Document Type : Article extracted from dissertations
Authors
1
MSc degree student, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Kosar university of bojnord, Bojnord, Iran
2
Assistant Professor in Geography and Urban Planing, kosar university of Bojnord,, , bojnord, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Kosar university of bojnord, Bojnord, Iran.
Abstract
Background and Objective: Citizen participation is recognized as one of the fundamental pillars of good governance and sustainable urban development, playing a crucial role in the protection and improvement of the urban environment. The growing complexity of environmental challenges in urban areas has highlighted the necessity of utilizing social capacities and encouraging public participation in environmental management. Accordingly, the present study aims to analyze the social factors influencing citizens’ participation in improving the urban environment in Bojnourd City, Iran. Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive–analytical in terms of methodology. Data were collected through both documentary and field survey methods. The primary data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. The study population consisted of experts and specialists familiar with urban management, environmental issues, and social participation. Using the snowball sampling technique, 30 respondents were selected. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and appropriate statistical techniques. Results and findings: The findings revealed that the level of citizens’ participation in improving the urban environment of Bojnourd is relatively favorable, as the mean scores of participation indicators were significantly higher than the theoretical average value (3). Furthermore, environmental awareness was found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on citizens’ participation (β = 0.543, Sig < 0.01). A positive and significant relationship was also observed between environmental awareness and social participation (r = 0.44). In contrast, the lack of legal infrastructure did not show a statistically significant effect on citizens’ participation (Sig > 0.05). Overall, environmental awareness, social trust, and social capital were identified as the most influential factors contributing to citizens’ participation in urban environmental protection and improvement. Therefore, implementing educational programs, enhancing public awareness, strengthening social trust, and improving interactions between citizens and urban management institutions can effectively promote sustainable environmental participation in Bojnord City.
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