica, quartzite, manganese, lead, zinc, chromite, barite, iron ore, copper, granite, and aluminum are currently being extracted. There are 494 active mines employing over 7,000 workers, collectively holding reserves of approximately 2.285 billion tons, with an annual extraction rate exceeding 42.6 million tons.
Following the economic factor, the environmental factor is the next in significance, owing to the presence of wetlands and water resources, geomorphology and topography, natural reservoirs and mineral deposits, population distribution patterns, and transportation networks.
Fars Province possesses unique environmental characteristics, including nationally and internationally important wetlands, valuable forest species, major freshwater and saline lakes, and high biodiversity. The province contains eight protected areas, twelve restricted zones, two national parks, and one wildlife refuge. It also holds the highest number of permanent lakes in Iran, which include both saline (e.g., Maharloo, Bakhtegan, Tashk, Hiram) and freshwater lakes (e.g., Parishan, Arzhan, Barm-e Shur, Kaftar, Haft Barm, Dorudzan Reservoir).
Despite these environmental assets, the province faced severe ecological challenges in recent years due to drought and mismanagement. Approximately 19,500 unauthorized wells were drilled, contributing to widespread land subsidence. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides had further degraded soil quality. Due to limited laboratory capacity, only half of the 200 types of agricultural chemicals that require monitoring were actually tested. Moreover, only 67% of the province’s waste was disposed of hygienically, with the remainder handled improperly. In addition to pollution from transportation and industrial activities, dust storms had become a major contributor to air pollution. A substantial portion of this burden was linked to outdated public transportation vehicles operated by governmental organizations and municipalities. Approximately 17% of the province's land area was covered by forests from the Irano-Turanian, Zagros, and Omanian vegetation zones; however, due to unsustainable exploitation and recurrent fires, these forests remained only in scattered patches.
The social factor constitutes the next influential dimension. Levels of awareness and access to information, cultural characteristics, environmental performance, demographic structure, particularly the presence of a young population and education were identified as the most significant social determinants of environmental development in the province. Increasing public awareness of environmental issues and available solutions directly enhances environmental performance. Cultural attributes and demographic composition, especially an active youth population can serve as valuable assets for achieving environmental goals. Education, in particular, played a strategic role in raising awareness and improving environmental behavior.
Finally, the cultural–tourism factor ranks fourth. Key determinants included international and domestic tourists, nationally registered heritage sites, and globally registered heritage sites. Fars Province, with more than 2,819 registered heritage sites, encompasses nearly all major historical periods of Iran. The province, especially Shiraz, has long been recognized nationally and internationally as a cultural and historical center, attracting significant tourism demand. Renowned for its prominent literary, cultural, and historical figures, the province is considered the cultural capital of Iran. Shiraz is also a major destination for religious tourism due to the shrine of Shah Cheragh, the third most important Shia pilgrimage site in Iran, and serves as a center for health tourism in southern Iran. The natural attractions of Fars Province further enhance the diversity of its tourism offerings.
Discussion
The aim of this study was to examine the environmental-human capacities influencing environmental development in Fars Province. Today, the global scale of environmental geopolitics and the apparent distinction between developed and developing countries have drawn attention to global environmental issues. Although most governments are keen to preserve the environment and utilize regional capacities for development, some factors prevent certain governments from properly exploiting resources and enhancing environmental quality to improve residents’ quality of life.
Based on the findings, the economic factor held the highest priority among the criteria affecting environmental development in Fars Province. The relationship between economic growth and environmental quality has been widely investigated. Mines and factories, infrastructure, welfare level, land extent, employment, and domestic and foreign investments were identified as the key economic indicators influencing environmental development in the province. According to the Environmental Kuznets Curve, in the early stages of economic development, employment growth, and welfare expansion, environmental degradation occurs due to a focus on extensive production without attention to environmental improvements. After passing the initial development stages and reaching higher income levels, the economic structure shifts toward clean industries, technologies, and service sector development, which can reduce pollution at higher income levels. Recent studies have also highlighted that factors such as differences in geographical conditions, natural resources, and institutional quality determine variations in the turning point of the Kuznets Curve and peak pollution levels in each country (Leitao, 2010). Moreover, increasing investments, particularly in environmental projects, can enhance technological innovation in the energy sector, significantly reducing environmental pollution. Therefore, analyses of the economic factor’s impact on environmental development are mixed, indicating both positive and negative effects. Most studies consider early-stage economic development as a negative factor for environmental improvement. The results of this study align with those of Tamazin and Lao (2010) and Asgharpour et al. (2013).
The second most influential factor on environmental development in this study was the environmental factor. Mines and natural reserves, water networks and rivers, communication networks, topography, population distribution, and lakes and wetlands were identified as the main environmental indicators affecting environmental development in Fars Province. Relying on a region’s environmental capacities and identifying its ecological characteristics can serve as the foundation for land-use planning and environmental design to achieve sustainable development while preserving the interests of future generations. In development planning, it is essential to consider the environmental capacities of a region, the maximum utilization potential, distribution of sensitive environmental areas, land-use regulation according to environmental limitations, and efforts to preserve natural resources for future generations. Environmental capacity is also a key factor in attracting tourists and developing tourism, which requires attention to preserving resources to prevent overpopulation, environmental degradation, and resource destruction. Dashti et al. (2008) have emphasized the importance of considering regional environmental capacities for sustainable environmental development.
The social factor, ranked third in this study, was identified as another determinant of environmental development in Fars Province. Awareness and information level, population structure, environmental performance, ethnic-cultural characteristics, and education were the social factors affecting environmental improvement. Human communities, with their various social activities and cultural characteristics, possess different values and attitudes toward nature and the environment. Many believe that environmental problems are rooted in societal values and beliefs; thus, it is essential to understand how individuals perceive and interact with the environment. Environmental development requires raising public awareness and participation in solving problems. Citizens often have limited access to environmental knowledge, which presents a challenge for policymakers. Public information campaigns can address people’s understanding of policy rationales and potential changes. Population structure and demographic characteristics, such as literacy, age, culture, habits, attitudes, and active participation, affect individuals’ behaviors. An individual’s environmental attitude is based on the belief that humans do not dominate nature, balance between humans and nature is necessary, and limits exist for growth and development (Salehi, 2010). Thus, environmental attitudes promote responsible behaviors, enhancing environmental performance. Environmental performance refers to observable actions taken by individuals in response to environmental conditions. The social indicators considered in this study are consistent with the findings of Salehi and Pazoukinezhad (2014), Sarvestani (2011), and Muderrisoglu and Altanlar (2011).
The cultural-tourism factor, ranked fourth, was identified as influencing environmental conditions in Fars Province. Various theories exist regarding tourism’s effects on the environment. Some authors argue that tourism development positively impacts the environment by promoting employment, increasing national income, and generating profits, ultimately enhancing economic growth and environmental quality (Holzner, 2011; Lee & Chang, 2008). Others contend that tourism contributes to environmental degradation through excessive resource consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with production growth, resulting in negative environmental impacts (Scott et al., 2010; Martín-Cejas & Sánchez, 2010). Zhong et al. (2011) have noted that tourism development without proper planning leads to negative outcomes. Williams argued that the relationship between tourism and the environment is complex and interdependent, where tourism benefits from high-quality environmental resources, and the environment benefits from conservation and management efforts.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the development of a geographical region is intertwined with multiple factors. In Fars Province, economic development holds the highest priority; achieving environmental capacities, both human and environmental, requires focusing first on the province’s economic development. Environmental and social factors constitute the next priorities influencing the enhancement of environmental capacities in Fars. Finally, attention to cultural and tourism development is necessary to ensure a suitable environment for the province’s residents.
Acknowledgments: None reported by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None reported by the authors.
Author Contributions: Parsaei K (first author), Main Researcher/Discussion Writer (40%); Amoughin YZ (second author), Methodologist (20%); Abbasi A (third author), Statistical Analyst (20%); Mahkoee H (fourth author), Introduction Writer (20%)
Funding: None reported by the authors.
Geopolitics, or the political science of geography, is a branch of political studies formed at the intersection of political geography and political science. As a concept, geopolitics may be understood as a combination of three elements of geography, power, and politics [Shabani et al., 2022]. Although the term encompasses multiple meanings and gained general recognition as an analytical approach in the late nineteenth century, it was specifically introduced in German literature in 1903 [Javadi Arjoman & Dolatyari, 2012].
The subject of geopolitics concerns the study of how geographical factors, such as location and the distribution of natural and human resources, shape international relations. Environmental geopolitics examines the performance of governments and institutions in their misuse of renewable and non-renewable environmental resources. Among the environmental threats that have drawn the attention of geopoliticians are industrial pollution, various contaminants, inadequate national policies on resource management, and uncontrolled and expansive development [Ahmadi et al., 2011]. Environmental geopolitics addresses ecological changes, security policies in the industrial world, the geography of environmental threats, global-system impacts of environmental degradation, and environmental refugees within political discourses [Kaviani Rad, 2011].
Typically, issues related to environmental geopolitics arise at the high political levels of states and institutions. Concerns about environmental degradation and social conflicts resulting from climate change have increasingly become part of contemporary debates on planetary security, militarism, and earth governance [Cocklin & Keen, 2008]. The fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) and the end of the Cold War marked a shift in the nature and sources of threats in geopolitics. During this period, issues such as natural resource scarcity, the risk of resource control by unfriendly actors, and reduced access to resources due to increasing population-driven demand became more prominent. Accordingly, the relationship between environmental security and resource-related conflicts has shaped a vast body of political and academic literature, commonly referred to as “environmental geopolitics,” advancing a postmodern perspective [Krivilev, 2009].
Environmental geopolitics is embedded within the framework of critical geopolitics. This approach emphasizes the quality of human interactions with the global biophysical environment and frames them politically, addressing issues such as resource conflicts and the role of the environment in security and confrontation within discursive structures [Kaviani Rad, 2011]. Over recent decades, notions such as “conflicts over natural resources,” “environmental degradation,” and “global warming” have formed the core of global political and environmental security discourse, precisely where “geo” (earth and biosphere) and “politics” (power relations) intersect. Consequently, ecological changes, security policies in the industrialized world, the geography of environmental threats, political consequences, global-system impacts of environmental destruction, and environmental refugees fall within the scope of environmental geopolitical studies [Kaviani Rad, 2011].
Thus, states play a central role in shaping environmental policy at national, regional, and global scales; however, the role of multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations must not be overlooked, as their influence may diminish state sovereignty. A second major challenge involves the implementation of international environmental commitments, which requires cooperation among international institutions, states, and regional and domestic organizations. Studies on international environmental policy demonstrate that non-governmental actors play a crucial role, particularly in agreements. Consequently, environmental issues have consistently attracted the attention of scholars and theorists. The ideas of thinkers such as Darwin, Malthus, Ratzel, Hofer, and the Sprouts have significantly influenced the evolution of environmental geopolitics. Aristotle believed that people and their environments are inseparable and shaped by both geographical conditions and political institutions [Zeinolabedin & Paknezhad, 2007].
According to Jean Bodin, climatic conditions affect national tendencies and the foreign policies of states. Montesquieu referred to various factors that, in his view, shaped the political divisions of Western Europe compared to the vast plains of Asia and Eastern Europe, thereby cultivating a spirit of political independence. Cohen argued that the essence of geopolitical analysis lies in the relationship between international political power and the geographical environment. In Aron’s view, geopolitics represents the geographical mapping of diplomatic–strategic relations through geo-economic analysis, natural resources, and the interpretation of diplomatic tendencies shaped by lifestyle and environment. Colin Gray believed that although natural geography imposes constraints and opportunities, it becomes fundamentally important only when considered alongside time, technology, national efforts, and strategic or tactical choices.
Undeniably, environmental degradation impedes sustainable development. If the current trend of exploitative, profit-driven resource use and environmental destruction continues, it will not only hinder sustainable development but also endanger the future of life on Earth. The destruction of biological foundations, ecological exhaustion, resource depletion, and conflicts among actors, whether groups or states, over scarce resources, as well as efforts to maintain ecological balance and sustainable development, have drawn close links with political and security issues, giving rise to the environmental turn in geopolitics [Hafeznia, 2017].
Environmental perspectives stem from philosophical and ethical foundations, representing a combination of environmental philosophy and environmental ethics. They analyze ecological issues by addressing the values, principles, and reasons for protecting the environment, and by defining human ethical obligations toward non-human elements. Various environmental approaches exist [Ghavam, 2005].
In summary, environmental approaches can be broadly categorized into ecocentric and anthropocentric perspectives:
(a) Ecocentrism: Emphasizes the intrinsic value of life and species, rejects human-centered exploitation, attributes inherent worth to all living beings, and views life as an integrated whole.
(b) Anthropocentrism: Considers nature subordinate to human needs, linking environmental preservation to the pursuit of human interests [Soleimanpour Omran et al., 2016].
The environment, as the space and setting of human life, enables human growth and flourishing. Environmental protection requires planning and collaborative efforts from both authorities and citizens. The natural environment provides the foundation upon which human life and achievements take shape, and humans cannot exist independently from it [Esmaili et al., 2016]. Today, countries seek to use geopolitical factors and other determinants of national power to adopt appropriate policies that advance comprehensive development [Abasian Fard & Mehrabi, 2022]. Therefore, before designing development strategies and implementing socio-economic programs, it is essential to assess the regional geography, identify environmental capacities, and determine the ecological potential of the land for various uses, with the aim of continuous exploitation and minimal environmental degradation [Nouri & Norouzi Avaregani, 2007].
Given the importance of biological foundations, natural and human resources, and the need to maintain ecological balance in sustainable development, and considering their close links with political, security, and competitive dynamics among human groups and political actors, particularly states, the field of environmental geopolitics has become increasingly prominent [Heydarifar, 2012]. Recognizing environmental changes as a security threat underscores the importance of integrating environmental, security, peace, and behavioral communication studies [Taghavi & Habibi, 2012].
Fars Province possesses substantial natural and human capacities that can be used to enhance environmental quality; however, this requires a geopolitical perspective. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify selected capabilities of Fars Province and examine their role in advancing the province’s environmental development.
Methodology
This survey-based study was conducted in 2022 in Fars Province using a spatial planning approach. Data and information were collected through two methods: library (documentary) research and fieldwork. In the documentary section, the theoretical and empirical literature related to the research topic was reviewed, and based on existing theoretical foundations, the geopolitical domains influencing the natural and human environmental capacities of Fars Province were identified. Four domains including economic, environmental, social, and political were determined.
For each domain, relevant indicators were identified using regional characteristics of the study area and expert opinions. After identifying the effective indicators, expert judgments were used to prioritize the criteria. The statistical population consisted of 158 experts and specialists in political science and geopolitics in Fars Province, selected through purposive sampling.
To prioritize the factors and criteria, Shannon Entropy weighting was first applied, followed by VIKOR, TOPSIS, and Entropy models . Finally, to obtain a unified final weight from the results of these methods, the Copeland aggregation technique was employed.
In multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems, multiple MCDM methods may be used, and their outcomes are not always identical. Therefore, averaging or aggregation methods are utilized to merge results, one of which is the Copeland method. This method extends the Borda count by considering not only the number of “wins” but also the number of “losses” for each alternative. The Copeland score is calculated by subtracting the number of losses from the number of wins. Unlike the Borda method, Copeland incorporates both dominance (row sums) and subordination (column sums) when ranking alternatives, prioritizing them based on the difference between these two values.
Fars Province, with an area of 122,608 km², is located between 27°01′ and 31°42′ N latitudes and 50°34′ and 55°44′ E longitudes. It is bordered by Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad to the north, Yazd and Kerman to the east, Bushehr to the west, and Hormozgan to the south. According to the 2011 national census, Fars Province comprises 29 counties, 83 districts, 94 cities, and 204 rural districts. Shiraz County is the most populous, containing approximately 37% of the province’s population. Following Shiraz, the counties of Marvdasht, Kazerun, Larestan, Jahrom, Fasa, and Darab collectively account for 30.3% of the population. The remaining 22 counties have significantly smaller populations, jointly comprising 32.7% of the province’s total population.
Findings
Through a review of the research literature and expert assessments, the economic, social, environmental, and cultural–tourism domains were identified as the key areas influencing the natural and human capabilities of Fars Province. The defined indicators were evaluated through expert scoring and subsequently prepared for weighting using Shannon entropy, TOPSIS, and VIKOR models.
Based on the applied methods, the ranking of the indicators varied; therefore, to achieve a unified prioritization, aggregation strategies, including the average ranking method, the Borda method, and the Copeland method were employed. The average ranking method prioritizes options according to the mean of their ranks across different techniques, and the resulting ranks for each factor were determined accordingly. Afterward, the number of wins (row totals) and losses (column totals) was computed using the Borda method, which served as input for the final weighting of criteria using the Copeland method.
Among the studied factors, economic indicators ranked highest, indicating their dominant influence on the environmental–human capacities affecting ecological development in Fars Province. The presence of major industrial plants, adequate infrastructure, community welfare levels, technological capacity, employment opportunities, and domestic and foreign investment, particularly foreign investment were decisive drivers of economic development. Although economic expansion was widely recognized as a central factor in achieving sustainable development, its environmental implications remained complex. In the early stages of development, particularly in developing countries such as Iran, the prioritization of production and employment over environmental protection, combined with low production technologies and limited environmental awareness, often leads to intensified environmental degradation. However, once a certain threshold of per capita income is reached, this relationship reverses, and economic growth begins to improve environmental quality due to advancements in production technology, heightened environmental awareness, and the implementation of stringent environmental regulations.
Fars Province has held a distinguished economic, social, and cultural status over the past century. Beyond its geographic and physical importance, it is a major hub for tourism and higher education in southern Iran. The province accommodates more than 4,036 industrial units of various scales, with total investments amounting to 46,500 billion IRR and providing employment for 88,576 individuals, demonstrating its pivotal role in the national industrial landscape. Active industrial sectors include chemical and petrochemical industries, food and agricultural processing industries, ceramics, porcelain, metallurgy, oil and gas equipment manufacturing, electronics and telecommunications, automation and control systems, information technology, cellulose industries, and automotive body and mold production.
Fars Province is also rich in mineral resources. Out of 37 identified mineral types, 21 including limestone, gypsum, marble, refractory clay, industrial soil, salt, silica, quartzite, manganese, lead, zinc, chromite, barite, iron ore, copper, granite, and aluminum are currently being extracted. There are 494 active mines employing over 7,000 workers, collectively holding reserves of approximately 2.285 billion tons, with an annual extraction rate exceeding 42.6 million tons.
Following the economic factor, the environmental factor is the next in significance, owing to the presence of wetlands and water resources, geomorphology and topography, natural reservoirs and mineral deposits, population distribution patterns, and transportation networks.
Fars Province possesses unique environmental characteristics, including nationally and internationally important wetlands, valuable forest species, major freshwater and saline lakes, and high biodiversity. The province contains eight protected areas, twelve restricted zones, two national parks, and one wildlife refuge. It also holds the highest number of permanent lakes in Iran, which include both saline (e.g., Maharloo, Bakhtegan, Tashk, Hiram) and freshwater lakes (e.g., Parishan, Arzhan, Barm-e Shur, Kaftar, Haft Barm, Dorudzan Reservoir).
Despite these environmental assets, the province faced severe ecological challenges in recent years due to drought and mismanagement. Approximately 19,500 unauthorized wells were drilled, contributing to widespread land subsidence. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides had further degraded soil quality. Due to limited laboratory capacity, only half of the 200 types of agricultural chemicals that require monitoring were actually tested. Moreover, only 67% of the province’s waste was disposed of hygienically, with the remainder handled improperly. In addition to pollution from transportation and industrial activities, dust storms had become a major contributor to air pollution. A substantial portion of this burden was linked to outdated public transportation vehicles operated by governmental organizations and municipalities. Approximately 17% of the province's land area was covered by forests from the Irano-Turanian, Zagros, and Omanian vegetation zones; however, due to unsustainable exploitation and recurrent fires, these forests remained only in scattered patches.
The social factor constitutes the next influential dimension. Levels of awareness and access to information, cultural characteristics, environmental performance, demographic structure, particularly the presence of a young population and education were identified as the most significant social determinants of environmental development in the province. Increasing public awareness of environmental issues and available solutions directly enhances environmental performance. Cultural attributes and demographic composition, especially an active youth population can serve as valuable assets for achieving environmental goals. Education, in particular, played a strategic role in raising awareness and improving environmental behavior.
Finally, the cultural–tourism factor ranks fourth. Key determinants included international and domestic tourists, nationally registered heritage sites, and globally registered heritage sites. Fars Province, with more than 2,819 registered heritage sites, encompasses nearly all major historical periods of Iran. The province, especially Shiraz, has long been recognized nationally and internationally as a cultural and historical center, attracting significant tourism demand. Renowned for its prominent literary, cultural, and historical figures, the province is considered the cultural capital of Iran. Shiraz is also a major destination for religious tourism due to the shrine of Shah Cheragh, the third most important Shia pilgrimage site in Iran, and serves as a center for health tourism in southern Iran. The natural attractions of Fars Province further enhance the diversity of its tourism offerings.
Discussion
The aim of this study was to examine the environmental-human capacities influencing environmental development in Fars Province. Today, the global scale of environmental geopolitics and the apparent distinction between developed and developing countries have drawn attention to global environmental issues. Although most governments are keen to preserve the environment and utilize regional capacities for development, some factors prevent certain governments from properly exploiting resources and enhancing environmental quality to improve residents’ quality of life.
Based on the findings, the economic factor held the highest priority among the criteria affecting environmental development in Fars Province. The relationship between economic growth and environmental quality has been widely investigated. Mines and factories, infrastructure, welfare level, land extent, employment, and domestic and foreign investments were identified as the key economic indicators influencing environmental development in the province. According to the Environmental Kuznets Curve, in the early stages of economic development, employment growth, and welfare expansion, environmental degradation occurs due to a focus on extensive production without attention to environmental improvements. After passing the initial development stages and reaching higher income levels, the economic structure shifts toward clean industries, technologies, and service sector development, which can reduce pollution at higher income levels. Recent studies have also highlighted that factors such as differences in geographical conditions, natural resources, and institutional quality determine variations in the turning point of the Kuznets Curve and peak pollution levels in each country (Leitao, 2010). Moreover, increasing investments, particularly in environmental projects, can enhance technological innovation in the energy sector, significantly reducing environmental pollution. Therefore, analyses of the economic factor’s impact on environmental development are mixed, indicating both positive and negative effects. Most studies consider early-stage economic development as a negative factor for environmental improvement. The results of this study align with those of Tamazin and Lao (2010) and Asgharpour et al. (2013).
The second most influential factor on environmental development in this study was the environmental factor. Mines and natural reserves, water networks and rivers, communication networks, topography, population distribution, and lakes and wetlands were identified as the main environmental indicators affecting environmental development in Fars Province. Relying on a region’s environmental capacities and identifying its ecological characteristics can serve as the foundation for land-use planning and environmental design to achieve sustainable development while preserving the interests of future generations. In development planning, it is essential to consider the environmental capacities of a region, the maximum utilization potential, distribution of sensitive environmental areas, land-use regulation according to environmental limitations, and efforts to preserve natural resources for future generations. Environmental capacity is also a key factor in attracting tourists and developing tourism, which requires attention to preserving resources to prevent overpopulation, environmental degradation, and resource destruction. Dashti et al. (2008) have emphasized the importance of considering regional environmental capacities for sustainable environmental development.
The social factor, ranked third in this study, was identified as another determinant of environmental development in Fars Province. Awareness and information level, population structure, environmental performance, ethnic-cultural characteristics, and education were the social factors affecting environmental improvement. Human communities, with their various social activities and cultural characteristics, possess different values and attitudes toward nature and the environment. Many believe that environmental problems are rooted in societal values and beliefs; thus, it is essential to understand how individuals perceive and interact with the environment. Environmental development requires raising public awareness and participation in solving problems. Citizens often have limited access to environmental knowledge, which presents a challenge for policymakers. Public information campaigns can address people’s understanding of policy rationales and potential changes. Population structure and demographic characteristics, such as literacy, age, culture, habits, attitudes, and active participation, affect individuals’ behaviors. An individual’s environmental attitude is based on the belief that humans do not dominate nature, balance between humans and nature is necessary, and limits exist for growth and development (Salehi, 2010). Thus, environmental attitudes promote responsible behaviors, enhancing environmental performance. Environmental performance refers to observable actions taken by individuals in response to environmental conditions. The social indicators considered in this study are consistent with the findings of Salehi and Pazoukinezhad (2014), Sarvestani (2011), and Muderrisoglu and Altanlar (2011).
The cultural-tourism factor, ranked fourth, was identified as influencing environmental conditions in Fars Province. Various theories exist regarding tourism’s effects on the environment. Some authors argue that tourism development positively impacts the environment by promoting employment, increasing national income, and generating profits, ultimately enhancing economic growth and environmental quality (Holzner, 2011; Lee & Chang, 2008). Others contend that tourism contributes to environmental degradation through excessive resource consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with production growth, resulting in negative environmental impacts (Scott et al., 2010; Martín-Cejas & Sánchez, 2010). Zhong et al. (2011) have noted that tourism development without proper planning leads to negative outcomes. Williams argued that the relationship between tourism and the environment is complex and interdependent, where tourism benefits from high-quality environmental resources, and the environment benefits from conservation and management efforts.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the development of a geographical region is intertwined with multiple factors. In Fars Province, economic development holds the highest priority; achieving environmental capacities, both human and environmental, requires focusing first on the province’s economic development. Environmental and social factors constitute the next priorities influencing the enhancement of environmental capacities in Fars. Finally, attention to cultural and tourism development is necessary to ensure a suitable environment for the province’s residents.
Acknowledgments: None reported by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None reported by the authors.
Author Contributions: Parsaei K (first author), Main Researcher/Discussion Writer (40%); Amoughin YZ (second author), Methodologist (20%); Abbasi A (third author), Statistical Analyst (20%); Mahkoee H (fourth author), Introduction Writer (20%)
Funding: None reported by the authors.
Keywords:
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