Regional Land Use Dynamics: The Natural Environment and Socioeconomic Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

Exploring the dynamics of regional land use offers a vital lens through which it is possible to examine the intricate interplay between the natural environment and socioeconomic driving forces. This understanding is essential in terms of designing strategies that harmonize environmental preservation with human needs, fostering more sustainable and resilient land management practices. The scope of this Special Issue encompasses a comprehensive examination of how land is utilized and transformed over time within a specific region. Our aim is to explore the multifaceted impacts of land use changes on the natural environment, as well as the socioeconomic factors that drive these changes. Therefore, this Special Issue seeks to delve into topics such as rapid urbanization, agricultural practices, land use planning and management, conservation efforts, and policy implications, providing a platform for interdisciplinary research and discussion. The topics covered may include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding the processes, driving forces, and outcomes of land use dynamics and their implications for sustainability;
• Employing simulations to forecast and optimize land use towards sustainable development goals;
• Assessing the efficiency of urban land use and its drivers;
• Evaluating the capacity of resources and the environment to sustain regional economic and ecological development;
• Investigating the mechanisms behind land pricing and their governance;
• Revealing the features of scientific knowledge and technological innovation and the factors influencing them.

These topics directly address several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Investigating urban land expansion and its socioeconomic determinants informs urban planning and management, contributing to sustainable management of cities;
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Understanding land use efficiency and environmental capacity helps to promote efficient resource use and minimize environmental impacts;
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Understanding land use change and its ecological consequences supports efforts to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and mitigate biodiversity loss.

Dr. Ying Wang
Guest Editor

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• land use
• patterns
• processes
• mechenisms
• land use planning
• sustainable management