Search Results (16,225)

As a multi-functional systemic carrier, rural tourism integrates diverse rural resources and serves as a key endogenous driver for sustainable rural development and the enhancement of rural residents’ livelihoods. However, excessive tourism development may lead to environmental pressures and exacerbate inequities in benefit distribution, rendering well-being gains uncertain. This study aims to explore the multidimensional mechanisms through which rural tourism influences rural residents’ well-being by utilizing national data from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS). The results indicate that village-level tourism development exerts a positive effect on material and psychological well-being. Effects are particularly strong in eastern and hilly regions and in villages where the party secretary also serves as committee director. Further analysis identifies four channels through which rural tourism enhances well-being: fostering digital financial inclusion, advancing empowerment reforms, reallocating resources, and optimizing governance frameworks. Additionally, tourism development leads to improvements in indicators such as road quality, living environment, and satisfaction with village committee performance—while highlighting policy attention to social security, housing, and income satisfaction. Full article

Building climate-resilient cities strengthens urban livability and sustainable development levels. This paper constructs a difference-in-differences model to examine the impact of the pilot policy for climate-resilient city construction (CRCC—CRCC is used uniformly in the following text to represent the policy) on green sustainable innovation, using panel data of 260 prefecture-level Chinese cities from 2009 to 2023. The results reveal that CRCC can significantly promote green sustainable innovation in Chinese cities. Additionally, CRCC promotes green sustainable innovation by increasing the level of informatization, improving green total-factor energy efficiency, boosting corporate ESG performance, and alleviating corporate financing constraints. Therefore, it is necessary to further strengthen the implementation and promotion of China’s climate pilot policy. Attention should be paid to optimizing the pathways through which the pilot policy affects green sustainable innovation. Differentiated regional policies should be implemented based on local conditions. A tripartite linkage mechanism involving the government, enterprises, and the public should be established to increase societal awareness and support for climate-resilient city construction. Full article

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) constitute an important component of forest-based production systems and biomass supply chains in Türkiye. Despite their growing eco-nomic and ecological significance, the long-term structural dynamics of NTFP production remain insufficiently understood. This study examines temporal and structural changes in NTFP production in Türkiye during the period 1988–2024 using official production statistics and production support data. The analysis applies a quantitative framework that combines linear trend analysis, Shannon diversity and Herfindahl–Hirschman concentration indices, volatility measures based on the coefficient of variation, and regression models to evaluate production trends, structural transformations, stabilization patterns, and the effectiveness of production support mechanisms. The findings reveal a non-linear and multi-phase development pattern characterized by diversification and production growth after 2000, followed by increasing concentration and greater production volatility after 2018. Although total production volume increased substantially, portfolio diversity declined over time, and dependence on a limited number of high-volume products intensified, indicating growing structural vulnerability within the system. In addition, production support mechanisms showed a weak and heterogeneous relationship with production outcomes. A limited contextual comparison with Lithuania’s multifunctional NTFP system is also included to position the findings within a broader European context. Over-all, the results suggest that increasing production alone is insufficient to ensure long-term system stability. Instead, diversification-oriented and risk-sensitive resource management strategies that account for production risks, regional disparities, and product heterogeneity-ty are essential for developing sustainable and resilient NTFP production systems. Full article

Soil acidification and low nutrient availability in acidic red soils are major constraints on pecan (Carya illinoinensis) productivity and fruit quality. However, the integrated effects of quicklime and biochar application in pecan orchards on acidic red soils remain poorly understood. In this context, a field experiment was conducted in an 8-year-old pecan orchard in an acidic red soil region to evaluate the effects of sole and combined applications of biochar and quicklime at different ratios on soil properties, fruit yield, and quality. The results showed that the combined application of biochar and quicklime showed greater benefits for soil fertility, fruit yield, and kernel quality than single-amendment treatments. The combined treatments significantly increased soil pH by 0.47–2.15 units relative to the control and markedly improved soil nutrient status. After 12 months of application, SOM contents under L1B–L3B were 20.8–23.2% higher than those under the corresponding quicklime-only treatments, reaching 37.57–43.37 g·kg⁻¹. The combined treatments also maintained higher total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available potassium levels than the corresponding quicklime-only treatments, with TN under L1B–L3B reaching 1.65–1.78 g·kg⁻¹, representing a 126.0–166.7% increase over their respective quicklime-only treatments. The combined treatments also generally enhanced soil biological activity and improved fruit yield and quality. Their effects on fruit traits varied with application ratio: the low-dose treatment (L1B, 2 kg biochar + 1 kg quicklime) was more effective in improving physical traits such as dry kernel weight and kernel percentage; the medium-dose treatment (L2B, 2 kg biochar + 1.5 kg quicklime) produced the highest single-tree yield, reaching 26.80 kg·tree⁻¹, which was 24.25% higher than the control and significantly higher than all single-amendment treatments (23.43–25.07 kg·tree⁻¹); and the high-dose treatment (L3B, 2 kg biochar + 2 kg quicklime) was more favorable for improving nutritional quality, increasing amino acid and vitamin E contents to 1267.01 μg·kg⁻¹ and 153.22 μg·g⁻¹, respectively, which were 45.41–91.90% and 5.02–78.77% higher than those under the single-amendment treatments. Overall, the combined application of biochar and quicklime effectively alleviated soil acidification, improved soil fertility, and promoted higher fruit yield and quality, providing a scientific basis for the efficient, high-quality, and sustainable development of pecan orchards in acidic red soil regions. Full article

Under the dual pressures of global climate change and rapid urbanization, the spatial contradiction between urban expansion and flash flood disasters in mountainous dam areas is increasingly evident. However, the mechanisms by which the multi-dimensional characteristics of urban expansion affect regional flash flood susceptibility (FFS) remain unclear, limiting scientific guidance for source-level disaster prevention. This study uses Zhaotong City, a flash flood-prone area in the lower Jinsha River basin of southwestern China, as a case study. Using land use and multi-source remote sensing data from 2000 and 2025, we identify urban expansion patterns and morphological characteristics, apply the XGBoost-SHAP model to evaluate flash flood susceptibility and determine dominant factors, and employ the generalized additive model (GAM) to quantify the nonlinear responses of expansion dimensions to FFS. Results show the following: (1) Urban expansion in Zhaotong City is primarily edge (51%) and leapfrog (46%), clustering along river valleys, dam areas, and transportation corridors. (2) The XGBoost model performs well (AUC = 0.877). Elevation, slope, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and precipitation are the primary natural factors influencing FFS. About 15.66% of the city falls within the high/very high FFS zones, mainly in the Zhaolu Dam area, riverbanks of main and tributary streams, and the urban built-up area. (3) Urban expansion-related indicators explain 28.6% of the spatial variation in FFS, with leapfrog expansion as the primary driver (contribution rate 32.75%). Disorderly urban growth and morphological imbalance significantly increase flash flood susceptibility. This study provides a scientific basis for spatial planning, flash flood prevention and control, and climate-adaptive urban development in similar mountainous dam areas in Southwest China and Asia, supporting regional sustainable development goals. Full article

This study aims to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental footprint of BOCOM Petroleum, a mid-sized downstream oil company operating in Douala, Cameroon. In response to the critical need for empirical data on industrial emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa, a mixed-methods approach combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon accounting, and stakeholder interviews was adopted. Emissions were categorised following the GHG Protocol into Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy-related), and Scope 3 (value chain). Results reveal total annual emissions of 51,734 CO₂, kg/year, with Scope 3 accounting for 38%, Scope 2 for 33%, and Scope 1 for 29%. Major emission sources include stationary combustion, laboratory processes, and the use of electricity-intensive heat-generating machines. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was developed, proposing actionable measures such as process optimisation, adoption of energy-efficient equipment, electrification of vehicle fleets, and improved waste management. Findings underscore the need for systemic decarbonisation strategies among mid-sized oil firms and highlight the alignment of corporate initiatives with Cameroon’s climate commitments. This study contributes a replicable methodological framework for emission auditing in industrial enterprises across the region and calls for further integration of environmental and financial planning in corporate sustainability strategies. Full article

Climate change poses an increasing threat to the functionality of forest transportation infrastructure, particularly in northern regions where seasonal access and ground conditions are critical for wood mobilization. The objective of this study was to assess how projected changes in temperature and precipitation may compromise accessibility to forest resources. In addition, it aimed to develop targeted adaptation recommendations to support resilient transportation systems. These actions are essential to ensure the continuity of wood supply under future climatic conditions. Climate projections were extracted from the climatedata.ca platform based on the CMIP6 (CanDCS-M6) model under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). Using a GIS-based workflow, projected temperature and precipitation data were spatially matched to the selected Forest Management Units (FMUs) in Quebec, Canada, and the study area was divided into three latitudinal subregions to capture spatial temperature variation. Classified road network maps were then overlaid with projected climate data for 2020, 2040, 2060, and 2080 to evaluate winter road usability, precipitation-related exposure of road classes, and changes in effective winter road density. Results showed a consistent shortening of the winter road operational period under all scenarios, with the most severe reductions under SSP5-8.5. In highly affected areas, the winter road usability window may decrease from 90 days in 2020 to only 21 days by 2080. Increased precipitation is also expected to affect numerous road segments, raising risks of erosion, sedimentation, and loss of accessibility. A reduction of approximately 7% in effective winter road density is projected across the study area under the high-emission scenario (SSP5-8.5), reflecting the most severe impact of future temperature increases. Based on these findings, targeted road upgrades, climate-informed infrastructure design, and alternative access planning are proposed to help sustain wood flow and support year-round forest operations under future climatic conditions. Full article

Albic soils are a typical problematic soil type distributed worldwide. These soils are characterized by a thin humus layer, low organic matter content, nutrient insufficiency, and weak microbial activity. Therefore, microbial-based approaches hold great potential for the amelioration of Albic soils. This review synthesizes microbial characteristics, influencing factors, amelioration mechanisms, and related technical efficacy of Albic soils. Microbial communities of Albic soils exhibit distinct regional characteristics, with Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria dominating the bacterial community. Reasonable agricultural management practices—including deep plowing and subsoil mixing, combined organic fertilization and straw return—can increase microbial biomass by 62–248% and enhance enzyme activities by 12–303%, ultimately increasing crop yield by 1.5–13%. Such practices drive fertility enhancement and ecological functional improvement in Albic soils. Inoculation with functional microbes (e.g., Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Trichoderma) alleviates Albic soil acidification by 1.1–3.8%, activates recalcitrant nutrients, and accelerates Soil Organic Matter (SOM) decomposition. Through extracellular polymeric substance secretion, such inoculation promotes aggregate formation, improving soil permeability and structural stability. However, challenges remain for current research, including difficult microbial agent colonization, unstable amelioration effects, and a lack of long-term field studies. Future research should utilize bio-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data technologies to analyze microbial functions and regulate soil quality for cultivated land improvement and sustainable agriculture development. Full article

Against the background of green transformation and sustainable urban development, improving urban eco-environmental resilience (UER) is essential for enhancing ecological security and long-term urban sustainability. Using panel data from 260 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2023, this study constructs a new quality productive forces (NQPF) index based on new-quality laborers, new-quality means of labor, and new-quality labor objects, and measures UER from the dimensions of resistance, recovery, and adaptation. The results show that: (1) NQPF has a significant U-shaped effect on UER, indicating that it may inhibit UER in the early stage due to transformation costs and insufficient institutional adaptation but promotes UER after crossing a certain development level; (2) NQPF improves both green innovation level (GIL) and green innovation efficiency (GIE), while GIL faces short-term transformation constraints and GIE more directly enhances UER; (3) threshold, heterogeneity, and spatial analyses show that the positive effect of NQPF is stronger in cities with higher economic development levels and in the eastern region, and both NQPF and UER exhibit spatial clustering. This study provides empirical evidence for promoting productivity upgrading, ecological resilience, and sustainable urban transition. Full article

The Landscape of Outstanding Features of “Islands and Cliffs near Slankamen” (ICS) is a protected area in the Danube region, characterized by diverse forest and wetland habitats. Different forms of sustainable tourism (SUTO) can be developed in this area, including nature-based tourism, ecotourism, and scientific tourism. This study aims to examine the impact of SUTO dimensions on residents’ satisfaction in the settlements of Stari Slankamen and Novi Slankamen. The research is based on the Prism of Sustainability (PoS) model, which includes ecological, economic, socio-cultural, and institutional dimensions. A total of 1030 inhabitants participated in the survey. The results show that all four dimensions have a statistically significant impact on residents’ satisfaction. The economic and institutional dimensions have a stronger influence, while the socio-cultural and ecological dimensions were evaluated more positively by respondents. The results indicate the need for better coordination of tourism development and management activities in order to achieve a balance between nature protection, economic benefits, and the needs of the local community. Full article

Sustainable regional development requires understanding how entrepreneurship and unemployment co-evolve. This study investigates this relationship across Türkiye’s 26 Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics 2 regions over the 2007–2024 period, testing the Schumpeter (pull) and Refugee (push) effects with controls for regional economic and financial determinants. Using the Dynamic Common Correlated Effects estimator, which accounts for cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity across regions, the analysis provides evidence supporting both effects, while revealing that neither effect emerges instantaneously. The Schumpeter effect operates with an approximately one-year lag, reflecting the time new ventures require to complete organizational formation and generate net labor demand, with a creative destruction dynamic appearing from the second year onward. The Refugee effect materializes within one to two years, as unemployed individuals exhaust formal job search alternatives before turning to necessity entrepreneurship. Critically, the findings identify banking sector intermediation efficiency, rather than aggregate credit volume, as a more consistent financial channel for sustainable labor market outcomes, and document a pattern consistent with jobless growth, in which regional output expansion has not systematically translated into unemployment reduction. These results call for employment- and entrepreneurship-linked policy instruments that are timed to the lag structure of both effects and targeted at transforming necessity-driven activities into sustainable, high-value-added structures, rather than merely incentivizing firm entry. Aligning regional financial intermediation with employment creation can foster long-term socio-economic sustainability and promote sustainable regional development. Full article

Walnut leaf necrosis causes leaf desiccation and premature abscission, substantially reducing photosynthetic efficiency, impairing fruit development, and ultimately leading to yield loss and quality deterioration. In severe cases, it accelerates branch senescence or even whole-tree mortality, resulting in considerable economic damage to the walnut industry. Rapid and accurate monitoring of this disease is therefore essential for sustainable production. This study aimed to characterize the different stages of walnut leaf necrosis using spectral analysis and develop classification models for stage-specific identification. Leaf samples representing healthy leaves and the early, middle, and late stages of necrosis were analyzed for spectral responses. Sensitive bands were identified using the variable importance in projection (VIP), successive projections algorithm (SPA), and the combined VIP-SPA method, and corresponding vegetation indices were constructed. The selected features were incorporated into classification models based on random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Results revealed that the red-edge (640–700 nm) and near-infrared (720–1000 nm) regions were identified as key diagnostic spectral ranges. Among the vegetation indices evaluated, the Simple Ratio Index (SRI) calculated from reflectance at 705.7 nm and 707.1 nm, the Normalized Difference Index (NDI) using the same band pair, and the Difference Index (DI) derived from 417.1 nm and 638.7 nm emerged as the most sensitive indicators of disease severity. Classification accuracies for different necrosis stages reached 0.9583, 0.9583, and 0.9333, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the identified spectral bands and vegetation indices provide robust tools for monitoring the progression of walnut leaf necrosis. Full article

Urban informality is a defining feature of Latin American urbanisation, with estimates suggesting that up to 80% of the urban landscape has been informally built. Despite its centrality in urban development, its integration into architectural education remains limited, revealing a gap between the realities of city-making and the professional training offered by universities. This study examines how architecture programmes in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador address urban informality and the extent to which they prepare future professionals to engage with the dominant modes of urban production in the region. Using a qualitative and comparative methodology, the curricula, course descriptions, and academic lines of 50 universities were analysed across three dimensions: (1) the thematic presence of concepts related to informality, (2) the degree of curricular integration—core, transversal, or tangential—and (3) pedagogical orientation, classified as technical–normative, social–critical, or interdisciplinary. The results reveal a fragmented and uneven incorporation of urban informality. Chile shows the highest relative presence, though often embedded indirectly within broader themes such as inequality or sustainability and framed through technical–normative approaches. Peru and Ecuador display even more limited integration, generally confined to isolated courses or electives. The study argues that this marginal incorporation weakens the preparation of professionals working in contexts where informality is a structural urban condition and calls for an “informal turn” in built-environment education. Full article

Total factor productivity (TFP) acts as the core micro-foundation for enterprises to enhance resource allocation efficiency, thereby fundamentally boosting their sustainable development capability and long-term sustainability performance. Based on differentiated exposure to the R&D additional deduction policy (the R&D policy), this paper explores TFP disparities and heterogeneous responses among intelligent manufacturing enterprises, together with potential mechanisms. The results indicate that enterprises with access to the R&D policy present higher TFP levels on average and show noticeable differences in TFP performance relative to non-affected enterprises. Mechanism tests suggest that the R&D policy is associated with relieved financing constraints, strengthened R&D willingness, and optimized allocation of R&D resources, which may jointly correlate with the variation in enterprise TFP. Further heterogeneous analysis demonstrates that such disparities in TFP performance are more pronounced in enterprises with high labor intensity, low capital intensity, slow industrial technology iteration, eastern regional distribution, and large scale. This paper clarifies the differential performance characteristics and potential influencing pathways of enterprise TFP under the context of the R&D policy, and provides empirical evidence and practical references originating from China for relevant policy research in other countries and regions. Full article

This study investigates women’s textile knowledge in Portugal as a fundamental element of cultural heritage, situating it within domestic, social, and industrial contexts, with a particular focus on Guimarães. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach grounded in historical and documentary evidence, it analyses how female expertise in spinning, weaving, embroidery, and lacemaking contributed to the evolution of textile practices from the fifteenth century to the present day. The findings indicate that this knowledge was pivotal to the transformation of domestic textile activities into an emerging industrial sector, shaping both production methods and cultural identity. The study concludes that recognising the historical importance of women’s textile labour is essential for understanding the development of the Portuguese industry. Furthermore, this research underscores the urgency of preserving, transmitting, and legitimising the intangible cultural heritage associated with women’s textile knowledge. It argues that integrating this legacy into contemporary creative and industrial practices can foster cultural sustainability and unlock new possibilities for future innovation, ensuring that this ancestral expertise remains a living pillar of regional identity. Full article