Urmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Analysis of the security foundations of the water crisis issue in the Gavkhoni WatershedAnalysis of the security foundations of the water crisis issue in the Gavkhoni Watershed12112194610.30466/grfs.2026.56467.1145FAEsmail DehghanDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.0009-0007-9877-1776Zakeyeh AftabiDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-1863-2773Morad Kaviani RadAssociate Professor, Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-8329-8444Hossein RabieeAssociate Professor, Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-6958-2761Journal Article20250814Population growth, agricultural development, and rapid urbanization, accompanied by climate change and increased demand for water resources, have seriously challenged the security and equitable access to water resources. In recent decades, the Central Plateau basin and especially the Gavkhoni watershed have experienced a water scarcity crisis. This crisis has disrupted economic activities and ecosystem sustainability while generating tensions among stakeholders, leading to the securitization of water issues in this basin. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and a systemic perspective, examines the securitization of the water crisis in the Gavkhoni watershed. Required data were collected through library research and field methods, including interviews and questionnaires, then analyzed using the MICMAC, Scenario Wizard, and Vensim software. Findings indicate that key factors influencing the securitization of the water crisis in this basin include: equity in water allocation, the influence of Isfahan province officials at the national level, inter-provincial competition, the role of foreign security services, multiple water transfer projects from the Kohrang source, agricultural productivity rates, and the impact of national media on the analysis of regional water issues. The results show that the securitization status of the water crisis in the Gavkhoni watershed, at 30.43%, is on the verge of a critical situation. The most likely scenario identified is the "convergence of competitive interests and water scarcity," highlighting the need for special attention in management and policymaking. This study, due to the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and its focus on the future status of the watershed, provides a novel perspective for policymakers and planners for the sustainable management of water resources.Population growth, agricultural development, and rapid urbanization, accompanied by climate change and increased demand for water resources, have seriously challenged the security and equitable access to water resources. In recent decades, the Central Plateau basin and especially the Gavkhoni watershed have experienced a water scarcity crisis. This crisis has disrupted economic activities and ecosystem sustainability while generating tensions among stakeholders, leading to the securitization of water issues in this basin. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and a systemic perspective, examines the securitization of the water crisis in the Gavkhoni watershed. Required data were collected through library research and field methods, including interviews and questionnaires, then analyzed using the MICMAC, Scenario Wizard, and Vensim software. Findings indicate that key factors influencing the securitization of the water crisis in this basin include: equity in water allocation, the influence of Isfahan province officials at the national level, inter-provincial competition, the role of foreign security services, multiple water transfer projects from the Kohrang source, agricultural productivity rates, and the impact of national media on the analysis of regional water issues. The results show that the securitization status of the water crisis in the Gavkhoni watershed, at 30.43%, is on the verge of a critical situation. The most likely scenario identified is the "convergence of competitive interests and water scarcity," highlighting the need for special attention in management and policymaking. This study, due to the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and its focus on the future status of the watershed, provides a novel perspective for policymakers and planners for the sustainable management of water resources.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121946_66247c42c7bf70ada8651d1de9c0a58b.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Identifying key drivers of urban livability in Torghabeh: A foresight-based studyIdentifying key drivers of urban livability in Torghabeh: A foresight-based study224212194710.30466/grfs.2025.56496.1149FAAli TahbazniaM.S., Binalood Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran0009-0005-7849-1430Masood Davarinezhad MoghaddamAssistant Professor, Binalood Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran0009-0006-5582-851XNegar HosseinianAssistant Professor, Binalood Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-4271-7259Journal Article20250909Livability is a central concept in urban planning, addressing both the subjective and objective dimensions of urban settlements. It has gained significant attention from urban designers across all aspects of city development and planning processes. This study aims to identify and assess the key drivers influencing the future prospects of livability in Torghabeh city. A descriptive–analytical and applied research design was employed, with a researcher-developed questionnaire serving as the primary data collection instrument. The study population comprised 30 participants, including specialists, executive officials, and university faculty members with expertise in urban management and planning, urban design, sociology, and environmental studies at both the county and provincial levels. For analyzing and evaluating the data, futures studies tools, namely MICMAC and Scenario Wizard, were utilized. The results indicate that, among the 25 projected scenarios generated by Scenario Wizard, 12 scenarios (48%) correspond to critical conditions, 8 scenarios (32%) correspond to favorable conditions, and 5 scenarios (20%) correspond to static conditions. These findings suggest that critical scenarios dominate compared to favorable and static scenarios, indicating a higher likelihood of negative (critical) events relative to positive (favorable) outcomes.Livability is a central concept in urban planning, addressing both the subjective and objective dimensions of urban settlements. It has gained significant attention from urban designers across all aspects of city development and planning processes. This study aims to identify and assess the key drivers influencing the future prospects of livability in Torghabeh city. A descriptive–analytical and applied research design was employed, with a researcher-developed questionnaire serving as the primary data collection instrument. The study population comprised 30 participants, including specialists, executive officials, and university faculty members with expertise in urban management and planning, urban design, sociology, and environmental studies at both the county and provincial levels. For analyzing and evaluating the data, futures studies tools, namely MICMAC and Scenario Wizard, were utilized. The results indicate that, among the 25 projected scenarios generated by Scenario Wizard, 12 scenarios (48%) correspond to critical conditions, 8 scenarios (32%) correspond to favorable conditions, and 5 scenarios (20%) correspond to static conditions. These findings suggest that critical scenarios dominate compared to favorable and static scenarios, indicating a higher likelihood of negative (critical) events relative to positive (favorable) outcomes.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121947_166da52eaab34a8eb8c640126d854e54.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Identifying tourism drivers in Qom province and scenario development with a future studies approachIdentifying tourism drivers in Qom province and scenario development with a future studies approach436012194810.30466/grfs.2025.56502.1150FAMohammad Reza FallahAssociate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Hazrat-e Masoumeh University, Qom, Iran0000-0003-2889-8492Amin ArefiAssistance Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Hazrat-e Masoumeh University, Qom, Iran0009-0001-2020-8832Aliasghar NajafpourMaster's degree of Islamic art from Kashan University and Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Expert. Qom, Iran0009-0002-1291-2050Journal Article20250827The emergence of new technologies has introduced dynamism and complexity into the social sphere, particularly in defining and shaping tourism and attractions based on people's preferences and needs. In this context, the primary objective of this study is to identify the key drivers of tourism in Qom Province and develop future scenarios using a futures studies approach<strong>.</strong> This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive in nature, employing a mixed-methods approach. The participants in the qualitative and quantitative phases included experts, university professors, tourism professionals with at least five years of relevant experience, and officials from executive bodies responsible for tourism affairs. In the qualitative phase, theoretical saturation was achieved through purposive sampling and interviews with 25 individuals. In the quantitative phase, prioritization was conducted by distributing questionnaires among 46 participants. For data analysis, a Futures studies approach was used in the qualitative phase, while the mean method was applied in the quantitative phase. The research findings indicate that when developing tourism attraction scenarios for Qom Province, two key drivers must be considered: (1) generational and lifestyle changes versus generational and lifestyle stability and (2) preference for historical and religious sites versus attraction to natural and modern attractions. These contrasting dynamics play a crucial role in shaping future tourism development strategies for the region. Based on the findings of this study, scenarios were identified and labeled as plausible future scenarios for Qom's tourism attractions.The emergence of new technologies has introduced dynamism and complexity into the social sphere, particularly in defining and shaping tourism and attractions based on people's preferences and needs. In this context, the primary objective of this study is to identify the key drivers of tourism in Qom Province and develop future scenarios using a futures studies approach<strong>.</strong> This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive in nature, employing a mixed-methods approach. The participants in the qualitative and quantitative phases included experts, university professors, tourism professionals with at least five years of relevant experience, and officials from executive bodies responsible for tourism affairs. In the qualitative phase, theoretical saturation was achieved through purposive sampling and interviews with 25 individuals. In the quantitative phase, prioritization was conducted by distributing questionnaires among 46 participants. For data analysis, a Futures studies approach was used in the qualitative phase, while the mean method was applied in the quantitative phase. The research findings indicate that when developing tourism attraction scenarios for Qom Province, two key drivers must be considered: (1) generational and lifestyle changes versus generational and lifestyle stability and (2) preference for historical and religious sites versus attraction to natural and modern attractions. These contrasting dynamics play a crucial role in shaping future tourism development strategies for the region. Based on the findings of this study, scenarios were identified and labeled as plausible future scenarios for Qom's tourism attractions.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121948_75e6ffbefdd68b52f995561bef74f3a6.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Identifying the risks facing seniors in silver tourismIdentifying the risks facing seniors in silver tourism617612194910.30466/grfs.2026.56513.1151FAZahra RajiDepartment of Social Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-1840-2214Journal Article20250904Silver tourism is a significant and rapidly growing branch of tourism that has drawn considerable attention from policymakers, planners and others through the promotion of "tourism for all." This branch specifically emphasizes providing seniors with accessible, safe, and enjoyable travel experiences tailored to their needs and limitations. Achieving safe silver tourism requires the identification of potential risks prior to planning and undertaking trips, allowing for proactive measures to ensure well-being throughout the journey. This study employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 21 experts in aging and tourism. Data were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti software. The findings reveal that seniors encounter a diverse range of risks during travel, which can be categorized into physical, psychological, security and legal, infrastructural, and economic risks. To mitigate these challenges, practical and actionable recommendations are proposed to guide planners, policymakers, and organizers in designing safe and optimized travel routes, activities, and services. Suggested strategies include organizing recreational activities with appropriate supervision and scheduling by the Ministry of Sport and Youth, offering specialized travel insurance packages covering accidents, illnesses, and property damage by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare in coordination with the Central Insurance of Iran. Implementing these measures aims to enhance seniors’ safety, satisfaction, and overall travel experience, fostering sustainable, inclusive, and age-friendly tourism. This study highlights the critical importance of proactive risk assessment and strategic planning in ensuring that older adults can enjoy secure, accessible, and fulfilling travel experiences.Silver tourism is a significant and rapidly growing branch of tourism that has drawn considerable attention from policymakers, planners and others through the promotion of "tourism for all." This branch specifically emphasizes providing seniors with accessible, safe, and enjoyable travel experiences tailored to their needs and limitations. Achieving safe silver tourism requires the identification of potential risks prior to planning and undertaking trips, allowing for proactive measures to ensure well-being throughout the journey. This study employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 21 experts in aging and tourism. Data were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti software. The findings reveal that seniors encounter a diverse range of risks during travel, which can be categorized into physical, psychological, security and legal, infrastructural, and economic risks. To mitigate these challenges, practical and actionable recommendations are proposed to guide planners, policymakers, and organizers in designing safe and optimized travel routes, activities, and services. Suggested strategies include organizing recreational activities with appropriate supervision and scheduling by the Ministry of Sport and Youth, offering specialized travel insurance packages covering accidents, illnesses, and property damage by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare in coordination with the Central Insurance of Iran. Implementing these measures aims to enhance seniors’ safety, satisfaction, and overall travel experience, fostering sustainable, inclusive, and age-friendly tourism. This study highlights the critical importance of proactive risk assessment and strategic planning in ensuring that older adults can enjoy secure, accessible, and fulfilling travel experiences.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121949_c2c78ca021734c171ea82ab9785633ae.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823A critical inquiry into the possibility of transcending the nation-state orderA critical inquiry into the possibility of transcending the nation-state order779712195010.30466/grfs.2026.56575.1158FASajed BahramijafDepartment of Geography, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-3616-9433Journal Article20250923An analysis of global transformations reveals that the nation-state order, once the self-evident framework for political organization, is undergoing profound conceptual and institutional erosion in the face of environmental crises, technological breakthroughs, and shifting identities. In this context, the nation-state emerges as a historical construct grappling with mounting challenges. Its foundational pillars, rigid territoriality, homogeneous identity, and absolute sovereignty no longer suffice for the effective organization of political order. Globalization, the fluidity of communication, and the rise of transnational subjects have inaugurated new horizons of political coexistence, necessitating a fundamental rethinking of power, territory, and belonging. Nevertheless, moving beyond the nation-state remains a gradual, multi-layered, and exceedingly complex endeavor, fraught with the risks of instability and the emergence of new forms of authoritarianism. Global experience suggests that without establishing novel frameworks of legitimacy and reconstructing political concepts, the dismantling of the nation-state could lead to perilous institutional voids. Consequently, the critique of and transition from the Westphalian order require a creative political imagination, conceptual prudence, and a theoretical commitment to reconfiguring the nexus of humanity, space, and power within more open and participatory frameworks. Only then can new political formations move beyond the reproduction of violence and discrimination to offer possibilities for human solidarity, global justice, and environmental sustainability.An analysis of global transformations reveals that the nation-state order, once the self-evident framework for political organization, is undergoing profound conceptual and institutional erosion in the face of environmental crises, technological breakthroughs, and shifting identities. In this context, the nation-state emerges as a historical construct grappling with mounting challenges. Its foundational pillars, rigid territoriality, homogeneous identity, and absolute sovereignty no longer suffice for the effective organization of political order. Globalization, the fluidity of communication, and the rise of transnational subjects have inaugurated new horizons of political coexistence, necessitating a fundamental rethinking of power, territory, and belonging. Nevertheless, moving beyond the nation-state remains a gradual, multi-layered, and exceedingly complex endeavor, fraught with the risks of instability and the emergence of new forms of authoritarianism. Global experience suggests that without establishing novel frameworks of legitimacy and reconstructing political concepts, the dismantling of the nation-state could lead to perilous institutional voids. Consequently, the critique of and transition from the Westphalian order require a creative political imagination, conceptual prudence, and a theoretical commitment to reconfiguring the nexus of humanity, space, and power within more open and participatory frameworks. Only then can new political formations move beyond the reproduction of violence and discrimination to offer possibilities for human solidarity, global justice, and environmental sustainability.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121950_28ffcd300dd7172068eca8b32827b3fc.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Identifying the drivers of the cadastral process of agricultural lands in IranIdentifying the drivers of the cadastral process of agricultural lands in Iran9811912195110.30466/grfs.2025.56583.1159FAHossein KarimzadehDepartment of Rural Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.0000-0003-0994-0536Mohammad ZaheriDepartment of Rural Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.0009-0004-2273-7721Akbar Asghari ZamaniDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.0000-0003-1773-4513Abolfazl HosseinjaniDepartment of Rural Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.0009-0001-1553-6575Journal Article20250926Cadastral systems for agricultural land are considered a fundamental tool for land management and sustainable development, as they enhance ownership transparency, reduce legal disputes, and improve agricultural productivity. However, challenges such as a lack of accurate data, outdated legislation, and administrative complexities have hindered their full implementation in Iran. This study aims to identify key driving forces and analyze potential future scenarios of cadastral systems through a futures studies approach. The research employed the cross-impact matrix method using MICMAC software to explore interdependencies among variables. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The statistical population included experts in agriculture, natural resources, geography, and information technology, selected purposefully. Validity of the instruments was ensured using the Delphi method and expert reviews, while reliability was strengthened by carefully choosing specialized respondents. The findings reveal that the driving forces influencing cadastral systems can be categorized into four dimensions: technological, institutional-legal, socio-economic, and environmental. Variables such as “ownership transparency,” “institutional coordination,” “advancement of spatial technologies,” and “investment in digital infrastructure” were identified as having both high influence and high sensitivity. Accordingly, the successful implementation of cadastral systems depends on the adoption of innovative technologies, legal reforms, active social participation, institutional collaboration, and leveraging economic benefits for sustainable development. The results highlight that cadastral systems are not merely technical tools but multidimensional governance mechanisms requiring simultaneous attention to technological, legal, social, institutional, and economic aspects in order to ensure their effectiveness in the agricultural sector.Cadastral systems for agricultural land are considered a fundamental tool for land management and sustainable development, as they enhance ownership transparency, reduce legal disputes, and improve agricultural productivity. However, challenges such as a lack of accurate data, outdated legislation, and administrative complexities have hindered their full implementation in Iran. This study aims to identify key driving forces and analyze potential future scenarios of cadastral systems through a futures studies approach. The research employed the cross-impact matrix method using MICMAC software to explore interdependencies among variables. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The statistical population included experts in agriculture, natural resources, geography, and information technology, selected purposefully. Validity of the instruments was ensured using the Delphi method and expert reviews, while reliability was strengthened by carefully choosing specialized respondents. The findings reveal that the driving forces influencing cadastral systems can be categorized into four dimensions: technological, institutional-legal, socio-economic, and environmental. Variables such as “ownership transparency,” “institutional coordination,” “advancement of spatial technologies,” and “investment in digital infrastructure” were identified as having both high influence and high sensitivity. Accordingly, the successful implementation of cadastral systems depends on the adoption of innovative technologies, legal reforms, active social participation, institutional collaboration, and leveraging economic benefits for sustainable development. The results highlight that cadastral systems are not merely technical tools but multidimensional governance mechanisms requiring simultaneous attention to technological, legal, social, institutional, and economic aspects in order to ensure their effectiveness in the agricultural sector.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121951_ad17c11d66f7c5395f28815170aa3f3c.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Assessment of the key agricultural land-use change drivers and their impact on rural communities: A case study of the central district of Urmia, IranAssessment of the key agricultural land-use change drivers and their impact on rural communities: A case study of the central district of Urmia, Iran12014112181910.30466/grfs.2025.56682.1168FAShokoufeh Mohammadzadeh QormikMaster's Graduate in Land Use Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.Ayoub Manouchehri MiandoabAssistant Professor of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.0000-0002-1930-0367Hasan HeidariAssociate Professor of Climatology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.0000-0003-3099-3798Journal Article20251026Land-use change in agricultural areas is accelerating, leading to significant transformations in rural settlements. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the factors influencing agricultural land-use change and to examine its consequences in rural regions. The research method is descriptive–analytical. Data were collected through both library and field methods using a researcher-made questionnaire. A total of 278 questionnaires were completed. The results indicated that among economic factors, brokerage activities in agricultural product markets and the lack of bank support for the agricultural sector had the greatest impact on land-use change. Among social factors, the desire for a more comfortable lifestyle and the migration of young people to cities were the most influential. Regarding environmental factors, fear of damage caused by natural phenomena and decreased rainfall were identified as key components. In the legal dimension, the absence of effective legislation and weak supervision by governmental institutions played a decisive role. Findings revealed that the legal factor, with a mean score of 4.81, and the economic factor, with a mean score of 4.80, had the greatest influence on agricultural land-use change. The results also showed that land-use change in agricultural areas has multiple economic, social, and environmental consequences, including an increase in land prices and speculative trading, loss of rural customs and traditions, the spread of social disorders, reduced biodiversity, and fragmentation of agricultural lands. Overall, it can be concluded that weak legal frameworks, economic pressures, and social factors are the main drivers of agricultural land-use change. Controlling this trend requires reforming legal and economic policies, strengthening financial support for farmers, and raising public awareness about the economic and environmental value of agricultural lands.Land-use change in agricultural areas is accelerating, leading to significant transformations in rural settlements. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the factors influencing agricultural land-use change and to examine its consequences in rural regions. The research method is descriptive–analytical. Data were collected through both library and field methods using a researcher-made questionnaire. A total of 278 questionnaires were completed. The results indicated that among economic factors, brokerage activities in agricultural product markets and the lack of bank support for the agricultural sector had the greatest impact on land-use change. Among social factors, the desire for a more comfortable lifestyle and the migration of young people to cities were the most influential. Regarding environmental factors, fear of damage caused by natural phenomena and decreased rainfall were identified as key components. In the legal dimension, the absence of effective legislation and weak supervision by governmental institutions played a decisive role. Findings revealed that the legal factor, with a mean score of 4.81, and the economic factor, with a mean score of 4.80, had the greatest influence on agricultural land-use change. The results also showed that land-use change in agricultural areas has multiple economic, social, and environmental consequences, including an increase in land prices and speculative trading, loss of rural customs and traditions, the spread of social disorders, reduced biodiversity, and fragmentation of agricultural lands. Overall, it can be concluded that weak legal frameworks, economic pressures, and social factors are the main drivers of agricultural land-use change. Controlling this trend requires reforming legal and economic policies, strengthening financial support for farmers, and raising public awareness about the economic and environmental value of agricultural lands.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121819_8c58987ca2591c409b5b777d1ed6bbb3.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Strategic analysis of the sponge city for zoning areas susceptible to green infrastructure development in Zanjan cityStrategic analysis of the sponge city for zoning areas susceptible to green infrastructure development in Zanjan city14215712180710.30466/grfs.2025.56763.1174FAMajid HazratiPhD Student in Geography and Urban Planning, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran0009-0005-5292-2589Mohammad Taghi HeydariAssociate Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran0000-0003-4359-8850Journal Article20251112The sponge city approach, as a new paradigm in sustainable surface water management, is a strategic response to the challenges arising from accelerated urban development and changes in the natural hydrological cycle. The present study is a descriptive-analytical study following a strategic analysis of the sponge city approach for zoning areas susceptible to green infrastructure development in the city of Zanjan. The research indicators are in two categories: objective statistical data that were extracted and analyzed in the form of a map, and GIS analyses. The second is subjective data in the form of sponge city components, including 4 welfare-cultural components: supporting, regulating the city ecosystem, and productive. For data analysis, the fuzzy overlap technique in the GIS environment, the one-sample T-test with SPSS software and the Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS software were used. The research findings show that 40% of the city area (mainly in the southern and southwestern regions) is located in areas with high and very high priority for flooding. These critical areas are mainly characterized by a slope of less than 5 percent, a high density of hard tissue (more than 60%), and a distance of more than 500 meters from the main waterways. Thus, the concentration of critical flood hotspots is in the southern and southwestern regions of the city. Also, the production components with a coefficient of 36.83 and the support components with a coefficient of 41.32 are in a relatively favorable state. On the other hand, according to the structural equation model analysis, the welfare-cultural component with a path coefficient of 3.356 has the largest contribution to explaining the sponge city in Zanjan. Overall, realizing a sponge city in Zanjan requires a serious determination to transform integrated surface water management, redesign urban spaces based on permeability patterns, and combine technical solutions with improving cultural-welfare indicators.The sponge city approach, as a new paradigm in sustainable surface water management, is a strategic response to the challenges arising from accelerated urban development and changes in the natural hydrological cycle. The present study is a descriptive-analytical study following a strategic analysis of the sponge city approach for zoning areas susceptible to green infrastructure development in the city of Zanjan. The research indicators are in two categories: objective statistical data that were extracted and analyzed in the form of a map, and GIS analyses. The second is subjective data in the form of sponge city components, including 4 welfare-cultural components: supporting, regulating the city ecosystem, and productive. For data analysis, the fuzzy overlap technique in the GIS environment, the one-sample T-test with SPSS software and the Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS software were used. The research findings show that 40% of the city area (mainly in the southern and southwestern regions) is located in areas with high and very high priority for flooding. These critical areas are mainly characterized by a slope of less than 5 percent, a high density of hard tissue (more than 60%), and a distance of more than 500 meters from the main waterways. Thus, the concentration of critical flood hotspots is in the southern and southwestern regions of the city. Also, the production components with a coefficient of 36.83 and the support components with a coefficient of 41.32 are in a relatively favorable state. On the other hand, according to the structural equation model analysis, the welfare-cultural component with a path coefficient of 3.356 has the largest contribution to explaining the sponge city in Zanjan. Overall, realizing a sponge city in Zanjan requires a serious determination to transform integrated surface water management, redesign urban spaces based on permeability patterns, and combine technical solutions with improving cultural-welfare indicators.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121807_6ddf271962f9d8726006eee5cfc28855.pdfUrmia UniversityGeography and Regional Future Studies2981-118X4220260823Requirements of a bicycle-oriented city: investigating opportunities and challenges in the city of BonabRequirements of a bicycle-oriented city: investigating opportunities and challenges in the city of Bonab15817412188010.30466/grfs.2026.56821.1179FAAtaollah ZarafshanAssistant Professor, Department of Geography, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0003-4371-6415Journal Article20251128This study aims to identify the opportunities and challenges of developing urban cycling in Bonab, employing a qualitative approach and the thematic analysis method of Braun and Clarke. The statistical population consisted of experts and specialists in the fields of urban planning, transportation, and traffic management in Bonab, from whom 12 participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting between 40 and 55 minutes and were analyzed after theoretical saturation was reached in the tenth interview. The systematic coding process led to the extraction of basic themes, which were organized into 17 themes and ultimately classified into five overarching themes: challenges related to physical and service infrastructure, deficiencies in urban governance and policymaking, challenges arising from social culture and negative public attitudes, local capacities and development opportunities, and the economic capabilities and developmental benefits of cycling. The findings indicate that the development of cycling in Bonab is a complex three-dimensional equation whose success requires simultaneous constructive interaction among physical, institutional, and cultural dimensions, none of which is sufficient on its own. Furthermore, Bonab is an opportunity-oriented city endowed with natural advantages, social motivations, technological opportunities, and strong potential for citizen participation, making the realization of a bicycle-oriented city not only feasible but also essential.This study aims to identify the opportunities and challenges of developing urban cycling in Bonab, employing a qualitative approach and the thematic analysis method of Braun and Clarke. The statistical population consisted of experts and specialists in the fields of urban planning, transportation, and traffic management in Bonab, from whom 12 participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting between 40 and 55 minutes and were analyzed after theoretical saturation was reached in the tenth interview. The systematic coding process led to the extraction of basic themes, which were organized into 17 themes and ultimately classified into five overarching themes: challenges related to physical and service infrastructure, deficiencies in urban governance and policymaking, challenges arising from social culture and negative public attitudes, local capacities and development opportunities, and the economic capabilities and developmental benefits of cycling. The findings indicate that the development of cycling in Bonab is a complex three-dimensional equation whose success requires simultaneous constructive interaction among physical, institutional, and cultural dimensions, none of which is sufficient on its own. Furthermore, Bonab is an opportunity-oriented city endowed with natural advantages, social motivations, technological opportunities, and strong potential for citizen participation, making the realization of a bicycle-oriented city not only feasible but also essential.https://grfs.urmia.ac.ir/article_121880_7ca95afa785bca9e423403a62755a290.pdf