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18 pages, 2042 KB

Open AccessArticle

How People Recognize a Street: Enhancing Perceived Identity for Socio-Environmental Sustainability

by Jiaqi Zhang, Yijie Jin, Haojiang Ying, Qingyao Yu and Zheng Chen

Land 2025, 14(12), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122446 - 18 Dec 2025

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Recognizable and distinctive streets are essential not only for navigation but also for fostering place identity and therefore socio-environmental sustainability in cities. The recognition depends on both high-level visual features (e.g., buildings, trees, etc.) and low-level ones (e.g., colors, spatial frequencies, etc.). While [...] Read more.

Recognizable and distinctive streets are essential not only for navigation but also for fostering place identity and therefore socio-environmental sustainability in cities. The recognition depends on both high-level visual features (e.g., buildings, trees, etc.) and low-level ones (e.g., colors, spatial frequencies, etc.). While the former has been examined extensively, the latter remains less understood. This study addresses this gap via a multi-disciplinary perspective, by exploring how low-level visual features influence attention and cognitive processing during street recognition using an eye-tracking device. In the experiment, participants were expected to recognize Huaihai Road in China from other historic, tree-shaded, commercial streets with similar appearance (e.g., the Champs-Élysées in France, Omotesando in Japan, and Shaanxi South Road and Fuxing Middle Road in China). Results showed that removing mid-to-high spatial frequencies significantly improved recognition accuracy, while the absence of color led to a notable decline in accuracy. Markedly, the presence or absence of trees did not significantly affect recognition accuracy, suggesting that trees may be not vital for street recognition. These findings underscore the importance of global visual cues and color in the recognition process and provide practical computational design insights for urban distinctiveness and cultural sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Design and Planning for Socio-Environmental Sustainability of Landscapes and Communities)

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22 pages, 4884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Microtopographic Engineering with Native Plant Functional Diversity to Support Restoration of Degraded Arid Ecosystems

by Yassine Fendane, Mohamed Djamel Miara, Hassan Boukcim, Sami D. Almalki, Shauna K. Rees, Abdalsamad Aldabaa, Ayman Abdulkareem and Ahmed H. Mohamed

Land 2025, 14(12), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122445 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Active restoration structures such as microtopographic water-harvesting designs are widely implemented in dryland ecosystems to improve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and promote vegetation recovery. We assessed the combined effects of planted species identity, planting diversity (mono-, bi- and multi-species mixtures), and micro-catchment (half-moon) [...] Read more.

Active restoration structures such as microtopographic water-harvesting designs are widely implemented in dryland ecosystems to improve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and promote vegetation recovery. We assessed the combined effects of planted species identity, planting diversity (mono-, bi- and multi-species mixtures), and micro-catchment (half-moon) structures on seedling performance and spontaneous natural regeneration in a hyper-arid restoration pilot site in Sharaan National Park, northwest Saudi Arabia. Thirteen native plant species, of which four—Ochradenus baccatus, Haloxylon persicum, Haloxylon salicornicum, and Acacia gerrardii—formed the dominant planted treatments, were established in 18 half-moons and monitored for survival, growth, and natural recruitment. Seedling survival after 20 months differed significantly among planting treatments, increasing from 58% in mono-plantings to 69% in bi-plantings and 82% in multi-plantings (binomial GLMM, p < 0.001), indicating a positive effect of planting diversity on establishment. Growth traits (height, collar diameter, and crown dimensions) were synthesized into an Overall Growth Index (OGI) and an entropy-weighted OGI (EW-OGI). Mixed-effects models revealed strong species effects on both indices (F_12,369 ≈ 7.2, p < 0.001), with O. baccatus and H. persicum outperforming other taxa and cluster analysis separating “fast expanders”, “moderate growers”, and “decliners”. Trait-based modeling showed that lateral crown expansion was the main driver of overall performance, whereas stem thickening and fruit production contributed little. Between 2022 and 2024, half-moon soils exhibited reduced electrical conductivity and exchangeable Na, higher organic carbon, and doubled available P, consistent with emerging positive soil–plant feedbacks. Spontaneous recruits were dominated by perennials (≈67% of richness), with perennial dominance increasing from mono- to multi-plantings, although Shannon diversity differences among treatments were small and non-significant. The correlation between OGI and spontaneous richness was positive but weak (r = 0.29, p = 0.25), yet plots dominated by O. baccatus hosted nearly two additional spontaneous species relative to other plantings, highlighting its strong facilitative role. Overall, our results show that half-moon micro-catchments, especially when combined with functionally diverse native plantings, can simultaneously improve soil properties and promote biotic facilitation, fostering a transition from active intervention to passive, self-sustaining restoration in hyper-arid environments. Full article

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16 pages, 25396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Landscape Connectivity Loss and Identification of Restoration Priorities in Forest Fire-Affected Areas: A Case Study of North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea

by Chulhyun Choi, Seonmi Lee and Hyunjin Seo

Land 2025, 14(12), 2444; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122444 - 18 Dec 2025

Viewed by 383

Abstract

The 2025 large-scale forest fire in North Gyeongsang Province (Gyeongbuk) caused habitat fragmentation and disrupted ecological networks. This study quantitatively assessed both structural and functional connectivity loss and derived scientifically grounded restoration priorities. Fire intensity was assessed using Sentinel-2-based dNBR, and connectivity changes [...] Read more.

The 2025 large-scale forest fire in North Gyeongsang Province (Gyeongbuk) caused habitat fragmentation and disrupted ecological networks. This study quantitatively assessed both structural and functional connectivity loss and derived scientifically grounded restoration priorities. Fire intensity was assessed using Sentinel-2-based dNBR, and connectivity changes before and after the fire were analyzed by integrating MSPA (Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis) and Omniscape (circuit theory-based model). MSPA captured extreme fragmentation, showing an 84% reduction in core habitats and a 976% increase in isolated patches, but failed to reflect functional movement flows. Omniscape approximated this using circuit theory, quantifying a 60% loss in cumulative current flow within the fire boundary and confirming that structural disconnection led to functional connectivity collapse. The restoration priority assessment (53 patches), based on source–sink theory, identified 14 high-priority patches (66% of total area). These patches were characterized by their adjacency to undamaged external cores, which serve as potential population sources for post-restoration recolonization. Notably, the top-priority areas were identified as key connection points within the national ecological corridor where Juwangsan National Park, the Nakdong Ridge, and Grade 1 Ecological Natural Areas overlap. This study demonstrated that integrating MSPA with Omniscape can simultaneously quantify both morphological fragmentation and functional disconnection caused by forest fires. This framework suggests that restoration planning should consider connectivity with broader ecological networks, in addition to recovering lost habitat area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Section, Second Edition)

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27 pages, 2725 KB

Open AccessReview

How Has South Africa’s Land Reform Policy Performed from 1994 to 2024? Insights from a Review of Literature

by Walter Shiba, Mamakie Lungwana, Khaled Abutaleb, Manana Mamabolo, Tribute Jabulile Mboweni, Siphe Zantsi, Mankaba Whitney Matli, Portia Mdwebi, Sipho Madyo and Papi Kubeka

Land 2025, 14(12), 2443; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122443 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

South Africa’s land reform program is a cornerstone of efforts to redress historical injustices, guided by the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform Policy and structured around restitution, redistribution, and tenure reform. Three decades into implementation, this study systematically reviews the policy performance [...] Read more.

South Africa’s land reform program is a cornerstone of efforts to redress historical injustices, guided by the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform Policy and structured around restitution, redistribution, and tenure reform. Three decades into implementation, this study systematically reviews the policy performance from 1994 to 2024, focusing on these pillars and related governance measures. Despite repeated policy revisions and extensive public debate, significant gaps persist between objectives, such as equitable access, tenure security, and poverty reduction—and actual outcomes. Using PRISMA guidelines, 94 peer-reviewed articles were selected from Scopus (1994–2024) alongside key policy documents and official reports. Evidence shows that land reform has consistently fallen short of its targets. Restitution claims remain largely cash-based, undermining tenure security, while redistribution has transferred less than 14% of agricultural land, far below the 30% target. Beneficiaries under the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) often hold insecure lease agreements, and most households in former homelands lack title deeds, perpetuating vulnerability. The weak institutional capacity, poor coordination, and inadequate post-settlement support further constrain progress. The review concludes that the most fundamental policy priority is establishing a unified national framework that guarantees secure land tenure through the issuance of title deeds, complemented by integrated post-settlement support and transparent beneficiary selection. Strengthening tenure security is essential for enabling investment, improving livelihoods, and achieving equitable and sustainable land reform. Full article

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24 pages, 7002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use Transition in a Post-Mining City Based on the GeoSOS-FLUS Model: A Case Study of Xuzhou, China

by Yongjun Yang, Xinxin Chen, Yiyan Zhang, Yuqing Cao and Dian Jin

Land 2025, 14(12), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122442 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 352

Abstract

Many cities worldwide face decline due to mineral-resource exhaustion, with mining-induced subsidence and land degradation posing urgent land use challenges. At the same time, carbon neutrality has become a global agenda, promoting ecological restoration, emissions reduction, and green transformation in resource-exhausted cities. However, [...] Read more.

Many cities worldwide face decline due to mineral-resource exhaustion, with mining-induced subsidence and land degradation posing urgent land use challenges. At the same time, carbon neutrality has become a global agenda, promoting ecological restoration, emissions reduction, and green transformation in resource-exhausted cities. However, empirical evidence on how carbon neutrality strategies drive land use transition remains scarce. Taking Xuzhou, China, as a case study, we integrate the GeoSOS–FLUS land use simulation model with a Markov chain model to project land use patterns in 2030 under three scenarios: natural development (ND), land recovery (LR), and carbon neutrality (CN). Using emission factors and a land use carbon inventory, we quantify spatial distributions and temporal shifts in carbon emission and sequestration. Results show that LR’s rigid recovery policies restrict broader transitions, while the CN scenario effectively reshapes land use by enhancing the competitiveness of low-carbon types such as forests and new-energy land. Under CN, built-up land expansion is curbed, forests and new-energy land are maximized, and emissions fall by 4.95% from 2020. Carbon neutrality offers opportunities for industrial renewal and ecological restoration in resource-exhausted cities, steering transformations toward approaches that balance ecological function and carbon benefits. Long-term monitoring is required to evaluate policy sustainability and effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 8239 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation Response Patterns to Landscape Fragmentation in Central Russian Forests

by Ivan Kotlov, Tatiana Chernenkova and Nadezhda Belyaeva

Land 2025, 14(12), 2441; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122441 - 17 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Landscape fragmentation as a process of landscape transformation affects the structure and composition of plant communities; however, relationships between fragmentation metrics and vegetation characteristics often remain weakly expressed and difficult to interpret, especially under conditions of multiple natural (wildfires, windstorms, pest outbreaks) and [...] Read more.

Landscape fragmentation as a process of landscape transformation affects the structure and composition of plant communities; however, relationships between fragmentation metrics and vegetation characteristics often remain weakly expressed and difficult to interpret, especially under conditions of multiple natural (wildfires, windstorms, pest outbreaks) and anthropogenic stressors (construction, forest management, agriculture). The aim of this study was to identify the sensitivity of forest community characteristics to landscape fragmentation metrics using methods that are effective at low correlation coefficients. The study analyzed 1694 vegetation relevés of forest communities in the center of the Russian Plain in the territory of the Moscow region. Seven uncorrelated metrics were calculated using the moving window method (2000 m) in Fragstats 4.3. The relationships between selected metrics and 20 community characteristics were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation method, assessment of statistically significant differences between classes, and testing for non-linear interactions. The species richness and Shannon index showed no correlation with fragmentation for tree and herb layers; however, the composition of ecological–coenotic groups demonstrated high sensitivity. The proportion of boreal and oligotrophic species, as well as the moss layer abundance, increased with increasing patch size, while nemoral and adventive species dominated in small-contrast patches. Results showed that fragmentation leads to asynchronous responses from ecosystem components, reducing correlations between structure and functioning. The conservation of large connected forest patches is critical for preserving the boreal–oligotrophic complex and moss layer, and is a priority task for climate adaptation. The robustness of the findings is supported by the extensive number of analyzed vegetation relevés. The multi-method approach demonstrated effectiveness in identifying significant ecological patterns under conditions of high multifactorial impact, emphasizing the need for a functionally oriented approach to managing fragmented temperate forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Fragmentation: Effects on Biodiversity and Wildlife)

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25 pages, 6258 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Thermal Comfort Evaluation for Elderly Individuals in Winter Urban Parks Based on Plant Elements Within Landscape Spaces—Taking Beijing Zizhuyuan and Taoranting Parks as Examples

by Yan Lu, Zirui Wang, Yiyang Li and Shuyi Yan

Land 2025, 14(12), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122440 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 333

Abstract

Against the backdrop of accelerating population aging, urban green spaces have become primary venues for elderly daily activities, with their winter thermal comfort emerging as a critical determinant of senior wellbeing. However, existing studies lack quantitative guidelines on how plant characteristics affect thermal [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of accelerating population aging, urban green spaces have become primary venues for elderly daily activities, with their winter thermal comfort emerging as a critical determinant of senior wellbeing. However, existing studies lack quantitative guidelines on how plant characteristics affect thermal comfort, limiting age-friendly design. Thirty representative landscape space sites (waterfront, square, dense forest, and sparse forest) in Beijing’s Zizhuyuan and Taoranting Parks were analyzed through microclimate measurements, 716 questionnaires, and scoring evaluations, supplemented by PET field data and ENVI-met simulations. A scoring system was developed based on tree density, plant traits (height, crown spread), and spatial features (canopy closure, structure, enclosure, and evergreen coverage). Key findings: (1) Sparse forests showed the best overall thermal comfort. Square building spaces were objectively comfortable but subjectively poor, while waterfront spaces showed the opposite. Dense forests performed worst in both aspects. (2) Wind speed and humidity were key drivers of both subjective and objective thermal comfort, and differences in plant configurations and landscape space types shaped how these factors were perceived. (3) Differentiated optimal scoring thresholds exist across the four landscape space types: waterfront (74 points), square building (52 points), sparse forest (61 points), and dense forest (88 points). (4) The landscape space design prioritizes sparse forest spaces, with moderate retention of waterfront and square areas and a reduction in dense forest zones. Optimization should proceed by first controlling enclosure and shading, then adjusting canopy closure and evergreen ratio, and finally refining tree traits to improve winter thermal comfort for the elderly. This study provides quantitative evidence and optimization strategies for improving both subjective and objective thermal comfort under diverse plant configurations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Second Edition: Ecosystem Services Design from Single Space Solution to Landscape Vision)

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23 pages, 12883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Land Degradation Assessment Using Advanced Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study from the Loiret Region, France

by Naji El Beyrouthy, Mario Al Sayah, Rita Der Sarkissian and Rachid Nedjai

Land 2025, 14(12), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122439 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 311

Abstract

The SDG 15.3.1 framework provides a standardized approach using land use/land cover (LULC) change, land productivity, and soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics to assess land degradation. However, SDG 15.3.1. faces limitations like coarse resolutions of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2, particularly for fine-scale studies. Accordingly, [...] Read more.

The SDG 15.3.1 framework provides a standardized approach using land use/land cover (LULC) change, land productivity, and soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics to assess land degradation. However, SDG 15.3.1. faces limitations like coarse resolutions of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2, particularly for fine-scale studies. Accordingly, this paper integrates Very Deep Super-Resolution (VDSR) for downscaling Landsat-8 imagery to 1 m resolution and the Vegetation Health Index (VHI) into SDG 15.3.1 to enhance detection in the heterogeneous Loiret region, France—a temperate agricultural hub featuring mixed croplands and peri-urban interfaces—using 2017 as baseline and 2024 as target. Results demonstrated that 1 m resolution detected more degraded LULC areas than coarser scales. SOC degradation was minimal (0.15%), concentrated in transitioned zones. VHI reduced overestimation of productivity declines compared to the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index by identifying more stable areas and 2.69 times less degradation in integrated assessments. The “One Out, All Out” rule classified 2.6% (using VHI) and 7.1% (using NDVI) of the region as degraded, mainly in peri-urban and cropland hotspots. This approach enables metre-scale land degradation mapping that remains effective in heterogeneous landscapes where fine-scale LULC changes drive degradation and would be missed at lower resolutions. However, future ground validation and longer timelines are essential to enhance the presented methodology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Degradation in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) : Assessment and Conservation (Second Edition))

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19 pages, 4616 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geomorphological Characterization of the Colombian Orinoquia

by Larry Niño, Alexis Jaramillo-Justinico, Víctor Villamizar, Orlando Rangel, Vladimir Minorta-Cely and Daniel Sánchez-Mata

Land 2025, 14(12), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122438 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 500

Abstract

The Colombian Orinoquia was shaped within a tectonic and sedimentary framework linked to the uplift of the Andean cordilleras during the Oligocene–Miocene. This orogenic event generated two tectonic fronts and facilitated extensive fluvial sedimentation across a broad alluvial geosyncline. The present geomorphological configuration [...] Read more.

The Colombian Orinoquia was shaped within a tectonic and sedimentary framework linked to the uplift of the Andean cordilleras during the Oligocene–Miocene. This orogenic event generated two tectonic fronts and facilitated extensive fluvial sedimentation across a broad alluvial geosyncline. The present geomorphological configuration reflects the cumulative interaction of tectonic and erosional processes with Quaternary climatic dynamics, which together produced complex landscape assemblages characterized by plains with distinctive drainage patterns. To delineate and characterize geomorphological units, we employed multidimensional imagery and Machine Learning techniques within the Google Earth Engine platform. The classification model integrated dual polarizations of synthetic aperture radar (L-band) with key topographic variables including elevation, slope, aspect, convexity, and roughness. The analysis identified three major physiographic units: (i) the Foothills and the Floodplain, both dominated by fluvial environments; (ii) the High plains and Serranía de La Macarena (Macarena Mountain Range), where denudational processes predominate; and (iii) localized aeolian environments embedded within the Floodplain. These contrasting dynamics have generated a broad spectrum of landforms, ranging from terraces and alluvial fans in the Foothills to hills and other erosional features in La Macarena. The Floodplain, developed over a sedimentary depression, illustrates the combined action of fluvial and aeolian processes, whereas the High plains is characterized by rolling plains and peneplains formed through the uplift and erosion of Tertiary sediments. Such geomorphic heterogeneity underscores the interplay between tectonic activity, climatic forcing, and surface processes in shaping the Orinoquia landscape. The geomorphological classification using Random Forest demonstrated high effectiveness in discriminating units at a regional scale, with accuracy levels supported by confusion matrices and associated Kappa indices. Nevertheless, some degree of classificatory overlap was observed in fluvial environments, likely reflecting their transitional nature and complex sedimentary dynamics. Overall, this methodological approach enhances the objectivity of geomorphological analysis and establishes a replicable framework for assessing landform distribution in tropical sedimentary basins. Full article

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23 pages, 6068 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Built-Up Spatial Pattern, Green Space Morphology and Carbon Sequestration at the Community Scale: A Case Study of Shanghai

by Lixian Peng, Yunfang Jiang, Xianghua Li, Chunjing Li and Jing Huang

Land 2025, 14(12), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122437 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 317

Abstract

Enhancing the carbon sequestration (CS) capacity of urban green spaces is crucial for mitigating global warming, environmental degradation, and urbanisation-induced issues. This study focuses on the urban community unit to establish a system of determining factors for the CS capacity of green space, [...] Read more.

Enhancing the carbon sequestration (CS) capacity of urban green spaces is crucial for mitigating global warming, environmental degradation, and urbanisation-induced issues. This study focuses on the urban community unit to establish a system of determining factors for the CS capacity of green space, considering the built-up spatial pattern and green space morphology. An interpretable machine learning approach (Random Forest + Shapley Additive exPlanations) is employed to systematically analyse the non-linear relationship of built-up spatial pattern and green space morphology factors. Results demonstrate significant urban zonal heterogeneity in green space CS, whereas southern suburban area communities exhibited higher capacity. In terms of green space morphology factors, higher fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and cohesion were positively correlated with green space CS capacity. Leaf area index (LAI), canopy density (CD), and the evergreen-broadleaf forest ratio additionally further enhanced the positive effect of two-dimensional green space factors on CS. For built-up spatial pattern factors, communities with a high green space ratio and low development intensity exhibited higher CS capacity. And the optimal ranges of FVC, LAI and CD for effective facilitation of community green space CS were identified as 0.6–0.75, 4.85–5.5 and 0.68–0.7, respectively. Moreover, cohesion, LAI and CD bolstered the CS capacity in communities with a high building density and plot ratio. This study provides a rational basis for planning and layout of green space patterns to enhance CS efficiency at the urban community scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services in Relation to Landscape Design, Planning and Management)

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31 pages, 3338 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development Path of Carbon Emission Assessment System for University Campus: Experiences and Inspirations from STARS Rating System

by Yang Yang and Feng Gao

Land 2025, 14(12), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122436 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 492

Abstract

The environmental crisis precipitated by climate change has accelerated the urgency of urban green and low-carbon transformation. In 2024, China’s Action Plan for the National Standardization Development Outline (2024–2025) stipulated requirements for continuously improving the standard system for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality [...] Read more.

The environmental crisis precipitated by climate change has accelerated the urgency of urban green and low-carbon transformation. In 2024, China’s Action Plan for the National Standardization Development Outline (2024–2025) stipulated requirements for continuously improving the standard system for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in public institutions. As key venues for knowledge innovation and energy consumption, the low-carbon transformation of higher education institutions holds significant importance for China’s achievement of its dual carbon goals. However, China lacks a systematic evaluation framework specifically designed for university campus carbon emissions. Existing green campus assessment standards often suffer from inadequate indicator adaptability, a lack of update mechanisms, and limited coverage. The STARS sustainability assessment system, widely adopted in North America, offers valuable reference points for establishing campus carbon emissions evaluation frameworks due to its features of indicator adaptability, dynamic update mechanisms, and comprehensive evaluation dimensions. This paper conducts an exploratory comparative case study of Princeton University (USA) and Tianjin University (China)—two leading research-intensive institutions—within the STARS 2.2 framework. It systematically analyses their divergent approaches to carbon management and evaluation, not as representatives of their respective continents, but as exemplars of how advanced universities operationalize low-carbon transitions. Based on this analysis and a review of domestic Chinese standards, it proposes a development pathway for China’s university campus carbon emissions evaluation system: (1) Establish a differentiated indicator system combining ‘universal fundamentals with discipline-specific types’ to enhance adaptability to campus characteristics; (2) Establish a mechanism for periodic version updates to the evaluation standard itself, ensuring alignment with evolving national carbon goals and technological advancements; (3) Develop a comprehensive and transparent carbon accounting framework that integrates direct emissions, purchased energy, and indirect sources. This research provides theoretical foundations and methodological support for institutional development and practical optimization in carbon emissions evaluation within Chinese higher education institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Investments in Urban, Peri-Urban and Industrial Areas: Novel Approaches and Methods)

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25 pages, 5706 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact and Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Differentiated Industrial Land Supply Regarding Industrial Total Factor Productivity

by Jian Wang, Yun Li, Haixia Wei and Qun Wu

Land 2025, 14(12), 2435; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122435 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 295

Abstract

Optimizing resource allocation is crucial for enhancing Total Factor Productivity (TFP). This study investigates the impact of differentiated industrial land supply (DILS) on industrial Total Factor Productivity (ITFP), a topic essential for optimizing territorial spatial layouts and promoting high-quality industrial development. Using panel [...] Read more.

Optimizing resource allocation is crucial for enhancing Total Factor Productivity (TFP). This study investigates the impact of differentiated industrial land supply (DILS) on industrial Total Factor Productivity (ITFP), a topic essential for optimizing territorial spatial layouts and promoting high-quality industrial development. Using panel data from 282 Chinese cities (2007–2021) and a Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), we analyze the spatiotemporal effects of this factor. The results indicate a weakening trend in DILS over time, with a spatial pattern of lower intensity in the east and higher intensity in the west, while ITFP shows an upward trend, with higher levels in the east. Nationally, increased DILS impedes ITFP growth, a finding with robust implications for alternative approaches. This impact demonstrates significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity: at the macro-scale, eastern China shows an inverted U-shape, while the central and western regions exhibit negative impacts. At the meso-scale, the Yangtze River Economic Belt shows negative effects, while the Yellow River Basin displays an inverted U-shape. At the micro-scale, major city clusters show varied relationships (inverted U-shaped, positive, or negative). We conclude that DILS generally hinders ITFP, with effects intensifying and varying significantly across narrowing spatial scales, underscoring the need for region-specific land policies to support high-quality industrial development. This study enriches our theoretical understanding of how resource allocation affects ITFP and provides practical guidance for optimizing industrial land use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues)

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17 pages, 2582 KB

Open AccessArticle

Grassroots Organizational Capacity in Community Crisis Governance: A Case Study of Nanhai, China

by Junjie Tan and Yuan Yuan

Land 2025, 14(12), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122434 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 412

Abstract

Public health emergencies (PHEs) test the crisis response capacity of grassroots organizations like China’s Residential Committees (RCs). While existing research attributes this capacity to factors like resource mobilization or state-society relations, its deeper structural foundations in land regimes and spatial configurations remain underexplored, [...] Read more.

Public health emergencies (PHEs) test the crisis response capacity of grassroots organizations like China’s Residential Committees (RCs). While existing research attributes this capacity to factors like resource mobilization or state-society relations, its deeper structural foundations in land regimes and spatial configurations remain underexplored, particularly in Global South urbanization contexts. To fill this gap, this study develops a “Grassroots Organizational Capacity” (GOC) analytical framework, which disaggregates capacity into four dimensions: information, implementation, mobilization and cooperation, and coercion. We then employ this framework in a comparative case study of urban (Jiayi) and rural (Hedong) neighbourhoods in Nanhai, China, during the 2022 lockdown. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with ten key stakeholders in 2022, the findings reveal divergent types of governance. In the rural case, collective land ownership and open spaces foster an “Embedded Autonomy” type, enabling a proactive response through dense social networks. In the urban case, state land dependency and spatial fragmentation lead to a “Reactive Co-Governance” type, which relies on top-down state intervention. This study’s contribution is to provide a case-based illustration of how land and space structures are actively associated with grassroots crisis response effectiveness, rather than serving as passive backdrops. Full article

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24 pages, 2223 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Quality of Public Spaces in Traditional Villages in Chongqing, Southwest China

by Wei Wang, Yiping Chen, Yun Gao, Lili Dong, Jieying Zeng and Lingfei Zhou

Land 2025, 14(12), 2433; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122433 - 16 Dec 2025

Viewed by 385

Abstract

In many traditional villages in China, substantial government investment has been directed toward reconstructing public spaces for tourism development. Yet, many of these newly built spaces remain underused, revealing a persistent mismatch between top–down planning and villagers’ everyday needs. To address this gap, [...] Read more.

In many traditional villages in China, substantial government investment has been directed toward reconstructing public spaces for tourism development. Yet, many of these newly built spaces remain underused, revealing a persistent mismatch between top–down planning and villagers’ everyday needs. To address this gap, this study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the quality of rural public spaces. Drawing on a systematic review, a four-dimensional assessment model—encompassing environmental, social, cultural, and economic attributes—was developed and operationalized through 17 specific indicators. The model was applied to three traditional villages in Chongqing, Southwest China, using field observation, questionnaire surveys, confirmatory factor analysis, and semi-structured interviews. The findings show that while environmental and cultural qualities are generally appreciated, villagers’ overall evaluations are strongly shaped by livelihood considerations and the extent to which public spaces support everyday practices. In tourism-oriented villages, public spaces often function primarily as attractions rather than as sites of daily life, limiting their social usefulness despite significant investment. The results demonstrate that economic indicators, which are often overlooked in existing studies, are essential for assessing the quality of public space in traditional villages and for strengthening community engagement. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of rural public space and offer practical guidance for rural revitalization and community-based planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biophilic Cities and Communities: Human-Environment Interaction and Sustainable Governance)

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25 pages, 6177 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Urban High-Intensity Development Areas Based on Oriented Region Growth-Case Study of Shenzhen City in China

by Jiaqi Qiu, Honglan Huang, Ying Zhang and Liang Zou

Land 2025, 14(12), 2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122432 - 16 Dec 2025

Viewed by 328

Abstract

To achieve effective coordination among planning, operation, and service in urban management, and based on the fundamental characteristic of urban spatial development expanding from points to areas, this paper proposes an approach for identifying high-intensity urban development zones based on seed grid growth. [...] Read more.

To achieve effective coordination among planning, operation, and service in urban management, and based on the fundamental characteristic of urban spatial development expanding from points to areas, this paper proposes an approach for identifying high-intensity urban development zones based on seed grid growth. First, seed grids are selected using the Getis–Ord

G_{i}

* of grid floor area ratios as the criterion. Second, drawing on relevant image recognition methods, high-intensity development zones are derived through seed-grid-based zone growth, as well as zone merging and segmentation. Furthermore, the rationality of the geometric morphology and the independence of the spatial relationships of the identified zones are evaluated. Meanwhile, the utilization efficiency of these zones is assessed from the perspectives of population carrying capacity and industrial agglomeration, using data on population, digital brightness of nighttime lights, and points of interest (POI). Finally, the proposed identification and utilization efficiency assessment method is verified through a case study of Shenzhen City. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Multi-Source Geographical Big Data in Land Use Decision-Making)

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20 pages, 1861 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) for Monitoring Agricultural Drought in Tropical Environments

by Fadli Irsyad, Nurmala Sari, Annisa Eka Putri and Villim Filipović

Land 2025, 14(12), 2431; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122431 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Agricultural regions in humid tropical climates are often assumed to be water secure due to high annual rainfall, yet periodic drought remains a major constraint on production. This study demonstrates the application of the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) to identify drought-affected agricultural [...] Read more.

Agricultural regions in humid tropical climates are often assumed to be water secure due to high annual rainfall, yet periodic drought remains a major constraint on production. This study demonstrates the application of the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) to identify drought-affected agricultural land in West Sumatera, Indonesia. Despite mean annual rainfall exceeding 3000 mm, rice yields in the Batang Anai Subdistrict declined from 5.28 t/ha in 2018 to 4.20 t/ha in 2022, suggesting an increased drought stress. A spatial analysis integrated administrative boundaries, land use maps, monthly rainfall records (2014–2023), and MOD09A1 V6 MODIS imagery. The NDDI was derived sequentially from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). The results show that 51.65% of agricultural land (7175 ha) exhibited average NDDI values of 0.09–0.14 over 2018–2023, with the highest drought intensity in 2022, when 4441 ha were classified as moderate drought. Land use under drought conditions was dominated by plantations (58.6%), rice fields (39.5%), and dry fields (1.9%). The NDDI method can more effectively capture localized drought impacts, making it valuable for operational drought monitoring systems. These findings highlight the vulnerability of humid tropical agricultural systems to drought and underscore the need for sustainable water management and early warning strategies based on remote sensing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land, Soil and Water)

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7 pages, 170 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Monitoring Environmental Degradation and Restoration of Wetlands and Arid Lands Using Remote Sensing and Big Geospatial Data

by Xinxin Wang, Yongchao Liu, Jie Wang and Xiaocui Wu

Land 2025, 14(12), 2430; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122430 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Intensified human activities and climate change are posing great challenges to the fragile thresholds of ecosystems [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Environmental Monitoring and Environmental Restoration for the Arid Lands and Wetlands)

18 pages, 623 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Land Consolidation on Farmers’ Abandonment Behavior: A Study Based on the Triple Farmland Scale Perspective

by Zhixing Ma, Dingde Xu and Ruiping Ran

Land 2025, 14(12), 2429; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122429 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Reducing farmland abandonment and improving land resource utilization efficiency are critical pathways for safeguarding national food security. This study aims to identify the mechanism through which Land Consolidation (LC) affects farmers’ abandonment behavior at the land parcel scale, providing empirical evidence for improving [...] Read more.

Reducing farmland abandonment and improving land resource utilization efficiency are critical pathways for safeguarding national food security. This study aims to identify the mechanism through which Land Consolidation (LC) affects farmers’ abandonment behavior at the land parcel scale, providing empirical evidence for improving LC policies and optimizing abandonment governance strategies. Using micro-survey data from 5014 land parcels in Sichuan Province collected in 2024, this study employs Probit, IV-Probit, and other econometric models to conduct empirical analysis, combining mechanism tests and heterogeneity analysis to systematically evaluate the suppression effects of LC. The results show that: (1) On the whole, LC significantly inhibits farmers’ abandonment behavior, with a notable decrease in the probability of abandonment for renovated land parcels. (2) The mechanism analysis indicates that LC alleviates farmers’ resource constraints and labor bottlenecks by expanding parcel size, operational scale, and improving the degree of land parcel consolidation, thereby reducing abandonment risk. (3) The heterogeneity analysis reveals that LC shows stronger suppression effects on abandonment behavior in flat land parcels, remote land parcels, and among ordinary farmers. In conclusion, LC is not only an essential measure for improving land quality and agricultural production efficiency but also a key policy tool for reducing farmers’ abandonment, stabilizing land use, and ensuring food security. Future efforts should promote targeted consolidation strategies, strengthening differentiated governance for varying land attributes and farmer types to achieve accurate and efficient abandonment management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues)

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24 pages, 4770 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Evolutionary Characteristics of Innovation Space and Influencing Factors Based on Patent Data—Harbin as an Example

by Junqi Wen, Ruiyang Zhou and Daming Xu

Land 2025, 14(12), 2428; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122428 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Innovation is the core driving force behind the high-quality development and global competitiveness of cities. The spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of innovation are of significant value in optimizing the allocation of innovation resources. This study focuses on Harbin, utilizing 46,057 patent [...] Read more.

Innovation is the core driving force behind the high-quality development and global competitiveness of cities. The spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of innovation are of significant value in optimizing the allocation of innovation resources. This study focuses on Harbin, utilizing 46,057 patent application data from 2004 to 2022, and employs spatial analysis methods such as KDE, ESDA, and DBSCAN to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of innovation space. Through the MGWR model, this study investigates the factors influencing the spatial agglomeration of innovation from five dimensions: innovation subjects, infrastructure support, public service support, population and market, and spatial carrier. The findings are as follows: (1) In terms of spatiotemporal patterns, Harbin’s innovation space distribution shows a “one core, four cluster” spatial structure, with innovation activities clustering primarily around universities as the core and new districts as key support, gradually evolving toward a multi-center agglomeration development model. (2) Regarding influencing factors, the geographic proximity of universities is significantly associated with higher innovation density. Among infrastructure, metro stations show a positive association with innovation agglomeration, potentially reflecting the role of transport accessibility. Public service support displays significant spatial heterogeneity across different regions. (3) The Historical Area requires policy guidance for urban renewal; the New Town Area forms exogenous-driven innovation clusters; the Industrialized Park Area achieves endogenous development through industrial collaboration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Sustainable Urban and Land Development, Second Edition)

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28 pages, 13255 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Urban Spatial Environment Optimization Based on the Combined Influence of Steady-State and Dynamic Vitality: A Case Study of Wuhan City

by Xiaoxue Tang, Kun Li, Dong Xie and Yuan Fang

Land 2025, 14(12), 2427; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122427 - 16 Dec 2025

Viewed by 354

Abstract

Urban vitality is an important evaluation indicator for enhancing urban spatial efficiency and promoting sustainable development. However, few studies have systematically integrated steady-state and dynamic vitality perspectives. To address this gap, we integrate steady-state vitality and dynamic vitality indicators, and use geographically weighted [...] Read more.

Urban vitality is an important evaluation indicator for enhancing urban spatial efficiency and promoting sustainable development. However, few studies have systematically integrated steady-state and dynamic vitality perspectives. To address this gap, we integrate steady-state vitality and dynamic vitality indicators, and use geographically weighted regression (GWR) and geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) to quantify how the built environment, natural elements, and travel purposes influence urban vitality. The results reveal that: (1) From the steady-state perspective, urban vitality exhibits a distinct polycentric structure, with transportation POI and catering facilities serving as core driving factors; (2) From the dynamic perspective, areas where citizens are always highly concentrated are mainly influenced by floor area ratio and transportation POI. Green space coverage and building density significantly correspond to patterns of persistently low vitality, while periodic population fluctuations are associated with subway accessibility and proximity to waterfronts. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the stable spatial distribution and dynamic changes in population aggregation, offering a theoretical and empirical basis for optimizing urban spatial layout and meeting citizens’ activity needs. Full article

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21 pages, 7859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Landscape Suitability of Land-Use Change—A Geospatial Approach to Assess Benefits for Society and Nature

by Mette Vestergaard Odgaard, Troels Kristensen, Tommy Dalgaard and Sara Vangerschov Iversen

Land 2025, 14(12), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122426 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Agricultural intensification is increasingly putting pressure on biodiversity, aquatic environments, and the climate, with impacts varying by landscape vulnerability. Integrated approaches that account for spatial variation and optimize multifunctionality are essential for sustainable land management under competing demands. This study applied high-resolution farm [...] Read more.

Agricultural intensification is increasingly putting pressure on biodiversity, aquatic environments, and the climate, with impacts varying by landscape vulnerability. Integrated approaches that account for spatial variation and optimize multifunctionality are essential for sustainable land management under competing demands. This study applied high-resolution farm and geographical data within a simple, easily replicable geospatial method to assess single and multiple benefits across selected indicators, Environment, Climate, Nature, Economy, and Policy, when implementing a land-use change, exemplified by a theoretical beef system at the landscape scale, where the required land area was estimated to meet a predefined production goal. Agricultural fields were selected in an accumulative, stepwise manner, beginning with those most suitable according to the five indicators, until the target land area was reached. Prioritizing the most suitable fields revealed synergies between Climate and Nature indicators, as well as between Nature and fields with low economic value. While targeting multiple benefits (three or more indicators) reduced the total area selected and associated national-scale gains, it increased per-hectare benefits and maintained significant local advantages. This study demonstrates that integrating multiple indicators into land-use prioritization can enhance per-hectare benefits and maintain substantial local advantages, even when national-scale gains decline. The proposed method provides a practical, transparent tool for identifying multifunctional land-use opportunities and initiating dialogue with stakeholders, supporting more sustainable and context-sensitive land management under competing demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 1572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics Across Land Uses in Tropical Andean Ecosystems

by Víctor Alfonso Mondragón Valencia, Apolinar Figueroa Casas, Diego Jesús Macias Pinto and Rigoberto Rosas-Luis

Land 2025, 14(12), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122425 - 16 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation by regulating atmospheric CO₂ and maintaining ecosystem balance; however, its stability is influenced by land use in anthropized areas such as the tropical Andes. This study developed a dynamic compartmental [...] Read more.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation by regulating atmospheric CO₂ and maintaining ecosystem balance; however, its stability is influenced by land use in anthropized areas such as the tropical Andes. This study developed a dynamic compartmental model based on ordinary differential equations to simulate carbon fluxes among litter, humus, and microbial biomass under four land uses in the Las-Piedras River basin (Popayán, Colombia): riparian forest (RF), ecological restoration (ER), natural-regeneration (NR), and livestock (LS). The model includes two decomposition rate constants: k₁, for the transformation of fresh organic matter, and k₂, for the turnover of humified organic matter. It was calibrated using field data on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as carbon inputs and outputs. The results showed clear differences in SOC dynamics among land uses: RF had the highest SOC stocks (148.7 Mg ha⁻¹) and microbial biomass, while LS showed the lowest values and the greatest deviation due to compaction and low residue input. The humus fraction remained the most stable pool (k₂ ≈ 10⁻⁴ month⁻¹), confirming its recalcitrant nature. Overall, the model reproduced SOC behavior accurately (MAE = 0.01–0.30 Mg ha⁻¹) and provides a framework for improving soil carbon management in mountain ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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28 pages, 8830 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering the Impact of Waterfront Spatial Environments on Physical Activity Through SHAP: A Tripartite Study of Riverfront, Lakeshore, and Seafront Spaces in Shenzhen

by Lei Han, Bingjie Yu, Han Fang, Yuxiao Jiang, Yingfan Yang and Hualong Qiu

Land 2025, 14(12), 2424; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122424 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Urban waterfront spaces are key venues for residents’ physical activity, and their spatial environment significantly impacts usage efficiency. Existing studies predominantly employ linear models and focus on single waterfront types, making it difficult to reveal differences across various types and the nonlinear mechanisms [...] Read more.

Urban waterfront spaces are key venues for residents’ physical activity, and their spatial environment significantly impacts usage efficiency. Existing studies predominantly employ linear models and focus on single waterfront types, making it difficult to reveal differences across various types and the nonlinear mechanisms of influencing factors. To address this, this study investigates three types of waterfront spaces in Shenzhen—riverfront, lakeshore, and seafront spaces—integrating multi-source data and machine learning techniques to systematically analyze the differential impacts of the same elements on physical activity. The results indicate: (1) In terms of transportation accessibility, public transport is the most important factor for riverfront and lakeshore spaces, while road network accessibility is most critical for seafront spaces. (2) Regarding natural landscapes, the dominant factors are normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for riverfront spaces, green view index for lakeshore spaces, and distance to the shoreline for seafront spaces. (3) For facility services, the core factors are building density (riverfront), number of sports facilities (lakeshore), and number of leisure facilities (seafront). (4) The study further reveals nonlinear relationships and threshold effects of multiple elements. For instance, a turning point in physical activity intensity occurs when the distance to a subway station reaches 2–2.5 km. The green view index shows a threshold of 30% in the overall model, while dual-threshold phenomena are observed in the lakeshore and seafront models. (5) Synergistic effects between elements vary by waterfront type: in riverfront and seafront spaces, activity is more vibrant when areas are close to subway stations and have a low sky view index, whereas the opposite pattern is observed in lakeshore spaces. A combination of a high green view index and greater distance to the shoreline promotes activity in lakeshore spaces, while a high green view index combined with proximity to the shoreline has the most significant promotional effect in riverfront and seafront spaces. This study provides a scientific basis for health-oriented, precise planning and design of urban waterfront spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Transportation and Territorial Space Coordinated Planning)

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20 pages, 3342 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Food Security and Sustainable Living in Southern African Urban Communities

by Karen L. Botes and Christina A. Breed

Land 2025, 14(12), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122423 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Edible green infrastructure provides a pathway to enhancing food security and advancing sustainability in underprivileged Sub-Saharan communities. This study explores the potential of modular living wall systems (LWSs) with African Vegetables (AVs) to enhance food security and provide ecosystem services in the Melusi [...] Read more.

Edible green infrastructure provides a pathway to enhancing food security and advancing sustainability in underprivileged Sub-Saharan communities. This study explores the potential of modular living wall systems (LWSs) with African Vegetables (AVs) to enhance food security and provide ecosystem services in the Melusi informal settlement, Tshwane, South Africa. This research investigated the socio-cultural perceptions surrounding the opportunities and challenges of outdoor modular living walls with African Vegetables to sustainably enhance the household food security of marginalized South African urban communities. Data were captured using a mixed-methods approach that involved semi-structured questionnaires, focus group interviews, and photo-elicitation. The analysis was conducted quantitatively with SPSS and qualitatively with Atlas.ti software. Key barriers to urban agriculture identified include high maintenance costs, pest control issues, spatial constraints, exposure to extreme weather, and limited access to water and fertilizers. The Melusi community strongly supported LWSs with AV crops, valuing their space-saving and biophilic benefits. Success, however, depends on low-tech, cost-effective, modular systems made from recycled materials and incorporating nutrient-dense, compact crops. This study highlights the potential of LWSs to enhance food security, promote economic growth, and support climate-resilient livelihoods in urban underprivileged settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water, Energy, Land and Food (WELF) Nexus)

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23 pages, 3286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Overtourism Implications Through the ‘Lens’ of Local Community—A Case Study of Santorini Island, Greece

by Akrivi Leka, Anastasia Stratigea and Panayiotis Prekas

Land 2025, 14(12), 2422; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122422 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 636

Abstract

Tourism, although a key driving force for the flourishing of local/regional and national economies, is also a source of distinct negative repercussions, e.g., the intense use of scarce resources, environmental deterioration, social marginalization, and the degradation of the quality of life of host [...] Read more.

Tourism, although a key driving force for the flourishing of local/regional and national economies, is also a source of distinct negative repercussions, e.g., the intense use of scarce resources, environmental deterioration, social marginalization, and the degradation of the quality of life of host communities, to name but a few. These repercussions appear to be further exacerbated under overtourism conditions in a number of highly rated tourist destinations around the globe. Identifying host communities’ perceptions of the tourism footprint/burden is essential in contemporary policy research, which seeks to realize local perspectives, values, and expectations regarding the acceptable type/level of tourism development of their land and to highlight potential policy directions for future action that ensure sustainability and resilience objectives. Grounded in an assessment of overtourism impacts in a highly rated insular destination (Santorini Island, Greece), this work aims to gather community perceptions as to the drawbacks of the current tourism trajectory through a questionnaire survey. Results demonstrate that, although respondents recognize the crucial role that tourism plays in the island’s economic profile, they also acknowledge that the rapidly escalating expansion of the sector is unsustainable in the long run, with severe repercussions for both the environment and the quality of the community’s everyday life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Urban Planning: Enhancing Community Engagement and Heritage Conservation (Second Edition))

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32 pages, 30205 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Multifunctional Potential and Performance of Cultivated Land in Historical Irrigation Districts: A Case Study of the Mulanbei Irrigation District in China

by Yuting Zhu, Zukun Zhang, Xuewei Zhang and Tao Lin

Land 2025, 14(12), 2421; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122421 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Historical irrigation districts (HIDs) are integrated systems of natural and cultural assets, with cultivated land providing critical functions such as food security, environmental conservation, and cultural inheritance. This study presents a research framework for evaluating multifunctional potential, performance, and geographical matching along the [...] Read more.

Historical irrigation districts (HIDs) are integrated systems of natural and cultural assets, with cultivated land providing critical functions such as food security, environmental conservation, and cultural inheritance. This study presents a research framework for evaluating multifunctional potential, performance, and geographical matching along the “potential-performance” dimensions using analytical tools such as SPSS26.0, ArcGIS pro3.5.2, GeoDa1.22, InVEST3.13, and bivariate spatial autocorrelation. We use Mulanbei HID in China as a case study because of its thousand-year irrigation history and unique location at the intersection of coastal urban and rural communities. The results show the following: (1) In the Mulanbei HID, multifunctional cultivated land exhibits functions in the following order: producing functions, ecological functions, landscape–cultural functions, and social functions. The production function has a homogenous distribution characterized by high values. The ecological function, on the other hand, is distinguished by high-value clusters that decrease significantly as building land approaches its periphery. Social and landscape–cultural roles continue to be undervalued, with high-value places isolated on metropolitan margins. (2) In terms of matching multifunctional potential and performance, in the High-Potential–High-Performance cluster, production and ecological functions account for 19% and 20%, respectively, while in the High-Potential–Low-Performance cluster, social and landscape–cultural functions account for 33% and 27%. The Low-Potential–Low-Performance cluster has 4% production, 4% ecological, 10% social, and 13% landscape–cultural functions, but all four functions are less than 4% in the Low-Potential–High-Performance cluster. These findings provide a scientific foundation for improving cultivated land zoning and governance with a focus on heritage protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Optimization for Multifunctional Land Systems)

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5 pages, 162 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue “Land Use/Land Cover and Natural Hazards: Interactions, Changes, and Impacts, 2nd Edition”

by Raffaele Pelorosso, Matej Vojtek and Andrea Petroselli

Land 2025, 14(12), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122420 - 15 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are among the most significant alterations of the Earth’s surface, particularly following the acceleration of human-driven land transformations after the Second World War [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use/Land Cover and Natural Hazards: Interactions, Changes, and Impacts, 2nd Edition)

25 pages, 8887 KB

Open AccessArticle

Connectivity-Oriented Ecological Security Pattern Construction Through Multi-Scenario Simulation Approach: A Case Study of Hefei City, China

by Fengyu Wang, Jiawei Zheng, Yaping Huang, Shiwei Lu and Ruiqi Liu

Land 2025, 14(12), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122419 - 14 Dec 2025

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has brought severe threats to regional ecological security. Most research regards ecological security pattern (ESP) focuses on the current situation and ignores future land use and land cover (LULC) impacts. Therefore, this study proposed an ESP construction framework that integrates multi-scenario [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization has brought severe threats to regional ecological security. Most research regards ecological security pattern (ESP) focuses on the current situation and ignores future land use and land cover (LULC) impacts. Therefore, this study proposed an ESP construction framework that integrates multi-scenario patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) with ecosystem service value (ESV) evaluation based on the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. Taking Hefei City as a case study, this study predicts land use types under the natural development scenario (NDS), ecological protection scenario (EPS), and economic development scenario (EDS) in 2030. Afterwards, ecological sources are identified by selecting four types of ecosystem services. Ecological corridors and nodes are identified by combining circuit theory and ecological resistance surfaces. The ESP is constructed based on a generic, landscape-scale connectivity-oriented perspective. The results showed that: (1) the LULC in Hefei City underwent significant changes between 2000 and 2020. The main manifestations are the reduction in cropland and increase in construction land. The expansion of construction land under EDS is the most significant. (2) The spatial distribution patterns of ESV for 2020 and three scenarios in 2030 exhibit marked heterogeneity. (3) According to the simulated scenarios in 2030, ecological corridors form a structure that is sparser in the central region and denser in the southern region; ecological pinch points are predominantly located within the Zipeng Mountain and the region situated to the south of Chaohu; ecological barrier points are mainly distributed at the edge of the built-up area and in the middle of long-distance ecological corridors. The ecological network structure under EPS has been expanded and reinforced. (4) Hefei City exhibits an ESP of “Four zones, Three screens, One network, Multiple nodes” as a whole, indicating an ecological security pattern with relatively higher potential ecological connectivity at the city scale. This study aims to provide scientific support for the development of Hefei City in society, economy and ecological security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data-Driven Urban Spatial Perception)

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15 pages, 1658 KB

Open AccessArticle

Subjective and Objective Perception Differences of Urban Public Service Facilities and Their Implications for Planning Decisions

by Haijuan Zhao, Daoyuan Chen, Ying Li, Guoen Wang, Xinlei Lian and Hangyi Ren

Land 2025, 14(12), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122418 - 14 Dec 2025

Viewed by 365

Abstract

China’s urban development model has shifted from incremental expansion to inventory quality improvement. The demand for planning and allocation of spatial resources has moved from “having or not having” to “being good or not”, and the importance of planning, implementation, evaluation, and feedback [...] Read more.

China’s urban development model has shifted from incremental expansion to inventory quality improvement. The demand for planning and allocation of spatial resources has moved from “having or not having” to “being good or not”, and the importance of planning, implementation, evaluation, and feedback in urban spatial planning and construction has gradually increased. How to accurately allocate resources in response to the public’s demands for urban construction and effectively enhance the public’s satisfaction and sense of gain regarding urban construction has become an important issue in current planning decisions. To strengthen public perception and feedback in spatial planning governance, this paper conducts empirical research on methods such as the subjective and objective perception differences of urban public service facilities by using the social satisfaction survey data from the East Lake High-tech Development Zone of Wuhan. Thereby, it identifies the characteristics of subjective and objective perception differences of urban public service facilities and puts forward targeted optimization methods for planning decisions. This paper can provide a reference for the precision planning and decision-making of public service facilities in the next step. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data-Driven Urban Spatial Perception)

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23 pages, 5865 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Core–Periphery Patterns in Land-Use Benefits: Spatiotemporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms in the Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration

by Shaojun Chen and Yi Zeng

Land 2025, 14(12), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122417 - 13 Dec 2025

Viewed by 367

Abstract

In the context of new-type urbanization and high-quality development, this study aims to construct a multi-objective synergistic land-use mechanism to tackle the “growth-equity-ecology” trilemma in the Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration (CCUA). By building an economic–social–ecological benefit evaluation index system and applying TOPSIS with entropy [...] Read more.

In the context of new-type urbanization and high-quality development, this study aims to construct a multi-objective synergistic land-use mechanism to tackle the “growth-equity-ecology” trilemma in the Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration (CCUA). By building an economic–social–ecological benefit evaluation index system and applying TOPSIS with entropy weighting, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, and the spatial Durbin model (SDM), we systematically explore the spatiotemporal patterns of land-use benefit synergies and their driving mechanisms. The results reveal the following: (1) From 2015 to 2023, CCUA’s land-use CCD generally improved but showed marked core–periphery polarization. Chongqing’s economic agglomeration worsened regional gaps, while Sichuan’s intra-regional policies boosted internal balance; cross-jurisdictional collaboration eased border disparities but failed to stop overall polarization. (2) Spatial clustering identified hotspots in Chongqing’s main urban and suburban areas and cold spots in eastern Sichuan, reflecting the coexistence of factor agglomeration and cross-border policy synergy. (3) Road network expansion directly hindered CCD, and neighboring ecological protection triggered resource-competition spillovers, emphasizing the key role of cross-regional governance in balancing the “ecology-development” trade-off. This study puts forward spatially differentiated strategies and cross-jurisdictional coordination mechanisms to optimize land-use structures and advance sustainable development in urban agglomerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

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Land, Volume 14, Issue 12 (December 2025) – 151 articles

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