Land Suitability Analysis for Sustainable Urban Development: A Case of Nabatiyeh Region in Lebanon

Amal Al-Ghorayeb (), Walid Al-Shaar (), Adel Elkordi, Ghaleb Faour, Mohamad Al-Shaar and Youssef Attalah
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Amal Al-Ghorayeb: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh 1107 2809, Lebanon
Walid Al-Shaar: National Center for Remote Sensing, National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Beirut 1107 2260, Lebanon
Adel Elkordi: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh 1107 2809, Lebanon
Ghaleb Faour: National Center for Remote Sensing, National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Beirut 1107 2260, Lebanon
Mohamad Al-Shaar: Geography Department, Centre de Recherche en Environnement-Espace Méditerranée Orientale, Saint-Joseph University, Campus des Sciences Humaines, Rue de Damas, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon
Youssef Attalah: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh 1107 2809, Lebanon

J, 2023, vol. 6, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: Urbanization has led to the degradation of green areas and natural resources, which are critical for preserving biodiversity and natural benefits. Sustainable urban development (SUD) practices aim to balance urbanization with preserving and protecting green land and natural resources to achieve greater sustainability. This study evaluated land suitability for SUD in the Nabatiyeh area of Lebanon using a multi-criteria decision analysis technique, the analytical hierarchy process, combined with a geographic information system. The elevations and slopes were the most important criteria, followed by the distances from urban agglomeration and industrial areas, accessibility, and land cover types, with corresponding weights of 34% and 36%, 12%, 9%, 6%, and 3%, respectively. The study created a suitability map for future SUD. This identification assists urban planners and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding the development of urban areas. The study’s findings highlight the efficiency of combining multi-criteria decision analysis with geospatial techniques for urban planning and environmental management in promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. Future research could explore the possibility of integrating administrative reforms to promote SUD, including improving governance, enhancing the efficiency of governmental agencies responsible for urban development, building scientific capacities, and increasing officials’ accountability.

Keywords: urban development; sustainability; land suitability; multi-criteria decision analysis; AHP; GIS; Lebanon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I1 I10 I12 I13 I14 I18 I19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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