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4 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability

by Kikuko Shoyama, Rajarshi Dasgupta and Ronald C. Estoque

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14263; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114263 - 1 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1446

Abstract

This Special Issue focuses on qualitative and quantitative analyses of ecosystem services (ESs) specifically toward sustainability in Asia [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

Research

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20 pages, 4942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Ecosystem Service Value of Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan

by Lei Yang and Fenglian Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10823; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710823 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2194

Abstract

Urbanization and human activity have recently resulted in land use/cover change (LUCC), which has had a detrimental effect on the biological environment, on keeping the ecosystem’s sustainable growth and on comprehending the ecosystem’s quality and changes over the past 20 years in the [...] Read more.

Urbanization and human activity have recently resulted in land use/cover change (LUCC), which has had a detrimental effect on the biological environment, on keeping the ecosystem’s sustainable growth and on comprehending the ecosystem’s quality and changes over the past 20 years in the central Yunnan urban agglomeration. The equivalent factor method and hotspot analysis were used to analyze the spatio-temporal changes in land use and ecosystem service value (ESV) in the urban agglomerations of central Yunnan province, and the effects of land use change on ESV were then examined. This study is based on the grid data of land use in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Finally, Geodetector was used to investigate the possible causes of ESV. The results showed that: (1) The urban agglomerations in central Yunnan’s land-use structure and pattern clearly changed between 2000 and 2020, with continual declines in grassland, cultivated land, and woodland, and constant increases in construction land. There was significant growth in both speed and area. (2) The average ESV of the land decreased consistently, the hotspot areas shrank, and the cold-spot areas grew as the ecosystem service function declined and the total amount of ESV decreased by 1.517 billion Yuan. These events were mostly explained by an increase in construction land and a decrease in grassland, cultivated land, and woodland. (3) The synergistic effect of numerous factors is what causes the change in ESV in the urban agglomerations of central Yunnan. The key forces behind ESV change in the research area were land-use intensity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), slope, and people density. The results can help decision makers establish policies for ecological conservation and land use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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21 pages, 5035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use-Based Participatory Assessment of Ecosystem Services for Ecological Restoration in Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka

by Sujith S. Ratnayake, Azeem Khan, Michael Reid, Punchi B. Dharmasena, Danny Hunter, Lalit Kumar, Keminda Herath, Benjamin Kogo, Harsha K. Kadupitiya, Thilantha Dammalage and Champika S. Kariyawasam

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610180 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3018

Abstract

Village Tank Cascade System (VTCS) landscapes in the dry zone of Sri Lanka provide multiple ecosystem services (ESs) and benefits to local communities, sustaining the productivity of their land use systems (LUSs). However, there is a lack of adequate scientific research on the [...] Read more.

Village Tank Cascade System (VTCS) landscapes in the dry zone of Sri Lanka provide multiple ecosystem services (ESs) and benefits to local communities, sustaining the productivity of their land use systems (LUSs). However, there is a lack of adequate scientific research on the ESs of LUSs, despite the recent land use changes that have greatly impacted the provisioning of ESs. Collection of baseline ESs data is a pre-requisite for decision making on ESs-based ecological restoration and management of the VTCS. Thus, this study aimed at assessing ESs of the Mahakanumulla VTCS (MVTCS) located in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka by using a participatory approach involving the integration of local knowledge, expert judgements and LUSs attribute data to assess the ESs. The methodology was designed to integrate the biodiversity and land degradation status of LUSs in a way that is directly linked with the supply of ESs. The study identified twenty-four ESs of the MVTCS based on community perceptions. The identified ESs were assessed as a function of LUSs to develop an ecosystem service supply (ESS) and demand (ESD) matrix model. The results reveal that the current overall ESD for regulating and supporting ESs is higher than the ESS capacity of MVTCS. The assessment also revealed that land degradation and biodiversity deterioration reduce the capacity to provide ESs. Downstream LUSs of the meso-catchment were found to be more vulnerable to degradation and insufficient to provide ESs. Further, the study established that ESs in the MVTCS are generated through direct species-based and biophysical-based providers. In addition, it emerged that social and cultural engagements also played an important role in association with both providers to generate certain types of ESs. Therefore, it can be concluded that VTCS ecological restoration depends on the extent to which integrated effort addresses the levels of ecological complexity, as well as the social engagement of communities and stakeholders. The results of this study provide a scientific basis that can inform future land use decision making and practices that are applicable to successful ESs-based ecological restoration and management of the VTCSs in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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20 pages, 855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Payments for Watershed Ecosystem Services in the Eyes of the Public, China

by Chunci Chen, Guizhen He and Yonglong Lu

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9550; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159550 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2311

Abstract

Recent decades have witnessed an increased development of schemes for payment for watershed ecosystem services (PWES). However, the public is usually excluded from PWES systems. Reliable and empirical research on PWES from the public perspective is scarce. Aiming to understand public perceptions, attitudes, [...] Read more.

Recent decades have witnessed an increased development of schemes for payment for watershed ecosystem services (PWES). However, the public is usually excluded from PWES systems. Reliable and empirical research on PWES from the public perspective is scarce. Aiming to understand public perceptions, attitudes, participation, and responses to PWES, this paper investigated local residents living in the Yongding River watershed area through a face-to-face questionnaire survey. The results showed that the public had limited knowledge of PWES. The public was keen to be involved in PWES decision-making, but the current level of public participation was very low. Regarding willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA), nearly 55% of the respondents supported paying the upstream residents for protecting the environment if they were beneficiaries in the downstream areas, while 85% of the respondents agreed to accept compensation if they were contributors to environmental improvement in the upstream areas. Although some of the respondents’ daily lives were affected by the watershed environment, they were reluctant to pay, reflecting a sign of “free-riding”. The regression analysis showed that public concerns, values, knowledge of PWES and the watershed environment, and demographic factors determined the WTP and WTA. The results of the contingent valuation method and opportunity costs method showed that the annual payment for headwater conservation areas (Huailai and Yanqing) ranged from CNY 245 to 718 million (USD 36 to 106 million). This study contributes to our limited knowledge and understanding of public sentiment and makes recommendations for improving public receptivity to PWES. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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30 pages, 15225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Spatio–Temporal Changes in Land Use and Heat Stress Indices over Jaipur City Using Geospatial Techniques

by Suresh Chandra, Swatantra Kumar Dubey, Devesh Sharma, Bijon Kumer Mitra and Rajarshi Dasgupta

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9095; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159095 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Heat waves are expected to intensify around the globe in the future, with a potential increase in heat stress and heat-induced mortality in the absence of adaptation measures. India has high current exposure to heat waves, and with limited adaptive capacity, impacts of [...] Read more.

Heat waves are expected to intensify around the globe in the future, with a potential increase in heat stress and heat-induced mortality in the absence of adaptation measures. India has high current exposure to heat waves, and with limited adaptive capacity, impacts of increased heat waves might be quite severe. This paper presents a comparative analysis of urban heat stress/heatwaves by combining temperature and vapour pressure through two heat stress indices, i.e., Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and humidex index. For the years 1970–2000 (historical) and 2041–2060 (future), these two indicators were estimated in Jaipur. Another goal of this research is to better understand Jaipur land use changes and urban growth. For the land use study, Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI satellite data from the years 1993, 2010, and 2015 were examined. During the research period, urban settlement increased and the majority of open land is converted to urban settlements. In the coming term, all months except three, namely July to September, have seen an increase in the WBGT index values; however, these months are classified as dangerous. Humidex’s historical value has been 21.4, but in RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, it will rise to 25.5 and 27.3, respectively, and slip into the danger and extreme danger categories. The NDVI and SAVI indices are also used to assess the city’s condition during various periods of heat stress. The findings suggest that people’s discomfort levels will rise in the future, making it difficult for them to work outside and engage in their usual activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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23 pages, 6468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scenario Simulation of Ecosystem Service Values in the Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration, China

by Shuo Yang and Hao Su

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8812; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148812 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and human activities enhanced threats to the degradation of various ecosystem services in modern urban agglomerations. This study explored the response of ecosystem service values (ESVs) to land use changes and the trade-offs among various ESVs in urban agglomerations under different [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and human activities enhanced threats to the degradation of various ecosystem services in modern urban agglomerations. This study explored the response of ecosystem service values (ESVs) to land use changes and the trade-offs among various ESVs in urban agglomerations under different future development scenarios. The patch-general land use simulation (PLUS) model and ESV calculation method were used to simulate the ESVs of Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration under the Business As Usual scenario (BAU), Ecological Conservation scenario (EC), and Economic Development scenario (ED) in 2030. Global and local Moran’s I were used to detect the spatial distribution pattern, and correlation analysis was used to measure trade-offs among ecosystem services. The results showed that: (1) The simulated result of land use in Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration showed high accuracy compared to the actual observed result of the same period, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.912. From 2000 to 2030, land use changes were significant, with the rapid decrease in farmland and an increase in construction land. The area of woodland increased significantly under the EC scenario, and the area of construction land increased rapidly under the ED scenario. (2) The decline of total ESV was CNY 218 million from 2000 to 2020, and ESVs remained the downward trend in the BAU and ED scenarios compared to 2020, decreasing by CNY 156 million and CNY 4731 million, respectively. An increasing trend of ESV showed under the EC scenario, with a growth of CNY 849 million. (3) Significant spatial autocorrelation showed in Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration, as the Global Moran’s I were all positive and the p-values were zero. The ESV grids mainly showed “High-High” clusters in the mountainous areas and “Low-Low” clusters in plain areas. Except for food production, a majority of ecosystem services exhibited positive synergistic relationships. In future planning and development, policymakers should focus on the coordinated development of the urbanization process and ecological preservation to build an ecological safety pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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25 pages, 2092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Circulating and Ecological Sphere in Urban Areas: An Indicator-Based Framework for Food-Energy-Water Security Assessment in Nagpur, India

by Bhumika Morey, Sameer Deshkar, Vibhas Sukhwani, Priyanka Mitra, Rajib Shaw, Bijon Kumer Mitra, Devesh Sharma, Md. Abiar Rahman, Rajarshi Dasgupta and Ashim Kumar Das

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8123; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138123 - 3 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2556

Abstract

The world’s urban population is expected to nearly double by 2050, making urbanization one of the most disruptive developments of the 21st century. On a global-to-local scale, ensuring a secure and reliable supply of food energy and water (FEW) resources for all humans [...] Read more.

The world’s urban population is expected to nearly double by 2050, making urbanization one of the most disruptive developments of the 21st century. On a global-to-local scale, ensuring a secure and reliable supply of food energy and water (FEW) resources for all humans is a major challenge in such a scenario. While much attention has recently been focused on the concept of FEW security and the interactions between the three sectors, there is no universally acceptable framing of the concept due to the fact that latest studies are mainly focused on individual FEW sectors, with not much investigation into how they interact. This research aims to create a localized framework based on the principles of the emerging concept of the Circulating Ecological Sphere (CES), introduced by the government of Japan, for a limited number of security indicators and dimensions. It began with a thorough study of the relevant literature using the PRISMA method, identification of gaps in local indicators for urban areas in each of the existing frameworks, and the proposal of a new indicator framework that tackles collective FEW security in urban environments is made accordingly. The authors have applied a special mechanism for filtration of this literature dataset in the context of Nagpur City in accordance with data availability and case study context. To test the applicability of the indicator set, it has been applied to the specific case of Nagpur. Both online and offline surveys were conducted to collect data, and subsequently a weighted mean method was adopted to analyze the data and derive values for the indicator set. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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20 pages, 8075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wind Erosion Prevention Service Based on RWEQ Model

by Yangyang Wang, Yu Xiao, Gaodi Xie, Jie Xu, Keyu Qin, Jingya Liu, Yingnan Niu, Shuang Gan, Mengdong Huang and Lin Zhen

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084635 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2244

Abstract

Ecosystem service research is essential to identify the contribution of the ecosystem to human welfare. As an important ecological barrier zone, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) supports the use of a crucial wind erosion prevention service (WEPS) to improve the ecological environment quality. This [...] Read more.

Ecosystem service research is essential to identify the contribution of the ecosystem to human welfare. As an important ecological barrier zone, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) supports the use of a crucial wind erosion prevention service (WEPS) to improve the ecological environment quality. This study simulated the spatiotemporal patterns of the WEPS based on the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ) and its driving factors. From 2000 to 2015, the total WEPS provided in the QTP ranged from 1.75 × 10⁹ kg to 2.52 × 10⁹ kg, showing an increasing and then decreasing trend. The average WEPS service per unit area was between 0.72 kg m⁻² and 1.06 kg m⁻². The high-value areas were concentrated in the northwest and north of the QTP, and the total WEPS in different areas varied significantly from year to year. The average retention rate of the WEPS in the QTP was estimated to be 57.24–62.10%, and high-value areas were mainly located in the southeast of the QTP. The total monetary value of the WEPS in the QTP was calculated to be between 223.56 × 10⁹ CNY and 321.73 × 10⁹ CNY, and the average WEPS per unit area was between 0.08 CNY m⁻² and 0.13 CNY m⁻², showing a declining–rising–declining trend. The high-value areas gradually expanded to the west and east of the QTP. The slope was the most important factor controlling the spatial differentiation of the WEPS, followed by the landform type, average annual precipitation, and average annual wind speed, and human activities such as land-use change could improve the WEPS by returning farmland to grassland and desertification control in the QTP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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18 pages, 4504 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ecosystem Services Monitoring in the Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka, for Sustainable Landscape Planning

by Darshana Athukorala, Ronald C. Estoque, Yuji Murayama and Bunkei Matsushita

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011463 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5356

Abstract

In this study, we examined the impacts of urbanization on the natural landscape and ecosystem services of the Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon (MMNL) located in the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Sri Lanka, with the goal to help inform sustainable landscape and urban planning. [...] Read more.

In this study, we examined the impacts of urbanization on the natural landscape and ecosystem services of the Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon (MMNL) located in the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Sri Lanka, with the goal to help inform sustainable landscape and urban planning. The MMNL is an important urban wetland ecosystem in the country but has been under the immense pressure of urbanization where the natural cover (e.g., marshland and mangrove areas) is continuously being converted to urban use (e.g., residential and commercial). Here, we estimated and assessed the changes in the ecosystem service value (ESV) of the MMNL based on land use/cover (LUC) changes over the past two decades (1997–2017). Considering two plausible scenarios, namely a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and ecological protection (EP) scenario, and using a spatially explicit land change model, we simulated the future (2030) LUC changes in the area and estimated the potential consequent future changes in the ESV of the MMNL. The results revealed that from 1997 to 2017, the ESV of the MMNL decreased by USD 8.96 million/year (LKR 1642 million/year), or about 33%, primarily due to the loss of mangrove and marshland from urban expansion. Under a BAU scenario, by 2030, it would continue to decrease by USD 6.01 million/year (LKR 1101 million/year), or about 34%. Under an EP scenario, the projected decrease would be lower at USD 4.79 million/year (LKR 878 million/year), or about 27%. Among the ecosystem services of the MMNL that have been, and would be, affected the most are flood attenuation, industrial wastewater treatment, agriculture production, and support to downstream fisheries (fish breeding and nursery). Overall, between the two scenarios, the EP scenario is the more desirable for the sustainability of the MMNL. It can help flatten its curve of continuous ecological degradation; hence, it should be considered by local government planners and decision-makers. In general, the approach employed is adaptable and applicable to other urban wetland ecosystems in the country and the rest of the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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26 pages, 3516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Variation and Terrain Gradient Effect of Ecosystem Services in Heihe River Basin over the Past 20 Years

by Lingge Zhang and Ningke Hu

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11271; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011271 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1938

Abstract

With the advent of large-scale development, extreme imbalance in the ecology of the Heihe River Basin (HRB) has caused a series of ecological problems. In order to explore the spatiotemporal variation of ecosystem services (ESs) and to assess the characteristics of ESs under [...] Read more.

With the advent of large-scale development, extreme imbalance in the ecology of the Heihe River Basin (HRB) has caused a series of ecological problems. In order to explore the spatiotemporal variation of ecosystem services (ESs) and to assess the characteristics of ESs under the terrain gradient effect (TGE), the three key ESs were quantified based on the InVEST model using five series of land-use data obtained from remote sensing images from 2000 to 2020 in this study. The terrain index was used to analyze the influence of terrain on ESs. The results show that most of the ESs were in high numbers in the south and low numbers in the north, as well as high numbers in the middle and upper reaches and low numbers at downstream locations. It was found that high-quality habitats degrade to general-quality habitats, and poor-quality habitats evolve into general-quality habitats. It was also found that the water production volume continues to decline and soil conservation becomes relatively stable with little change. This study illustrates different ESs showing obvious TGE with changes in elevation and slope. These results indicate that the effect of land-use change is remarkable and TGE is highly important to ESs in inland watersheds. This research study can provide a scientific basis for the optimization of regional ecosystem patterns. The results are of great significance in terms of rational planning land use, constructing ecological civilizations, and maintaining the physical conditions of land cover at inland river basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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23 pages, 27238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of ESV Change under Urban Expansion Based on Ecological Sensitivity: A Case Study of Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China

by Hongjie Peng, Lei Hua, Xuesong Zhang, Xuying Yuan and Jianhao Li

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158490 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3553

Abstract

In recent years, ecosystem service values (ESV) have attracted much attention. However, studies that use ecological sensitivity methods as a basis for predicting future urban expansion and thus analyzing spatial-temporal change of ESV are scarce in the region. In this study, we used [...] Read more.

In recent years, ecosystem service values (ESV) have attracted much attention. However, studies that use ecological sensitivity methods as a basis for predicting future urban expansion and thus analyzing spatial-temporal change of ESV are scarce in the region. In this study, we used the CA-Markov model to predict the 2030 urban expansion under ecological sensitivity in the Three Gorges Reservoir area based on multi-source data, estimations of ESV from 2000 to 2018 and predictions of ESV losses from 2018 to 2030. Research results: (i) In the concept of green development, the ecological sensitive zone has been identified in Three Gorges Reservoir area; it accounts for about 35.86% of the study area. (ii) It is predicted that the 2030 urban land will reach 211,412.51 ha by overlaying the ecological sensitive zone. (iii) The total ESV of Three Gorges Reservoir area showed an increasing trend from 2000 to 2018 with growth values of about USD 3644.26 million, but the ESVs of 16 districts were decreasing, with Dadukou and Jiangbei having the highest reductions. (iv) New urban land increases by 80,026.02 ha from 2018 to 2030. The overall ESV losses are about USD 268.75 million. Jiulongpo, Banan and Shapingba had the highest ESV losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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17 pages, 4149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Impervious Surface Expansion on Soil Organic Carbon: A Case Study of 0–300 cm Soil Layer in Guangzhou City

by Jifeng Du, Mengxiao Yu and Junhua Yan

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7901; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147901 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

Empirical evidence shows that the expansion of impervious surface threatens soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in urbanized areas. However, the understanding of deep soil excavation due to the vertical expansion of impervious surface remains limited. According to the average soil excavation depth, we [...] Read more.

Empirical evidence shows that the expansion of impervious surface threatens soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in urbanized areas. However, the understanding of deep soil excavation due to the vertical expansion of impervious surface remains limited. According to the average soil excavation depth, we divided impervious surface into pavement (IS₂₀), low-rise building (IS₁₀₀) and high-rise building (IS₃₀₀). Based on remote-sensing images and published SOC density data, we estimated the SOC storage and its response to the impervious surface expansion in the 0–300 cm soil depth in Guangzhou city, China. The results showed that the total SOC storage of the study area was 8.31 Tg, of which the top 100 cm layer contributed 44%. The impervious surface expansion to date (539.87 km²) resulted in 4.16 Tg SOC loss, of which the IS₂₀, IS₁₀₀ and IS₃₀₀ contributed 26%, 58% and 16%, respectively. The excavation-induced SOC loss (kg/m²) of IS₃₀₀ was 1.8 times that of IS₁₀₀. However, at the residential scale, renovating an IS₁₀₀ plot into an IS₃₀₀ plot can substantially reduce SOC loss compared with farmland urbanization. The gains of organic carbon accumulation in more greenspace coverage may be offset by the loss in deep soil excavation for the construction of underground parking lots, suggesting a need to control the exploitation intensity of underground space and promote residential greening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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15 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Herders’ Perceptions about Rangeland Degradation and Herd Management: A Case among Traditional and Non-Traditional Herders in Khentii Province of Mongolia

by Munguntuul Ulziibaatar and Kenichi Matsui

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7896; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147896 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

Herders play essential roles in sustaining Mongolia’s economy and rangeland conditions. As about 90% of Mongolia’s livestock grazes on natural pasture, how herders manage it largely affects the future sustainability of the livestock industry. Since Mongolia transformed its grazing practices from communal management [...] Read more.

Herders play essential roles in sustaining Mongolia’s economy and rangeland conditions. As about 90% of Mongolia’s livestock grazes on natural pasture, how herders manage it largely affects the future sustainability of the livestock industry. Since Mongolia transformed its grazing practices from communal management into loosely regulated household practices in 1990, overgrazing has become a growing concern. Considering this concern, this paper examines the extent to which traditional and non-traditional herders perceive pasture conditions and practice management. We conducted the questionnaire survey among 120 herders in Murun Soum of Khentii Province and asked about rangeland degradation and their coping strategies. To determine correlations between their perceptions/practices and sociodemographic characteristics, we conducted multiple regression analyses. We found that, overall, most herders identified rangeland conditions degrading and grass yield declining with less plant diversity and more soil damage by Brandt’s vole. Herders’ mobility and herd movement frequency have decreased since 1990, placing more strains on limited pasture areas. In coping with overgrazing, about 20% of the respondents had practiced traditional rangeland management, whereas many others had overlooked pasture conditions and increased goat production as the world’s demand for cashmere rose. In response to our question about herders’ future contribution of their traditional knowledge to sustainable rangeland management, traditional herders demonstrated their willingness to help local officials manage the pasture. This paper then explores how local administrations and herders may collaborate in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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14 pages, 1203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Waste in Da Nang City of Vietnam: Trends, Challenges, and Perspectives toward Sustainable Resource Use

by Ngoc-Bao Pham, Thu-Nga Do, Van-Quang Tran, Anh-Duc Trinh, Chen Liu and Caixia Mao

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7368; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137368 - 1 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8428

Abstract

Food waste has become a critical issue in modern society, especially in the urbanized and fast-growing cities of Asia. The increase in food waste has serious negative impacts on environmental sustainability, water and land resources, and food security, as well as climate and [...] Read more.

Food waste has become a critical issue in modern society, especially in the urbanized and fast-growing cities of Asia. The increase in food waste has serious negative impacts on environmental sustainability, water and land resources, and food security, as well as climate and greenhouse gas emissions. Through a specific case study in Da Nang City, Vietnam, this paper examines the extent of food waste generation at the consumption stages, the eating habits of consumers, food waste from households and service establishments, as well as prospects for the reuse of food waste as pig feed. The results of this study indicate that per capita food waste generation in Da Nang has increased from 0.39 to 0.41kg in 2016, 0.46 in 2017, and reached 0.52kg in 2018. According to the results of our consumer survey, 20% of respondents stated that they often generate food waste, 67% stated they sometimes do, and 13% stated they rarely do. Furthermore, 66% of surveyed households stated that their food waste is collected and transported by pig farmers to be used as feed for pigs. The use of food waste as feed for pigs is a typical feature in Da Nang. The study also found that there is a high level of consumer awareness and willingness to participate in the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) program, which was being initiated by the city government. In service facilities such as resorts and hotels, daily food waste reached 100–200 kg in large facilities and 20–120 kg in small facilities. This waste was also collected for use in pig farming. However, there has been a fall in demand for pig feed in line with a decrease in the number of pig farms due to the African swine fever epidemic that occurred during the implementation of this study. This paper suggests that there is a strong need to take both consumer-oriented waste prevention and waste management measures, such as waste segregation at source and introduction of effective food waste recycling techniques, to ensure that food waste can be safely and sustainably used as a “valuable resource” rather than “wasted.” Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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15 pages, 3264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Impacts of Spatial Water Resource Variability on Energy Planning in the Ganges River Basin under Climate Change Scenarios

by Bijon Kumer Mitra, Devesh Sharma, Xin Zhou and Rajarshi Dasgupta

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7273; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137273 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Availability of water in the Ganges River basin has been recognized as a critical regional issue with a significant impact on drinking water supply, irrigation, as well as on industrial development, and ecosystem services in vast areas of South Asia. In addition, water [...] Read more.

Availability of water in the Ganges River basin has been recognized as a critical regional issue with a significant impact on drinking water supply, irrigation, as well as on industrial development, and ecosystem services in vast areas of South Asia. In addition, water availability is also strongly linked to energy security in the region. Hence, quantification of spatial availability of water resources is necessary to bolster reliable evaluation of the sustainability of future thermal power plants in the Ganges River basin. This study focuses on the risks facing existing and planned power plants regarding water availability, applying climate change scenarios at the sub-basin and district level up to 2050. For this purpose, this study develops an integrated assessment approach to quantify the water-energy nexus in four selected sub-basins of the Ganges, namely, Chambal, Damodar, Gandak, and Yamuna. The results of simulations using Soil and Water Assessment Tools (SWAT) showed that future water availability will increase significantly in the Chambal, Damodar, and Gandak sub-basins during the wet season, and will negligibly increase in the dry season, except for the Yamuna sub-basin, which is likely to experience a decrease in available water in both wet and dry seasons under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. Changes in the water supply-demand ratio, due to climate change, indicated that water-related risks for future power plants would reduce in the Chambal and Damodar sub-basins, as there would be sufficient water in the future. For 19 out of 23 districts in the Chambal sub-basin, climate change will have a moderate-positive to high-positive impact on reducing the water risk for power plants by 2050. In contrast, existing and future power plants in the Yamuna and Gandak sub-basins will face increasing water risks. The proposed new thermal power installations, particularly in the Gandak sub-basin, are likely to face serious water shortages, which will adversely affect the stability of their operations. These results will stimulate and guide future research work to optimize the water-energy nexus, and will inform development and planning organizations, energy planning organizations, as well as investors, concerning the spatial distribution of water risks for future power plants so that more accurate decisions can be made on the location of future power plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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17 pages, 3009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scenario-Based Hydrological Modeling for Designing Climate-Resilient Coastal Water Resource Management Measures: Lessons from Brahmani River, Odisha, Eastern India

by Pankaj Kumar, Rajarshi Dasgupta, Shalini Dhyani, Rakesh Kadaverugu, Brian Alan Johnson, Shizuka Hashimoto, Netrananda Sahu, Ram Avtar, Osamu Saito, Shamik Chakraborty and Binaya Kumar Mishra

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116339 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4642

Abstract

Widespread urban expansion around the world, combined with rapid demographic and climatic changes, has resulted in serious pollution issues in many coastal water bodies. To help formulate coastal management strategies to mitigate the impacts of these extreme changes (e.g., local land-use or climate [...] Read more.

Widespread urban expansion around the world, combined with rapid demographic and climatic changes, has resulted in serious pollution issues in many coastal water bodies. To help formulate coastal management strategies to mitigate the impacts of these extreme changes (e.g., local land-use or climate change adaptation policies), research methodologies that incorporate participatory approaches alongside with computer simulation modeling tools have potential to be particularly effective. One such research methodology, called the “Participatory Coastal Land-Use Management” (PCLM) approach, consists of three major steps: (a) participatory approach to find key drivers responsible for the water quality deterioration, (b) scenario analysis using different computer simulation modeling tools for impact assessment, and (c) using these scientific evidences for developing adaptation and mitigation measures. In this study, we have applied PCLM approach in the Kendrapara district of India (focusing on the Brahmani River basin), a rapidly urbanizing area on the country’s east coast to evaluate current status and predict its future conditions. The participatory approach involved key informant interviews to determine key drivers of water quality degradation, which served as an input for scenario analysis and hydrological simulation in the next step. Future river water quality (BOD and Total coliform (Tot. coli) as important parameters) was simulated using the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) tool, considering a different plausible future scenario (to 2050) incorporating diverse drivers and pressures (i.e., population growth, land-use change, and climate change). Water samples (collected in 2018) indicated that the Brahmani River in this district was already moderately-to-extremely polluted in comparison to the desirable water quality (Class B), and modeling results indicated that the river water quality is likely to further deteriorate by 2050 under all of the considered scenarios. Demographic changes emerged as the major driver affecting the future water quality deterioration (68% and 69% for BOD and Tot. coli respectively), whereas climate change had the lowest impact on river water quality (12% and 13% for BOD and Tot. coli respectively), although the impact was not negligible. Scientific evidence to understand the impacts of future changes can help in developing diverse plausible coastal zone management approaches for ensuring sustainable management of water resources in the region. The PCLM approach, by having active stakeholder involvement, can help in co-generation of the coastal management options followed by open access free software, and models can play a relevant cost-effective approach to enhance science-policy interface for conservation of natural resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)

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