Spatial prioritization of green infrastructure development in semi-arid cities; a multi-criteria evaluation approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

2 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

3 Department of Watershed Management, Faculty of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

Green Infrastructures (GI) are one of the main factors for urban drainage system, protecting cities from problems caused by excessive rainfall and runoff. The increasing development of GI in semi-arid cities is driven by its numerous hydrological, social, ecological, and economic benefits. However, a comprehensive framework is needed to identify areas with the highest demand for GI implementation. This study utilizes a Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) approach to identify high-priority sites for GI construction at the city scale, focusing on Tehran Region 5 as a case study. By integrating hydrological, environmental, social, and economic criteria, areas with a high need for GI infrastructure, particularly in addressing runoff generation, were identified. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results, showing consistent prioritization even with varying weights for different layers. The findings highlight the southeast part of Tehran Region 5 as having the highest demand for GI implementation, suggesting targeted interventions in this area. Practical implications of this study lie in providing a framework for managing runoff in semi-arid urban areas and guiding policy decisions towards effective green infrastructure planning. This research contributes to the broader context of sustainable urban development and offers insights into the most effective types of GI for mitigating urban runoff in similar environments.

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Main Subjects

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Environmental Resources Research
Volume 13, Issue 1
July 2025
Pages 15-34

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