Spatial Dynamics of Land Use Change and Ecological Resilience: A CORINE-Based Planning Framework for Erzurum, Türkiye

Abstract

Urbanisation in cold-climate cities produces distinct spatial and ecological challenges shaped by climatic severity and topographic constraints. This study investigates long-term land use change and ecological resilience in Erzurum, Türkiye, focusing on the central districts of Yakutiye, Palandöken and Aziziye between 1990 and 2018. Multi-temporal CORINE Land Cover datasets were analysed within a GIS framework to identify land use transitions and green infrastructure fragmentation. Results indicate substantial expansion of built-up areas, primarily along transport corridors, accompanied by contraction of agricultural and grassland systems. This transformation reduced landscape permeability and weakened ecological continuity, signalling a decline in urban resilience capacity. By operationalising resilience through measurable land use indicators, the study proposes a transferable mid-scale analytical framework for cold-climate planning contexts. The findings support evidence-based integration of green infrastructure and nature-based approaches into strategic spatial planning.