Rethinking Makran Coastal Region Development Plans: Policy Gaps and Pathways within the Planetary Boundaries Framework

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Natural Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Researcher, Social Business Institute, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The Makran region in southeastern Iran, with its strategic location on the Indian Ocean and rich biodiversity, has been designated as a major axis for marine-oriented development in national planning. Yet, dominant development approaches, centered on infrastructure expansion and lacking adequate ecological assessment, have placed growing pressure on natural resources and reduced social-ecological resilience. This study applies the frameworks of planetary boundaries and resilience theory to evaluate planning documents for the Makran coasts and their compatibility with ecological capacities. The review of key documents—including the Strategic Development Document for the Makran Coasts, provincial land-use plans, and free zone programs—reveals critical shortcomings in addressing environmental thresholds related to climate change, land-use change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater scarcity. Moreover, limited opportunities for community participation and the absence of strategic environmental assessments further undermine regional resilience. In contrast, international experiences in the European Union and Southeast Asia demonstrate how environmental frameworks and participatory governance can effectively guide coastal development. Using a critical-analytical approach and content analysis, this study argues that policy-making for Makran’s development must be restructured around ecological thresholds, local capacities, and resilience principles. Without such reform, ongoing trends risk exacerbating environmental degradation, social vulnerability, and ecological insecurity. The findings aim to provide pathways for revising development documents, strengthening environmental governance, and promoting sustainable coastal development within the planetary boundaries framework.

Keywords

References

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