The 2nd Conference on Future Challenges in Sustainable Urban Planning & Territorial Management

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 6202

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor

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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: urban planning; territorial management; land use planning; environmental planning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The 21st century is going to be the century of challenges in terms of sustainable urban planning and land management. There is no B planet, so identifying urban and territorial challenges in our territories, such as reaching land use policies, diagnosing natural hazards, making urban mobility more sustainable, or controlling land resource consumption, is mandatory for our generation. Planning land uses that are compatible with the ecosystem services of the territory and managing them using public–private cooperation systems is a vast challenge for our global society. Human activities do not frequently include the maintenance of the ecosystem services of the territory among their objectives. Therefore, this field of research must help to guarantee the maintenance of natural resources, also called natural capital, which are necessary for the social and economic activities of our global society.

This Special Issue collects papers from the 2nd international Conference on Future Challenges in Sustainable Urban Planning & Territorial Management, which will be held online on January 28-30, 2024 (https://suptm2024.sciforum.net/). It seeks contributions involving relevant experiences and case studies on topics such urban and land use planning, environmental management, sustainable mobility, GIS analysis, flooding assessment, and landscape analysis or regional studies using spatial tools, among others. Proposals including innovative frameworks or new analysis methodologies linked to the specific issues presented at the conference are preferred, but other traditional scientific approaches may also be admitted.

We welcome contributions on the following topics (among others):

  • Imbalances in urban growth (urban sprawl, suburbanization, gentrification, etc.);
  • New urban phenomena linked to sustainability (heat islands, walkability, etc.) ;
  • Studies linked to sustainable urban mobility (MaaS, LEZs, 15 min cities, etc.);
  • Land use planning and management to protect periurban landscapes;
  • Environmental planning and anthropization phenomena in vulnerable areas;
  • Risk analysis and diagnosis of urban flooding phenomena derived from land-use change;
  • Spatial analysis of migration phenomena (rural–urban, transnational, etc.);
  • Regional studies through spatial analysis and GIS tools;
  • Green infrastructures and new innovative proposals towards sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Salvador García-Ayllón Veintimilla
Prof. Dr. Josep Lluís Miralles Garcia
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 4548 KiB  
Article
Land Stewardship and Development Behaviors Under an Ecological-Impact-Weighted Land Value Tax Scheme: A Proof-of-Concept Agent-Based Model
by Dakota B. Walker, Alican Mertan, Joshua Farley, Donna Rizzo and Travis Reynolds
Land 2024, 13(11), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111795 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 70
Abstract
Sprawling land development patterns have exacerbated ecological degradation, social fragmentation, and public health problems. Perverse incentives arise from the ability to privatize collectively created value in land rents and socialize ecological costs. Land value taxation (LVT) has been shown to encourage urban infill [...] Read more.
Sprawling land development patterns have exacerbated ecological degradation, social fragmentation, and public health problems. Perverse incentives arise from the ability to privatize collectively created value in land rents and socialize ecological costs. Land value taxation (LVT) has been shown to encourage urban infill development by reducing or eliminating rent-seeking behavior in land markets. However, despite its purported benefits, this tax reform is value monistic in its definition of optimal land use and, therefore, does little to address the lack of non-market information to inform land use decisions. We propose an ecological-impact-weighted land value taxation policy (ELVT) which incorporates the ecological footprint of land use into one’s land value tax burden. We test both proposed policies (LVT and ELVT) relative to a “status quo” (SQ) property tax scheme, utilizing a conceptual spatially explicit agent-based model of land use behaviors and housing development. Our findings suggest that both tax interventions can increase the capital intensity and decrease the land intensity of housing development. Furthermore, both tax interventions can lead to a net profit loss for speculators and a decrease in the average housing unit price. The ELVT scheme is shown to significantly increase urban nature provisions and dampen the loss of ecological value across a region. Full article
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19 pages, 5695 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Scale Evaluation Model of Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 for Problem-Solving at Different Levels
by Kan Wang, Xing Dang and Jianjun Bai
Land 2024, 13(11), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111750 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 (SDG 11.7) aims to promote the improvement of urban public spaces. However, the localization process of SDG 11.7 mainly relies on a bottom-up problem-solving approach, which fails to fully encompass the connotation of SDG 11.7. Additionally, existing evaluations primarily [...] Read more.
Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 (SDG 11.7) aims to promote the improvement of urban public spaces. However, the localization process of SDG 11.7 mainly relies on a bottom-up problem-solving approach, which fails to fully encompass the connotation of SDG 11.7. Additionally, existing evaluations primarily focus on a single scale, neglecting the impact of scale issues. These limitations can lead to imbalanced development or misallocation of responsibilities when guiding governments at different levels in promoting the sustainable development of public spaces. Therefore, this article introduces a multi-scale assessment model of SDG 11.7. It employs a top-down problem-solving approach to construct a sustainable development indicator framework, setting appropriate sustainable development indicators for various levels of government based on the connotation of SDG 11.7, and generates city-scale results by integrating three scales: apartment complexes, street blocks, and counties. Testing this model in Xi’an, China, revealed that it adequately captures four key aspects of SDG 11.7—safety, inclusiveness, accessibility, and greenness—through 11 indicators. The evaluation outcomes at the apartment complex, street block, and county levels effectively guide future development directions for various levels of government. Ultimately, the synthesis of these scales reveals the spatial pattern of SDG 11.7 at the city scale and identifies focal areas for development. Overall, this exploratory model demonstrates high accuracy and robustness, providing a comprehensive understanding of the essence of SDG 11.7. It also alleviates challenges posed by scale issues, offering decision support for monitoring SDG 11.7 across different levels of government in Chinese cities and promoting the process of sustainable development. Full article
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24 pages, 10784 KiB  
Article
Regional Coexistence in the Digital Era: Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Sustainable Strategies of the Coupled System in the Yangtze River Basin, China
by Tianxiang Long, Yuxin Liu and Qikang Zhong
Land 2024, 13(10), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101726 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 522
Abstract
Against the backdrop of globalization and ecological civilization, this study aims to analyze the patterns of system coupling coordination development in the Yangtze River Basin under the interacting influences of population growth, ecological conservation, energy utilization, and digital economic development. Using a multisource [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of globalization and ecological civilization, this study aims to analyze the patterns of system coupling coordination development in the Yangtze River Basin under the interacting influences of population growth, ecological conservation, energy utilization, and digital economic development. Using a multisource model, this paper explores the state of coordinated development, spatial–temporal evolution characteristics, and influencing factors in the Yangtze River Basin from 2011 to 2020. The results indicate the following: (1) The overall degree of coupling coordination in the Yangtze River Basin shows better performances in the eastern coastal areas compared to the central and western regions. Over time, the spatial autocorrelation of coupling and coordination increases, exhibiting a significant spatial clustering trend. (2) The Moran’s I index increased from 0.327 to 0.370, with high–high clusters primarily distributed in economically developed coastal provinces, while low–low clusters were observed in remote provinces in the central and western regions, revealing regional development imbalance issues. (3) The driving force analysis shows that green coverage and GDP are the core factors influencing the spatial differentiation of coupling coordinated development. Factors such as the urbanization rate, nighttime light index, and energy consumption had significant impacts in certain years but are generally considered minor factors. The results of this study not only contribute to understanding the dynamic mechanisms of regional coupling and development but also provide a scientific basis for formulating regional coordinated development policies, promoting the achievement of win–win goals of economic growth and ecological civilization in the Yangtze River Basin and similar regions. Full article
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25 pages, 1229 KiB  
Article
Impact of Free Trade (Pilot) Zone Establishment on Urban Land Use Efficiency—Empirical Evidence from Cities in China
by Siwen Xia, Jiaying Han, Anglu Li, Penghao Ye and Huarong Zhang
Land 2024, 13(7), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070969 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 883
Abstract
The establishment of the Free Trade (Pilot) Zone (FTZ) is a new attempt by China to embark on modern sustainable urban planning and governmental territorial management at the development stage of a high-quality economy. As urban lands serve as the limited resource foundation [...] Read more.
The establishment of the Free Trade (Pilot) Zone (FTZ) is a new attempt by China to embark on modern sustainable urban planning and governmental territorial management at the development stage of a high-quality economy. As urban lands serve as the limited resource foundation for civic production and livelihoods, enhancing land use efficiency becomes a key measure to facilitate metropolitan economies of high quality. Utilizing panel data from prefecture-level cities spanning from 2005 to 2021, this study constructs a multi-period difference-in-differences model to explore the impact of FTZs on urban land use efficiency (ULUE). The results indicate that FTZs can significantly enhance urban land use efficiency, with a more pronounced policy effect observed in central cities, inland cities, and cities with higher urbanization rates. Furthermore, the FTZs also demonstrate spatial spillover effects on urban land use efficiency. This study holds great significance for relevant government departments in formulating policies to optimize land resource allocation, promote FTZ development, and foster high-quality urban planning and territorial management. Full article
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25 pages, 2530 KiB  
Article
Bridging Gaps towards the 2030 Agenda: A Data-Driven Comparative Analysis of Government and Public Engagement in China towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
by Hongpeng Fu, Lingbo Fu, Lóránt Dénes Dávid, Qikang Zhong and Kai Zhu
Land 2024, 13(6), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060818 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 906
Abstract
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a pivotal framework to guide government policies and mobilize public engagement for sustainability, although further exploration is still needed to analyze the attention given to the SDGs by these stakeholders using multi-source data. To [...] Read more.
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a pivotal framework to guide government policies and mobilize public engagement for sustainability, although further exploration is still needed to analyze the attention given to the SDGs by these stakeholders using multi-source data. To comparatively analyze government and public engagement in the SDGs, based on a case study in China, this study employed a multi-source data and content analysis to assess the perceived importance and performance of the two stakeholders. Then, this study performed an importance–performance analysis (IPA) to assess the SDGs’ priority for further improvement. The results highlight the government’s emphasis on SDG 7, SDG 2, and SDG 9, contrasting with public attention predominantly on SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 4. Regarding the performance of the SDGs in China, the greatest achievements have been exhibited for SDG 4 and SDG 1, while SDG 10, SDG 15, and SDG 17 have shown the least progress. Concerning the individual indicators, 12 out of 98 have attained 100% completion, while 19 out of 98 remain below the 50% threshold. According to the IPA results, China should concentrate on SDG 10 and SDG 15 and improve SDGs 6, 7, 14, 16, and 17 as a relatively low priority. The stakeholder analysis indicated that these SDGs are neglected zones by both the public and government. This research innovatively assessed the priorities of SDGs and could strengthen the cooperation between the government and the public to drive the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively. This study could contribute to guiding policy directions, inform strategies for public engagement, and enhance the comprehension of sustainable development in China. The framework could serve as a valuable reference for stakeholder engagement in the SDGs in other countries. Full article
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22 pages, 4923 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Economic Density and Vegetation Cover in the Yellow River Basin: Unraveling Interconnections
by Benxu Wang, Xuanqin Yang, Yaquan Dou, Qingjun Wu, Guangyu Wang, Ya Li and Xiaodi Zhao
Land 2024, 13(4), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040475 - 7 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 997
Abstract
Vegetation, serving as the primary constituent of terrestrial ecosystems, plays a crucial role in regulating energy flow and material cycles and providing vital resources for human socio-economic activities. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal patterns of economic density and vegetation coverage in the Yellow [...] Read more.
Vegetation, serving as the primary constituent of terrestrial ecosystems, plays a crucial role in regulating energy flow and material cycles and providing vital resources for human socio-economic activities. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal patterns of economic density and vegetation coverage in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) based on forest resource inventory and socio-economic data from 448 counties in 2008, 2013, and 2018. A three-tiered criterion layer is constructed using economic density as the core explanatory variable, encompassing social development factors, land use factors, and natural factors. A two-way fixed effects model is then utilized to analyze the impact of economic density on vegetation coverage. Results reveal that: (1) Spatially, economic density demonstrates a “low in the west and high in the east” pattern, with an overall upward trend in the YRB. Conversely, vegetation cover exhibits a “high in the west and low in the east” pattern, displaying a downward trend. (2) Over the 2008–2018 period, a significant negative correlation between economic density and vegetation cover is observed in each county of the YRB, with vegetation cover decreasing by 1.108% for every 1 unit increase in economic density. Notably, the upstream areas of the YRB experience a significant increase in vegetation coverage, while the middle and lower reaches witness a decrease. (3) Considering control variables, the proportion of the primary industry, urbanization rate, forest protection level, and cultivated land area exert a significant influence on vegetation coverage across the entire basin. Policymakers should formulate relevant policies to achieve sustainable development in the YRB, as discussed in the proposed countermeasures. This study delineates a practical pathway for high-quality economic development and high-level ecological protection in the YRB, offering a valuable reference for analogous research in other regions. Full article
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20 pages, 3804 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Climate-Shaped Urbanization and Forest Ecological Function: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin, China
by Xiaobing Gu, Guangyu Wang, Shunli Zhang, Linyan Feng, Ram P. Sharma, Huoyan Zhou, Liyong Fu, Qingjun Wu, Yaquan Dou and Xiaodi Zhao
Land 2023, 12(11), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12112047 - 10 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1250
Abstract
Amidst the compounded challenges posed by global climate change and urbanization on forest ecosystems, the integration of urbanization control measures within a climate-focused framework may offer an avenue for breakthroughs. This study delves into the impact of climate, specifically hydrothermal conditions, on the [...] Read more.
Amidst the compounded challenges posed by global climate change and urbanization on forest ecosystems, the integration of urbanization control measures within a climate-focused framework may offer an avenue for breakthroughs. This study delves into the impact of climate, specifically hydrothermal conditions, on the complex interplay between urbanization (Urb) and forest ecological function (Eco) in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) in China. Our findings reveal: (1) The application of a coupled coordination model reveals a stronger alignment between urbanization and forest ecological function in the warm and humid regions in the YRB. (2) Through the cross-sectional threshold regression model, we elucidate the diverse responses of Urb to Eco across varying climate gradients. Among them, annual precipitation shows a double-threshold effect at 532.34 mm and 694.18 mm. As precipitation increases, the impact of Urb shifts from negative to positive on Eco. Moreover, in regions with precipitation below 532.34 mm and above 694.18 mm, the absolute value of response coefficients of Eco to Urb is amplified. Annual average temperature displays a single-threshold effect at 10.11 °C, leading to a transition from negative to positive impact as temperature rises. This study establishes the climate-based threshold system that governs the urbanization–forest ecological function relationship. Full article
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