Impacts of the Belt and Roads Initiative on Sustainability: Local Approaches to Spatial Restructuring in the Aras Special Economic Zones

Spatial restructuring and regional economic development are closely associated with sustainability. Despite the considerable literature on urbanization’s impact sustainable urban expansion, few studies have explored how FDI-led spatial affects sustainability from a local people perspective. To fill this gap, in-depth interviews were conducted 516 residents of Aras special zones in Iran to assess impacts responses shifts resulting Belt Road Initiative since 2013. Using DPSIR framework index as an evaluation tool, we assessed degree viable uplift at level. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) was also utilized determine optimal values based approaches. Results indicate that heterogeneity, excessive state pressure, imbalances study area. findings enrich theory can guide formulation restructuring, decision-making, policies different stages development. In addition financial progress, people-centered planning using approaches should be component zones.