Abstract
The geographical environment is a fundamental concept in geography that provides the theoretical basis for understanding interactions between natural and human systems. However, inconsistent definitions of its structure, boundaries, and methodological foundations continue to limit its theoretical coherence and interdisciplinary application in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. This study aims to examine the historical evolution of the geographical environment concept, critically evaluate the principal theoretical approaches developed by different geographical schools, identify the key methodological challenges associated with its interpretation, and develop an updated conceptual model reflecting its natural-social characteristics. The research employs historical-geographical and comparative analyses, qualitative content analysis, and structural-functional conceptual modeling to synthesize existing theoretical perspectives and establish a comprehensive conceptual framework. The findings demonstrate that the geographical environment should be understood as a dynamic, integrated natural-social system continuously shaped by reciprocal interactions between environmental processes and anthropogenic activities operating across multiple spatial and temporal scales. The analysis identifies persistent theoretical ambiguities regarding the definition and scope of the conceptand highlights the importance of integrating perspectives from geography, ecology, sociology, economics, and environmental sciences to strengthen interdisciplinary research on coupled human–environment systems. Based on these findings, an updated theoretical model is proposed that illustrates the transition from a static perception of nature to a co-evolutionary framework emphasizing the mutual interdependence of society and the biosphere. The proposed framework provides a robust theoretical foundation forinterdisciplinary geographical research and offers practical guidance for sustainable regional development, environmental management, spatial planning, ecosystem conservation, and evidence-based decision-making in response to increasing anthropogenic pressure and global environmental change.