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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 13567

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Kamaljit Kaur Sangha

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Guest Editor

Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810, Australia
Interests: ecosystem services; indigenous well-being; developing payments for ecosystem services
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ecosystem Services (ESs), or nature’s services, play a vital role in supporting human well-being. This role is critical for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) as a significant part of their well-being is derived from the use and management of natural resources that people have rights and/or access to. Various ES approaches have been applied to assess this role. This Special Issue aims to highlight important innovative approaches that can be used by researchers/policy decision makers/government authorities to understand the role of ES in IPLCs’ well-being.

The main aims of this issue are:

To highlight the innovative approaches that can be used to understand and evaluate links between IPLCs’ well-being and natural resources;
To suggest and underpin non-monetary values of natural systems for IPLCs;
To inform policy decision-making and other relevant agencies about the value of IPLCs’ connections with nature.

The listed keywords suggest just a few of the many possibilities. If you are uncertain about whether your paper fits into the scope of this Special Issue, please feel free to contact the Guest Editor.

Dr. Kamaljit Kaur Sangha
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

ecosystem services
indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC)
natural resources
monetary and non-monetary approaches
well-being

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ada-XG-CatBoost: A Combined Forecasting Model for Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) Prediction

by Yang Liu, Tianxing Yang, Liwei Tian, Bincheng Huang, Jiaming Yang and Zihan Zeng

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7203; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167203 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 621

Abstract

The degradation of the ecosystem and the loss of natural capital have seriously threatened the sustainable development of human society and economy. Currently, most research on Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) is based on statistical modeling methods, which face challenges such as high modeling difficulty, high costs, and inaccurate quantitative methods. However, machine learning models are characterized by high efficiency, fewer parameters, and higher accuracy. Despite these advantages, their application in GEP research is not widespread, particularly in the area of combined machine learning models. This paper includes both a GEP combination model and an explanatory analysis model. This paper is the first to propose a combined GEP prediction model called Ada-XGBoost-CatBoost (Ada-XG-CatBoost), which integrates the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) algorithms, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model. This approach overcomes the limitations of single-model evaluations and aims to address the current issues of inaccurate and incomplete GEP assessments. It provides new guidance and methods for enhancing the value of ecosystem services and achieving regional sustainable development. Based on the actual ecological data of a national city, data preprocessing and feature correlation analysis are carried out using XGBoost and CatBoost algorithms, AdaGrad optimization algorithm, and the Bayesian hyperparameter optimization method. By selecting the 11 factors that predominantly influence GEP, training the model using these selected feature datasets, and optimizing the Bayesian parameters, the error gradient is then updated to adjust the weights, achieving a combination model that minimizes errors. This approach reduces the risk of overfitting in individual models and enhances the predictive accuracy and interpretability of the model. The results indicate that the mean squared error (MSE) of the Ada-XG-CatBoost model is reduced by 65% and 70% compared to the XGBoost and CatBoost, respectively. Additionally, the mean absolute error (MAE) is reduced by 4.1% and 42.6%, respectively. Overall, the Ada-XG-CatBoost combination model has a more accurate and stable predictive performance, providing a more accurate, efficient, and reliable reference for the sustainable development of the ecological industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Ecosystem Services Applying Local Perspectives)

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17 pages, 4470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Factors of Ecosystem Services in the Yellow River Delta, China

by Shuqi Xue, Lei Yao, Ying Xu and Chunfang Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3466; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083466 - 21 Apr 2024

Viewed by 950

Abstract

Exploring the dynamic variation in ecosystem services and clarifying the driving mechanism will help with the formulation of effective ecological environment protection policies. Accordingly, this study sought to reveal the complex variability in ecosystem services in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) at a higher temporal resolution and the transition between the main driving factors in different periods. To this end, we used the economic equivalent factor valuation method to quantify the ecosystem service value from 2000 to 2019 at 5-year intervals. Furthermore, the Geo-detector model was used to identify the main driving factors and interaction between the driving factors of ecosystem service value variations. Then, we analyzed the temporal and spatial dynamic variations in the ecosystem service value and the transitions between the main driving factors in different periods. The main results are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2019, the ecosystem service value of the YRD showed an increasing trend followed by a decline, whereby water and construction land increased and the other classes of land decreased. Overall, the inland and coastal distribution patterns exhibited low and high values, respectively. (2) The main driving factors of ecosystem service value variations were the NDVI and topographical factors (aspect, slope, elevation), which had q values that were stable and greater than those of the other factors. Although human activity, tourist resource concentration and traffic convenience factors had a comparatively minor effect on ecosystem services, we noted a trend where their effects increased from 2000 to 2019. (3) The detection of interactions revealed complex mechanisms affecting the variation in the YRD. Interactions between variables had a stronger influence than individual effects. The interactions between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and other factors consistently had the most significant impact. These interactions primarily shaped the spatial and temporal distribution of ecosystem services. The NDVI and human activities exhibited nonlinear enhancement. These results contribute to improving our cognition of the factors and mechanisms influencing ecosystem services, offering theoretical support for the improvement of ecosystem services in the YRD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Ecosystem Services Applying Local Perspectives)

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21 pages, 4337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Exploration of Trade-Offs and Synergistic Relationships in Arid Areas: A Case Study of the Kriya River Basin in Xinjiang, China

by Yuan Liu, Sihai Liu and Kun Xing

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2176; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052176 - 6 Mar 2024

Viewed by 829

Abstract

This research focuses on the Kriya River Basin and analyzes the spatiotemporal variability of ecosystem services (ESs) and their trade-offs and synergies, which are vital for regional ecosystem conservation and socio-economic sustainability. Utilizing land use data from 1990 to 2020 and predictive models for 2030 (PLUS for land use and InVEST for ESs), the study assesses four key ESs: water yield (WY), soil conservation (SC), habitat quality (HQ), and carbon storage (CS). The findings indicate that land use changes from 1990 to 2020 have significantly impacted these services. WY showed a negative trend because of a reduction in precipitation, while increased grasslands enhanced SC, HQ, and CS. Projections for 2030 suggest increases in WY and SC, with increases of 10.27 × 10⁸ m³ in WY and 0.216 × 10⁸ t in SC, but slight decreases in HQ and CS due to urban land expansion. Therefore, land types that provide important ESs should be protected in future planning, and the expansion of construction land should be controlled in order to realize the goal of ecological conservation. Our study also reveals that while WY and CS share a subtle trade-off, they both synergize with SC and HQ. Strong synergies exist between SC and HQ as well as between SC and CS, indicating lesser concerns for trade-offs in future planning. This research provides valuable data support and scientific insight for sustainable development and ecological governance policies in the watershed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Ecosystem Services Applying Local Perspectives)

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18 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Incorporating Social and Policy Drivers into Land-Use and Land-Cover Projection

by Behnoosh Abbasnezhad, Jesse B. Abrams and Jeffrey Hepinstall-Cymerman

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14270; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914270 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1821

Abstract

Forestlands in the southeastern U.S. generate a great variety of ecosystem services that contribute to the well-being of humans and nonhumans alike. Despite their importance, forests continue to be lost to other land uses such as agricultural production and urban development. Advancements in remote sensing and machine learning techniques have facilitated land use/land cover (LULC) change projections, but many prior efforts have neglected to account for social and policy dimensions. We incorporated key socio-economic factors, conservation policies, societal preferences, and landscape biophysical features into LULC projection techniques under four different development scenarios. We applied this approach in the Upper Flint watershed, which flows south from the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area and is characterized by extensive urbanization and associated deforestation. Our results suggest that incorporating social and policy drivers in future LULC projection approaches leads to more realistic results with higher accuracy levels, offering decision-makers, development planners, and policymakers better opportunities to forecast the effects of anticipated changes on the availability of ESs in the future. Conservation organizations and public agencies can benefit from such analysis to identify regions requiring conservation interventions for prioritizing their conservation efforts. We used publicly available data for the conterminous U.S., hence our approach can be replicable in other study regions within the nation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Ecosystem Services Applying Local Perspectives)

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27 pages, 964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empirical Study of Green Practices Fostering Customers’ Willingness to Consume via Customer Behaviors: The Case of Green Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam

by Khuong Ngoc Mai, Do Hanh Nhan and Phuong Thi Minh Nguyen

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4263; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054263 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6891

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the population to change their consumption behavior and habits to a green living style to protect the environment. The aim of this study was to explore the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to identify the effect of green practices on willingness to consume through customers’ emotional attachment, attitudes, and satisfaction towards eco-friendly restaurants. We used a quantitative method with a self-administrated questionnaire and convenience sampling at eco-friendly restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Using a partial least square (PLS) structural equation model (SEM), we analyzed 1095 samples. The results of this study reveal that green practices significantly and positively affect customers’ emotional attachment, satisfaction, and attitudes, but eco-friendliness did not have an effect on customers’ emotional attachment. Moreover, the customers’ satisfaction, attitudes, and emotional attachment were shown to significantly and positively affect their willingness to consume, as well as to pay 5 percent more for green products. Additionally, a mediating effect of emotional attachment, satisfaction, and attitudes was proven. The government needs to prioritize policies and programs to support these restaurants in order to apply sustainable business models and to build a green marketing strategy involving restaurants to protect environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Ecosystem Services Applying Local Perspectives)

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Review

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21 pages, 2271 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Nature-Inspired Green–Blue Solution: Incorporating a Fog Harvesting Technique into Urban Green Wall Design

by Lujain Hadba, Maria Giovanna Di Bitonto, Marta Oliveira, Paulo Mendonça, Alessandra Zanelli and Ligia Torres Silva

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020792 - 17 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1720

Abstract

This research aims to explore the use of vegetation and nets to collect water from fog on facades to meet the needs of buildings’ functional requirements, particularly outdoor thermal comfort, water demands, and encouraging sustainability by suggesting a new architectural green–blue wall system. The system is posited to be applicable within an urban context, given its minimal spatial requirements and adaptability to existing structures. However, similar challenges to those encountered by green walls are anticipated, wherein the provision of sustainable benefits is offset by the demands of maintenance and associated additional costs. For this reason, this paper is mainly divided into two parts: in the first part, green facades are explained, referring to their effect on urban environment, including thermal comfort, pollution absorption, noise pollution, and well-being, as well as types of plants to apply on green walls; the second part focuses on the fog collector as an irrigation system for green walls, analyzing its components, structure, and fabric, to identify its development margins in the construction industry. Fog harvesting initiatives predominantly focus on rural regions to cater to agricultural demands; however, limiting fog harvesting to agricultural settings is considered insufficient, as it represents a crucial solution for addressing water challenges in specific urban environments. Nevertheless, it is worth investigating the fog collector’s potential for integrating water supply in urban environments as well. The study focuses on exploring the environmental benefits of fog harvesting and green walls, particularly through their combined implementation. The proposed review is significant for guiding the integration of a device into green facades, ensuring water self-sufficiency while concurrently addressing air purification, noise reduction, and thermal comfort for pedestrians and urban inhabitants. Nevertheless, it is worth investigating the fog collector’s potential for integrating water supply in urban environments as well. The proposed review is, therefore, useful for integrating a device represented by the fog harvesting system, also identified in the text as the blue system, into the design of green facades, identified in the text as the green system, integrating the blue element in the design of the green wall to make them water self-sufficient and at the same time purifying the air, reducing noise pollution, or giving thermal comfort to pedestrians and inhabitants of the urban context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Ecosystem Services Applying Local Perspectives)

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