Document Type : Article extracted From phd dissertation
Authors
1
Ph. D Student of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2
Department of Urban & Rural , Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3
Professor of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
4
Associate Professor of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Land, as one of the most important natural and economic resources, plays a fundamental role in the livelihoods of rural communities and environmental sustainability. The way land is owned, managed, and utilized can have significant consequences for natural resources and environmental conditions. In mountainous areas, land fragmentation, diverse land-ownership systems, weak institutional oversight, and land-use changes are among the factors that can intensify pressure on environmental resources. The Savadkuh County, with its valuable forests, rangelands, rivers, and rich biodiversity, has considerable potential for providing ecosystem services; however, land-use changes, natural-resource exploitation, and weaknesses in management and supervision may adversely affect its environmental sustainability. Therefore, identifying the factors associated with land ownership and management, educational and technical support, the rule of law, and socioeconomic and cultural conditions is essential for strengthening environmental sustainability in the region. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify and explain the factors affecting environmental sustainability in the rural areas of Savadkuh County. To this end, the relationships between land ownership and management-related variables and the environmental sustainability index were examined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)..
Methodology
This research is applied in terms of objective, survey in terms of method and uses nominal –ordinal qualitative data. Data were collected from villagers using a likret scale questionnaire. The statistical population comprised landowners and land users in savadkouh county. Stratified random sampling was employed. 34 villages were selected , with a total population of 8131 people. The sample size was determined using Cochrans sample size formula. Resulting in a sample size 383 individuals. Content validity for all variables was assessed using the Combined Relevancy method, with all validity scores exceeding 0/7, thus confirming the questionnaires validity. Reliability was measured using Cronbachs alpha, which yielded a score of 0/87, indicating a very high level of reliability. Data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed using SmartPL software.
Results and Discussion
The constructs examined included: ownership sized and type, land management quality, educational and technical support, rule of law and supervision, and supervision, and economic cultural context, all serving as predictors for the environmental sustainability index, path analysis results revealed that all predictor variables exerted a significant positive influence on the environmental sustainability index. Notably, rule of law and supervision emerged as the strongest direct predictor with a standard path coefficient (β=0/41). This was followed by land management quality (β=0/35), ownership size and type (β=0/28), educational and technical support, (β=0/26), and economic-cultural context (β=0/24).
Conclusion
The coefficient of determination (R²) for the model was 0/69, demonstrating the models high explanatory power (69%) in accounting for the variance in the environmental sustainability index. These finding emphasize the necessity of a multifaceted approach, encompassing institutional strengthening, improved management practices, investment in education, and consideration of contextual factors to achieve environmental sustainability. The research further contextualizes its findings by comparing them with relevant theories and previous studies, highlighting the need for coordinated policies across different levels and suggesting limitations and future research directions.
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