Analyzing the key drivers affecting citizen participation in urban environmental protection with a future studies approach (Case study: Hendijan city)

Subject Areas : Urban and Regional Planning Studies

sadegh Allahyari ^{1 *} , Parviz Soleimani Moghaddam ² , عبدالنبی شریفی ³ , Rouhollah Darakhshan ⁴

1 - Assistant Professor of Geography, Payame Noor University,Tehran,Iran.
2 - Department of Geography, Payam-e-Noor University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor of Geography, Payame Noor University
4 - Geography and Urban Planning graduate

Received: 2024-10-25 Accepted : 2025-04-16 Published : 2024-02-11

Keywords: Environment, Urban Environment, Citizen Participation, Foresight Approach, Hendijan City,

Abstract :

Introduction: The rapid increase in urbanization and its detrimental socio-economic and environmental impacts on the quality of life in urban communities is becoming a global phenomenon. Nowadays, with the development of participatory development patterns, the involvement of citizens has been highlighted as one of the essential mechanisms for achieving sustainable urban development. In this regard, identifying the factors and drivers that can increase citizens' participation in the protection of the urban environment is of great importance.

Research aim: Given the significance of this issue, the present research has explored the key drivers affecting citizens' participation in the protection of the urban environment using a futures research approach in the city of Hendijan.

Methodology: : The present research is applied in terms of purpose and uses a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach. The statistical population consisted of urban and environmental experts in the city of Hendijan, from which 30 experts were selected using non-probability and purposive sampling. To collect the data, a futures research cross-impact questionnaire was used. For data analysis, the Structural Model and MICMAC (cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) software were employed.

Studied Areas: The geographic scope of this research is the city of Hendijan, located in Khuzestan province.

Results: The research findings showed that in the city of Hendijan, citizens' participation in environmental issues has not been satisfactory for urban experts and managers. Urban experts and relevant officials noted that the level of citizens' participation in urban environmental issues in Hendijan was below average. Therefore, it is necessary for the city officials and municipality to properly plan and identify the key drivers and motivators affecting citizens' participation in the protection of the urban environment in the long-term horizon, and utilize them.

 

Conclusion: The research results showed that the key drivers and motivators affecting citizens' participation in the protection of the urban environment in the city of Hendijan by the year 1414 (2035) are:Citizens' knowledge about preserving and restoring the environment (25+)Citizens' beliefs in the sustainability of the urban environment (24+)Citizens' environmental knowledge (19+)Citizens' attachment to their city's environment (18+)These were identified as the most important key drivers affecting citizens' participation in the protection of the urban environment in Hendijan.

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