Assessment of Rural Landscape Aesthetics on the Basis of the Values of the Natural Environment (Case Study: Selected Villages in North Khorasan Province)

Purpose- This study aims to evaluate the natural rural landscapes of North Khorasan Province by examining their environmental, ecological, and socio-cultural characteristics. Rural natural landscapes and cultural heritage are increasingly and inevitably influenced by global environmental changes such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, and biodiversity loss. These transformations diminish aesthetic, ecological, and symbolic values, gradually weakening residents’ emotional attachment, identity, and sense of place within rural communities.Design/methodology/approach- A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating questionnaires, structured and semi-structured interviews, and qualitative field observations to investigate villagers’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences concerning their surrounding natural environments and everyday landscapes. The selected rural landscapes were analyzed based on three key indicators: landscape diversity, perceived naturalness, and sense of place, which together reflect both the ecological integrity and perceptual dimensions of the rural setting.Finding- The findings reveal that conserving natural elements—such as vegetation, water resources, landforms, and traditional architectural patterns—significantly enhances people’s sense of belonging, identity, and overall quality of life. Conversely, landscape degradation contributes to social alienation, cultural erosion, and reduced environmental satisfaction. The chosen villages were selected according to settlement characteristics (density, size, and spatial distribution), ecological and landscape diversity (climate, land use, and accessibility), and socio-economic and cultural indicators representing population scale, livelihood structure, and heritage context.Practical implications- Identifying priority areas for conservation not only supports sustainable rural development but also provides a scientific foundation for long-term landscape management. Through the active participation of local communities in planning and decision-making, this approach establishes a practical and adaptable framework for preserving natural and cultural heritage while enhancing the well-being of rural societies across North Khorasan Province.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rural landscape assessment ، Landscape diversity ، Perceived naturalness ، sense of place ، North Khorasan Province