Environmental planning of urban green infrastructure networks in the eco-city framework, the case of Ghare-Kahriz Arak, Iran

Abstract Urban sprawl has led to a range of environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, and the intensification of urban heat islands. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the environmental performance of the Ghare-Kahriz urban river corridor in Arak, Iran, focusing on the integration of urban green infrastructure (UGI) networks. By analyzing land cover metrics such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST), the findings demonstrate a significant negative correlation between NDVI and LST, highlighting vegetation’s crucial role in regulating urban temperature. Urbanized areas near the river corridor show elevated thermal stress, underscoring the importance of targeted green infrastructure interventions. The study emphasizes the need for reconnecting fragmented green spaces, proposing strategies to enhance ecological connectivity, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic value, ultimately advancing urban resilience and sustainability. This research provides a scalable framework for urban planners and policymakers, with implications for other semi-arid, industrial regions facing similar ecological challenges.