نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده معماری و هنر، دانشگاه گیلان، رشت، ایران
2 گروه شهرسازی دانشگاه گیلان
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
This study investigates the impact of urban waste management on environmental sustainability in Rasht, a major city in northern Iran renowned for its ecological significance, including its urban rivers and green spaces, yet challenged by rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The research is grounded in the theoretical framework of environmental sustainability, which emphasizes the integration of ecological, social, and economic systems to foster resilient urban environments. A conceptual model was developed, positioning urban waste management as the independent variable and the sustainable design and development of urban rivers and green spaces, including parks, as dependent variables. This model underscores the critical role of effective waste management in enhancing the ecological integrity and socio-cultural functions of these infrastructures, which are essential for improving citizens’ quality of life, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization in Rasht. The study employed a descriptive-quantitative methodology, utilizing questionnaires distributed among Rasht citizens to capture their perceptions of waste management practices and the state of urban rivers and green spaces. Random convenience sampling was used to select a representative sample, ensuring sufficient responses for model validity. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, and Smart PLS3 for structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This robust method enabled the assessment of causal relationships between waste management and the sustainability of urban rivers and green spaces, providing insights into their interdependencies. Findings reveal that waste management significantly enhances the sustainability of urban rivers and, to a lesser extent, green spaces and parks. Effective practices, including waste segregation, proper collection, and disposal, reduce environmental pollution, strengthen urban ecosystems, and promote social well-being by creating cleaner, more functional public spaces. These results align with the theoretical framework, which highlights sustainable waste management as a cornerstone for minimizing ecological harm and enhancing urban livability. However, widespread citizen dissatisfaction with the current state of Rasht’s rivers and green spaces points to deficiencies in municipal waste management strategies and the design of green infrastructure, underscoring the need for immediate improvements. The findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced waste management policies in Rasht. Recommendations include launching public education campaigns to promote waste segregation at the source, expanding waste collection facilities across the city, and enforcing stricter regulations to prevent industrial and domestic waste from polluting urban rivers. Additionally, urban planning should prioritize designing accessible, aesthetically pleasing riverfronts and green spaces to enhance their ecological, cultural, and social roles. For instance, regular river dredging and inclusive park designs can foster community engagement, support biodiversity, and boost urban tourism, transforming these spaces into vibrant assets. This study contributes to the global discourse on urban sustainability by demonstrating how waste management shapes the ecological and social fabric of cities. It calls for collaborative efforts among local governments, private sectors, and communities to develop integrated waste management strategies aligned with sustainability principles. By prioritizing effective waste management and thoughtful infrastructure design, Rasht can address its ecological challenges, enhance the functionality of its rivers and green spaces, and create sustainable urban environments that support both human well-being and environmental conservation.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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