Experts’ Perspectives on Inclusive Governance for Protecting Hot Spring Landscapes in China: Barriers and Implications
, Nor Azlina Abu Bakar 1,*, Nor Atiah Ismail 3, Noor Fazamimah Mohd Ariffin 3 and Riyadh Mundher 3Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper analyzes the obstacles and implications of inclusive governance in the protection of hot spring landscape in China and takes the expert perspective as an example to study and verify. But there are some unclear places, I hope the author can make it clear.
1. The abstract looks good but lacks research scope. Linyi City is chosen for this project. What are the innovation points? How is it different from other regions?
2. Could a better representation have been used in Figure 1? This may cause misunderstanding to readers. First, the whole map of China must represent the important islands such as the South China Sea Islands and draw the ownership line of the South China Sea Islands with corresponding symbols. Author's Figure 1, South China Sea 9-dash line and other missing, please complete. In addition, the map lacks some necessary conditions, such as: compass, scale, coordinate network, etc.
3. Reasons for the lack of expert interview questions (Table 3). What was the selection based on? How is it different from other studies? Is it suitable for the region? These need to be clear.
4. Page 9 line 218. therefore, the interviews were audio-recorded. Whether all experts agree to be recorded. This means whether the author informed the other party in advance and obtained their consent before recording.
5. The research scope of Linyi City in the paper is not closely related to 3. Results and Findings.
6. The discussion part is sufficient, the conclusion part is few, and the analysis is very simple. Although the contribution and significance of this study are discussed, it is necessary to further explain whether it corresponds to or is contrary to the views of other researchers.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required
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Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsRemarks:
1) Point 3.1 contains the characteristics of studied sample. It should be added to the section Materials and Methods.
2) Table 4 is too detailed and descriptive and should be considered as an annex.
3) It will be more valuable for the article to present the characteristics of sample in a summary table with the numbers/share of each of category from the table 2, e.g. what is the share of respondents from given 3 type of institutions? What was the share of respondents by gender?, etc.
4) Line 395 - the term ‘balanced’ development is used. According the context and information from the table 5 it should be ‘sustainable’ development.
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Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsExperts' Perspectives on Inclusive Governance for Protecting Hot Spring Landscapes in China: Barriers and Implications
The study critically examines the challenges and potential consequences of inadequate inclusive governance in safeguarding China's hot spring landscapes, framed around two key inquiries:
- What barriers do experts identify in achieving inclusive governance for the protection of hot spring landscapes in China?
- What implications do experts foresee due to the lack of inclusive governance in this context?
The abstract effectively outlines the study's objectives and highlights significant issues, setting the stage for a deeper exploration within the article. The introduction offers a robust background on the subject, incorporating a comprehensive literature review that notably includes a table summarizing factors influencing experts' perspectives on the topic.
Focusing on Linyi City, the article's results and findings are presented with commendable clarity, making a convincing case for the study's significance. The application of open coding is particularly intriguing, offering insightful glimpses into the complexities of the situation at hand. This methodological choice enhances the reader's comprehension of the nuanced barriers and implications identified by the experts.
The discussion and conclusion sections are well-written, effectively synthesizing the study's findings and their broader relevance. The acknowledgment of study limitations reflects the authors' commitment to academic integrity, adding credibility to their work.
However, the conclusion would benefit from a more detailed exploration of how the insights gained could serve local authorities, legislators, and decision-makers. Expanding on this aspect could provide practical guidance for implementing the study's recommendations and leveraging its findings for policy development and strategic planning.
In summary, the article is well-written and offers valuable contributions to the discourse on inclusive governance and environmental protection. With slight enhancements, particularly in articulating the potential utility of the findings for policy and decision-making, the article could offer even more significant insights for diffrent stakeholders engaged in environmental governance and conservation.
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Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article approaches the subject of study from a qualitative point of view and meets the rigors related to publication. Congratulations to the authors for the detailed analysis.
The topic proposed for the study is a topical one, considering the sustainable approach to resources in the context of economic exploitation.
In the introduction chapter, authors should refer to inclusive governance policies or strategies applied by the government/regional/local authorities in the fields of landscape protection and sustainable development. It would be useful for the reader to know in detail a phasing of the policies, rules or legislation related to the subject of the study. It mentions the implementation of 58 institutional decision-making processes, but it is not very clear what they entail, when they were implemented and if they refer to to the process of management and protection of landscapes with thermal springs.
I believe that it would bring a great plus to the study, the introduction of a chapter on the analysis of specialized literature that would show the approach to the preservation and use of thermal resources at the level of Europe or other countries worldwide.
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