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28 pages, 8322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Coupling Coordination Relationships and Driving Factors of “Ecology–Humanities–Technology” in Traditional Villages of the Xinjiang Oasis

by Zhaoqi Li, Jianming Ye, Yukang Li, Yingbin Li and Mengmeng Zhu

Land 2025, 14(6), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061249 (registering DOI) - 11 Jun 2025

Abstract

During the advancement of modern rural construction, traditional villages in the Xinjiang Oasis face the problem that uncoordinated system development affects scientific development and protection. Therefore, this study derives and constructs a coupling framework for the “Ecology–Humanities–Technology” system. Taking 53 traditional villages in [...] Read more.

During the advancement of modern rural construction, traditional villages in the Xinjiang Oasis face the problem that uncoordinated system development affects scientific development and protection. Therefore, this study derives and constructs a coupling framework for the “Ecology–Humanities–Technology” system. Taking 53 traditional villages in Xinjiang as research objects, it uses the comprehensive evaluation model, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, and the geographic detector model to reveal the coupling coordination relationships and driving factors of the “Ecology–Humanities–Technology” system. The research results provide reference for evaluation methods and theoretical guidance for the balanced development of traditional villages in arid regions such as the Xinjiang Oasis. The results show the following: (1) The majority of the traditional villages in the Xinjiang Oasis are in the mild imbalance stage (71.7%). (2) The CCD rankings in various regions of Xinjiang are as follows: eastern Xinjiang > southern Xinjiang > northern Xinjiang. Humanities and technology have significantly different impacts on the traditional villages in different regions. (3) The inheritance level of the technology dimension and other factors are the main internal driving factors. The density of village road networks, the number of conservation and development projects, Baidu Index, and other factors are the main external driving factors. Nonlinear enhancement interaction effects are significant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Space: Between Renewal Processes and Preservation)

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20 pages, 5972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Stream Ecosystems Through Riparian Vegetation Management

by Jeong-Yun Gu, Jong-Won Lee, Sang-Woo Lee, Yujin Park and Se-Rin Park

Land 2025, 14(6), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061248 (registering DOI) - 11 Jun 2025

Abstract

Land use and land cover changes driven by urbanization and agricultural expansion have increasingly degraded the ecological health of stream ecosystems across watersheds. In Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Environment has designated riparian zones to protect water quality and preserve aquatic ecosystems [...] Read more.

Land use and land cover changes driven by urbanization and agricultural expansion have increasingly degraded the ecological health of stream ecosystems across watersheds. In Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Environment has designated riparian zones to protect water quality and preserve aquatic ecosystems and continues to implement policies for their management. Given the long-term nature of riparian zone management, providing robust scientific evidence to justify and refine these policies is imperative. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the role of riparian vegetation on water quality and aquatic ecosystems by using Bayesian Networks. Scenarios were designed to compare the individual effects of riparian vegetation and combined effects of urban and agricultural land use changes. The results indicated that riparian vegetation positively influenced water quality and the benthic macroinvertebrate index at the sub-watershed scale. When riparian vegetation and land use factors were jointly adjusted, scenarios with high riparian vegetation coverage showed improved probabilities of good BMI scores—24.3% under highly agricultural conditions and 27.4% under highly urbanized conditions—highlighting a substantial vegetation effect, particularly in urban areas. This study provides a scientific basis for guiding future riparian restoration and management efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blue-Green Infrastructure and Territorial Planning)

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35 pages, 9246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment and Management Strategy of Coastal Erosion in the Red River Delta, Vietnam

by Thi Hong Hanh Nguyen, Guanxun Wang, Wenyue Chen, Jing Yu, Ruonan Liu, Xu Huang, Xun Jiang, Van Vuong Bui, Dinh Nam Le and Van Phach Phung

Land 2025, 14(6), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061247 (registering DOI) - 11 Jun 2025

Abstract

Climate change poses substantial threats to natural ecosystems and human livelihoods, particularly in coastal regions, by intensifying coastal erosion. This process leads to land loss, infrastructure damage, and habitat destruction while amplifying challenges such as sea-level rise, flooding, desertification, and salinization. In Vietnam’s [...] Read more.

Climate change poses substantial threats to natural ecosystems and human livelihoods, particularly in coastal regions, by intensifying coastal erosion. This process leads to land loss, infrastructure damage, and habitat destruction while amplifying challenges such as sea-level rise, flooding, desertification, and salinization. In Vietnam’s Red River Delta (RRD), the dynamic interplay between erosion and accretion presents a highly complex challenge, necessitating effective risk assessment and management to safeguard communities and resources. Using the principles of natural disaster risk assessment and comprehensive analysis, this study develops a coastal erosion risk assessment framework incorporating hazard, exposure, and vulnerability dimensions. The framework integrates 17 indicators, including human activities, socioeconomic factors, shoreline type, and vegetation cover, with indicator weights determined through expert evaluation and the analytic hierarchy process. The application of this framework reveals that coastal erosion risk in the RRD is relatively high, with greater risk concentrated in the central and northern segments of the coastline compared to the flanking areas. This framework offers valuable insights for coastal erosion prevention, mitigation strategies, and the optimization of coastal spatial planning. The application of coastal erosion risk assessment methods provides a relatively complete foundation for developing comprehensive prevention and adaptation solutions in the future. Through the system of parameters and corresponding weights, it provides an overview of potential responses to future impacts while identifying current high-risk zones specifically and accurately, thereby assessing the importance of each parameter on that impact. Based on specific analysis of assessment results, a reasonable resource use and management policy can be developed to minimize related natural disasters. Therefore, two main groups of solutions proposed under the “Protection—Adaptation” strategy are proposed to prevent natural disasters, minimize risks and sustainably develop the coastal area of the RRD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Soil Erosion Assessment and Management Along Rivers and Coastal Areas：2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 3308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Terrestrial Carbon Sinks in China Simulated by Multiple Vegetation Models

by Weiyi Xu, Jing Liu, Longgao Chen and Suchen Ying

Land 2025, 14(6), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061246 - 10 Jun 2025

Abstract

China plays an important role in the global terrestrial carbon cycle. While China is included in global assessments of the carbon cycle, such as the global carbon budget, the performance of dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) over China has rarely been evaluated. This [...] Read more.

China plays an important role in the global terrestrial carbon cycle. While China is included in global assessments of the carbon cycle, such as the global carbon budget, the performance of dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) over China has rarely been evaluated. This knowledge gap constrains both model applicability and region-specific parameter optimization within China. To address this gap, our study assesses the performance of terrestrial carbon stocks and sinks simulated by 12 DGVMs in China from 1970 to 2018. The results indicate that (1) there is significant variation in the numerical magnitudes of terrestrial carbon stocks as simulated by various models, with mean vegetation carbon at 38.3 PgC and mean soil carbon at 115.3 PgC. Nevertheless, their spatial distribution demonstrates a remarkable degree of congruence. Notably, the simulated carbon stocks are generally in excess of existing estimates. (2) Despite the good consistency in the spatial distribution of terrestrial carbon sinks across different models, there is considerable fluctuation in the numerical values, with a mean carbon sink of 0.02 PgC yr⁻¹, a value lower than pre-existing estimations. (3) The responses of terrestrial carbon stocks and sinks to CO₂ fertilization, climate change, and land use change exhibit pronounced heterogeneity. CO₂ fertilization has a positive effect, whereas land use change has a negative one. The impact of climate change is variable, and the carbon sink effect engendered by CO₂ fertilization is negated by the adverse influence of land use change. This comprehensive evaluation of the simulation performance of DGVMs in China is anticipated to serve as an important reference for the functional analysis and parameter optimization of DGVMs within China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Based Greenhouse Gas Mitigation for Carbon Neutrality (2nd Edition))

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20 pages, 3580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing PV Panel Segmentation in Complex Environments Using Pre-Training and Simulated Annealing Algorithm: The JSWPVI

by Rui Zhang, Ruikai Hong, Qiannan Li, Xu He, Age Shama, Jichao Lv and Renzhe Wu

Land 2025, 14(6), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061245 - 10 Jun 2025

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) technology, as a crucial source of clean energy, can effectively mitigate the impact of climate change caused by fossil fuel-based power generation. However, improper use of PV installations may encroach upon agricultural land, grasslands, and other land uses, thereby affecting local [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic (PV) technology, as a crucial source of clean energy, can effectively mitigate the impact of climate change caused by fossil fuel-based power generation. However, improper use of PV installations may encroach upon agricultural land, grasslands, and other land uses, thereby affecting local ecosystems. Exploring the spatial characteristics of centralized or distributed PV installations is essential for quantifying the development of clean energy and protecting agricultural land. Due to the distinct characteristics of centralized and distributed PV installations, large-scale mapping methods based on satellite remote sensing are insufficient for creating detailed PV distribution maps. This study proposes a model called Joint Semi-Supervised Weighted Adaptive PV Panel Recognition Model (JSWPVI)to achieve reliable PV mapping using UAV datasets. The JSWPVI employs a semi-supervised approach to construct and optimize a comprehensive segmentation network, incorporating the Spatial and Channel Weight Adaptive Model (SCWA) module to integrate different feature layers by reconstructing the spatial and channel weights of feature maps. Finally, a guided filtering algorithm is used to minimize non-edge noise while preserving edge integrity. Our results demonstrate that JSWPVI can accurately extract PV panels in both centralized and distributed scenarios, with an average extraction accuracy of 91.1% and a mean Intersection over Union of 77.7%. The findings of this study will assist regional policymakers in better quantifying renewable energy potential and assessing environmental impacts. Full article

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24 pages, 5832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Participatory Practices in Three Sub-Regional Spatial Plans in the Valencian Autonomous Region (Spain)

by Joaquín Farinós-Dasí, Ignacio Díez-Torrijos and Pilar Lloret-Gual

Land 2025, 14(6), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061244 - 10 Jun 2025

Abstract

Between 2017 and 2023, three sub-regional spatial plans were developed for specific areas of the Valencian Autonomous Region: the Alicante–Elche Metropolitan Area, Vega Baja del Segura County, and the Central Valencian Counties. Their main aim was to develop an envisaged territorial model as [...] Read more.

Between 2017 and 2023, three sub-regional spatial plans were developed for specific areas of the Valencian Autonomous Region: the Alicante–Elche Metropolitan Area, Vega Baja del Segura County, and the Central Valencian Counties. Their main aim was to develop an envisaged territorial model as a binding framework for municipal urban master plans. During the elaboration of these plans, a set of activities was developed to understand the main consensus among stakeholders. The main axes of the planning process were addressed during territorial working groups conducted with relevant stakeholders, including those focused on green infrastructure, settlement systems, and infrastructure systems. Participants were selected from the public administration, non-governmental organizations, the economic sector, and the university. Drawing on the outcomes of the participatory activities, various factors are analyzed, including the ratio between invited stakeholders and actual participants in the territorial workshops, the contributions made by participants in each main axis of the plan, the inputs provided according to stakeholder type, the nature of these contributions, and the degree of alignment between the inputs and the objectives of the PAT. The present study reveals how contextual factors can influence the orientation of the participatory process. At times, contingency may emerge as an opportunity to energize a governance process. Similarly, the participatory technique is validated for its potential to enrich the process, while also highlighting the absence of voices not aligned with spatial planning in the participatory settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Participatory Land Planning: Theory, Methods, and Case Studies)

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21 pages, 7830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Connectedness of People and Geological Features in the El Malpais Lava Flows of New Mexico, USA

by Simon Larsson

Land 2025, 14(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061243 - 10 Jun 2025

Abstract

El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico, USA, is a landscape of significant cultural and geological importance, characterized by extensive lava flows, caves, and cinder cones. Despite its harsh terrain, El Malpais holds deep cultural and spiritual meanings for Native American communities, including [...] Read more.

El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico, USA, is a landscape of significant cultural and geological importance, characterized by extensive lava flows, caves, and cinder cones. Despite its harsh terrain, El Malpais holds deep cultural and spiritual meanings for Native American communities, including the Acoma, Zuni, Laguna, and Navajo tribes, whose cosmologies and histories are interwoven with this landscape. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining ethnographic fieldwork with comparative literature studies, this paper documents how these Indigenous groups perceive and interpret interconnected geological features as sacred and meaningful parts of their ancestral heritage. The findings reveal that volcanic landscapes are central not only to cultural origin narratives but also to ongoing rituals, resource use, and pilgrimage practices. This interconnectedness is exemplified by the cultural links between El Malpais and adjacent Mount Taylor, highlighting how geological features form a unified sacred geography. This study positions El Malpais as a culturally animated landscape, where Indigenous epistemologies and spiritual relationships with volcanic landforms challenge conventional notions of geoheritage and call for relational, community-informed approaches to heritage management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Landscape and Cultural Heritage (Second Edition))

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16 pages, 5551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Enhanced Interval Type-2 Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm for Fuzzy Time Series Forecasting of Vegetation Dynamics: A Case Study from the Aksu Region, Xinjiang, China

by Yongqi Chen, Li Liu, Jinhua Cao, Kexin Wang, Shengyang Li and Yue Yin

Land 2025, 14(6), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061242 - 10 Jun 2025

Abstract

Accurate prediction of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is crucial for regional ecological management and precision decision-making. Existing methodologies often rely on smoothed NDVI data as ground truth, overlooking uncertainties inherent in data acquisition and processing. Fuzzy time series (FTS) prediction models [...] Read more.

Accurate prediction of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is crucial for regional ecological management and precision decision-making. Existing methodologies often rely on smoothed NDVI data as ground truth, overlooking uncertainties inherent in data acquisition and processing. Fuzzy time series (FTS) prediction models based on the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering algorithm address some of these uncertainties by enabling soft partitioning through membership functions. However, the method remains limited by its reliance on expert experience in setting fuzzy parameters, which introduces uncertainty in the definition of fuzzy intervals and negatively affects prediction performance. To overcome these limitations, this study enhances the interval type-2 fuzzy clustering time series (IT2-FCM-FTS) model by developing a pixel-level time series forecasting framework, optimizing fuzzy interval divisions, and extending the model from unidimensional to spatial time series forecasting. Experimental results from 2021 to 2023 demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms both the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and conventional FCM-FTS models, achieving the lowest RMSE (0.0624), MAE (0.0437), and SEM (0.000209) in 2021. Predictive analysis indicates a general ecological improvement in the Aksu region (Xinjiang, China), with persistent growth areas comprising 61.12% of the total and persistent decline areas accounting for 2.6%. In conclusion, this study presents an improved fuzzy model for NDVI time series prediction, providing valuable insights into regional desertification prevention and ecological strategy formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Use of Time-Series Remote Sensing, Deep Learning, and AI for Land Transformation Monitoring)

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14 pages, 903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Phosphorus Fertilization for Enhanced Yield and Nutrient Efficiency of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on Saline–Alkali Soils in the Yellow River Delta, China

by Changjian Ma, Peng Song, Chang Liu, Lining Liu, Xuejun Wang, Zeqiang Sun, Yang Xiao, Xinhao Gao and Yan Li

Land 2025, 14(6), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061241 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2025

Abstract

As the global food crisis worsens, enhancing crop yields on saline–alkali soils has become a critical measure for ensuring global food security. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the world’s most important staple crops, is particularly sensitive to phosphorus availability, making appropriate [...] Read more.

As the global food crisis worsens, enhancing crop yields on saline–alkali soils has become a critical measure for ensuring global food security. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the world’s most important staple crops, is particularly sensitive to phosphorus availability, making appropriate phosphorus fertilization a key and manageable strategy to optimize yield. Although many studies have explored phosphorus fertilization strategies, most have focused on non-saline soils or generalized conditions, leaving a critical gap in understanding how phosphorus application affects wheat yield, soil nutrient dynamics, and nutrient uptake efficiency under saline–alkali stress. Therefore, further investigation is required to establish phosphorus management practices specifically adapted to saline–alkali environments for sustainable wheat production. To address this gap, the experiment was designed with varying phosphorus fertilizer application rates based on P₂O₅ content (0, 60 kg/hm², 120 kg/hm², 180 kg/hm², and 240 kg/hm²), considering only the externally applied phosphorus without accounting for the inherent phosphorus content of the soil. The results indicated that as the phosphorus application rate increased, the wheat yield first increased and then decreased. The highest yield (6355 kg·hm⁻²) was achieved when the phosphorus application rate reached 120 kg/hm², with an increase of 47.2–63.5% compared to the control (no fertilizer). Similarly, biomass, thousand-grain weight, and the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in both straw and grains exhibited the same increasing-then-decreasing trend. Mechanistic analysis revealed that phosphorus fertilization enhanced soil alkali–hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, thereby promoting nutrient uptake and ultimately improving grain yield. The innovations of this study lie in its focus on phosphorus management specifically under saline–alkali soil conditions, its integration of soil nutrient changes and plant physiological responses, and its identification of the optimal phosphorus application threshold for balancing yield improvement and nutrient efficiency. These findings provide a scientific basis for refining phosphorus fertilization strategies to sustainably boost wheat productivity in saline–alkali environments. Full article

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24 pages, 4005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trade-Offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in Terminal Lake Basins of Arid Regions Under Environmental Change: A Case Study of the Ebinur Lake Basin

by Guoqing Lv, Yonghui Wang, Xiaofei Ma, Yonglong Han, Chun Luo, Wei Yu, Jian Liu and Zhiyang Du

Land 2025, 14(6), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061240 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2025

Abstract

As essential components of arid region ecosystems, terminal lakes play a critical role in enhancing the functions of ecosystem services (ESs) and improving ecological structure. Despite the increasing degradation of ESs and landscape stability due to climate and human pressures, comprehensive assessments of [...] Read more.

As essential components of arid region ecosystems, terminal lakes play a critical role in enhancing the functions of ecosystem services (ESs) and improving ecological structure. Despite the increasing degradation of ESs and landscape stability due to climate and human pressures, comprehensive assessments of water provision, carbon storage, soil conservation, and habitat integrity in arid terminal lake regions are still lacking. Focusing on the Ebinur Lake Basin (ELB), this study employed the InVEST model to quantify ES changes from 2000 to 2020, combined with univariate regression, Pearson, and Spearman correlation analyses to explore their dynamic evolution. Landscape pattern indices calculated via Fragstats 4.2 further revealed trends in fragmentation, boundary complexity, and diversity. Results show that most ESs exhibited synergistic relationships, particularly between carbon sequestration and habitat quality (r = 0.45), observed clear trade-offs, such as between water yield and carbon sequestration (r = −0.47), underscoring the complexity of ecosystem interactions. Enhanced ES functions were associated with increased patch number, density, and shape complexity, while landscape diversity fluctuated. NDVI growth improved ES performance and reduced fragmentation, though changes in landscape metrics were largely driven by climate variability and socio-economic pressures, exacerbating fragmentation and weakening ecological stability. Overall, understanding the trade-offs and synergies among ESs in the ELB is crucial for informing sustainable development strategies. Full article

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25 pages, 5080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on 2007–2021 Drought Trends in Basilicata Region Based on the AMSU-Based Soil Wetness Index

by Raffaele Albano, Meriam Lahsaini, Arianna Mazzariello, Binh Pham-Duc and Teodosio Lacava

Land 2025, 14(6), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061239 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2025

Abstract

Soil moisture (SM) plays a fundamental role in the water cycle and is an important variable for all processes occurring at the lithosphere–atmosphere interface, which are strongly affected by climate change. Among the different fields of application, accurate SM measurements are becoming more [...] Read more.

Soil moisture (SM) plays a fundamental role in the water cycle and is an important variable for all processes occurring at the lithosphere–atmosphere interface, which are strongly affected by climate change. Among the different fields of application, accurate SM measurements are becoming more relevant for all studies related to extreme event (e.g., floods, droughts, and landslides) mitigation and assessment. In this study, data acquired by the advanced microwave sounding unit (AMSU) onboard the European Meteorological Operational Satellite Program (MetOP) satellites were used for the first time to extract information on the variability of SM by implementing the original soil wetness index (SWI). Long-term monthly SWI time series collected for the Basilicata region (southern Italy) were analyzed for drought assessment during the period 2007–2021. The accuracy of the SWI product was tested through a comparison with SM products derived by the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT) over the 2013–2016 period, while the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was used to assess the relevance of the long-term achievements in terms of drought analysis. The results indicate a satisfactory accuracy of the SWI, with the mean correlation coefficient values with ASCAT higher than 0.7 and a mean normalized root mean square error less than 0.155. A negative trend in SWI during the 15-year period was found using both the original and deseasonalized series (linear and Sen’s slope ~−0.00525), confirmed by SPEI (linear and Sen’s slope ~−0.00293), suggesting the occurrence of a marginal long-term dry phase in the region. Although further investigations are needed to better assess the intensity and main causes of the phenomena, this result indicates the contribution that satellite data/products can offer in supporting drought assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)

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23 pages, 5382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Urbanization-Induced Land Use Changes on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Anhui Province, China

by Xinmiao Liu, Xudong Zhang, Qi Shu, Zengwang Yao, Hailong Wu and Shenghua Gao

Land 2025, 14(6), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061238 - 9 Jun 2025

Abstract

Urbanization has profoundly reshaped ecosystem services (ESs), yet how diverse urbanization drivers interact with land use and land cover (LULC) changes to influence ESs remains insufficiently studied. To address these gaps, this study offers a comprehensive assessment of urbanization induced ESs transformations across [...] Read more.

Urbanization has profoundly reshaped ecosystem services (ESs), yet how diverse urbanization drivers interact with land use and land cover (LULC) changes to influence ESs remains insufficiently studied. To address these gaps, this study offers a comprehensive assessment of urbanization induced ESs transformations across Anhui Province, China. We selected five key regulating and provisioning services closely linked to LULC dynamics, revealing that southern mountainous areas consistently supported higher ES levels, whereas central and northern urbanizing zones experienced severe ES degradation. By using random forest ensemble learning and Partial Least Square Path Modeling, we identified population density, urban construction proportion, and agricultural intensification as key urbanization drivers shaped LULC changes and indirectly influenced ES distributions. Notably, we also found that urbanization drivers and land use transitions did not act independently but interacted to jointly affect ES dynamics. These findings underscored the critical role of land use changes in mediating the impacts of urbanization on ESs and highlighted the importance of integrating land use management with urban planning to support sustainable regional development. Full article

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25 pages, 2805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Ecotourism Really Benefit the Environment? A Trend Analysis of Forest Cover Loss in Indonesia

by Saraswati Sisriany and Katsunori Furuya

Land 2025, 14(6), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061237 - 9 Jun 2025

Abstract

Ecotourism is widely promoted as a sustainable tourism model that harmonizes environmental conservation with local community benefits. Indonesia, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, has long adopted ecotourism as a strategy to safeguard its natural ecosystems. Despite this, evidence of its environmental impact at [...] Read more.

Ecotourism is widely promoted as a sustainable tourism model that harmonizes environmental conservation with local community benefits. Indonesia, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, has long adopted ecotourism as a strategy to safeguard its natural ecosystems. Despite this, evidence of its environmental impact at a national scale remains sparse. This study bridges this gap by examining forest loss trends from 2014 to 2023 across ecotourism sites in Indonesia to assess whether ecotourism contributes to forest protection. The analysis reveals that most ecotourism sites exhibit no significant reduction in forest loss, with some even experiencing accelerated deforestation. While a few sites demonstrate positive outcomes, these successes are rare and insufficient to indicate widespread environmental benefits. The findings call into question whether the ecotourism model, in its current form, is an effective conservation strategy. A reevaluation of its use is imperative, along with critical reflection on whether ecotourism is genuinely suited to addressing Indonesia’s deforestation challenges. This study underscores the need for alternative or complementary approaches to conservation, as well as a robust examination of ecotourism’s limitations and potential within the broader context of sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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24 pages, 6224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Habitat Suitability of Migratory Birds During Extreme Drought of Large Lake Wetlands: Insights from Crowdsourced Geographic Data

by Xinggen Liu, Lyu Yuan, Zhiwen Li, Yuanyuan Huang and Yulan Li

Land 2025, 14(6), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061236 - 9 Jun 2025

Abstract

Comprehending the alterations in wintering grounds of migratory birds amid global change and anthropogenic influences is pivotal for advancing wetland sustainability and ensuring avian conservation. Frequent extreme droughts in the middle and lower Yangtze River region of China have posed severe ecological and [...] Read more.

Comprehending the alterations in wintering grounds of migratory birds amid global change and anthropogenic influences is pivotal for advancing wetland sustainability and ensuring avian conservation. Frequent extreme droughts in the middle and lower Yangtze River region of China have posed severe ecological and socio-economic dilemmas. The integration of internet-derived, crowdsourced geographic data with remote-sensing imagery now facilitates assessments of these avian habitats. Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater body, suffered an unprecedented drought in 2022, offering a unique case study on avian habitat responses to climate extremes. By harnessing social and online platforms’ media reports, we analyzed the types, attributes and proportions of migratory bird habitats. This crowdsourced geographic information, corroborated by Sentinel-2 optical remote-sensing imagery, elucidated the suitability and transformations of these habitats under drought stress. Our findings revealed marked variations in habitat preferences among bird species, largely attributable to divergent feeding ecologies and behavioral patterns. Dominantly, shallow waters emerged as the most favored habitat, succeeded by mudflats and grasslands. Remote-sensing analyses disclosed a stark 60% reduction in optimal habitat area during the drought phase, paralleled by a 1.5-fold increase in unsuitable habitat areas compared to baseline periods. These prime habitats were chiefly localized in Poyang Lake’s western sub-lakes. The extreme drought precipitated a drastic contraction in suitable habitat extent and heightened fragmentation. Our study underscores the value of crowdsourced geographic information in assessing habitat suitability for migratory birds. Retaining sub-lake water surfaces within large river or lake floodplains during extreme droughts emerges as a key strategy to buffer the impacts of hydrological extremes on avian habitats. This research contributes to refining conservation strategies and promoting adaptive management practices of wetlands in the face of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use/Land Cover Mapping Changes Using Earth Observations Techniques)

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19 pages, 10983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variations of Cropland Quality and Morphology Under the Requisition–Compensation Balance Policy

by Zhuochun Lin, Zejia Chen, Fengyu Zhang, Jiapei Li, Yifei Liufu, Lisiren Cao and Jinyao Lin

Land 2025, 14(6), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061235 - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

The Requisition–Compensation Balance of Cropland (RCBC) policy is important for ensuring food security. Previous studies have mainly focused on the quantity and quality of cropland when assessing the impacts of this policy. In terms of morphology, previous studies have primarily relied on landscape [...] Read more.

The Requisition–Compensation Balance of Cropland (RCBC) policy is important for ensuring food security. Previous studies have mainly focused on the quantity and quality of cropland when assessing the impacts of this policy. In terms of morphology, previous studies have primarily relied on landscape indicators. Therefore, this study aims to thoroughly analyze the impacts of the RCBC policy on the quality and morphology of cropland (especially morphological spatial pattern analysis, MSPA) in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) during 1996–2021. To this end, we constructed a comprehensive evaluation index system by combining MSPA, landscape indicators, and field research. The results show that the cropland quality in the PRD has exhibited a consistent improvement trend. High-quality cropland is spreading from central cities to the periphery, and the spatial distribution is becoming more even. Nonetheless, MSPA reveals an increasing trend of cropland fragmentation. The results indicate a decline in the area of the “core”, an increase in the area of the “island”, and a decrease in the connectivity of the cropland. Our field research confirms that the RCBC policy has indirectly exacerbated cropland fragmentation. In many regions of the PRD, the fragmentation of cropland hinders the application of agricultural mechanization and increases the cost of cultivation, resulting in severe cropland abandonment. Therefore, local governments should implement rigorous planning and prioritize cropland morphology when compensating cropland. Our findings are expected to provide empirical evidence for improving the RCBC policy and protecting cropland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Sun Yat-Sen University in Urban Planning and Land)

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24 pages, 16617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Land Cover Change and Future Hydrological Impacts Under Climate Scenarios in the Amazonian Andes: A Case Study of the Utcubamba River Basin

by Abner S. Rivera-Fernandez, Alexander Cotrina-Sanchez, Rolando Salas López, Jhon A. Zabaleta-Santisteban, Ney Rios, Angel J. Medina-Medina, Katerin M. Tuesta-Trauco, José A. Sánchez-Vega, Teodoro B. Silva-Melendez, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Cecibel Portocarrero and Elgar Barboza

Land 2025, 14(6), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061234 - 7 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Understanding how land use and climate change jointly affect water availability is essential for sustainable planning in tropical Andean–Amazonian basins. This study focuses on the Utcubamba River Basin in northeastern Peru, a data-scarce and socioecologically strategic watershed where land transformation and climate variability [...] Read more.

Understanding how land use and climate change jointly affect water availability is essential for sustainable planning in tropical Andean–Amazonian basins. This study focuses on the Utcubamba River Basin in northeastern Peru, a data-scarce and socioecologically strategic watershed where land transformation and climate variability converge. A multi-temporal land use/land cover (LULC) analysis (1990–2024) was conducted, coupled with hydrological modeling using the SWAT model under historical and future climate scenarios (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5), including the spatial overlay of the LULC change concentration with key hydrological indicators. LULC classifications revealed forest loss and the expansion of pasture, agriculture, and shrubland areas, particularly in the upper basin. Hydrological projections showed significant changes in water flow, including reductions in minimum monthly flows by up to 73.9% and increases in peak flows by 14.8% under the SSP5–8.5 scenario. The water balance is expected to shift, with increased percolation and reduced lateral flow, suggesting decreased storage capacity. By identifying critical sub-basins where land degradation and water insecurity converge, the study supports adaptive strategies for land restoration, aquifer recharge planning, and ecosystem conservation. Despite limited hydrological infrastructure, the SWAT model effectively simulated water dynamics, aiding climate resilience and water security efforts in the Amazonian Andes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Climate, Land, and Water Systems)

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23 pages, 5312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Coordination Between Livelihood Resilience and Ecological Livability for Farming Households Relocated from Mining-Under Villages in Eastern China

by Peijun Wang, Jing Wang, Yan Li, Yuan Ren and Jiu Shi

Land 2025, 14(6), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061233 - 7 Jun 2025

Viewed by 177

Abstract

The application of livelihood resilience theory in mining-under village relocation areas, coupled with the assessment of the coupling coordination degree between farming household livelihood resilience and ecological livability, is crucial for advancing sustainable development in mining regions and revitalizing rural communities. To examine [...] Read more.

The application of livelihood resilience theory in mining-under village relocation areas, coupled with the assessment of the coupling coordination degree between farming household livelihood resilience and ecological livability, is crucial for advancing sustainable development in mining regions and revitalizing rural communities. To examine whether a synergistic enhancement effect exists between the livelihood resilience and ecological livability of relocated farming households, this study utilizes a dataset of 1027 survey responses from farming households in typical mining-under-relocated villages within the eastern plain mining region of China. A measurement index system for farming household livelihood resilience was developed, encompassing three dimensions: buffering capacity, self-organization capacity, and learning capacity. Simultaneously, an evaluation index system for farming household ecological livability was constructed, focusing on three key dimensions: green production, green living, and green ecology. Using these frameworks, the coupling coordination degree between farming household livelihood resilience and ecological livability, along with its influencing factors, was analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (1) The overall livelihood resilience of relocated farming households in mining-under villages is relatively low, with the ranking being buffering capacity > learning capability > self-organization ability. The central village aggregation model demonstrates significantly greater resilience compared to the mine-village integration model. (2) The ecological livability across different relocation models is generally high, and farming households in the town-dependent village construction model, the central village aggregation model, and the suburban community model exhibit significantly higher ecological livability levels compared to those in the mine-village integration model. (3) The coupling coordination degree between livelihood resilience and ecological livability varies across relocation modes, with most modes demonstrating moderate to high-quality coordination. (4) Leadership potential and the presence of water-flush toilets are the most significant factors influencing the coupling coordination degree between livelihood resilience and ecological livability. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between livelihood resilience and ecological livability in relocated farming households, offering practical implications for sustainable development and rural revitalization in mining regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions)

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25 pages, 5613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Nonlinear Threshold Effects and Interactions Between Built Environment and Urban Vitality at the Block Level Using Machine Learning

by Cong Li, Yajuan Zhou, Manfei Wu, Jiayue Xu and Xin Fu

Land 2025, 14(6), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061232 - 7 Jun 2025

Viewed by 173

Abstract

Urban vitality is a critical indicator of both urban sustainability and quality of life. However, comprehensive studies examining the threshold effects and interaction mechanisms of built environment factors on urban vitality at the block level remain limited. This study proposed to develop a [...] Read more.

Urban vitality is a critical indicator of both urban sustainability and quality of life. However, comprehensive studies examining the threshold effects and interaction mechanisms of built environment factors on urban vitality at the block level remain limited. This study proposed to develop a comprehensive framework for urban vitality by incorporating multi-source data, and the central urban area of Xi’an, China, was selected as the study area. Four machine learning models, LightGBM, XGBoost, GBDT, and random forest, were employed to identify the most fitted model for analyzing threshold effects and interactions among built environment factors on shaping urban vitality. The results showed the following: (1) Xi’an’s urban vitality exhibited a distinct gradient, with the highest vitality concentrated in the Yanta District; (2) life service facility density was the most significant determinant of vitality (19.91%), followed by air quality (9.01%) and functional diversity (6.49%); and (3) significant interactions among built environment factors were observed. In particular, streets characterized by both high POI diversity (greater than 0.8) and low PM_2.5 concentrations (below 48.5 μg/m³) exhibited notably enhanced vitality scores. The findings of this study provide key insights into strategies for boosting urban vitality, offering actionable insights for improving land use allocations and enhancing quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Infrastructure Planning and Management for Sustainable Urban Development and Quality of Life)

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26 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Geographical Location of Households’ Residences on the Livelihoods of Households Surrounding Protected Areas: An Empirical Analysis of Seven Nature Reserves Across Three Provinces in China

by Changhai Wang, Wei Zhang, Yueting Gao and Jun Sun

Land 2025, 14(6), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061231 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 283

Abstract

China has effectively safeguarded biodiversity by building the world’s largest system of nature reserves, but the livelihoods of farmers near the reserves are often not guaranteed. This paper aimed to deeply explore the intrinsic relationship between the geographical location of households and their [...] Read more.

China has effectively safeguarded biodiversity by building the world’s largest system of nature reserves, but the livelihoods of farmers near the reserves are often not guaranteed. This paper aimed to deeply explore the intrinsic relationship between the geographical location of households and their livelihood outcomes within seven nature reserves across three provinces in China. Innovatively, this study subdivided households’ livelihood outcomes into four patterns: high well-being with high dependency (H-H), high well-being with low dependency (H-L), low well-being with high dependency (L-H), and low well-being with low dependency (L-L), in order to comprehensively analyze the diversity of households’ livelihoods and further reveal the spatial logic and mechanisms underlying regional development imbalances. Methodologically, a combination of quantitative analysis and qualitative research was adopted. Representative villages in the protected area and outside the protected area were selected for semi-structured interviews with the village heads. Meanwhile, farmers were randomly selected in the villages for structured interviews and 1106 questionnaires were collected. Through variance analysis, the study first identified the unique advantages of H-H-pattern households in natural resource utilization. Subsequently, a multinomial logistic model was used to deeply analyze how geographical location (including whether a household was located within a protected area and the distance to markets) affected the transition mechanisms of the other three livelihood outcomes towards the H-H pattern. Based on this, marginal effect analysis was employed to further delineate the specific influence pathways of geographical factor changes on households’ livelihood outcome selection probabilities. The results showed that the geographical location of households’ residences had a significant impact on their livelihood outcomes. For households in the L-L and H-L patterns, proximity to markets could significantly increase the probability of their livelihood transitioning to the H-H pattern. Meanwhile, residing within protected areas significantly promoted the transition of L-L and H-L households to the H-H pattern but showed a certain inhibitory effect on L-H households. Marginal effects analysis further shows that both living in protected areas and reducing distance to markets increase the tendency of households to be highly dependent on natural resources for livelihood outcomes. Compensation policies should be designed according to local conditions, and subsidies for the development of ecotourism and other service industries should be increased for rural households in protected areas to ensure sustainable development rather than transfer payments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development)

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19 pages, 1689 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Bibliometric Analysis on Designing Urban Green and Blue Spaces Related to Environmental and Public Health Benefits

by Catarina de Sousa Silva, Simon Bell, Lenka Lackóová and Thomas Panagopoulos

Land 2025, 14(6), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061230 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 116

Abstract

Humans and nature have always been connected. Meanwhile, with the industrial revolution, landscapes have become more artificial, reducing the human–nature relationship. Urban design should follow biophilic principles to reconnect people with nature, mitigate climate change, improve air quality, restore biodiversity loss, and solve [...] Read more.

Humans and nature have always been connected. Meanwhile, with the industrial revolution, landscapes have become more artificial, reducing the human–nature relationship. Urban design should follow biophilic principles to reconnect people with nature, mitigate climate change, improve air quality, restore biodiversity loss, and solve social problems. Poor air quality affects people’s health, and vegetation plays a crucial role in purifying the air. Similarly, contact with nature benefits physical and mental health and well-being. However, there is no consensus on how urban design can be beneficial for improving air quality and human health. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of evidence linking nature-based solutions (NBSs), air quality, carbon neutrality, and human health and well-being. Five hundred articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analysed. A number of publications studied the benefits of green infrastructure in improving air quality, carbon sequestration, or the influence of green spaces on human health. The topic of NBSs has recently emerged related to air quality, health, and promoting physical activity, as has accessibility to green spaces and mental health, also associated with blue spaces and residential gardens. The results revealed the gaps in the literature on how to design green and blue spaces to tackle environmental and public health crises simultaneously. Full article

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

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14 pages, 4918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response Mechanism of Soil Microbial Characteristics to Different Land-Use Types in China

by Gang Ma, Yantao Hu, Yangyang Zhang, Yaoguang Han, Keyi Li, Hongtao Jia and Xinping Zhu

Land 2025, 14(6), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061229 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 171

Abstract

Deciphering the responses of soil properties to land-use changes is of great importance for sustainable management in biogeochemically sensitive zones. This investigation examines the impacts of agricultural conversion on soil-microbial dynamics across four land-use patterns in western Xin-jiang, China: native grassland (NG), two-year [...] Read more.

Deciphering the responses of soil properties to land-use changes is of great importance for sustainable management in biogeochemically sensitive zones. This investigation examines the impacts of agricultural conversion on soil-microbial dynamics across four land-use patterns in western Xin-jiang, China: native grassland (NG), two-year paddy field (PF), one-year corn-rice rotation field (RF), and two-year sorghum field (SF). The results indicate that different land-use types significantly altered soil properties: NG retained superior soil structure, with significantly higher porosity and organic carbon (p < 0.05). Microbial communities differed distinctly across land uses. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria ranked SF > RF > PF > NG, contrasting with Bacteroidota trends. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed divergent structures of soil microbial communities under different land-use types. The results of correlation analysis and structural equation models (SEM) showed that land use could indirectly affect bacterial diversity through its influence on soil physicochemical properties, highlighting that land-use-driven shifts in bulk density, porosity, and carbon content critically shape microbial dynamics, particularly in bacteria. These results underscore the sensitivity of soil properties to land-use practices and offer actionable insights for optimizing soil quality and sustainability in vulnerable regions. Full article

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26 pages, 4661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Landscape Character and Public Preferences in Urban Landscapes: A Case Study from the East–West Mountain Region in Wuhan, China

by Xingyuan Li, Wenqing Pang, Lizhi Han, Yufan Yan, Xianjie Pan and Diechuan Yang

Land 2025, 14(6), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061228 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 123

Abstract

The East–West Mountain Region (EWMR) of Wuhan is a vital natural and cultdural asset, characterized by its scenic nature landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. This study aims to address the problems of landscape character degradation and weakened public preferences caused by [...] Read more.

The East–West Mountain Region (EWMR) of Wuhan is a vital natural and cultdural asset, characterized by its scenic nature landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. This study aims to address the problems of landscape character degradation and weakened public preferences caused by rapid urbanization and proposes a research framework integrating landscape character assessment and public preferences. Initially, we utilize K-means cluster analysis to identify landscape character types based on six landscape elements, resulting in a landscape character map with 20 types. Subsequently, we employ emotion analysis based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to analyze user-generated content (UGC) from Weibo check-in data to establish perception characteristic indicators reflecting public preferences. Finally, we quantitatively identify the environmental factors influencing public preferences through the SoIVES model and compare and integrate the landscape character map with the public emotion value map. The results show that (1) public preferences hotspots are concentrated in three types: (a) urban construction-driven types, including areas dominated by commercial service functions and those characterized by mixed-function residential areas; (b) natural terrain-dominated types with well-developed supporting facilities; and (c) hybrid transition types predominated by educational and scientific research land uses. These areas generally feature a high degree of functional diversity and good transportation accessibility. (2) Landscapes eliciting stronger emotional responses integrate moderate slopes, multifunctional spaces, and robust public services, whereas areas with weaker responses are characterized by single-function use or excessive urbanization. (3) The emotional variations within categories could be influenced by (a) functional hybridity through enhanced environmental exploration; (b) spatial usage frequency through place attachment formation; and (c) visual harmony through cognitive overload prevention. These findings provide critical insights for formulating zoning optimization plans aimed at the refined conservation and utilization of urban landscape resources, as well as offering guidance for improving landscape planning and management in the EWMR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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27 pages, 60698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scenario Simulation of the Dynamic Relationship Between Land Use and Carbon Storage in the Urbanization Process: A Case Study of Zhengzhou, China

by Qianqian Zhang, Siyuan Liu, Yilin Niu, Yajin Hu, Ling Li, Enxiang Cai, Yali Zhang and Menglong Zhao

Land 2025, 14(6), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061227 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 109

Abstract

Rapid urbanization enhances the necessity of exploring sustainable development paths to achieve ecological and carbon storage protection. This study takes Zhengzhou, one of the national central cities in China, as a case to investigate the dynamic correlation between urbanization (UR) and carbon storage [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization enhances the necessity of exploring sustainable development paths to achieve ecological and carbon storage protection. This study takes Zhengzhou, one of the national central cities in China, as a case to investigate the dynamic correlation between urbanization (UR) and carbon storage (CS). The PLUS and InVEST models were employed to simulate land use and carbon storage dynamics under natural development, cultivated land protection, and ecological protection scenarios for 2030 and 2040. This was also complemented by elasticity analysis of UR, construction land expansion (CEL), and CS. The results show that from 2000 to 2020, cultivated land declined by 15.33%, while construction land expanded by 13.31%. By 2030, construction land growth is expected to be 7.34%, 2.87%, and 4.96% across scenarios, with cultivated land of −6.96%, −2.36%, and −4.78%, respectively. Carbon storage in 2030 decreases under all scenarios (5.181 × 10⁷ t, 5.235 × 10⁷ t, 5.209 × 10⁷ t) but stabilizes by 2040, with ecological protection enhancing forest/water bodies and mitigating losses. Elasticity analysis reveals that unconstrained elasticity coefficient significantly exacerbates carbon losses, while policy interventions reduce losses through expansion control and carbon sequestration. Integrating land use policies to balance farmland protection, ecological restoration, and low-carbon urban expansion is critical for sustainable megacity development and a scalable framework for carbon governance. Full article

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19 pages, 3169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Socially and Culturally Coordinated Development in Cities of Yangtze River Economic Belt and Its Spatial Correlation

by Zhenzhen Yi, Xianzhong Cao and Liuting Qin

Land 2025, 14(6), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061226 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 148

Abstract

In the process of Chinese-style modernisation, the socially and culturally coordinated development of cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is important for promoting regional coordinated development, enhancing the balance of public services, and strengthening cultural soft power. This study used quantitative methods, [...] Read more.

In the process of Chinese-style modernisation, the socially and culturally coordinated development of cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is important for promoting regional coordinated development, enhancing the balance of public services, and strengthening cultural soft power. This study used quantitative methods, including the construction of an indicator system, spatial correlation analysis, and Zipf’s rank-size rule, on data from 2011 to 2021 to analyse the capacity for coordinated social and cultural development and assessed the spatial distribution characteristics of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The study found that the overall level of social and cultural coordination among the cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt steadily improved; however, significant regional disparities still exist, particularly in areas such as social security and cultural integration. Spatially, a “high in the east, low in the west” pattern is observed, with the Yangtze River Delta city cluster leading development, the midstream cluster playing a supportive role, and the Chengdu–Chongqing city cluster showing significant internal disparities. Core cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu demonstrated driving effects in areas such as culture, education, and healthcare; however, some peripheral cities remain underdeveloped. This study suggests the need to enhance the development of the Yangtze River’s culture, promote the development of cultural industry clusters, foster the integration of various business models, leverage scientific and educational resources, optimise the cultural consumption market, and achieve the coordinated development of the social and cultural sectors, thereby enabling the Yangtze River Economic Belt to play a greater role in Chinese-style modernisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Urbanization: Urban-Rural Coordination and Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 2916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are We Satisfied with the Achievements of New Eco-City Construction in China? A Case Study of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City

by Xuan Sun, Tao Sun, Jingchuan Hou, Zhuoruo Yue and Xiaomeng Li

Land 2025, 14(6), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061225 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 187

Abstract

With the goal of sustainable urbanization, eco-cities have garnered significant global attention in recent decades. Unlike eco-city renovation or renewal, the construction of a new eco-city represents a comprehensive urbanization process that integrates environmental sustainability with livability. To evaluate the outcomes of new [...] Read more.

With the goal of sustainable urbanization, eco-cities have garnered significant global attention in recent decades. Unlike eco-city renovation or renewal, the construction of a new eco-city represents a comprehensive urbanization process that integrates environmental sustainability with livability. To evaluate the outcomes of new eco-city construction in China, this study employs a dual approach combining objective achievements and residents’ subjective satisfaction to systematically examine the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. The analysis encompasses five dimensions: environmental amenity, life safety, residential functionality, traffic capability, and economic well-being, with the relative weights of specific indicators determined through the entropy method, expert scoring, and analytic hierarchy process. The findings reveal that based on objective indicators, the eco-city’s overall performance nearly doubled during its first phase of development, with life safety showing the most notable improvements. However, subjective assessments revealed that overall resident satisfaction remained below 70%, with residential functionality receiving the highest rating. The annual progress of the eco-city did not consistently align with residents’ needs, and no clear correlation was found between the eco-city’s current state and public sentiment. For sustainable development, the eco-city must address its shortcomings and better cater to residents’ demands across various dimensions through targeted and effective strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology of the Landscape Capital and Urban Capital)

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22 pages, 12383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Trends in Biodiversity Intactness Vary with Baseline Levels Across Regions and Climates

by Naiyi Liu, Yunhe Wu, Wenbo Li and Zihan Liu

Land 2025, 14(6), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061224 - 6 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Exploring the relationship between the magnitude and temporal trend of the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is critical to assessing current and future changes in biodiversity intactness. However, investigations into the relationship between BII magnitude and trends worldwide have been limited. Using annual BII [...] Read more.

Exploring the relationship between the magnitude and temporal trend of the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is critical to assessing current and future changes in biodiversity intactness. However, investigations into the relationship between BII magnitude and trends worldwide have been limited. Using annual BII time series data from 2000 to 2020, we assess the global spatial patterns of BII magnitude and trend, as well as their relationship. Our findings reveal four key insights: First, the global mean BII magnitude exhibits pronounced latitudinal and climatic heterogeneity, with higher values observed in less human-impacted regions. Second, biodiversity trends display contrasting trajectories between areas of differing baseline intactness—regions with initially low biodiversity (BII < 0.50) show recovery potential (−0.007 ± 0.021 decade⁻¹), while high-biodiversity areas (BII > 0.90) face accelerated declines (0.002 ± 0.012 decade⁻¹). Third, continental and climatic disparities are striking: Europe and temperate zones demonstrate stabilizing trends, whereas tropical and polar regions experience marked deterioration. Fourth, climate variables, particularly precipitation seasonality (BIO15) and mean temperature of the coldest quarter (BIO11), show strong negative correlations with the BII trend, indicating climate-linked declines while exhibiting minimal influence on baseline BII magnitude. This study has the potential to help develop more efficient sustainable practices and behaviors to mitigate biodiversity disparities and achieve sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Landscape Approaches for Biodiversity and Community Resilience)

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19 pages, 8131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Carbon Footprint of Indonesian Refined Palm Oil and Its Embodied Emissions in Global Trade

by Hanlei Wang, Xia Li, Mingxing Sun, Yulei Xie and Hui Li

Land 2025, 14(6), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061223 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 182

Abstract

Indonesia plays a dominant role in the global refined palm oil (RPO) supply chain. Given the increasing global emphasis on carbon neutrality and sustainable trade, understanding the carbon footprint of Indonesian RPO and its embodied carbon emissions (ECE) in global trade is essential [...] Read more.

Indonesia plays a dominant role in the global refined palm oil (RPO) supply chain. Given the increasing global emphasis on carbon neutrality and sustainable trade, understanding the carbon footprint of Indonesian RPO and its embodied carbon emissions (ECE) in global trade is essential for identifying mitigation opportunities and aligning with international sustainability standards. This study integrates life cycle assessment and trade data to quantify the carbon footprint of RPO products and analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of trade-related ECE. Results show that producing 1 ton of RPO emits 2196.84 kg CO₂e, with wastewater treatment (57.67%) and land use change (32.82%) as the main contributors. From 2010 to 2022, ECE induced by RPO exports rose from 35.79 Mt CO₂e to 54.94 Mt CO₂e (3.64% annual growth). Major ECE importers were India, China, and Pakistan, accounting for 20.36%, 14.29%, and 11.45% of Indonesia’s total trade-related ECE, respectively. Comprehensive sensitivity and uncertainty analyses conducted on key parameters confirmed the robustness of the above results. Based on these robust findings, integrated mitigation strategies targeting both production optimization and sustainable trade mechanisms are proposed to accelerate Indonesia’s RPO industry decarbonization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land–Climate Interactions)

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24 pages, 3464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Citrus Water Status Using Proximal Sensing: A Comparative Study of Spectral and Thermal Techniques

by Fiorella Stagno, Angela Randazzo, Giancarlo Roccuzzo, Roberto Ciorba, Tiziana Amoriello and Roberto Ciccoritti

Land 2025, 14(6), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061222 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 212

Abstract

Early detection of plant water status is crucial for efficient crop management. In this research, proximal sensing tools (i.e., hyperspectral imaging HSI and thermal IR camera) were used to monitor changes in spectral and thermal profiles of a citrus orchard in Sicily (Italy), [...] Read more.

Early detection of plant water status is crucial for efficient crop management. In this research, proximal sensing tools (i.e., hyperspectral imaging HSI and thermal IR camera) were used to monitor changes in spectral and thermal profiles of a citrus orchard in Sicily (Italy), managed under five irrigation systems. The irrigation systems differ in the amount of water distribution and allow four different strategies of deficit irrigation to be obtained. The physiological traits, stem water potential, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and the amount of leaf chlorophyll were measured over the crop’s growing season for each treatment. The proximal sensing data consisted of thermal and hyperspectral imagery acquired in June–September during the irrigation seasons 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. Significant variation in physiological traits was observed in relation to the different irrigation strategies, highlighting the highest plant water stress in July, in particular for the partial root-zone drying irrigation system. The water-use efficiency (WUE) values in subsurface drip irrigation were similar to the moderate deficit irrigation treatment and more efficient (up to 50%) as compared to control. Proximal sensing measures confirmed a different plant water status in relation to the five different irrigations strategies. Moreover, four spectral indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI; Water Index WI; Photochemical Reflectance Index PRI; Transformed Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index TCARI), calculated from HSI spectra, highlighted strong correlations with physiological traits, especially with stem water potential and the amount of leaf chlorophyll (coefficient of correlation ranged between −0.4 and −0.5). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using proximal sensing tools in precision agriculture and ecosystem monitoring, helping to ensure optimal plant health and water use efficiency. Full article

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19 pages, 11759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Landscape Risks and Ecological Security Patterns in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China

by Peiyu He, Longhao Wang, Siqi Zhai, Yanlong Guo and Jie Huang

Land 2025, 14(6), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061221 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 188

Abstract

Ecological risk refers to the potential threat that landscape changes pose to ecosystem structure, function, and service sustainability, while ecological security emphasizes the ability of regional ecosystems to maintain stability and support human well-being. Developing an Ecological Security Pattern (ESP) provides a strategic [...] Read more.

Ecological risk refers to the potential threat that landscape changes pose to ecosystem structure, function, and service sustainability, while ecological security emphasizes the ability of regional ecosystems to maintain stability and support human well-being. Developing an Ecological Security Pattern (ESP) provides a strategic approach to balance ecological protection and sustainable development. This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of landscape ecological risk in the Tarim Basin and surrounding urban areas in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, from 2000 to 2020. Using a combination of the InVEST model, landscape connectivity index, and circuit theory-based modeling, we identify ecological source areas and simulate ecological corridors. Ecological source areas are categorized by their ecological value and connectivity: primary sources represent high ecological value and strong connectivity, secondary sources have moderate ecological significance, and tertiary sources are of relatively lower priority but still vital for regional integrity. The results show a temporal trend of ecological risk declining between 2000 and 2010, followed by a moderate increase from 2010 to 2020. High-risk zones are concentrated in the central Tarim Basin, reflecting intensified land-use pressures and weak ecological resilience. The delineated ecological protection zones include 61,702.9 km² of primary, 146,802.5 km² of secondary, and 36,141.2 km² of tertiary ecological source areas. In total, 95 ecological corridors (23 primary, 37 secondaries, and 35 tertiary) were identified, along with 48 pinch points and 56 barrier points that require priority attention for ecological restoration. Valuable areas refer to those with high ecological connectivity and service provision potential, while vulnerable areas are characterized by high ecological risk and landscape fragmentation. This study provides a comprehensive framework for constructing ESPs in arid inland basins and offers practical insights for ecological planning in desert–oasis environments. Full article

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

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39 pages, 95245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expanding Sustainable Land Governance: A Geospatial Framework for Incorporating Natural Parks into Urban Cadastres—Lessons from Darke de Mattos Park, Rio de Janeiro

by Auzenan Pereira de Sá, Andrew Santana da Silva, Leonardo Vieira Barbalho, Jorge Luís Nunes e Silva Brito, Andrea Galudht Santacruz Jaramillo, Sonia Maria Lima Silva and Luiz Carlos Teixeira Coelho

Land 2025, 14(6), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061220 - 5 Jun 2025

Viewed by 451

Abstract

Contemporary metropolises, particularly those in the Global South, grapple with the complex challenge of balancing urban development with environmental conservation. In such contexts, forest remnants often face constant threats from illegal urban encroachment and insufficiently defined boundaries, which undermine conservation efforts and hinder [...] Read more.

Contemporary metropolises, particularly those in the Global South, grapple with the complex challenge of balancing urban development with environmental conservation. In such contexts, forest remnants often face constant threats from illegal urban encroachment and insufficiently defined boundaries, which undermine conservation efforts and hinder effective legal enforcement. This study explores cost-efficient, geographic-information-technology-driven solutions to improve the management of conservation units and incorporate them into cities’ multipurpose land cadastres. By employing tools such as a remotely piloted aircraft, total stations, and GNSS receivers, this work highlights the pivotal role of geotechnologies in safeguarding the urban natural heritage. These technologies not only address the pressures of urban expansion but also enable continuous monitoring and impact assessment through geographical information systems (GISs). To illustrate these applications, this study examines a case study from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Darke de Mattos Municipal Park, to demonstrate how accurate geographic data can significantly enhance planning and management efforts while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Technologies for Land Governance)

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