Assessment of the ecological potential for sustainable territorial development (Case study: Jajroud watershed)

Aim:The rapid urbanization in our country has disrupted the natural balance, necessitating immediate attention from planners and decision-makers. This research aims to assess the natural potential of the Jajrood watershed for urban, rural, and industrial development, providing crucial insights for sustainable planning.Material & Method: Due to the importance of the topic, in this research, using the main criteria and indicators for evaluating the ecological potential and taking into account the limitations by applying the VIKOR decision-making model, the aptitude and ability of the lands of the Jajrood watershed for the sustainable development of population centers have been evaluated. First, data was collected according to the objectives and method of the research. Then, all the collected data, including elevation maps, soil type, land type, vegetation, waterways, and main faults, were extracted and prepared to be evaluated in the next steps. Finally, the degree of desirability of each map pixel was determined for urban, rural, and industrial development. Finding: Considering the overall results obtained from the evaluation of ecological and per capita water criteria in the region, and taking into account the existing limitations (water quantity, fault and river boundaries), it can be concluded that the cities of Pardis, Bumehan, Damavand, and Lavasan have more suitable conditions and fewer limitations for future development.Conclusion: The assessment of natural criteria has revealed that several settlements in the Jajrud watershed, including the cities of Fesham, Migun, and Ahar, are situated in areas unsuitable for development due to ecological weakness and vulnerability to natural hazards. These findings underscore the need for strategic planning and development in the region. Innovation: The assessment of environmental potential, along with its possible limitations and risks, in the Jajrood watershed, a growing region with a special natural, economic, and communication situation, is considered an innovation of future research.