Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Fragmentation and reduction of ecological function in urban areas are important threats to the protection of valuable ecological resources, and effective strategies to control land fragmentation and destruction in these areas require the identification of ecological resources and biological functions. Accordingly, the present study identified sensitive and ecological resources and prepared an ecological network map in the Tehran-Alborz urban complex. Then the continuity of biological function in this complex was examined. According to the results, the most important sensitive and ecological resources in this urban complex include protected areas, including national parks, national natural monuments, protected areas, wildlife refuges, no-hunting areas, and forest conservation reserves. Also, the northern and northeastern regions of the region, which have a greater distribution of protected areas and biological reserves, have higher ecological importance and greater biological sensitivity to urbanization and the development of human activities. Also, the analysis of ecological performance and continuity in the Tehran-Alborz urban set indicates that between 1379 and 1402, ecological continuity in this region has decreased. Given that the network of biologically sensitive areas in the Tehran-Alborz urban set is of great importance, it is essential to plan and provide appropriate tools to reduce the effects of urban development and the threats arising from it. Likewise, the results of this analysis can, as a management strategy, help in proper protection and planning in line with the development of human activities and the subsequent environmental risks and consequences.
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