Land

23 pages, 12214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geospatial Spatiotemporal Analysis of Tourism Facility Attractiveness and Tourism Vitality in Historic Districts: A Case Study of Suzhou Old City

by Mi Zhou and Jianqiang Yang

Land 2025, 14(5), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050922 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Amid the global urbanization process, addressing the spatial carrying capacity constraints of historic urban districts and enhancing sustainable tourism vitality has become a critical issue in urban renewal research. This study takes Suzhou Old City as a case study and innovatively constructs a [...] Read more.

Amid the global urbanization process, addressing the spatial carrying capacity constraints of historic urban districts and enhancing sustainable tourism vitality has become a critical issue in urban renewal research. This study takes Suzhou Old City as a case study and innovatively constructs a dynamic spatiotemporal analytical framework to examine the relationship between tourism facility attractiveness and tourism vitality in historic districts. This study integrates multi-source spatiotemporal data and applies factor analysis, weighted kernel density estimation (KDE), spatial autocorrelation analysis, and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to systematically investigate the spatial distribution patterns of tourism facilities and elucidate their multidimensional driving mechanisms on tourism vitality. The findings reveal a generally positive correlation between tourism attractiveness and tourism vitality. However, significant temporal and spatial variations exist, with different types of tourism facilities demonstrating distinct attractiveness patterns at different times of the day. These variations underscore the intrinsic link between visitor behavior and regional functionality as well as the structural contradictions within historic districts. This study not only advances theoretical insights into the spatial optimization of tourism facilities and tourism vitality enhancement but also provides scientific evidence and policy recommendations for improving facility distribution, revitalizing historic districts, and promoting sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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33 pages, 3508 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Green Infrastructure for Urban Flooding: Knowledge Domains and Research Evolution (2015–2024)

by Jin-Pyo Kim and Jin-Oh Kim

Land 2025, 14(5), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050921 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Urban flooding represents a critical socio-ecological challenge exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization, with green infrastructure (GI) emerging as a transformative approach to flood management. This study employs an innovative methodological framework integrating the Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and Orange3 analytical tools to examine [...] Read more.

Urban flooding represents a critical socio-ecological challenge exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization, with green infrastructure (GI) emerging as a transformative approach to flood management. This study employs an innovative methodological framework integrating the Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and Orange3 analytical tools to examine research trends and evolutions in GI for urban flooding from 2015 to 2024. The bibliometric analysis of 813 publications reveals a profound epistemological transition from technically oriented approaches toward integrated socio-ecological frameworks. The citation patterns demonstrate increasing scholarly attention on multifunctionality, climate resilience, and governance dimensions, with the United States and China emerging as dominant research hubs. The analysis identifies distinct thematic clusters reflecting the field’s intellectual progression from hydrological engineering paradigms toward systemic conceptualizations that recognize the complex interactions between technical, ecological, and social dimensions. Despite these advancements, persistent knowledge gaps remain regarding longitudinal performance evaluations, governance frameworks for maintenance, and scalar integration from site-specific interventions to watershed-level outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for methodological innovation addressing the temporal dimensions of GI performance and institutional arrangements for its implementation across diverse urban contexts, positioning GI as a critical component of sustainable urban water management amid increasing climatic uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)

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20 pages, 4679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Balance Between Ecosystem Services and Economic Benefits via Multi-Objective Land Use Optimization

by Xiaoyun Li and Zhaonian Lu

Land 2025, 14(5), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050920 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Excessive human activities associated with rapid industrialization and urbanization have exerted tremendous pressure on limited land resources. Scientific land use planning is essential for attaining sustainable development. This study focuses on multi-objective land use optimization in Xinjiang, China’s largest arid region, targeting the [...] Read more.

Excessive human activities associated with rapid industrialization and urbanization have exerted tremendous pressure on limited land resources. Scientific land use planning is essential for attaining sustainable development. This study focuses on multi-objective land use optimization in Xinjiang, China’s largest arid region, targeting the dual goals of maximizing ecosystem services and economic benefits. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and the future land simulation (FLUS) model are integrated innovatively to explore optimal land use in terms of both quantity and spatial distribution. Four distinct development scenarios are predefined and compared: natural development, ecological preservation, economic development, and sustainable development. The main results are as follows: (1) The fragile ecosystem of Xinjiang has been under tremendous pressure during the past 40 years. The predominant pattern in land use transition was the increase in construction land (+115.66%) and cultivated land (+47.18%) at the expense of grassland (−5.48%) and forest land (−4.15%), both of which hold substantial ecological significance. (2) Among these predefined scenarios, the sustainable development scenario is considered more favorable in the future due to its ability to balance ecological preservation and economic development. All the ecologically valuable lands will have certain degrees of growth, whereas the expansion scale of construction land will be effectively controlled. (3) The lack of high-quality land and the unpredictability of water resources will be the two major obstacles to implementing this sustainable development scenario. To overcome them, the government should provide policy and financial support for restricting construction land expansion, exploiting unused land, and strengthening water conservation. This study contributes to formulating more effective land use strategies under multiple conflicting goals and ultimately achieving sustainable development of the economy and ecology in Xinjiang as well as other similar regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy-Water-Land Nexus Under Low-Carbon Globalization)

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27 pages, 3546 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Systems Thinking and Learning Outcomes Fostering Rural–Urban Synergies: A Systematic Review

by Shane Alan Carnohan, Tatjana Apanasevic, Pontus Svenson and Rickard Fornell

Land 2025, 14(5), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050919 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

This systematic review examines the intersection of systems thinking and learning theory in addressing rural–urban challenges in light of increasing global urbanization. We explore how different dimensions of systems thinking—ontological (how we understand systems) and epistemological (how we think about systems)—align with single-, [...] Read more.

This systematic review examines the intersection of systems thinking and learning theory in addressing rural–urban challenges in light of increasing global urbanization. We explore how different dimensions of systems thinking—ontological (how we understand systems) and epistemological (how we think about systems)—align with single-, double-, and triple-loop learning in rural–urban research from 2014 to 2024. Through a rigorous screening process of the peer-reviewed literature, we analyze how theoretical frameworks manifest in research approaches, methodological choices, and learning outcomes. Our findings reveal promising developments and persistent gaps in current approaches, and suggest pathways for more integrated theoretical and methodological frameworks. We also highlight the need for studies that develop knowledge and practices that support collective learning and joint trajectories towards sustainability from a cross-sectorial perspective in rural–urban geographies. This synthesis contributes to discussions on how to effectively address complex challenges at the rural–urban interface while advancing both theoretical understanding and practical application. Full article

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24 pages, 2663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Importance of Blue–Green Infrastructure in the Spatial Development of Post-Industrial and Post-Mining Areas: The Case of Piekary Śląskie, Poland

by Iwona Kantor-Pietraga, Aleksandra Zdyrko-Bednarczyk and Jakub Bednarczyk

Land 2025, 14(5), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050918 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Post-industrial and post-mining areas are an important element of cities historically associated with industrial activity. The transformation of degraded areas is a challenge for spatial policy, which is characterized by a substantial impact on the cultural heritage of mining and industry. The case [...] Read more.

Post-industrial and post-mining areas are an important element of cities historically associated with industrial activity. The transformation of degraded areas is a challenge for spatial policy, which is characterized by a substantial impact on the cultural heritage of mining and industry. The case of Piekary Śląskie shows the consequences of deindustrialization, which leads to the degradation of urban space and requires innovative revitalization strategies considering the principles of sustainable development and the concept of blue–green infrastructure. Archived topographic maps and current interactive maps of the study city were used in a spatial data analysis. The aim was to determine the directions of the spatial development of post-industrial and post-mining areas using the example of a medium-sized city located in the core of the Katowice conurbation, while considering the role of blue–green infrastructure in the revitalization process. Integrating blue–green infrastructure into the city’s planning documents may serve as a model for other urban areas, highlighting the synergy benefits between urban development and environmental protection. Such solutions support the development of a green economy to improve residents’ living conditions and increase the city’s competitiveness in the region. The specific examples of the revitalization of the areas in the Andaluzja and Julian mines and the reclamation of the brickyard in the area of Kozłowa Góra in Piekary Śląskie show that a multifunctional approach to revitalization contributes to the harmonious development of urban spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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22 pages, 10750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Re-Naturalization Pathways for Urban Ecological Governance: A Spatial Decision-Support Framework Based on Ecosystem Service Valuation

by Chengji Shu, Kaiwei Du, Wenbo Cai, Zhengwu Cai and Li Lin

Land 2025, 14(5), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050917 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Traditional urban expansion struggles to balance economic and ecological demands. Intensive development planning based on re-naturalization has become the policymakers’ choice. However, planning-oriented land use patterns and re-naturalization pathways remain difficult to determine. This study developed a spatial decision-support framework integrating ecosystem service [...] Read more.

Traditional urban expansion struggles to balance economic and ecological demands. Intensive development planning based on re-naturalization has become the policymakers’ choice. However, planning-oriented land use patterns and re-naturalization pathways remain difficult to determine. This study developed a spatial decision-support framework integrating ecosystem service valuation (ESV), land-use simulation, and ecological planning for Shanghai. This study assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics of ESV and simulated land use patterns and ESV for 2035 under different scenarios (inertial development, cropland protection, and ecological development). The optimal scenario and corresponding re-naturalization pathways were determined based on the principle of the optimal ESV. The results showed that ESV has declined over the past 20 years (−5.21%/5 years). High-value areas shrank significantly due to ecological space degradation. The planning-oriented ecological development scenario is the optimal scenario, with the highest ESV of CNY 189,240.29 million, which is higher than the status quo, inertia development scenario, and cropland protection scenario by 9.69%, 23.27%, and 9.53%, respectively. Taking the land use patterns under the ecological development scenario as the re-naturalization objective, 12 re-naturalization pathways totaling 686.88 km² were identified. Cropland to forestland and built-up land to cropland were the largest, accounting for 67.88% and 15.02%, respectively. This study provides valuable insights into ecological planning and re-naturalization in urbanized areas. Full article

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26 pages, 2944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Policy to Practice: How Public Land Policies Shape Private-Sector Housing Development—An Indonesian Case

by Dian Rahmawati, Datuk Ary A. Samsura and Erwin van der Krabben

Land 2025, 14(5), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050916 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

The interplay between land availability and the housing market highlights the importance of government intervention through land policies. Effective land policies ensure in-time land availability and facilitate private sector involvement in housing development. This study examines how public land policies influence formal housing [...] Read more.

The interplay between land availability and the housing market highlights the importance of government intervention through land policies. Effective land policies ensure in-time land availability and facilitate private sector involvement in housing development. This study examines how public land policies influence formal housing development by the private sector, with a particular focus on land banking strategies—mechanisms involving the acquisition and holding of land for future use to ensure availability and capture value increases. While land banking policy aims to serve public benefits, private-sector land banking often prioritizes profit, creating governance challenges that shape housing development outcomes. This paper analyzes this phenomenon in the context of Indonesia by developing analytical framework of legitimacy, effectiveness, efficiency, and fairness. As a rapidly growing country with significant housing backlogs and a private-sector-dominated market, Indonesia’s land regulations present a critical case for examining these dynamics. Our analysis shows that while regulatory framework regulations emphasize land consolidation, acquisition, and development as instruments to facilitate private sector involvement in housing development, weak enforcement and regulatory ambiguities often undermine their effectiveness. The findings indicate that private-sector land banking is largely speculative, driven by profit-maximization strategies rather than housing provision, and is reinforced by inconsistent policy enforcement at the municipal level. A municipal case study further illustrates how governance challenges and discretionary compliance allow private developers to prioritize profitability over the affordable housing needs outlined in public policies. While land policies in Indonesia are framed as comprehensive planning tools, their implementation often favors specific beneficiaries, limiting their broader social impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible and Smart Land Management (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 6120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Earthquake-Triggered Ecosystem Carbon Loss Using Field Sampling and UAV Observation

by Wen Zeng, Baofeng Di, Yu Zhan, Wen He, Junhui Li, Ziquan Zuo, Siwen Yu and Tan Mi

Land 2025, 14(5), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050915 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Earthquakes disrupt local organic carbon distribution by stripping vegetation, destabilizing soil, and triggering landslides, leading to immediate carbon loss and potential long-term climate impacts. While remote sensing techniques effectively assess post-earthquake vegetation loss, they fail to capture subsurface carbon dynamics along vertical profiles. [...] Read more.

Earthquakes disrupt local organic carbon distribution by stripping vegetation, destabilizing soil, and triggering landslides, leading to immediate carbon loss and potential long-term climate impacts. While remote sensing techniques effectively assess post-earthquake vegetation loss, they fail to capture subsurface carbon dynamics along vertical profiles. This study quantifies ecosystem carbon loss from the Luding Earthquake by integrating field sampling, UAV-based LiDAR, and machine learning models to assess vegetation and soil carbon stocks. Field investigations were conducted at landslide deposits, debris flow deposits, and undisturbed sites to analyze soil organic carbon and biomass carbon content. UAV-derived point cloud data improved vegetation biomass estimation, reducing sample plot overestimation by 30.4% due to uneven vegetation distribution. The results indicate that landslides and debris flows caused an 83.9–95.9% reduction in carbon storage, with the total ecosystem carbon loss estimated at 7.36 × 10⁵ Mg. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of earthquake-triggered carbon loss, offering critical insights for carbon budget research on natural disasters and the development of post-earthquake ecological restoration policies. Full article

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23 pages, 4497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Rural Industrial Transformation via Coupling Coordination Between Polder-Based Spatial Features and Industrial Development

by Wenzhu Zhou, Dawei Wang, Yiwen Zhang and Hanjing Xu

Land 2025, 14(5), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050914 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Rural areas are undergoing a transformation, shifting from traditional agriculture to green and leisure industries, driven by urban–rural imbalances and environmental challenges. This transition, however, presents the growing conflicts between preserving spatial features and promoting industrial development. Based on the unique rural spatial [...] Read more.

Rural areas are undergoing a transformation, shifting from traditional agriculture to green and leisure industries, driven by urban–rural imbalances and environmental challenges. This transition, however, presents the growing conflicts between preserving spatial features and promoting industrial development. Based on the unique rural spatial typology of polders, this study integrated theories from cultural, landscape, ecological, economic, and social perspectives to construct a conceptual framework of the interactive relationship between spatial features (SFs) and industrial development (ID). Then, an evaluation index system was constructed to measure the current status of SFs and ID, using data from field surveys, satellite imagery, and 2020 yearbooks, with the Gaochun Polder District, Nanjing (China), as the case study. Next, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and a scenario analysis based on orthogonal design were applied to assess the coherence and development between SFs and ID, and to identify strategies for optimizing rural industrial development. The results show that (1) the current SFs and ID are in the break-in and basic coordination stage, with ID lagging behind SFs, and (2) the 25 scenarios generated through orthogonal design were categorized into three groups: high-level coordination with synchronization between the two systems, high-level coordination but ID lagging behind SFs, and basic coordination where ID lags behind SFs. To achieve a high-level coordination with synchronization, specific strategies were proposed to enhance agricultural input–output benefits, improve agricultural scale–quality benefits, and, overall, protect the SF system while making minor adjustments to the village dwelling subsystem. Therefore, the findings provide recommendations for traditional polder villages to optimize their rural industries while preserving the distinctive SFs of the rural cultural landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergies in Land Use Planning: Advancing Urban-Rural Integration for Sustainable Development)

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26 pages, 8804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Progressive Framework for Analyzing Driving Mechanisms of Ecosystem Services in Resource-Exhausted Cities: A Case Study of Fushun, China

by Yuyan Pan, Yanpeng Gao and Hongchang Qian

Land 2025, 14(5), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050913 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization has led to excessive resource consumption and worsening environmental pollution, particularly in resource-based cities, where prolonged exploitation of mineral resources has resulted in dual challenges of ecological degradation and economic imbalance. Using Fushun, a resource-exhausted city still struggling [...] Read more.

The rapid pace of urbanization has led to excessive resource consumption and worsening environmental pollution, particularly in resource-based cities, where prolonged exploitation of mineral resources has resulted in dual challenges of ecological degradation and economic imbalance. Using Fushun, a resource-exhausted city still struggling with its transformation, as a case study, this research develops a progressive analytical framework that integrates the InVEST model, optimal parameter geographic detector, and multi-scale geographically weighted regression. This framework, comprising a sequence of analytical steps—single-factor analysis, interaction-factor analysis, global regression analysis, and geographically weighted regression analysis—enables a comprehensive exploration of the driving mechanisms behind ES changes in Fushun from 2000 to 2020. The results indicate the following: (1) Significant changes in ecosystem services were observed, with water yield and soil conservation showing a fluctuating upward trend, while carbon storage and habitat quality experienced slight declines. (2) Over time, the dominant drivers transitioned from primarily socio-economic factors to a synergistic influence of natural and human activities. GDP and land use intensity increasingly contributed to explaining ecosystem services through their interaction effects. (3) At the street scale, driving mechanisms exhibited spatial heterogeneity. For instance, the negative effects of built-up land and cultivated land were more pronounced in urban–rural transition zones, while elevation and NDVI had a more positive impact in ecological source areas. This framework provides systematic and targeted recommendations that offer data-driven insights to guide policies prioritizing regional ecological sustainability. Furthermore, it provides practical reference points for improving the ecological quality of other coal resource-exhausted cities undergoing incomplete transformations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas Under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom—2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 2583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revitalizing Idle Rural Homesteads: Configurational Paths of Farmer Differentiation and Cognition Synergistically Driving Revitalization Intentions

by Mengyuan Lu, Bin Guo and Xinyu Wang

Land 2025, 14(5), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050912 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

Against the intensifying mismatch between urban and rural land resources, activating farmers’ intentions to revitalize their idle homesteads is a key issue in optimizing land resource allocation and promoting urban–rural integrated development. However, existing studies mostly focus on the marginal effect of a [...] Read more.

Against the intensifying mismatch between urban and rural land resources, activating farmers’ intentions to revitalize their idle homesteads is a key issue in optimizing land resource allocation and promoting urban–rural integrated development. However, existing studies mostly focus on the marginal effect of a single factor and ignore the synergistic effect of multiple factors, making it difficult to reveal the complex causal logic of farmers’ decision-making. This study aims to explain the causal asymmetry and equivalent path problem in farmers’ revitalized decision-making by capturing the multidimensional interaction mechanism of “external stimulus–mental cognition”. This study integrates the social stratification theory, the theory of planned behavior, and the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework to systematically explore how the interactive configuration of farmer differentiation and cognition from a multidimensional perspective drives the formation of farmers’ willingness to engage in high inventory activities, based on the 881 farmer research data in Shaanxi Province, using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology. This study found that (1) a single condition cannot independently explain the intentions of farmers to revitalize, and its formation needs to rely on the synergistic linkage of multiple conditions; (2) the configuration of farmers’ high intentions to revitalize includes “wealth capital differentiation–dual cognitive-driven type”, “single cognitive-driven type”, “reputation capital differentiation–single cognitive-driven type”, “wealth capital differentiation–single cognitive-driven type”, which wealth capital differentiation is the common core condition triggering high intention; and (3) the formation of farmers’ low revitalization intentions stems from the insufficient differentiation of farmers and the lack of cognitive elements. Therefore, policymakers should take a holistic perspective in enhancing farmers’ revitalization intentions, focusing on the rational allocation between farmer differentiation and farmers’ cognition. Full article

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

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21 pages, 7511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Biodiversity Through Citizen Science: A Case Study of Green Roofs at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Garden in Lisbon

by Diogo Oliveira, Vitor Sousa, Patricia Tiago, Ana Leal, Ana Paula Falcão and Cristina Matos Silva

Land 2025, 14(5), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050911 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

Citizen science is rising and expanding as an approach to data collection, enabling the acquisition of data through the voluntary involvement of citizens in scientific activities. This study explores the effectiveness of citizen science in collecting biodiversity data in urban green infrastructure, focusing [...] Read more.

Citizen science is rising and expanding as an approach to data collection, enabling the acquisition of data through the voluntary involvement of citizens in scientific activities. This study explores the effectiveness of citizen science in collecting biodiversity data in urban green infrastructure, focusing on a case study at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, which includes both green roofs and traditional garden areas. Data collected via the iNaturalist platform through structured and unstructured citizen science activities were analyzed to compare patterns of biodiversity observation. Results show that unstructured activities attract more participants but produce fewer observations per person, mainly focusing on more familiar taxa, such as birds. In contrast, structured events concede a higher number of observations per observer, including less commonly recorded taxa like insects, and provide greater coverage of green roofs, since routes are predefined. Seasonal and temporal trends were also noted, with a higher concentration of observations in spring and summer and a significant increase on weekends, indicating the influence of participants’ availability. Spatial observations show that combining gardens and green roofs provides continuous and rich ecosystems that are crucial for city urban planners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring the Effect of Urban Green Space on Environmental Quality)

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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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