Urban planning and the protection of green spaces for climate change adaptation in Iran and Teheran. Geographical disparity in the five-year development plans

Abstract

This chapter delves into the issue of geographic disparity and its impacts in Iran, particularly concerning urban green spaces. It provides a critical analysis of the spatial policies implemented by the Iranian government in its national development plans since the 1979 revolution. The examination covers various aspects, including the content, context, processes, and key stakeholders involved. It reveals that these spatial policies tend to be ambitious yet unrealistic, often lacking clarity and prioritization, and are generally formulated without a long-term strategy, following a top-down approach. Factors such as a centralized governance system, the country’s vast land area, uneven distribution of environmental resources, political tensions, armed conflict, and natural disasters have hindered the prioritization of geographic disparity on the national agenda. These findings highlight significant implications for enhancing public policy in Iran. Geographic disparities can greatly affect the distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces, which are vital environmental assets, especially in a country like Iran that boasts diverse topography and socio-economic conditions across its various regions. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Maciej J. Nowak; individual chapters, the contributors.