Land | April 2025 - Browse Articles

24 pages, 7896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Land Urbanization Affect Carbon Emissions in China? Evidence from 209 Cities and Three Heterogeneous Regions in the East of the Hu Line of China

by Hanlong Gu, Xueting Chen, Haohang Sun, Chongyang Huan and Bingyi Wang

Land 2025, 14(4), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040910 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

Land urbanization (LU) is a defining feature of China’s urbanization process and has led to significant carbon emission challenges. To clarify the interaction mechanism between LU and carbon emissions (CEs), this study examines the temporal and spatial characteristics of LU and CEs as [...] Read more.

Land urbanization (LU) is a defining feature of China’s urbanization process and has led to significant carbon emission challenges. To clarify the interaction mechanism between LU and carbon emissions (CEs), this study examines the temporal and spatial characteristics of LU and CEs as well as the direct and spatial spillover effects in the east of the Hu Line. Specifically, three representative regions are selected for heterogeneity analysis: the Three Northeast Provinces region (TNP), the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH), and the Southeast Coastal region (SC). The findings are as follows: (1) Both LU and CEs exhibited consistent upward trends, with average annual growth rates of 4.3% and 3.5%, respectively. (2) Empirical results demonstrate that the direct and indirect effect coefficients of LU on CEs are 0.129 and −0.224, respectively. (3) The direct effect of LU on CEs is significantly positive in both the TNP and the SC, with respective coefficients of 0.336 and 0.177. Notably, a positive spatial spillover effect is observed exclusively in the TNP, with a coefficient of 0.174. In contrast, LU exerts no significant influence on CEs in the BTH. The research findings offer valuable insights into the formulation of differentiated urbanization policies and effective carbon emission reduction policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Policy and Food Security: 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Food Security: Unleashing the Potential of Sustainable Communities to Transform the UK Food System

by Jessi Candau and Stephen Axon

Land 2025, 14(4), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040909 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study delves into the urgent task of comprehending and tackling the questions arising from climate change and food security by advocating for sustainable community approaches. Motivated by the urgency of these issues, this research aims to assess the transformative ability of sustainable [...] Read more.

This study delves into the urgent task of comprehending and tackling the questions arising from climate change and food security by advocating for sustainable community approaches. Motivated by the urgency of these issues, this research aims to assess the transformative ability of sustainable community practices in mitigating carbon emissions and reshaping the current food system. Drawing on findings from semi-structured interviews with local organisers of sustainable community practices in Bournemouth, UK, this study assesses and examines how these practices contribute to a localised sustainable food system. The findings reveal the multifaceted role of sustainable community practices in the UK, highlighting their collaborative nature, emphasis on environmental conservation, and resilience-building initiatives. Despite challenges such as funding constraints and climate change disruptions, sustainable practices demonstrate resilience and offer opportunities for positive change. This article concludes with recommendations that inform policy development and practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food Landscapes: Agricultural Practices and Consumer Awareness)

26 pages, 16562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Renewable Energy Production Development in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China (2014–2021)

by Xiao Ma, Yongchun Yang and Huazhang Zhu

Land 2025, 14(4), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040908 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

Promoting the development of low-carbon renewable energy is crucial for meeting the growing energy demand, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and controlling carbon dioxide emissions. Clarifying the spatiotemporal characteristics of regional renewable energy production and its influencing factors will help optimize the spatial [...] Read more.

Promoting the development of low-carbon renewable energy is crucial for meeting the growing energy demand, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and controlling carbon dioxide emissions. Clarifying the spatiotemporal characteristics of regional renewable energy production and its influencing factors will help optimize the spatial layout of renewable energy production and provide a solid theoretical basis for coordinating the development of all aspects of renewable energy production. Using panel data from 22 districts and counties in Ningxia from 2014 to 2021, this study employed the spatial Gini coefficient, Moran’s I index, standard deviational ellipse, and geographical detector to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and influencing factors of renewable energy production development in Ningxia. The results indicate that renewable energy production in Ningxia exhibits significant spatial agglomeration and autocorrelation. Temporally, renewable energy production shows a spatial expansion trend characterized by dynamic agglomeration patterns. The coupling degree between renewable energy generation and the spatial distribution of power production is relatively high, with notable regional disparities. Urbanization level, urban population, per capita GDP, and industrial SO₂ emissions have a positive impact on renewable energy production, while energy intensity and environmental regulation show insignificant effects. To further promote the development of renewable energy, Ningxia should strengthen power infrastructure construction at the county level, enhance the radiating and driving effects of high-value areas on surrounding cities and counties, optimize the spatial layout of power facilities based on the agglomeration trajectories of renewable energy production, integrate multiple types of renewable energy to improve overall generation efficiency and system stability, and encourage local enterprises to increase technological and economic investments in renewable energy, thereby advancing sustainable energy transition and achieving high-quality development in resource-based regions. Full article

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21 pages, 4546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Landscape of the Itombwe Nature Reserve and Its Periphery in South Kivu, the Democratic Republic of Congo

by Cléophace Bayumbasire Citwara, Trésor Mbavumoja Selemani, Julien Bwazani Balandi, Nadège Cizungu Cirezi, André Nduwimana, Léonard Mubalama Kakira, Kouagou Raoul Sambieni, Jean-Pierre Mate Mweru, Jean-François Bastin, Hervé Tchekote and Jan Bogaert

Land 2025, 14(4), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040907 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of anthropogenic pressures on the Itombwe Nature Reserve and its periphery over the period 1990–2024 using satellite imagery. Two landscape ecology indices were employed: the Percentage of Landscape (PLAND) and the Largest Patch Index (LPI). The PLAND quantifies [...] Read more.

This study examines the evolution of anthropogenic pressures on the Itombwe Nature Reserve and its periphery over the period 1990–2024 using satellite imagery. Two landscape ecology indices were employed: the Percentage of Landscape (PLAND) and the Largest Patch Index (LPI). The PLAND quantifies the overall extent of each habitat type, while the LPI provides insights into their spatial configuration. Eighty-three plots (each 2.5 km per side, i.e., 6.25 km²) were sampled in both the reserve and its periphery to generate robust landscape replications. Analysis focused on three key land use classes: forests, savannahs, and fields. Statistical comparisons using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests revealed a decline in forest cover within the reserve and its periphery, accompanied by a steady increase in savannahs and fields. The decline in forest cover is particularly pronounced along the reserve’s periphery. For instance, in the reserve, forest cover decreased from 78.4% in 1990 to approximately 60.2% in 2024, whereas on the periphery, it dropped from 37.5% to about 21.4%. In contrast, the savannah areas increased from 17.7% to 29.5% within the reserve and maintained a marked predominance on the periphery (rising from 53.9% to 55.2%). Additionally, the area dedicated to fields exhibited notable expansion, rising from 3.70% to 10.22% in the reserve and from 7.54% to 21.98% along the periphery. These findings underscore the significant impacts of anthropogenic pressure on the forest ecosystems in both the reserve and its periphery. They highlight the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures within the reserve, as well as the implementation of sustainable land use practices (e.g., agroforestry and sustainable agriculture) in the peripheral zones to reduce the local population’s dependence on forest resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Landscape Management Towards Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity)

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22 pages, 10154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Century of Water–Socioecological Dynamics and Evolutionary Stages in Lake Victoria Basin, East Africa

by Xinxin Zhang, Mengyuan Wang, Shiying Jin, Ismael A. Kimirei and Qun Gao

Land 2025, 14(4), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040906 - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Understanding the feedback relationships and evolutionary stages of water–socioecological systems (W-SESs) is crucial for achieving sustainable development in basins. This study focuses on the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) in East Africa, where population growth, rapid urbanization, and developing industrialization have intensified water resource [...] Read more.

Understanding the feedback relationships and evolutionary stages of water–socioecological systems (W-SESs) is crucial for achieving sustainable development in basins. This study focuses on the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) in East Africa, where population growth, rapid urbanization, and developing industrialization have intensified water resource supply–demand conflicts, leading to socioecological issues such as water environmental degradation and ecological conflicts. The objective of this research is to develop a theoretical framework for the Lake Victoria Basin W-SESs (LVB-WSESs) based on the SES framework, identify the main drivers and critical nodes in the evolution of the LVB-WSESs, analyze the root causes of water–society–ecology conflicts, and explore the feedback relationships and evolutionary stages of the LVB-WSESs over the past century. To achieve this, we employed an integrated qualitative and quantitative analysis of historical data combined with tipping point detection to systematically assess the dynamics of the LVB-WSESs. Our findings show that, under the drivers of climate change (with a 1 °C increase in annual temperature since 1920s), population growth (a six-fold increase since 1920s), economic development, land-use change, urbanization, and species invasion, the basin’s demand for water resources, water environments, and aquatic ecosystems has continually increased, leading to the gradual degradation and imbalance of the basin’s ecological functions. The evolution of the LVB-WSESs can be divided into five stages against the historical backdrop of societal transitions from colonial to independent democratic systems: the stable resource utilization period, the slow environmental change period (1920s–1960s), the rapid environmental imbalance period (1960s–1990s), the transition period from environmental imbalance to protection (1990s–2015), and the reconstruction period of socioecological equilibrium. This study not only enhances understanding of the long-term dynamics of the LVB-WSESs but also provides practical implications for sustainable water management in similar basins globally. It enriches the local practice of global sustainable development theories, providing new theoretical perspectives and case references for future watershed sustainable management. By identifying critical drivers and evolutionary stages, our findings can inform policy decisions and interventions to mitigate socioecological conflicts and achieve basin-level sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 4th Edition)

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25 pages, 18861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Determinants of Land Use Carbon Emissions in Jiangsu Province, China

by Muqian Chen, Zhaojin Yan, Jia Zhang and Zhaoxia Xue

Land 2025, 14(4), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040905 - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the changes in carbon emissions resulting from land use in Jiangsu Province, China, over the past two decades. It constructs a land use transition matrix to analyze spatio-temporal dynamics, applies the carbon emission coefficient method to calculate land use carbon [...] Read more.

This study investigates the changes in carbon emissions resulting from land use in Jiangsu Province, China, over the past two decades. It constructs a land use transition matrix to analyze spatio-temporal dynamics, applies the carbon emission coefficient method to calculate land use carbon emissions, and employs the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression to investigate the determinants of land use carbon emissions. The findings reveal the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, construction land in Jiangsu Province, China, exhibited a significant increasing trend, primarily due to the conversion of cultivated land. Meanwhile, the area of other land use types decreased. (2) The primary sources of carbon emissions are construction land and cultivated land. Between 2000 and 2020, the total carbon emissions from land use in Jiangsu Province, China, showed a clear upward trend. However, between 2015 and 2020, these emissions gradually stabilized. (3) Economic development level and consumption level have significant positive effects on land use carbon emissions, while the technological level has a significant negative effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

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23 pages, 741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Growth for the Global South: Reframing Agricultural Policies in Brazil

by Lúcio Costa Proença, Juliana Neira, Vitória Aparecida Cardoso and Joshua Farley

Land 2025, 14(4), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040904 - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Mainstream responses to the climate and ecological crisis currently rely on the idea of decoupling GDP growth from ecological damage, i.e., green growth, an approach that has failed so far to avoid the overshoot of most planetary boundaries. The limitations of green growth [...] Read more.

Mainstream responses to the climate and ecological crisis currently rely on the idea of decoupling GDP growth from ecological damage, i.e., green growth, an approach that has failed so far to avoid the overshoot of most planetary boundaries. The limitations of green growth have increased interest in post-growth policies, as seen, for example, in the reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change since 2022. Yet, little research has focused on post-growth agriculture, a vital economic sector heavily dependent on healthy ecosystems and, currently, also a major driver of ecological overshoot. This paper begins to address this gap, focusing on Brazil, a leading producer of agricultural commodities, by asking how a post-growth framework can contribute to the country’s agricultural policy. We use a growth/post-growth metabolism framework to analyze emblematic agricultural policies. We show that policies promoting both metabolisms already co-exist. A case is made for post-growth to be explored as a useful framework to offer policy pathways beyond green growth, helping to rethink agricultural (and other) systems in social–ecological ways compatible with the degree of structural change necessary to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change and ecological breakdown. Full article

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16 pages, 2517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Parks and Native Trees: A Profitable Strategy for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience

by Zainab Rehman, Muhammad Zubair, Basharat A. Dar, Muhammad M. Habib, Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad, Ghulam Yasin, Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Jahangir A. Malik, Muhammad Talha Rafique and Jahanzaib Jahanzaib

Land 2025, 14(4), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040903 - 20 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Urban green spaces are increasingly recognized for their potential to mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, enhancing carbon sequestration efficiency in limited urban green areas remains a significant challenge for sustainable urban [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces are increasingly recognized for their potential to mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂). However, enhancing carbon sequestration efficiency in limited urban green areas remains a significant challenge for sustainable urban planning. Trees are among the most cost-effective and efficient natural carbon sinks, surpassing other types of land cover in terms CO₂ absorption and storage. The present study aimed to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of four native tree species, Pongamia pinnata, Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, and Dalbergia sissoo, in urban parks across Multan City, Pakistan. A total of 456 trees of selected species within six parks of Multan City were inventoried to estimate the biomass and carbon stock using species-specific allometric equations. Soil organic carbon at two soil depths beneath the canopy of each tree was also estimated using Walkley–Black method. The findings revealed that the highest mean tree biomass (2.16 Mg ha⁻¹), carbon stock (1.04 Mg ha⁻¹) and carbon sequestration (3.80 Mg ha⁻¹) were estimated for Dalbergia sissoo, while Melia azedarach exhibited the lowest (0.12 Mg ha⁻¹, 0.06 Mg ha⁻¹ & 0.23 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively) across all six parks. The soil carbon stocks ranged from 48.86 Mg ha⁻¹ to 61.68 Mg ha⁻¹ across all study sites. These findings emphasize the importance of species selection in urban green planning for carbon sequestration. Strategic planting of effective native trees like Dalbergia sissoo can mitigate climate change and provide urban forest ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research in Urban Ecology: Application into Landscape Design and Green Infrastructure)

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23 pages, 6507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revitalizing Marginal Areas of Basilicata (Southern Italy) with Saffron: A Strategy Approach Mixing Alternative Cultivation System and Land Suitability Analysis

by Nunzia Cicco, Vincenzo Candido, Rosa Coluzzi, Vito Imbrenda, Maria Lanfredi, Michele Larocca, Annarita Lorusso, Carla Benelli and Adriano Sofo

Land 2025, 14(4), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040902 - 19 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The abandonment of farmland in Europe is a significant issue due to its environmental, socio-economic, and landscape consequences. This tendency mainly impacts marginal and inner areas, located far from large urban districts, because of biophysical and/or socio-economic factors. Although European and national regulations [...] Read more.

The abandonment of farmland in Europe is a significant issue due to its environmental, socio-economic, and landscape consequences. This tendency mainly impacts marginal and inner areas, located far from large urban districts, because of biophysical and/or socio-economic factors. Although European and national regulations try to turn the fragility of these territories into an opportunity for sustainable development, many of these areas, especially in southern Europe, continue to suffer socio-economic disparities. For this reason, it is necessary to consider regional and district-wide initiatives that can economically revitalize marginal areas while safeguarding their natural capital. Alternative cropping systems, capable of optimizing the quality of some food crops, can play an essential role in the economic development of populations living in marginal areas. These areas, represented by inland zones often abandoned due to the difficulty of applying mechanized agriculture, can represent an opportunity to rediscover sustainable and profitable practices. Among the high-value crops, saffron (Crocus sativus L.), “red gold” and “king of spices”, stands out for its potential. Indeed, thanks to the use of tuff tubs, a more eco-sustainable choice compared to the plastic pots already mentioned in the literature, it is possible to improve the quality of this spice. Furthermore, Crocus sativus L. not only lends itself to multiple uses but also represents a valid opportunity to supplement agricultural income. This is made possible by its high profitability and beneficial properties for human health, offering a way to diversify agricultural production with positive economic and social impacts. It is known that the saffron market in Italy suffers from competition from developing countries (Iran, Morocco, India) capable of producing saffron at lower costs than European countries, thanks to the lower cost of labor. Therefore, this study seeks to identify marginal areas that can be recovered and valorized through an eco-sustainable cultivation system with the potential to enhance the quality of this spice, making it unique and resilient to competition. Specifically, this paper is organized on a dual scale of investigation: (a) at the local level to demonstrate the economic-ecological feasibility of saffron cultivation through the adoption of an alternative farming technique on an experimental site located in Tricarico (Basilicata—Southern Italy, 40°37′ N, 16°09′ E; 472 m. a.s.l.) that, although fertile, is not suitable for mechanized cropping systems; (b) at the regional level through a spatially explicit land suitability analysis to indicate the possible location where to export saffron cultivation. The final map, obtained by combining geo-environmental variables, can be considered a precious tool to support policymakers and farmers to foster a broad agricultural strategy founded on new crop management systems. The adoption of this alternative agroecological system could optimize the use of land resources in the perspective of increasing crop productivity and profitability in marginal agricultural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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22 pages, 739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Migrant Workers in Urban China: Does Rural Land Still Matter?

by Huiguang Chen, Wojciech J. Florkowski and Zhongyuan Liu

Land 2025, 14(4), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040901 - 19 Apr 2025

Viewed by 81

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test the response of rural–urban migration to land endowment while recognizing the heterogeneity of land tenure security perceptions. Based on the survey data of 751 migrant workers in Nanjing City, the latent class model identifies the [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to test the response of rural–urban migration to land endowment while recognizing the heterogeneity of land tenure security perceptions. Based on the survey data of 751 migrant workers in Nanjing City, the latent class model identifies the secured group and unsecured group, with a particular focus on how heterogeneous concepts of land tenure security mediate the above relationships. Empirical modeling explores how land endowment affects household labor distribution and individual migration decisions, taking the heterogeneity of tenure expectations into account. The key findings reveal the following: (1) an inverse U-shaped relationship between land endowment and household labor distribution, but not between land endowment and individual migrant decisions; (2) farm households who perceive land tenure as unsecured tend to send fewer household members as job-seeking migrants, even as their land endowment increases; (3) however, individual migration decisions under conditions of a secured land tenure reduce the risk of losing land and induce migrant workers to stay in cities. The findings contribute to advancing the institutional analysis of the impact of land endowment on household labor allocation and how land tenure security affects immigration decisions, providing empirical evidence for China’s rural revitalization policies, which would support reforms that secure land tenure, such as the second-round contracting renewal policy and the rural revitalization plan in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 2nd Conference on Future Challenges in Sustainable Urban Planning & Territorial Management)

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24 pages, 3075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Coordinative Evaluation of Suburban Construction Land from Spatial, Socio-Economic, and Ecological Dimensions: A Case Study of Suburban Wuhan, Central China

by Junqing Wei, Yasi Tian, Chun Li, Hongzhou Yuan and Yanfang Liu

Land 2025, 14(4), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040900 - 19 Apr 2025

Viewed by 99

Abstract

As a zone lying adjacent to urban areas, construction land development in suburbs includes urban expansion caused by urbanization and rural construction land increments caused by rural development. Given the necessity of satisfying urban and rural development demands while protecting the ecological environment, [...] Read more.

As a zone lying adjacent to urban areas, construction land development in suburbs includes urban expansion caused by urbanization and rural construction land increments caused by rural development. Given the necessity of satisfying urban and rural development demands while protecting the ecological environment, goals of land use efficiency, socio-economic coordination, and ecological benefit need to be ensured simultaneously, which indicates that the coordinative development of suburban construction land is of great significance, thereby raising the need for a reasonable evaluation for the coordinative level from multiple dimensions. However, the evaluation of suburban construction land coordination considering spatial, socio-economic, and ecological factors is insufficiently studied. To fill the research gap, this study comprehensively evaluates the coordination of suburban construction land at the town level. Specifically, four indicators from spatial, socio-economic, and ecological dimensions, including landscape pattern, accessibility, socio-economic symbiosis, and ecological functional suitability, are selected. By utilizing coupling coordination degree estimation, the coordination among the four selected indicators is evaluated. By adopting a case study of suburban Wuhan, different coordinative levels regarding suburban construction land development are identified and respondent suggestions to promote the coordination of suburban construction land under current China’s land use policies are provided. This study contributes to understanding the coordinative development of suburban construction land and proposing a method to estimate the coordination. Full article

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23 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Forces of Agricultural Land Abandonment: A Lithuanian Case

by Daiva Juknelienė, Viktorija Narmontienė, Jolanta Valčiukienė and Gintautas Mozgeris

Land 2025, 14(4), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040899 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 76

Abstract

The abandonment of agricultural land is now considered one of the primary land use changes driven by complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors. To understand and manage this process, a holistic approach that integrates multidimensional methodologies and interactions is essential. This [...] Read more.

The abandonment of agricultural land is now considered one of the primary land use changes driven by complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors. To understand and manage this process, a holistic approach that integrates multidimensional methodologies and interactions is essential. This study examines the key driving factors behind agricultural land abandonment in Lithuania using two methodological approaches. First, seventeen highly qualified land management experts were surveyed, and their insights were analysed using in-depth qualitative interviews, focusing on agricultural land abandonment and its underlying factors. Second, the development of agricultural land abandonment in a representative Lithuanian municipality was modelled using Markov chain models, incorporating freely available geographic data as factors influencing land use transformation. Actual areas of abandoned agricultural land were mapped using orthophotos from 2012, 2018, and 2021, for both model development and validation. The importance of predictors in the model was then assessed in relation to their significance as drivers of agricultural land abandonment. The findings indicate that natural factors, such as the proximity of forests and topographical constraints, play a significant role in explaining land abandonment processes. Additionally, agricultural land abandonment is influenced by social, economic, and legal factors, including land ownership structures, migration, and infrastructure accessibility. The importance of soil quality, productivity, and the presence of nearby arable land was found to vary depending on data accuracy and local environmental conditions, highlighting the complexity of agricultural land use patterns. The chosen mixed-method approach, combining qualitative surveys with numerical spatial modelling, demonstrates potential for identifying critical land use areas and providing insights to improve land management policies and decision making. Full article

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31 pages, 7498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Feasibility of PPPs for Cultural Heritage Enhancement in UNESCO Sites: The Case of Matera (Italy)

by Francesca Torrieri, Alessia Crisopulli and Marco Rossitti

Land 2025, 14(4), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040898 - 18 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The complexity of decision making about cultural heritage has drawn attention to hybrid and innovative models to support the challenge of its enhancement. In this context, public–private partnership (PPP) has emerged as a promising tool to address the public administration’s lack of financial [...] Read more.

The complexity of decision making about cultural heritage has drawn attention to hybrid and innovative models to support the challenge of its enhancement. In this context, public–private partnership (PPP) has emerged as a promising tool to address the public administration’s lack of financial resources. However, several barriers have hindered the wide application of PPPs to support heritage enhancement initiatives, thus highlighting the need to provide decision-making processes with appropriate methodological tools, especially in contexts such as UNESCO sites, where heritage conservation rises to a global challenge. Based on these premises, the paper proposes a methodological approach to support decision making about implementing PPPs for heritage enhancement in UNESCO sites by evaluating the financial sustainability of different PPP scenarios, while considering their ability to ensure a fair distribution of benefits between the public and the private. After providing a comprehensive picture of the relationship between PPPs and UNESCO sites in Italy, such an approach was tested on a case study, the “I Sassi di Matera” site that, over the last decades, has made PPPs a central tool for its enhancement strategy. The test results reveal the opportunities of the proposed approach to inform decision making and delve into PPP’s potential for heritage enhancement while outlining the related future research perspectives to ensure its broad scalability to other UNESCO contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Challenges for Urban Built Environment and Landscape Conservation: Social, Cultural and Economic Issues)

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25 pages, 4611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Coordination Evaluation of Ecological Security in Coal Resource-Exhausted Villages

by Pingjia Luo, Tianlong Liu, Haiyang Cao, Hao Chen and Weixi Chen

Land 2025, 14(4), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040897 - 18 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Although the exploitation of coal resources has driven regional economic growth, it has also inflicted considerable ecological damage. The sustainable development of ecological security in coal resource-exhausted villages is challenged by multiple pressures, states, and response requirements. Identifying potential risks and assessing the [...] Read more.

Although the exploitation of coal resources has driven regional economic growth, it has also inflicted considerable ecological damage. The sustainable development of ecological security in coal resource-exhausted villages is challenged by multiple pressures, states, and response requirements. Identifying potential risks and assessing the coupling coordination in these areas is a critical research topic for promoting their transformation and development. This study uses Jiawang District, a representative coal resource-exhausted village in China, as a case study to examine the evolution of ecological security at the rural scale from 2000 to 2021. It innovatively constructs a comprehensive evaluation model based on “resilience support—state characteristics—response mechanism” and integrates coupling coordination degree analysis with grey relational analysis to quantitatively reveal the spatio-temporal differentiation features and driving mechanisms of ecological security coupling coordination in coal resource-depleted rural areas. The findings indicate the following: (1) Between 2000 and 2021, the comprehensive ecological security index of coal resource-exhausted villages in Jiawang District exhibited a sustained upward trend; (2) The coupling coordination degree of six sampled villages across the district displayed a gradient distribution pattern characterized by “higher in the west and lower in the east, higher in the north and lower in the south”, with each unit achieving phased improvements in coordination levels; (3) Through grey relational analysis, key factors influencing the coupling coordination of coal resource-exhausted villages were identified across three dimensions—coupling coordination degree, the overall Jiawang region, and the rural scale. This study offers targeted policy recommendations for coal resource-exhausted villages at varying levels of coupling coordination. Full article

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31 pages, 17335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Spillover Effects of Urban Gray–Green Space Form on COVID-19 Pandemic in China

by Tingting Kang, Yangyang Jiang, Chuangeng Yang, Yujie She, Zixi Jiang and Zeng Li

Land 2025, 14(4), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040896 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 146

Abstract

Although the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been alleviated, its long-term effects continue to shape global health and public safety. Policymakers should prepare for potential future health crises and direct urban planning toward more sustainable outcomes. While numerous studies have examined [...] Read more.

Although the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been alleviated, its long-term effects continue to shape global health and public safety. Policymakers should prepare for potential future health crises and direct urban planning toward more sustainable outcomes. While numerous studies have examined factors influencing the risk of COVID-19, few have investigated the spatial spillover effects of urban form and green space. In this study, we quantified urban form using landscape pattern indices, represented population mobility with the Baidu Migration Scale Index, and assessed the role of key influencing factors on the epidemic through STIRPAT and spatial Durbin models. Our findings reveal that population migration from Wuhan had a significant local impact on the spread of COVID-19. These factors not only intensified local transmission, but also triggered positive spatial spillover effects, spreading the virus to neighboring regions. We also found that green space connectivity (pc₅) plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of the virus, both locally and in surrounding areas. High green space connectivity helps mitigate disease transmission during an epidemic. In contrast, the spatial configuration and unipolarity of urban areas (pc₁) contributed to the increased spread of the virus to neighboring cities. Ultimately, balancing building density with green space distribution is essential for enhancing urban resilience. This research provides new insights into sustainable urban planning and helps us understand the impact of the spillover effects of gray–green space forms on public health and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Resilient and Sustainable Urban Futures)

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26 pages, 3612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Pattern Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Mixed Land Use: A Case Study of Changsha’s Built-Up Areas, China

by Minli Huang, Junlin Huang, Wanqing Zhang and Qiao Chen

Land 2025, 14(4), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040895 - 18 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Mixed land use (MLU) plays a pivotal role in promoting compact and sustainable urban development. This study examines Changsha’s built-up areas using the Place2vec model and Point of Interest (POI) data to identify MLU patterns. We quantitatively assess the degree of MLU through [...] Read more.

Mixed land use (MLU) plays a pivotal role in promoting compact and sustainable urban development. This study examines Changsha’s built-up areas using the Place2vec model and Point of Interest (POI) data to identify MLU patterns. We quantitatively assess the degree of MLU through three dimensions: diversity, compatibility, and accessibility, and employ the Optimal Parameters-Based Geographical Detector (OPGD) model to uncover the driving factors influencing the MLU degree across different patterns. The results show that the Place2vec model identifies six mixed patterns in Changsha’s built-up areas, each encompassing diverse urban land types. The six mixed patterns exhibit significant differences in terms of diversity, compatibility, and accessibility, with the overall degree of MLU presenting a central–peripheral spatial structure. Although driving mechanisms vary across patterns, transport network connectivity and spatial utilization efficiency consistently exhibit dominant influences. These findings offer valuable insights for designing targeted urban planning strategies and optimizing land-use configurations to promote urban development. Full article

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26 pages, 74183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Feasibility of Building Parks for Peace in China: From Global Cases to Localized Solutions

by Shuyue He, Yixue Wang, Di Wang and Fan Zhang

Land 2025, 14(4), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040894 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 194

Abstract

The “Parks for Peace” concept represents transboundary protected areas with ecological, cultural, and economic significance that can transcend geopolitical and ideological differences. Despite the global proliferation of these conservation models, China lacks officially designated peace parks and comprehensive development frameworks in this domain. [...] Read more.

The “Parks for Peace” concept represents transboundary protected areas with ecological, cultural, and economic significance that can transcend geopolitical and ideological differences. Despite the global proliferation of these conservation models, China lacks officially designated peace parks and comprehensive development frameworks in this domain. This research addresses this gap through rigorous methodological approaches. The study conducts fieldwork in existing parks for peace and border national parks, collecting data through field observation, open-ended interviews, and informal conversations. The case analysis method is employed to analyze spatial relationships across different border contexts comparatively. This comparative analysis explores the feasibility of transboundary national parks by examining development bottlenecks, deconstructing rigid border narratives, and assessing long-term cultural benefits. Based on empirical findings, the research proposes a context-appropriate framework for Chinese border national parks encompassing four dimensions: establishing a transfrontier national park system, implementing multi-stakeholder governance mechanisms, building consensus around park cultural values, and developing transboundary recreational infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Local and Regional Planning for Sustainable Development)

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30 pages, 9485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Age-Friendly Design in Mountainous Urban Community Parks Based on Nonlinear Models: An Empirical Study in Chongqing, China

by Liping Wang, Xiufeng Sun, Junru Yan, Meiru Xie and Hua Qin

Land 2025, 14(4), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040893 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 106

Abstract

As China undergoes a rapid transition into an aging society, the mobility challenges faced by the older adults in high-density mountainous cities are exacerbated by complex topographical conditions. Existing studies often overlook the nonlinear relationships and the distinct planning requirements of mountainous versus [...] Read more.

As China undergoes a rapid transition into an aging society, the mobility challenges faced by the older adults in high-density mountainous cities are exacerbated by complex topographical conditions. Existing studies often overlook the nonlinear relationships and the distinct planning requirements of mountainous versus flat urban areas when evaluating the age-friendliness of community parks. This study aims to identify the critical elements of age-friendly planning in mountainous community parks, validate the applicability of nonlinear models, and quantify the dynamic effects of various factors on older adults’ satisfaction, thereby establishing a foundation for targeted optimization strategies. Utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) on 358 valid questionnaires collected from three representative mountainous community parks in Chongqing, six key planning factors were extracted. An ordered logit model was employed for regression and marginal effect analyses. The findings reveal that (1) the ordered logit model outperforms alternative models in terms of goodness-of-fit and computational efficiency, making it particularly suitable for capturing the nonlinear characteristics of satisfaction; (2) accessibility facilities, spatial and social connectivity, and landscape environment emerge as the primary determinants of older adults’ satisfaction, with improvements in accessibility facilities exerting the most significant impact; and (3) the provision of multifunctional activity spaces and increased social opportunities effectively addresses the psychological and physiological needs of the older adults. This study contributes to the optimization of age-friendly design strategies for community parks in high-density mountainous cities, offering valuable insights for promoting healthy aging and fostering inclusive urban environments. Full article

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36 pages, 10687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coastal Vulnerability of Archaeological Sites of Southeastern Crete, Greece

by Anna V. Novikova, Athanasios V. Argyriou, Nafsika C. Andriopoulou, George Alexandrakis and Nikos Papadopoulos

Land 2025, 14(4), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040892 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 140

Abstract

The study assesses coastal evolution and the vulnerability of archaeological sites in Southeastern Crete. Shoreline dynamics since the 1940s were examined through the interpretation of high-resolution aerial photographs and satellite images. A set of climatic variables, as well as data on geomorphological and [...] Read more.

The study assesses coastal evolution and the vulnerability of archaeological sites in Southeastern Crete. Shoreline dynamics since the 1940s were examined through the interpretation of high-resolution aerial photographs and satellite images. A set of climatic variables, as well as data on geomorphological and geological factors obtained from fieldwork, images interpretation, archives, and open-source datasets, were analysed. The influence of these variables on coastal dynamics was evaluated using regression analysis, correlating their spatial distribution with rates of shoreline retreat/advance. Based on this, variables for the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) calculation were selected, and the weighting for the weighted CVI (CVI_w) was determined. The classical CVI identified 13.7% of the study area’s coastline as having very high vulnerability to coastal hazards, 15.5% as highly vulnerable. In the case of CVI_w, 17.5% of the coasts of the area were classified as having very high level of vulnerability, 39.6%—as highly vulnerable. Both approaches, the CVI and the weighted CVI, highlighted the most vulnerable areas in the north, east, and southeast of Koufonisi Island, as well as the north and east of Chrisi Island. The least vulnerable areas include the wide beaches in enclosed bays, such as Gra Lygia, Ierapetra, and Ferma, along with rocky capes east of Ierapetra. Among the five archaeological sites examined, two (Lefki Roman Town and Stomio Roman Villa) fall within zones of high or very high coastal vulnerability. This study provides the first in-depth analysis of coastal dynamics and vulnerability of Southeastern Crete, a region with significant cultural heritage yet previously under-researched. Full article

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26 pages, 16783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Effect of Blue–Green Infrastructure on Thermal Condition—Case Study: Elazığ, Turkey

by Sevgi Yilmaz, Yaşar Menteş and Elmira Jamei

Land 2025, 14(4), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040891 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 94

Abstract

This study examines the thermal impacts of green and blue infrastructure in Hilalkent Neighborhood, Elazığ City, in Turkey, using ENVI-met 5.6.1 software. Six design scenarios were proposed and their impact on air temperature, relative humidity, mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), physiological equivalent temperature (PET), [...] Read more.

This study examines the thermal impacts of green and blue infrastructure in Hilalkent Neighborhood, Elazığ City, in Turkey, using ENVI-met 5.6.1 software. Six design scenarios were proposed and their impact on air temperature, relative humidity, mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), physiological equivalent temperature (PET), and wind speed during August and January was analyzed. The simulation results were verified via field measurements using the Lutron AM-4247SD Weather Forecast Station at a height of 2.0 m above the ground. Data were collected in August 2023 and January 2024. The findings of this study indicate that existing vegetation in the study area provides a cooling effect of 0.8 °C during August. The addition of 10% grass coverage further reduced air temperature by 0.3 °C, while a 20% increase in tree density led to a 0.6 °C temperature reduction. The inclusion of a 10% water surface resulted in a 0.4 °C decrease in air temperature, and the implementation of extensive roof gardens contributed to an additional 0.2 °C reduction during the August period. The combined implementation of blue–green infrastructure in the study area achieved a total cooling effect of 1.5 °C during August. During January, the proposed scenarios led to a reduction in average temperatures by 0.1 °C to 0.4 °C compared to the base scenario, which may not be favorable for thermal comfort in colder conditions. Relative humidity values decreased during the August and Tmrt values were directly proportional to air temperature changes in both August and January. The results of this study provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, demonstrating the effectiveness of blue–green infrastructure in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. These findings highlight the importance of integrating climate-responsive design strategies into urban planning to enhance thermal comfort and environmental sustainability in cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services: 6th Edition)

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22 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening Climate Resilience Through Urban Policy: A Mixed-Method Framework with Case Study Insights

by Shiyao Zhu and Haibo Feng

Land 2025, 14(4), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040890 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 141

Abstract

While climate resilience is a growing priority in urban planning, limited attention has been given to the procedural and governance mechanisms needed to effectively integrate resilience into policy development. This study presents a comprehensive policy analysis aimed at enhancing climate resilience, using the [...] Read more.

While climate resilience is a growing priority in urban planning, limited attention has been given to the procedural and governance mechanisms needed to effectively integrate resilience into policy development. This study presents a comprehensive policy analysis aimed at enhancing climate resilience, using the city of Kamloops, Canada, as a case study. A policy evaluation framework was developed, encompassing four dimensions and 20 indicators, to assess 11 policies and bylaws in Kamloops. The evaluation yielded a moderate score of 0.559 out of 1, revealing both existing strengths and critical gaps in the city’s climate resilience strategies. Key challenges identified include policy inflexibility, the absence of clear climate adaptation goals, insufficient emphasis on education and research, the lack of long-term projections and risk assessments, and implementation gaps such as unclear timelines, responsibilities, and funding mechanisms. To validate these findings, interviews with city staff from multiple departments provided further insights into governance barriers and opportunities for policy enhancement. Beyond Kamloops, this study offers a scalable and adaptable framework for cities worldwide seeking to integrate resilience into their urban planning policies. By addressing governance and procedural challenges, cities can strengthen their capacity to mitigate climate risks, enhance sustainability, and build long-term urban resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Evaluation Methodology of Urban and Regional Planning)

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20 pages, 9408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Differentiation and Driving Factors of Urban–Rural Integration in Counties of Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Youming Dong, Long Li and Xianjin Huang

Land 2025, 14(4), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040889 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 144

Abstract

Assessing URI and its driving mechanisms can promote urban–rural integration (URI). However, existing research has often underexplored county-scale analyses within national strategic zones in China and has given limited attention to the spatiotemporal impacts of drivers. Focusing on the Yangtze River Economic Belt [...] Read more.

Assessing URI and its driving mechanisms can promote urban–rural integration (URI). However, existing research has often underexplored county-scale analyses within national strategic zones in China and has given limited attention to the spatiotemporal impacts of drivers. Focusing on the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) of China, this study examined the spatiotemporal dynamics of county-level URI from 2000 to 2020 and analyzed the spatiotemporal heterogeneity effects of drivers using a geo-detector and the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model. The findings reveal the following: (1) The level of URI in the counties of the YREB generally increased over the study period, though social and spatial integration lagged behind economic and environmental integration. (2) URI decreased spatially from east to west, forming high and low levels of spatial agglomeration in the YREB’s urban agglomerations and the provincial fringes in the west, respectively. (3) Economic development, social fixed asset investment, transportation accessibility, and geographical conditions drove the spatiotemporal differentiation of URI in YREB counties. The elevation significantly hindered URI in the eastern region, while URI in the central region was significantly promoted by social fixed asset investment and transportation accessibility, despite the inhibitory effect of the slope. In the western region, economic development played a critical facilitating role, but the slope remained a limiting factor. Tailored strategies are needed for different regions to promote URI. Full article

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30 pages, 31813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Near-Surface CO₂ and Influencing Factors in Urban Communities

by Yueyue Wu, Yi Zheng, Jialei Liu, Qingxin Yang, Beixiang Shi, Chenghe Guan and Wanxin Deng

Land 2025, 14(4), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040888 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 151

Abstract

CO₂ is the primary contributor to global warming, and also the most significant anthropogenic emission gas in cities. This study investigates near-surface CO₂ spatiotemporal variability patterns at the community scale to address the critical gap in urban CO₂ high-resolution measurement [...] Read more.

CO₂ is the primary contributor to global warming, and also the most significant anthropogenic emission gas in cities. This study investigates near-surface CO₂ spatiotemporal variability patterns at the community scale to address the critical gap in urban CO₂ high-resolution measurement and promote urban carbon neutrality. Combining fixed and mobile monitoring across five representative communities (1-km² coverage) with two-hour temporal precision and 20 m spatial resolution, results revealed average CO₂ concentrations of 440–480 ppm, exhibiting bimodal diurnal cycles and highlighting spatiotemporal divergent emission behaviors. Three communities peaked during 17:00–19:00 LT, while two peaked during 08:00–10:00 LT. Spatial correlation analysis identified two dominant patterns: road-adjacent “externally dominated” hotspots and “internally dominated” zones with elevated intra-community levels. Spearman correlation analysis, Random Forest, and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression models quantified spatial morphology and element contributions, demonstrating that building morphology exerted time-varying impacts across communities. Meanwhile, external traffic contributed 18–39% to concentration variability, while internal traffic and energy consumption drove localized peaks. The findings indicated that apart from the emission sources, the micro-scale urban spatial design elements also regulate the near-surface CO₂ distribution. This high-resolution approach provides actionable insights for optimizing community layouts and infrastructure to mitigate localized emissions, advancing carbon neutrality targeted urban planning. Full article

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21 pages, 5673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nature Conservation and Sustainable Tourism in a Former Baltic Sea Coastal Military Area

by Egidijus Jurkus, Julius Taminskas, Arvydas Urbis and Ramūnas Povilanskas

Land 2025, 14(4), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040887 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 196

Abstract

The coastal zone consists of diverse littoral habitats, which we categorize into two primary types: linear and areal. Investigating linear littoral habitats is crucial for resolving the ‘coastal squeeze’ phenomenon in coastal and marine protected areas and in seaside resorts. Our research aims [...] Read more.

The coastal zone consists of diverse littoral habitats, which we categorize into two primary types: linear and areal. Investigating linear littoral habitats is crucial for resolving the ‘coastal squeeze’ phenomenon in coastal and marine protected areas and in seaside resorts. Our research aims to identify the critical conditions for the conversion of defunct seaside military training areas as brownfields into coastal protected areas and small-scale seaside resorts and their sustainable planning and management. The development of seaside tourism facilities is taking place both on the coast and in the hinterland, but the coast is used for tourism much more intensively than the hinterland. It is challenging to ‘pull’ tourists away from the linear beach to the areal hinterland. We argue that the distinctiveness of the resource use conflicts in coastal and hinterland tourism lies in an essential difference between the system’s linear and areal littoral habitats, as 78% of summer visitors in Pajūris Regional Park in Lithuania come for active leisure in nature. The results of our study show that combining the GIS interpretation algorithms, supported by the innovative conjoining of DPSIR and Delphi analytical tools, ensures site-tailored integrated management of the linear waterfront and the areal hinterland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Restoration and Reusing Brownfield Sites)

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49 pages, 17388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Differential Spatial Economic Modeling Method for Improved Land Use and Multimodal Transportation Planning

by Muhammad Safdar, Ming Zhong, Linfeng Li, Asif Raza and John Douglas Hunt

Land 2025, 14(4), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040886 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 186

Abstract

Regional planning agencies increasingly rely on Spatial Economic Models (SEMs) to evaluate the impact of various policies. However, traditional SEMs often employ homogeneous technical coefficients (TCs) to represent technology patterns used by activities located in very different areas of a region, leading to [...] Read more.

Regional planning agencies increasingly rely on Spatial Economic Models (SEMs) to evaluate the impact of various policies. However, traditional SEMs often employ homogeneous technical coefficients (TCs) to represent technology patterns used by activities located in very different areas of a region, leading to misrepresentations of production and consumption behaviors, and consequently, inaccurate modeling results. To this end, we propose a Differential Spatial Economic Modeling (DSEM) framework that incorporates region-specific TCs for activities within Independent Planning Units (IPUs), such as provinces or cities, each characterized by unique economic, demographic, and technological features. The DSEM framework comprises three core components: (1) a regional economy model that forecasts activity totals for each IPU using economic and demographic forecasting model, supplemented by statistical analyses like the Gini index and K-means clustering to group activities from different IPUs into homogeneous ‘technology’ clusters based on their TCs; (2) a land use model that allocates IPU activity totals to corresponding traffic analysis zones (e.g., counties or districts) using the Differential Spatial Activity Allocation (DSAA) method. This determines the spatial distribution of commodities (such as goods, services, floor space, and labor) across exchange zones, balancing supply and demand to achieve spatial equilibrium in both quantity and price; and (3) a transport model that performs modal split and network assignment, distributing commodity trip origin–destination matrices across a multimodal transportation supernetwork (highways, railways, and waterways) using a probit-based stochastic user equilibrium assignment model. The proposed method is applied to a case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China. The results demonstrate that the proposed DSEM yields better goodness-of-fit (R²) values between observed and estimated flows compared to the traditional aggregate SEM. This indicates a more precise and objective representation of spatial economic activities and technological patterns, thus resulting in improved estimates of freight flows for individual transportation modes and specific links. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Evaluation Methodology of Urban and Regional Planning)

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22 pages, 11311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Analysis for Conservation and Integral Risk Assessment of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Spain)

by Leticia Merchán, Antonio Miguel Martínez-Graña and Carlos E. Nieto

Land 2025, 14(4), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040885 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 184

Abstract

The environment is being affected by the great development of human activities, which is why, in recent years, the need to protect the environment has increased, through the carrying out of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Within this assessment, environmental geology constitutes an [...] Read more.

The environment is being affected by the great development of human activities, which is why, in recent years, the need to protect the environment has increased, through the carrying out of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Within this assessment, environmental geology constitutes an instrument for territorial and urban planning based on the analysis of conservation and the integral analysis of risks, obtaining cartography that can be useful in territorial and regional planning strategies. The methodology carried out in this article consists of applying a multi-criteria analysis in territorial planning, combining vector and raster data. This novel, low-cost, and effective methodology assesses conservation areas and risks, using map algebra and network analysis to identify priority areas and facilitate decision-making in a precise and quantitative manner. This analysis has been carried out in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, which stands out as a place where numerous environmental values coexist, i.e., geological, geomorphological, and edaphological, forming unique landscapes. With regard to the results obtained, the cartography of conservation quality classifies the territory into four categories according to its degree of conservation: very high, high, low, and very low quality. The integral risk cartography identifies the areas with the greatest geological risks, such as erosion and landslides, and establishes limitations for land use. Also, by integrating both cartographies, it is determined which activities are compatible with each zone, considering both conservation and risks. Finally, it can be concluded that the cartographies obtained are useful for efficient land management, protecting the environment, and allowing human development in a controlled manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Multi-Source Geographical Big Data in Land Use Decision-Making)

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18 pages, 6835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of the Desert Steppe Ecosystem in the Northern Foothills of Yinshan Mountain to Extreme Climate

by Shuixia Zhao, Mengmeng Zhang, Yingjie Wu, Enliang Guo, Yongfang Wang, Shengjie Cui and Tomasz Kolerski

Land 2025, 14(4), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040884 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 201

Abstract

The desert steppe ecosystem at the Northern Foothills of the Yinshan Mountains (NFYS) is characterized by its fragility and heightened sensitivity to global climate change. Understanding the response and lag effects of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) to climate change is imperative for advancing [...] Read more.

The desert steppe ecosystem at the Northern Foothills of the Yinshan Mountains (NFYS) is characterized by its fragility and heightened sensitivity to global climate change. Understanding the response and lag effects of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) to climate change is imperative for advancing ecological management and fostering sustainable development. The spatiotemporal dynamics of chlorophyll fluorescence-based GPP data and its responses to precipitation, temperature, and extreme climate from 2001 to 2023 were analyzed. The random forest model and the partial least squares regression model were employed to further elucidate the response mechanisms of GPP to extreme climate, with a specific focus on the lag effect. The findings revealed that the GPP in the NFYS exhibited distinct regional characteristics, demonstrating a predominantly increasing trend over the past 23 years. The region has experienced a warming and drying trend, marked by a decrease in the intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation events, and an increase in extremely high temperatures and consecutive hot days, except a slight, albeit insignificant, increase in precipitation in the northeastern part. GPP exhibits varying degrees of lag, ranging from one to three months, in response to both normal and extreme climatic conditions, with a more immediate response to extreme temperatures than to precipitation. The influence of different climatic conditions on the lag effects of GPP can amplify the negative effects of extreme temperatures and the positive impact of extreme precipitation. The anticipated trend towards a warmer and more humid climate is projected to foster an increase in GPP. This research is of great theoretical and practical significance for deeply understanding the adaptation mechanisms of ecosystems under the context of climate change, optimizing desertification control strategies, and enhancing regional ecological resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 4th Edition)

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24 pages, 5381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Evolution of Land Use Ecological Efficiency in the Huaihai Economic Zone: Insights from a Multi-Dimensional Framework and Geospatial Modeling

by Gan Teng, Longqian Chen, Ting Zhang, Long Li, Jue Xiao and Linyu Ma

Land 2025, 14(4), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040883 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 121

Abstract

Existing studies on eco-efficiency evaluation often neglect the social and ecological benefits of land use, as well as the spatial heterogeneity in the effects of natural factors. This study aims to establish a systematic eco-efficiency evaluation framework and examine the dynamic impacts of [...] Read more.

Existing studies on eco-efficiency evaluation often neglect the social and ecological benefits of land use, as well as the spatial heterogeneity in the effects of natural factors. This study aims to establish a systematic eco-efficiency evaluation framework and examine the dynamic impacts of various factors on land use eco-efficiency at the county scale. An evaluation framework integrating economic, ecological, and social outputs was constructed using multi-source remote sensing data. The super-efficiency Slack-Based Measure model and exploratory spatial data analysis method were employed to analyze the land use eco-efficiency and its spatiotemporal characteristics in the Huaihai Economic Zone from 2000 to 2022. Furthermore, the enhanced Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression model was applied to examine the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of industrial structure, ecological background, land use, and other factors influencing land use eco-efficiency. The results indicated the following: (1) The average land use eco-efficiency in the Huaihai Economic Zone followed a pronounced “U-shaped” pattern, initially decreasing before increasing. At the county level, efficiency values generally showed an upward trend, with municipal districts or county-level cities accounting for more than half of the areas. (2) A weak positive spatial agglomeration of land use eco-efficiency was observed at the county level. High-efficiency areas shifted from a dispersed pattern to a “T-shaped” spatial distribution, while low-efficiency areas gradually converged toward the southern regions, evolving from an “H-shaped” cluster. (3) The influence of industrial structure, urbanization, environmental regulation, ecological factors, and land use on ecological efficiency exhibited clear spatial and temporal heterogeneity. The multi-dimensional land use eco-efficiency evaluation offers an effective tool for comprehensively assessing ecological conservation, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. It also provides valuable insights for improving land use eco-efficiency at the county level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Remote Sensing and GIS for Monitoring Land Use Change and Its Ecological Effects)

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37 pages, 4037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Dual Low-Carbon Pilot Policies on Urban Green Land Use Efficiency: Mechanisms and Spatial Spillovers Through Difference-in-Differences and Spatial Econometric Analysis

by Zhixiong Liu, Yuheng Wei, Ruofan Liao, Woraphon Yamaka and Jianxu Liu

Land 2025, 14(4), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040882 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 193

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanization has driven significant economic growth, but has also resulted in resource depletion, ecological degradation, and inefficient land use, collectively hindering sustainable development. In response, pilot policies for “low-carbon cities” and “carbon emissions trading” have been implemented to enhance urban land [...] Read more.

China’s rapid urbanization has driven significant economic growth, but has also resulted in resource depletion, ecological degradation, and inefficient land use, collectively hindering sustainable development. In response, pilot policies for “low-carbon cities” and “carbon emissions trading” have been implemented to enhance urban land use efficiency. This study evaluates the green land use efficiency of 282 prefectural-level cities in China from 2006 to 2023, using the non-expected output super-efficiency SBM model. Some cities serve as pilot sites for both “low-carbon cities” and “carbon emissions trading.” A multi-period Difference-in-Differences model is employed to empirically assess the impact and mechanisms of this “dual-pilot” policy on green land use efficiency. The findings indicate the following: (1) The dual-pilot policy significantly improves green land use efficiency, with coordinated implementation yielding greater efficiency gains than single-policy approaches. (2) Mechanism analysis suggests that these policies enhance efficiency by promoting technological innovation and industrial agglomeration. (3) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the policy’s impact is stronger in western regions, cities with high human capital, large urban centers, areas with stringent environmental regulations, and non-resource-dependent cities. (4) Spatial econometric analysis shows that while low-carbon policies improve local land use efficiency, they also create a siphoning effect on neighboring areas, with positive impacts observed within a 100–600 km range, diminishing and turning negative beyond 600 km. These insights provide a valuable framework for sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the importance of adaptive, context-sensitive policy design in addressing complex ecological and economic challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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27 pages, 9813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Touristification and Expansion of Short-Term Rentals in Mediterranean Destinations: The Case of Rural Areas

by Fernando Almeida-García, Apollònia Monserrat-Febrer, Rafael Cortés-Macías and Miquel Àngel Coll-Ramis

Land 2025, 14(4), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040881 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 213

Abstract

This study analyses how the intensive use of short-term rentals (STRs) in the tourism sector contributes to the transformation and touristification of rural areas in mature tourist destinations, using the island of Mallorca, Spain, as a case study. Based on growth machine theory, [...] Read more.

This study analyses how the intensive use of short-term rentals (STRs) in the tourism sector contributes to the transformation and touristification of rural areas in mature tourist destinations, using the island of Mallorca, Spain, as a case study. Based on growth machine theory, the analysis innovatively examines the factors driving the expansion of STRs in rural spaces, with a focus on economic, social, and territorial dynamics. The research hypothesis is that the proliferation of STRs acts as a key element in rural touristification. Using a combination of spatial and temporal indicators, the study identifies patterns of intensification and dispersion of STRs in rural areas, offering a comparison with other Mediterranean destinations, particularly in Spain. The results show that STRs have generated significant spatial impacts, leading to the displacement of agricultural land use and increasing tensions within local communities, mainly due to rising housing prices. The study highlights the need to implement spatial planning policies that restrain the uncontrolled expansion of STRs, ensure sustainable tourism planning, and promote housing policies that protect residents from the negative effects of touristification. Various scenarios for the evolution of STRs are proposed depending on their regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues)

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