Developing Sustainability Indicators of Greenways Network Based on Landscape Ecology Principles

This study examines the process of developing sustainability indicators for urban greenways networking process according to the principles of landscape ecology. The ecological approach towards greenways networking process is capable of providing a conceptual theory and has a multitude of different aspects that can be studied in mega-urban، urban، and sub-urban scales. The purpose of this study is not only to examine the principles of ecological approach، but also to explore the urban needs to provide green zones and leisure areas for citizens. This paper focuses on the relationship between “structure” and “function” which has a key role in this study. Based on the comparative-analytical research method، new ecological principles are provided for the process of planning sustainable urban green zones. Traditional indicators for qualitative evaluation of green zones are not only inadequate for determining the structural value of green zones، but are also incapable of expressing their diverse ecological benefits. New ecological criteria provide a better opportunity to evaluate and qualify greenways networking process and to raise the process of landscapes networking.