نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Recent studies have shown that land use planning plays a crucial role in the social and economic development of developing countries. The city of Noor, located in the south of the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran Province, faces challenges such as inappropriate land use and uneven distribution of facilities due to population growth. River management in this city involves a set of corrective, protective, and control measures used to control and mitigate floods in flood-prone rivers. These measures aim to reduce the destructive effects of floods, prevent water level rise during floods, and protect riverbank lands and residential areas from flood encroachment. Additionally, these measures include modifying the course of seasonal floods, improving river conditions, shaping water flow, protecting and stabilizing riverbeds and banks from erosion, and enhancing river conditions. The rivers in Noor have high potential for beautification and improving urban scenery, but due to the lack of tourism infrastructure, incompatible land uses, and improper water resource management, these areas receive less attention. The absence of pedestrian paths, parks, and recreational facilities along rivers means these areas miss out on attracting tourists. Incompatible uses such as polluting industries and unauthorized constructions not only affect water quality but also impact natural beauty. This research seeks to provide solutions for organizing riverbank land uses and developing sustainable tourism in Noor, aiming to introduce the city as a tourist destination with a sustainable development approach and improve living conditions for residents.
Methodology
The research method used in this study is a combination of descriptive-analytical and field research. The statistical population consisted of two groups: citizens and experts. For citizens, 379 questionnaires were distributed, and for experts, 30 questionnaires were distributed. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test, were conducted using SPSS software. Additionally, GIS software was used for map analysis. Finally, the meta-synthesis technique was employed to review the current situation and provide solutions.
Results and discussion
To evaluate the status of criteria for organizing land uses around the rivers in Noor, seven criteria were used: recreational and welfare facilities, physical infrastructure, economic aspects, environmental issues, institutional and legal support, security and protection, and public participation. The mean values of these criteria were 2.615, 3.106, 2.778, 2.854, 2.764, 3.088, and 2.450, respectively, indicating that physical infrastructure and security are in better conditions. For sustainable tourism development, four criteria were examined: physical, environmental, social, and economic, with mean values of 3.042, 2.862, 2.936, and 3.090, respectively. Economic and physical criteria were found to be in better conditions. The t-test results showed that recreational facilities, economic aspects, environmental issues, institutional support, and public participation have deficiencies and do not effectively influence land use organization. In contrast, physical infrastructure and security have suitable capabilities and positive impacts. Furthermore, the correlation between land use organization criteria was analyzed using the Pearson test, revealing strong positive correlations among these variables. Prioritization of criteria indicated that physical infrastructure ranks first, while for sustainable tourism development, the economic criterion is prioritized.
Conclusion
Analyzing the organization of riverbank land uses for sustainable tourism development can lead to diverse outcomes. Organizing public and green spaces along rivers increases tourist attraction by offering beautiful natural scenery and recreational facilities, drawing tourists and enhancing their experience. These spaces, with proper design, not only improve tourist satisfaction but also play a crucial role in shaping the city's identity. Environmental protection is another benefit, as it helps prevent habitat destruction, reduce pollution, and conserve water resources, contributing to sustainable development. These efforts not only preserve the rich and beautiful environment of rivers but also serve as a natural asset for future generations. Attracting tourists and increasing tourism activities create new economic opportunities for local residents and businesses, improving living conditions. This economic development can lead to job creation in various tourism sectors, such as hospitality, restaurants, and tourism services, contributing to the city's economic and social growth. Ultimately, organizing riverbank land uses can strengthen the city's spatial identity, increase its recognition among tourists and residents, and transform it into a unique destination. This identity-building not only helps the city stand out among others but also acts as a significant factor in attracting investment and promoting sustainable development. Evaluating the sustainability of riverbanks is a crucial process for maintaining environmental health and natural resources. This process involves examining various factors such as climate change, human activities, shoreline erosion, and the impacts of pollution and waste on riverbanks. To assess sustainability, different factors are identified, and their effects on riverbanks are analyzed. Then, appropriate strategies are determined to maintain and improve riverbank sustainability. This includes using modern technologies to control erosion, protect biodiversity, manage water resources, and control environmental pollution. Operational plans for implementing these strategies should be developed by local and government authorities to continuously maintain riverbank sustainability and prevent damage from human activities. Organizing and locating land uses along riverbanks is a critical and sensitive issue that requires precise and coordinated planning. This process involves designating different areas such as protected zones, recreational areas, industrial and commercial zones. Permitted and prohibited uses in each area must be specified, and public participation in decision-making should be considered. Preserving biodiversity and providing public services are also essential principles in this process. The connection between organizing land uses along riverbanks and sustainable tourism development is very important and can contribute to preserving natural resources, enhancing tourist experiences, promoting local economic development, and preserving local culture and heritage. Organizing land uses along riverbanks helps maintain and care for the natural resources of the area, which improves sustainable tourism and benefits from these resources. By organizing land uses along riverbanks, better facilities and services are provided for tourists, increasing their experience and satisfaction and attracting more visitors. This strengthens local economies and enables sustainable development in the region. Additionally, organizing land uses along riverbanks preserves the cultural and historical context of the area, showcasing it to tourists and increasing awareness and respect for local culture and heritage.
کلیدواژهها English