Sustainable land use strategies on waterfronts through transforming encroachment into revitalisation: Mosul City

Rivers are vital to urban open space networks, and it is essential to keep adjacent areas free from permanent structures to maintain their ecological, social, and economic sustainability. This study examines how land use encroachments in open areas affect urban sustainability, focusing on Mosul, Iraq. It underscores the challenges of regulating public open spaces and riverbanks in Mosul, emphasising the need for strategic planning and adherence to stakeholder guidelines. The research evaluates issues related to the description and location of public open spaces and discusses encroachments on Mosul's riverine edges. It notes that the left riverbank has lost its natural characteristics and riverside vistas due to unauthorised constructions like halls, restaurants, and commercial centres. The study aims to revitalise indicators to halt riverbank degradation and restore it as a key element in Mosul's sustainable development. This involves identifying specific problems and proposing a design strategy to create a productive, natural open space for residents. Through comprehensive analysis, the study addresses the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of riverbank encroachments, offering recommendations for sustainable urban planning and development.