URBAN STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INTEGRATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE BUILT ENVIROMENT OF TUBAS CITY.

Abstract

The study aims to explore the potential of applying Green Infrastructure (GI) and Circular Urbanism concepts to support sustainable urban development within the rapidly urbanizing city of Tubas, Palestine, amid geopolitical constraints. The political division of Palestinian land into Israeli-controlled Areas A, B, and C limits spatial movement and adds to the problem of urban sprawl in the Palestinian agricultural lands. Consequently, precious agricultural land and natural scenery in Tubas are increasingly affected by unplanned urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and a lack of urban infrastructure. The study uses a mixed-methods approach based on methodological triangulation and incorporates Geographic Information Systems (GIS)- based spatial analysis, remote sensing, qualitative interviews with municipal stakeholders, and field observations. Research involves the analysis of land use and land cover change, urban growth patterns, topography, hydrological behavior, and the distribution of green and grey infrastructure in the city. The spatial analysis indicates that impermeable grey infrastructure, fragmented spatial extension, and a lack of ecological networks prevail in the current urban structure of Tubas, which increases surface runoff, flood vulnerability, and the gradual loss of agricultural lands. Spatial analysis also reveals key environmental and urban hotspots, such as the western slopes and the central urban corridors, where topographical features, low-lying areas, and high population levels exacerbate storm water collection and environmental stress. The results of this study suggest an Adaptive Green Infrastructure strategy for Tubas, by incorporating ecological corridors, bioswales, rain gardens, permeable surfaces, detention basins, and urban green networks into an existing urban fabric. The recommended approach should seek to reduce vulnerability to flooding, enhance environmental resilience, protect agricultural land, and promote more sustainable urban growth within the political and spatial context of Palestine. Finally, this thesis offers a spatial planning approach that can help local authorities, planners, and decision-makers move away from traditional grey infrastructure systems towards adaptive and resilient urban infrastructure in Palestine.