Assessment of ecological network changes in the Mazandaran city-region for the protection of rural-urban lands

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Master of Urban Planning, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In recent years, the rapid growth of human activities and the accelerated pace of urbanization have led to significant disruptions in natural systems, particularly through the degradation of ecological infrastructures and the fragmentation of interconnected environmental networks. As cities expand outward—often without proper environmental planning or long-term sustainability strategies—natural landscapes become increasingly divided. This spatial fragmentation undermines the connectivity that sustains biodiversity, regulates local climates, maintains water cycles, and provides essential ecosystem services. These transformations have become especially critical in regions undergoing fast-paced, unplanned urban growth, where ecological vulnerability is already high. As a result, many researchers and policymakers have turned to the field of landscape ecology to better understand these spatial dynamics. Landscape ecology offers a valuable analytical framework for assessing ecological patterns, identifying environmental risks, and supporting informed land-use decision-making. By examining changes in spatial configuration and landscape connectivity, this scientific approach enables the development of strategies that can help balance development with ecological sustainability. This study focuses on the ecological transformation of the Mazandaran urban-region, located in northern Iran along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Known for its ecological richness and strategic geographical location, Mazandaran has experienced accelerated urban expansion over the past few decades, with significant impacts on its natural landscape. The aim of this research is to analyze the structural changes in landscape elements and their interrelationships over time in order to evaluate the sustainability of the region’s ecological network. To carry out this analysis, the study employed a combination of remote sensing techniques and landscape metrics across three time periods: 1999, 2006, and 2016. Satellite imagery from these years was processed and classified to examine land-use changes. Three key indices were used to measure the extent of landscape fragmentation: the Largest Patch Index (LPI), which indicates the dominance of the largest ecological patch; the Number of Patches (NP), which reflects the degree of fragmentation; and the Fractal Dimension Index (FR), which measures the geometric complexity of patch shapes. These metrics were calculated using Fragstats software, a widely used tool in landscape ecological analysis. The results indicate a clear trend of increasing fragmentation and declining ecological coherence. Natural patches have progressively become smaller, more numerous, and spatially isolated. The region has shifted toward a more disjointed, unstable, and ecologically vulnerable landscape structure. If this trend continues, the consequences may include irreversible biodiversity loss, disruption of ecosystem services, increased vulnerability to climate events, and a decline in the quality of life for local communities. This study underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and policy intervention. Measures such as the preservation of core natural areas, restoration of ecological corridors, and implementation of green infrastructure are essential for reversing degradation and promoting resilience. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the importance of applying landscape ecology to assess and mitigate the ecological impacts of urban growth. A deeper understanding of landscape patterns enables policymakers and planners to adopt more sustainable and balanced development approaches that safeguard the environment while supporting human needs.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning
Volume 30, Issue 4
December 2026
Pages 7-22

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