Department of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
The concentration of services and welfare facilities in Iran’s metropolitan areas has prompted extensive migration from smaller settlements, thereby intensifying population density in these regions. This trend not only increases pressure on environmental resources but also heightens vulnerability to natural hazards, security risks, and declines in urban quality of life. Consequently, the design of population redistribution policies and measures to reduce pressure on metropolitan areas has become increasingly critical. This study aims to propose policy strategies for managing migration and promoting balanced population distribution nationwide. Decisions are based on the carrying capacity of each region to ensure alignment among population, resources, and infrastructure. Negative feedback mechanisms, such as increasing the cost of living in metropolitan areas, are recommended to control population growth, while positive incentives, including supportive taxation, low-interest loans, and government programs, can facilitate reverse migration. Findings indicate that the effectiveness of these policies relies on adaptive governance, well-being oriented around regional carrying capacity, and the development of infrastructure in migration destinations. This framework offers practical guidance for mitigating population concentration in metropolitan areas and enhancing social and environmental sustainability at the national scale.
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