In the South Caucasus Region, Azerbaijan holds considerable strategic importance due to its favorable geographic location, rich natural conditions, and abundant natural resources. The country stands out for its beneficial physical-geographical and economic-geographical characteristics. Therefore, the study comprising ecological-landscape and geographical-spatial conditions of Azerbaijan is of greater practical importance for the proficient organization of population settlement and economic sector management, ensuring regional development and landscape planning. The relevant research aimed to examine the scientifically grounded methods for the efficient utilization and management of land resources within the framework of market land relations. The study especially focused on the Sheki-Zagatala economic region of Azerbaijan, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the geographical and ecological landscape conditions affecting land use. The analysis effectively identified the natural constraints on land-related economic activities and also evaluated the ecological landscape and geographical potential of the area at the individual administrative districts and the economic region as a whole. Based on the results, scientifically approved recommendations have surfaced to ensure the sustainable spatial development of the study areas. The proposals include land consolidation, optimization of territorial structure, expansion of soil conservation and ecosystem-based approaches, and the implementation of adaptive and integrated management mechanisms grounded in landscape planning.
Land resources, landscape planning, sustainable land use, ecological-landscape conditions, geographical-spatial conditions
Azerbaijan’s strategic location and rich ecological landscape conditions play a crucial role in managing sustainable land use and regional development. The study based on the Sheki-Zagatala economic region provides a sound basis for settlement planning, functional zoning, and land resources management.