Ecological Landscape Planning and Design Strategies for Mangrove Communities (Hara Forests) in South-Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Asalouyeh- Iran

Abstract

Along with the strategic role of Asalouyeh region as an industrial zone in recent decades, there have been some growing problems regarding the ecosystems of the region due to the heavy activities such as petrochemical, industrial, transportation and related development in the area. The major region of Mangrove communities in the Persian Gulf that contains some unique ecotones has established a dynamic sustainable ecosystem integrating the relationship between sea and plateau ecosystems. It is also considered as a rich habitat for the creatures in flood and Ebb conditions. Therefore, taking in to account the increasing process of ecological destruction in the existing specific protected regions- especially the Mangrove communities, it is essential to study the structural relationships between landscape elements and patches in order to balance the ecological, social relationships as well as the environmental remediation based on the preservation of ecological structures. This study tries to examine the ecological role of Mangrove communities and their habitat to introduce the threatening factors in the "South Pars Special Economic Energy Zone" and then it suggests some strategies for ecological planning and design for protecting Mangrove communities in the area i.e. storm water management, protection and development of degraded habitats and phytoremediation, to create a framework for eco-tourism and Sustainable Development in the region.