Climate Compatible Planning Approach in Rural-Urban Fringe: the Case of Denizli

Abstract

Urban and rural areas are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and are adversely impacted by the natural disasters it causes. Given their fragile structure and current impacts, enhancing social and spatial resilience has become crucial in the process of combating climate change. To address this, there is a need for methods and strategies that guide local actions and take a holistic approach to both urban and rural areas. This study aims to examine urban and rural areas from a comprehensive perspective in the context of combating climate change and to highlight the significance of the rural-urban fringe, an important transitional zone, in this process. Specifically, the research seeks to answer the following questions: "What are the vulnerabilities and potentials of the rural-urban fringe in the fight against climate change?" and "How can the rural-urban fringe be planned to adapt to climate change?" Denizli rural-urban fringe serves as a case study to explore these questions. The study first established criteria for evaluating adaptation and risk factors related to climate change. A field study was then conducted in a sub-region selected from the periphery of Denizli, based on the city's development trends and the established criteria. Through spatial observations and in-depth interviews, the socio-spatial characteristics, development trends, and future projections of the study area were identified, with its problems and potentials analyzed. Based on this analysis, adaptive planning strategies were proposed. Ultimately, the study presents a framework for planning climate-resilient and sustainable rural-urban environments and offers a climate-responsive planning approach/guideline for medium-sized cities such as Denizli.