In the heart of Iran, Zanjan City is grappling with a silent crisis that could reshape its urban landscape and economic future. A recent study led by Ahmad Zanganeh from the Department of Human Geography at Kharazmi University in Tehran, published in the journal ‘مطالعات مدیریت توسعه سبز’ (translated as ‘Studies in Green Development Management’), has shed light on the critical role of urban green infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of rapid urbanization. The research, which employed advanced spatial analysis techniques, offers a compelling narrative that could influence urban planning and energy sector investments in the region.
Zanjan, like many cities worldwide, has witnessed a significant transformation over the past few decades. The city’s rapid urban development has led to the conversion of agricultural lands and green spaces into gray infrastructures such as roads, parking lots, and buildings. This land transformation has resulted in a substantial reduction of green open spaces, posing current challenges and threatening the city’s future.
Zanganeh’s study, which falls under the category of applied research, aimed to explore the critical role of urban green infrastructure in enhancing the sustainability and resilience of Zanjan. The research employed various methods, techniques, and data analysis tools to examine the spatial patterns of urban green infrastructure and its changes over time. Landsat satellite images for specific time periods were downloaded, and land use maps were prepared using classification algorithms, specifically the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, in remote sensing software (ENVI).
The findings revealed significant changes in land use over the years. The built-up area expanded from 2,697.39 hectares in 1993 to 5,725.35 hectares in 2023, indicating substantial urban growth. Similarly, the green spaces increased from 2,167.02 hectares in 1993 to 6,071.22 hectares in 2023, reflecting a growing focus on environmental concerns. However, the analysis also showed that the growth of green spaces has been comparatively slower, highlighting the adverse effects of urban development on green infrastructure.
“The expansion of built-up areas has coincided with a reduction in urban vegetation cover,” Zanganeh noted. “This underscores the need for more comprehensive and sustainable urban planning approaches that prioritize the preservation and enhancement of green infrastructure alongside urban development.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for the energy sector. Urban green infrastructure can aid in disaster risk management, enhance biodiversity conservation, and serve as economic assets. These infrastructures contribute to economic growth by increasing land and property values and supporting food production. Moreover, the physical and psychological benefits of urban green infrastructure translate into substantial economic advantages for the population.
As cities like Zanjan continue to grow, the need for sustainable urban planning becomes increasingly urgent. The study’s findings suggest that urban growth directly contributes to the decline of green infrastructure. To address these challenges, it is imperative to develop sustainable urban development policies and plans that strike a balance between urban growth and environmental conservation.
Zanganeh’s research, published in ‘Studies in Green Development Management’, offers a roadmap for future developments in the field. By prioritizing green infrastructure, cities can enhance their resilience to climate change, improve the quality of life for their residents, and create economic opportunities for the energy sector. As the world grapples with the impacts of urbanization, studies like Zanganeh’s provide a beacon of hope and a path forward for sustainable urban development.