Land | April 2026 - Browse Articles

22 pages, 3989 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Bioregional Framework for Structuring Rural Self-Sufficiency in Dispersed Settlement Systems: The Case of Arbo, Galicia (Spain)

by Ana Lima, Susana Milão, David Viana and Jesús Vázquez

Land 2026, 15(4), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040689 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 203

Abstract

Rural territories characterised by dispersed settlement systems face mounting challenges related to demographic decline, economic fragility, ecological degradation, and the erosion of local knowledge systems. In this context, rural self-sufficiency has re-emerged as a strategic objective; yet it remains inadequately operationalised within spatial [...] Read more.

Rural territories characterised by dispersed settlement systems face mounting challenges related to demographic decline, economic fragility, ecological degradation, and the erosion of local knowledge systems. In this context, rural self-sufficiency has re-emerged as a strategic objective; yet it remains inadequately operationalised within spatial planning and territorial assessment practices. This paper proposes a bioregional framework for operationalising rural self-sufficiency in dispersed territories, integrating ecological, morphological, socio-productive, cultural, and governance dimensions across multiple spatial scales. The framework is structured around a tiered system of 108 indicators, hierarchised into priority, secondary, and aspirational levels, combined with a multi-scalar territorial reading articulated through five nested frames—ranging from municipal systems to local productive units. Rather than constituting a mere checklist for immediate quantitative evaluation, the indicator system functions as a structured diagnostic universe, enabling progressive operationalisation based on data availability and governance capacity. To bridge the gap between diagnosis and action, the framework introduces 34 strategic drivers and 28 spatial artefacts, conceived as reversible and context-sensitive interventions. The framework is demonstrated through the case of Arbo (Galicia, Spain), illustrating its capacity to structure territorial diagnosis and articulate coherent pathways from analytical interpretation to strategic spatial intervention. The proposed approach contributes a replicable methodological tool for bioregional and rural planning in dispersed settlement systems. The study contributes to advancing bioregional planning by demonstrating how extensive indicator universes can be rendered operational through selective tiering and multi-scalar deployment. Full article

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22 pages, 10718 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scenario-Specific Landslide Warning Thresholds from Uncertainty-Based Clustering of TANK Model Soil Water Index Responses in Republic of Korea

by Donghyeon Kim, Sukhee Yoon, Jongseo Lee, Song Eu, Sooyoun Nam and Kwangyoun Lee

Land 2026, 15(4), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040688 - 21 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Rainfall-induced landslide early warning systems require reliable estimation of soil moisture conditions. This study proposes a Soil Water Index (SWI) framework based on a three-stage TANK model. Through GLUE (Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation)-based behavioral parameter sampling and K-means clustering, SWI response characteristics were [...] Read more.

Rainfall-induced landslide early warning systems require reliable estimation of soil moisture conditions. This study proposes a Soil Water Index (SWI) framework based on a three-stage TANK model. Through GLUE (Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation)-based behavioral parameter sampling and K-means clustering, SWI response characteristics were classified into two representative scenarios: slow drainage (Scenario 1) and fast drainage (Scenario 2). Two-stage thresholds—Watch (α = 0.40 × SWI_peak) and Warning (β = 0.70 × SWI_peak)—were established from SWI rise profile analysis at 500 m and 5 km resolutions, providing 20–27 and 4–5 h of lead time, respectively. Verification against the July 2025 heavy rainfall event across multiple resolutions and spatial extents yielded Hit Rates of 0.984–1.000, while FAR (False Alarm Ratio) remained structurally high (0.607–0.648 for grids sharing the rainfall field with occurrence sites). These findings confirm that SWI serves as an effective regional-scale necessary condition indicator for landslide-triggering moisture, but FAR reduction requires integration with slope susceptibility information. 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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32 pages, 2807 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Transformation and Sustainable Land Systems: The Non-Linear Impact of Information Infrastructure on Air Quality and Carbon Mitigation

by Hongyan Duan and Weidong Li

Land 2026, 15(4), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040687 - 21 Apr 2026

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Abstract

As the digital economy advances, information infrastructure has become a core engine for driving green economic transition and optimizing sustainable land systems. However, its heterogeneous governance effects on different types of pollutants and spatial spillover mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. This study draws on [...] Read more.

As the digital economy advances, information infrastructure has become a core engine for driving green economic transition and optimizing sustainable land systems. However, its heterogeneous governance effects on different types of pollutants and spatial spillover mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. This study draws on the theoretical framework of the dynamic game between scale and technique effects. It utilizes the PSTR model and the SDM to systematically investigate the nonlinear and spatial synergistic impacts of information infrastructure. The analysis covers aggregate information infrastructure and its structural subdivisions, including traditional and new information infrastructure. To ensure empirical rigor, this study introduces a Bartik instrumental variable constructed via the shift share approach and thoroughly eliminates endogeneity interference through the Control Function Approach and a core variable lagging strategy. The empirical research reveals three core findings. Firstly, after crossing the initial extensive scale effect dominated by physical construction, the profound technique effect dominates long-term environmental governance. Secondly, new-type information infrastructure demonstrates a superior capacity for long-term environmental governance and land use efficiency compared to traditional telecommunications. Finally, spatial spillover analysis indicates that although PM2.5 exhibits strong cross-regional physical contagion, the current environmental dividends of information infrastructure remain highly localized due to regional administrative data silos, lacking significant cross-regional synergistic spillover effects. This study provides a solid empirical basis for formulating differentiated digital spatial governance frameworks, breaking interprovincial data factor barriers, and preventing the physical expansion trap of traditional infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)

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20 pages, 14190 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rethinking Urban Intersections for Sustainable Micro-Mobility: A Kinematic Comparison of E-Scooters and Bicycles at Mini-Roundabouts

by Natalia Distefano, Salvatore Leonardi and Michele Lacagnina

Land 2026, 15(4), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040686 - 21 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Urban roundabouts present significant design challenges for the integration of micro-mobility, yet comparative evidence regarding user behavior remains limited. As cities transition toward sustainable transport networks, understanding the operational needs of different micromobility modes is essential for urban planning. This study investigates the [...] Read more.

Urban roundabouts present significant design challenges for the integration of micro-mobility, yet comparative evidence regarding user behavior remains limited. As cities transition toward sustainable transport networks, understanding the operational needs of different micromobility modes is essential for urban planning. This study investigates the dynamic strategies of micromobility users through a controlled field experiment at a mini-roundabout in Gravina di Catania, Italy. Twenty experienced riders executed crossings using conventional bicycles and electric scooters. Utilizing drone recordings and open-source tracking, the analysis extracted speed, longitudinal acceleration, and path radius across 80 maneuvers. The findings reveal that behavior is highly dependent on vehicle type and geometric deflection. On highly deflected trajectories, e-scooters selected wider radii and achieved up to 15% higher speeds and accelerations than bicycles, whereas on gentler trajectories, they adopted more conservative, tighter lines with intense braking. Bicycles exhibited smaller, less systematic adjustments. These significant kinematic differences indicate that bicycles and e-scooters possess distinct performance envelopes. Treating them as a single legal or design class obscures stability disparities influencing conflict risk. Ultimately, this research provides empirical insights to guide urban planners in redesigning intersections, emphasizing that tailored infrastructure and targeted speed management are critical steps toward safer, truly sustainable urban mobility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Planning and Sustainable Mobility)

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19 pages, 6462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reconstructing Rural Settlements from a Living Space Perspective: Evidence from the Karst Mountainous Areas of Southwest China

by Qiuyu Zou, Xuesong Zhang, Jianwei Sun, Xiaowen Zhou and Hongjie Peng

Land 2026, 15(4), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040685 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 277

Abstract

Rural settlements serve as the core spatial carriers of rural living space, and their spatial evolution and functional transformation reflect the dynamic restructuring of human–land relationships. In karst mountainous areas, complex topography, fragmented land resources, and uneven distribution of public facilities significantly influence [...] Read more.

Rural settlements serve as the core spatial carriers of rural living space, and their spatial evolution and functional transformation reflect the dynamic restructuring of human–land relationships. In karst mountainous areas, complex topography, fragmented land resources, and uneven distribution of public facilities significantly influence settlement patterns and residents’ living spaces. This study aims to quantify the relationship between settlement clustering characteristics and living-space demand and to construct a spatially explicit framework for rural settlement restructuring from a living-space perspective. Taking the Qixingguan District of Bijie City, Guizhou Province—a representative karst mountainous area in Southwest China—as a case study, we develop an integrated analytical framework encompassing spatial identification, demand measurement, and zoning optimization. Settlement clusters were identified using the Nearest Neighbor Index and Kernel Density Analysis, while accessibility to essential services—including education, healthcare, and shopping—was quantified via a Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area method. Living-space demand was further assessed by integrating accessibility gradients with residential conditions, and restructuring types were classified based on the Living Space Index and the distance from settlements to town centers. The results indicate that (1) rural settlements in Qixingguan District exhibit significant clustering, with high-density zones concentrated around urban peripheries and along transportation corridors; (2) accessibility to living services follows a distance-decay pattern modulated by transportation networks, forming hotspots in suburban and town-center areas and cold spots in peripheral karst mountainous areas; and (3) based on the comprehensive assessment, settlements are categorized into four types—urbanizing villages, central villages, preserved villages, and relocation villages—with corresponding targeted spatial restructuring strategies proposed. This study advances the geographical understanding of rural settlement restructuring in karst mountainous areas and provides empirical evidence for optimizing human–land relationships and promoting more equitable and sustainable spatial development in mountainous regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Land Use Planning: Tools and Case Studies)

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18 pages, 258 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Environmental NGOs in the Renewable Energy–Environmental Interface

by Claire Burch and Rebecca Loraamm

Land 2026, 15(4), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040684 - 21 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in the interface between business, government and society, including serving as a link between diverse stakeholders, amplifying public visibility, and serving as a watch dog. This research seeks to understand the involvement and experience of environmental [...] Read more.

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role in the interface between business, government and society, including serving as a link between diverse stakeholders, amplifying public visibility, and serving as a watch dog. This research seeks to understand the involvement and experience of environmental NGO (ENGO) staff members in the environmental planning of utility-scale wind and solar projects. We conducted 19 one-hour interviews with individuals representing 13 ENGOs which were located in or had projects within North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. We found that, overall, engagement with the renewable energy industry was mixed, with some organizations being very involved and others having limited to no engagement. Participants also shared positive as well as more challenging engagement experiences they have had. Overall, ENGOs see a number of potential opportunities to engage more in renewable energy planning, particularly in collaboration with renewable energy developers, to move renewable energy deployment forward while balancing land use and environmental concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Landscape: Consensus, Uncertainties and Challenges)

20 pages, 3263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Urban Heat Island Mitigation Through Green Infrastructure on Post-Demolition Vacant Land

by Yoonsun Park and Dong Kun Lee

Land 2026, 15(4), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040683 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 330

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and the decline of inner-city areas have led to a sharp increase in vacant houses in large cities. Cities are increasingly converting vacant land into green space to mitigate associated negative externalities. This study quantifies the urban heat island (UHI) mitigation [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and the decline of inner-city areas have led to a sharp increase in vacant houses in large cities. Cities are increasingly converting vacant land into green space to mitigate associated negative externalities. This study quantifies the urban heat island (UHI) mitigation effects of green infrastructure using meta-analysis and applies the derived relationships to predict both on-site and surrounding cooling effects for vacant land. First, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies reporting the cooling effects of green infrastructure and derived regression equations relating green-space area to (i) cooling within the green space, (ii) cooling in the surrounding area, and (iii) the spatial extent of the cooling effect. Second, we applied these equations to two high-density areas in Sungui-dong, Nam-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea. The results suggest that introducing a neighborhood park at Site A (7559.5 m²) would reduce air temperature by up to 2.751 °C within the park and by 1.507 °C up to 62 m beyond the park boundary. A pocket park at Site C (992.1 m²) would reduce air temperature by up to 2.269 °C within the park and by approximately 0.92 °C in the surrounding area. These findings provide quantitative evidence that green infrastructure can serve as an effective environmental intervention and support the adoption of climate-responsive urban regeneration policies. Full article

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36 pages, 45712 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unlocking Sustainable Urban Land Use Under Digital Transformation: Spatiotemporal Patterns and Implications for Emerging Economies

by Biyue Wang, Haiyang Li, Martin de Jong, Jiaxin He and Hongjuan Wu

Land 2026, 15(4), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040682 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Rapid global urbanization has exacerbated the conflict between land expansion and ecosystem carrying capacity, making the enhancement of urban land use efficiency (ULUE), a critical pathway for sustainable development. While the digital economy offers a new engine for green transition, its spatiotemporal mechanisms [...] Read more.

Rapid global urbanization has exacerbated the conflict between land expansion and ecosystem carrying capacity, making the enhancement of urban land use efficiency (ULUE), a critical pathway for sustainable development. While the digital economy offers a new engine for green transition, its spatiotemporal mechanisms remain underexplored. Taking China, a representative emerging economy, as a case study, this paper investigates the impact of digital transformation on ULUE from 2013 to 2020. By integrating the Super-EBM model with GTWR, we reveal a dynamic evolution where national efficiency improves while regional polarization intensifies. A key finding challenges traditional agglomeration theory, that population density increasingly exerts a negative impact on ULUE, suggesting that congestion costs and ecological pressures are outweighing agglomeration benefits in the digital era. Furthermore, digital infrastructure demonstrates a consistent positive effect by overcoming geographical barriers, whereas environmental regulation exhibits a J-curve effect that is initially constraining but eventually boosts efficiency. These insights provide a roadmap for developing nations to leverage digital tools for balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability, emphasizing the need for spatially differentiated strategies to manage the digital divide and urban congestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban–Rural Land Governance and Sustainable Development in New Era)

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26 pages, 7211 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Obstacles to Culture–Tourism Integration and Revitalization Strategies for Traditional Villages from the Perspective of Cultural Landscape Genes: A Case Study of Dayuwan Village

by Xuesong Yang, Xudong Li and Kailing Deng

Land 2026, 15(4), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040681 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 272

Abstract

Traditional villages embody regional culture and local knowledge, yet culture–tourism integration often suffers from a mismatch between resource value and effective transformation. To address this problem, this study proposes a two-dimensional “benefit–obstacle” diagnostic and strategy-matching framework and tests its case-based applicability in Dayuwan [...] Read more.

Traditional villages embody regional culture and local knowledge, yet culture–tourism integration often suffers from a mismatch between resource value and effective transformation. To address this problem, this study proposes a two-dimensional “benefit–obstacle” diagnostic and strategy-matching framework and tests its case-based applicability in Dayuwan Village. First, a cultural landscape gene (CLG) atlas was constructed for the village based on a geo-information coding scheme, covering both tangible and intangible CLGs. Second, a four-dimensional evaluation system was operationalized through five expert judgments and 106 valid on-site questionnaires collected from tourists (n = 67) and residents (n = 39). Criterion weights were determined using an AHP–entropy combination approach, and the comprehensive benefit closeness coefficient was calculated via TOPSIS. Third, an obstacle degree identification model was employed to pinpoint key constraints and derive composite obstacle degrees. Results within the Dayuwan case show that the TOPSIS closeness coefficients of the 17 genes ranged from 0.653 to 0.782 (mean = 0.714), with 4, 6, and 7 genes classified as excellent, good, and medium, respectively; composite obstacle degrees ranged from 0.0228 to 0.1975. In Dayuwan Village, higher obstacle degrees clustered mainly in intangible CLGs, whereas Ming–Qing architecture and frequently practiced folk-cultural genes showed comparatively lower obstacle degrees. The transformation process is constrained by four mechanisms—landscape character protection, economic transformation, social identity, and market demand—with economic transformation constraints being the most prominent. Based on the benefit–obstacle matrix, 17 CLGs were classified into five activation scenarios and matched with corresponding revitalization strategies. This framework links benefit ranking, obstacle diagnosis, and strategy matching, and provides a case-based diagnostic reference for the conservation and culture–tourism integration of villages with comparable heritage conditions, subject to local recalibration of indicators, weights, and thresholds. Full article

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31 pages, 1296 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Gray to Green Infrastructure: Assessing the Impact of China’s Sponge City Pilot Policy on Urban Green Total Factor Productivity

by Shun Li, Chen Chen, Jiayi Xu, Haoyu Qi and Sanggyun Na

Land 2026, 15(4), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040680 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 481

Abstract

The sponge city pilot policy (SCP) is a green infrastructure initiative that integrates ecological stormwater management, land-use planning, and urban sustainability goals. This study employs the super-efficiency slack-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate the green total factor productivity (GFP) of 278 prefecture-level and [...] Read more.

The sponge city pilot policy (SCP) is a green infrastructure initiative that integrates ecological stormwater management, land-use planning, and urban sustainability goals. This study employs the super-efficiency slack-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate the green total factor productivity (GFP) of 278 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2010 to 2022. It then applies a difference-in-differences (DID) model to identify the causal effect of the SCP on urban GFP while further examining transmission mechanisms and heterogeneous policy effects. The empirical findings show that: (1) the SCP significantly enhances urban GFP, with pilot cities exhibiting an average increase of approximately 6.08% relative to non-pilot cities, indicating broader medium- to long-term ecological–economic co-benefits beyond the policy’s immediate hydrological objectives; (2) the policy effect is more pronounced in cities with stronger economic foundations, larger urban scales, greater environmental governance pressure, weaker resource dependence, and more favorable locational conditions; and (3) the SCP promotes industrial structure transformation (IST) and green technological innovation (GTI), which jointly mediate the relationship between ecological infrastructure and green productivity. Drawing on ecological modernization theory and structural change theory, this study explains how ecological infrastructure, as a techno-structural reform mechanism, can internalize environmental externalities, stimulate innovation, and facilitate sustainable urban transformation. These findings provide evidence that green infrastructure policies can generate both ecological and economic co-benefits, offering useful insights for climate-resilient and sustainable urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land and Green Infrastructure Synergies: Advancing Ecological and Social Sustainability in Urban Environments)

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31 pages, 3378 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Innovation to Resilience: How Digital Technology Boosts the Risk Resistance Capability of Cities

by Pinyue Wang, Dongqin Cao and Chaoqun Wang

Land 2026, 15(4), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040679 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 508

Abstract

As a transformative techno-economic paradigm shift in the digital economy, digital technology innovation (DTI) has profoundly reshaped urban socio-economic systems. Using panel data of 264 Chinese cities from 2005 to 2020, this research empirically examined DTI’s impact on urban economic resilience (UER) and [...] Read more.

As a transformative techno-economic paradigm shift in the digital economy, digital technology innovation (DTI) has profoundly reshaped urban socio-economic systems. Using panel data of 264 Chinese cities from 2005 to 2020, this research empirically examined DTI’s impact on urban economic resilience (UER) and its underlying mechanisms. Results show that DTI significantly boosts UER, with heterogeneous effects related to city size, emerging industry development, R&D investment, and public attention. Mechanism analysis revealed that DTI enhances UER indirectly by promoting the development of new-type infrastructure, advancing industrial structure upgrading, and fostering the agglomeration of scientific and technological talents. Spatial analysis showed significantly positive direct effects yet negative indirect spillover effects driven by the siphoning of digital resources. These findings offer practical implications for strengthening UER and achieving high-quality economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban Regeneration: Adaptive Strategies for Future Metropolis)

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18 pages, 726 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Framework for Reimagining Agricultural Heritage Tourism: Ancient Irrigation Systems in South Asia

by Daminda Sumanapala and Isabelle D. Wolf

Land 2026, 15(4), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040678 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 372

Abstract

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) was launched to conserve, sustainably manage, and enhance the viability of the world’s agricultural heritage systems. The Cascade Tank-Village Irrigation system in the Sri Lankan dry zone was recognized as a GIAHS in 2018. Sri Lanka [...] Read more.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) was launched to conserve, sustainably manage, and enhance the viability of the world’s agricultural heritage systems. The Cascade Tank-Village Irrigation system in the Sri Lankan dry zone was recognized as a GIAHS in 2018. Sri Lanka has conserved and used this water system sustainably for more than 2000 years but has not yet capitalised on its potential for tourism. Therefore, this paper identifies innovation opportunities for developing agricultural heritage tourism in the dry zone of Sri Lanka with implications for other agricultural heritage sites worldwide. We adopted an innovation strategy framework to identify areas of innovation to develop for GIAHS-based tourism sites with a focus on product development, processes, management, logistics, and institutional aspects. We conclude by presenting a novel Agricultural Heritage Tourism Development Framework that highlights the critical elements necessary to consider for developing agricultural heritage tourism sites. Full article

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25 pages, 4559 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Urban Functional Zone Identification and Spatial Interaction Characteristics in Lhasa Based on Ride-Hailing Trajectory Data

by Junzhe Teng, Shizhong Li, Jiahang Chen, Junmeng Zhao, Xinyan Wang, Lin Yuan, Jiayi Lin, Chun Lang, Huining Zhang and Weijie Xie

Land 2026, 15(4), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040677 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 387

Abstract

Accurately identifying urban functional zones and revealing their spatial interaction characteristics is crucial for understanding urban operational mechanisms and optimizing spatial layouts. Addressing the limitations of traditional research in simultaneously capturing static functional attributes and dynamic resident travel behaviors, this study takes the [...] Read more.

Accurately identifying urban functional zones and revealing their spatial interaction characteristics is crucial for understanding urban operational mechanisms and optimizing spatial layouts. Addressing the limitations of traditional research in simultaneously capturing static functional attributes and dynamic resident travel behaviors, this study takes the central urban area of Lhasa as the research object, integrating ride-hailing trajectory data with Point of Interest (POI) data to conduct research on urban functional zone identification and spatial interaction characteristics. First, Thiessen polygons were used to quantify the spatial influence range of POIs, and an address matching algorithm was employed to associate ride-hailing origins and destinations (ODs) with POIs. A weighted land use intensity index was constructed, and functional zones were precisely identified using information entropy and K-Means clustering. Secondly, with basic research units as nodes and OD flows as edges, a directed weighted spatial interaction network was constructed. Complex-network indicators and the Infomap community detection algorithm were utilized to analyze network characteristics, node importance, and community interaction patterns. The results show that: (1) The functional mixing degree in the study area exhibits a pattern of “highly composite core, relatively differentiated periphery.” Eight functional zone types, including commercial–residential mixed, science–education–culture, and transportation service zones, were ultimately identified. Residential areas form the base, while the core area features multi-functional agglomeration. (2) The spatial interaction network exhibits typical small-world effects, while its degree distribution is better characterized by a lognormal distribution rather than a power law. Node importance is dominated by betweenness centrality, with Lhasa Station, the Potala Palace, and core commercial areas constituting key hubs. (3) The network can be divided into four functionally coupled communities: the core multi-functional area, the western industry–residence integrated area, the eastern science–education-dominated area, and the southern transportation hub area, forming a “core leading, two wings supporting” center–subcenter spatial organization pattern. This study verifies the effectiveness of integrating trajectory and POI data for identifying urban functional zones and provides a new perspective for understanding the spatial structure and planning of plateau cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovative Approaches in Geospatial Analysis and Modeling of Urban Environments)

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19 pages, 2139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Deep Soil Organic Carbon and Its Response to Agricultural Management: Evidence from Long-Term Monitoring Data in Typical Farmlands in China

by Shuhe Zhang and Chengjun Wang

Land 2026, 15(4), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040676 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 336

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) in farmland is crucial for assessing soil health, quantifying ecosystem potential for SOC enrichment, and guiding sustainable agricultural management. Existing research on SOC sequestration and mineralization has focused mainly on the topsoil layer (0–20 cm), [...] Read more.

Understanding the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) in farmland is crucial for assessing soil health, quantifying ecosystem potential for SOC enrichment, and guiding sustainable agricultural management. Existing research on SOC sequestration and mineralization has focused mainly on the topsoil layer (0–20 cm), whereas systematic evidence on how deep SOC (>20 cm) responds to agricultural management, and on strategies to enhance deep carbon sequestration, remains limited. This study uses long-term fixed-site monitoring data from 120 farmland plots across 21 typical farmland ecosystem stations and farmland–complex ecosystem stations within the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) over 17 years (2004–2020). Using spatial analysis, we characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of SOC below 20 cm along soil profiles across seven major geographical zones in China. We then estimate the heterogeneous effects of fertilization and straw-management practices (S, straw returning; SCF, straw returning with chemical fertilizer; OF, organic fertilizer; OCF, organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizer), tillage modes, and farmland types on SOC in the 20–40 cm, 40–60 cm, and 60–100 cm layers using a panel fixed-effects model. The results indicate pronounced vertical heterogeneity in SOC below 20 cm and a clear spatial gradient. The 60–100 cm layer shows a significant increase in SOC content during the study period, with a cumulative increase of 4.07%. Relative to single organic inputs, the co-application of organic and inorganic materials improves deep soil SOC enhancement efficiency. Compared with reduced tillage and no-tillage, conventional tillage is less conducive to SOC enhancement in layers shallower than 60 cm, yet it has a significant positive impact on SOC in the 60–100 cm layer. Compared with dryland and irrigated land, paddy fields are less favorable for SOC enhancement below 20 cm. Consequently, regarding agricultural practice, a composite tillage regime combining “surface conservation tillage with periodic deep tillage” should be promoted to foster deep SOC enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 3rd Edition)

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15 pages, 983 KB

Open AccessArticle

Local Drivers of Municipal Consolidation: County-to-District Conversion in China

by Peiao Tan and Rui Wang

Land 2026, 15(4), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040672 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 347

Abstract

Municipal consolidation, a widespread form of local government restructuring, has attracted growing scholarly attention worldwide. The majority of research on municipal consolidation investigates impacts instead of motives. Using prefecture- and county-level data from China, this study comprehensively examines the local drivers of county-to-district [...] Read more.

Municipal consolidation, a widespread form of local government restructuring, has attracted growing scholarly attention worldwide. The majority of research on municipal consolidation investigates impacts instead of motives. Using prefecture- and county-level data from China, this study comprehensively examines the local drivers of county-to-district conversion (CTD) events during the 2010s, a period marked by a significant wave of CTDs. The results show that cities with a developable land shortage, a single district, or a higher economic ranking within a province are more likely to implement CTD. All else equal, counties in closer proximity to the central city, more lagged behind the city in development, or having a higher fiscal revenue per capita are more likely to be consolidated. Together, these factors explain about 40% of the odds of CTD at both the city and county levels. These findings highlight the importance of local incentives and characteristics in shaping jurisdictional changes and provide guidance for mitigating selection bias in future impact evaluations of municipal consolidation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decentralization and Development: Territorial Dimension and Spatial Disparities Mitigation)

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28 pages, 449 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Value Revitalization in Urban Renewal: Institutional Logic, Practice Models and Optimization Paths from China’s First-Tier Cities

by Yidong Wu, Yuanyuan Zha, Honghong Gui, Shichen Li and Zisheng Song

Land 2026, 15(4), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040675 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 526

Abstract

Urban renewal is essentially a process of redefining land property rights, restructuring land use functions and redistributing land value increment, which is of great significance for improving the efficiency of land resource allocation and realizing sustainable land management. This study investigates the urban [...] Read more.

Urban renewal is essentially a process of redefining land property rights, restructuring land use functions and redistributing land value increment, which is of great significance for improving the efficiency of land resource allocation and realizing sustainable land management. This study investigates the urban renewal practice of 21 pilot cities in China, and focuses on the policy frameworks, implementation models and financing mechanisms of urban renewal in four first-tier cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, through comparative analysis of policy documents and typical case studies. The results show that: (1) the current system for revitalizing land value through urban renewal remains exploratory in China, and the top-level design of land-related systems requires improvement; (2) there are obvious differences in land value distribution mechanisms under different renewal models, and the multi-stakeholder collaborative value sharing mechanism is insufficient; (3) the single financing model leads to blocked land value realization paths, and it is difficult to balance investment and return. Based on the findings, this study proposes targeted optimization paths for sustainable land value revitalization in urban renewal, which provides empirical evidence for land policy innovation and land resource value realization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)

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24 pages, 2064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Coordination and Interactive Coercion of Tourism Economy and Ecological Environment in Border Provinces of China

by Li Tian, Lan Liu, Zihao Yan and Deshen Fu

Land 2026, 15(4), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040674 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 355

Abstract

Exploring the coordinated development of the tourism economy and ecological environment in China’s border areas is of great significance for promoting high-quality tourism development and ecological barrier construction in these regions. This study constructed an evaluation index system for the tourism economy and [...] Read more.

Exploring the coordinated development of the tourism economy and ecological environment in China’s border areas is of great significance for promoting high-quality tourism development and ecological barrier construction in these regions. This study constructed an evaluation index system for the tourism economy and ecological environment in China’s border provinces and employed the comprehensive index method as well as coupling coordination, interactive coercion, and obstacle degree models to analyze the basic indices, coupling coordination relationship, interactive coercion relationship, and major obstacle factors of the tourism economy and ecological environment from 2009 to 2019. The results show the following. (1) The tourism economy index increased rapidly, presenting a distribution pattern of “high in the southwest, second in the northeast, and low in the northwest”; the ecological environment index fluctuated but rose, showing a distribution pattern of “single-pole leading and convergence among multiple provinces”, with Xizang maintaining a relatively good level. (2) The coupling coordination degree between the tourism economy and ecological environment steadily improved, with Liaoning, Yunnan, Xizang, and Guangxi achieving relatively good coordination levels. (3) The relationship between the tourism economy and ecological environment exhibited an evolutionary process of “stress first, then coordination”, characterized by spatial heterogeneity; therefore, each province should optimize the interactive coercion relationship according to local conditions. (4) Ecological environment state, tourism economic efficiency, and tourism economic scale are the main obstacle factors affecting the coordination between tourism and ecology. Regarding specific indicators, most provinces share common characteristics in their obstacle factors, while Liaoning and Xizang display unique particularities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Economy-Environment-Society: Interconnection, Power Relations and Measures)

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26 pages, 2160 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land-Finance Intensity, the Urban–Rural Income Gap, and Female Educational Attainment: A Mediation Analysis Based on Provincial Panel Data from China

by Hao Pang, Zhe Huang, SangBum Son and Xiaowen Sha

Land 2026, 15(4), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040673 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 257

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between land-finance intensity and female educational attainment is examined. A provincial panel dataset for China from 2002 to 2023 is constructed. Two-way fixed effects and mediation models are estimated to identify the underlying mechanisms, and panel threshold models [...] Read more.

In this study, the relationship between land-finance intensity and female educational attainment is examined. A provincial panel dataset for China from 2002 to 2023 is constructed. Two-way fixed effects and mediation models are estimated to identify the underlying mechanisms, and panel threshold models are adopted to test the conditional constraints imposed by government intervention and urbanization. A clear tradeoff is revealed by the findings. On average, land-finance intensity is positively associated with female educational attainment. A dual transmission pathway is identified by mediation analysis: local public education expenditure is significantly increased by land finance, which directly promotes female education, while the urban–rural income gap is simultaneously widened, thus restricting further educational progress. Nonlinear effects are also detected. The positive link between land finance and education is weakened in regions with strong government intervention or high urbanization. Regional heterogeneity is demonstrated by estimation results: the positive effect is strongest in western China, moderate but significant in eastern China, and insignificant in central China. Accordingly, a differentiated spatial governance strategy should be implemented by policymakers. Land revenues should be allocated to basic educational infrastructure in less urbanized regions, and the reduction in urban–rural opportunity gaps should be prioritized in developed regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land, Ageing, Gender and Environment: Problems and Challenges from Different Disciplines (Third Edition))

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26 pages, 4975 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Cultivated Land Fragmentation and Analysis of Driving Factors in the Major Grain-Producing Areas of the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Basin

by Jiangtao Gou and Cuicui Jiao

Land 2026, 15(4), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040671 - 19 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Cultivated land fragmentation has become a critical constraint on regional agricultural sustainable development. Revealing its spatial patterns and driving mechanisms is of great significance for optimizing the utilization and management of cultivated land resources and enhancing regional agricultural productivity. This study focuses on [...] Read more.

Cultivated land fragmentation has become a critical constraint on regional agricultural sustainable development. Revealing its spatial patterns and driving mechanisms is of great significance for optimizing the utilization and management of cultivated land resources and enhancing regional agricultural productivity. This study focuses on the main grain-producing areas in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin. It constructs a Cultivated Land Fragmentation Index (CLFI) using an integrated method that combines landscape index analysis with an entropy-weighted approach, based on 2023 land-use data. The optimal analytical grain size and extent were determined before employing geographic detectors to identify dominant factors influencing cultivated land fragmentation. The key findings include the following: (1) The appropriate spatial resolution for fragmentation analysis was identified as 330 m, with an optimal analysis extent of 8910 m. (2) CLFI values ranged from 0.001 to 0.973, exhibiting significant spatial heterogeneity. The central plains and northeastern regions demonstrated low fragmentation levels and better contiguous cultivated land distribution, while the western and peripheral areas showed higher fragmentation. A provincial-scale comparison revealed that Jiangxi Province had the highest fragmentation level (0.255), whereas Jiangsu Province had the lowest (0.146). The topographic gradient analysis indicated a decreasing trend from the Guizhou Plateau (0.503) to the North China Plain (0.125), with plateaus and basins showing significantly higher fragmentation than hilly and plain regions. (3) Dominant controlling factors varied among provinces: In provinces with greater topographic relief (Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi), natural factors like elevation, slope gradient, and NDVI primarily controlled fragmentation patterns; in contrast, socioeconomic factors such as nighttime light intensity dominated in Jiangsu Province, characterized by flat terrain and high urbanization. Multi-factor interactions generally enhanced explanatory power regarding spatial patterns, confirming that cultivated land fragmentation is a result of comprehensive multi-factor interactions. This study reveals the spatial distribution characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation at the pixel scale in the study region, providing theoretical foundations and decision-making references for the efficient utilization of cultivated land resources and rural land system reforms. Full article

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33 pages, 3412 KB

Open AccessArticle

Visual Impact Assessment Index on Landscape Based on Grey Clustering and Shannon Entropy: A Case Study on a Mining Project

by Alexi Delgado, Anabella Minhuey, Carla Lino and Jhonattan Culqui

Land 2026, 15(4), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040670 - 18 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Landscape visual impact assessment is a key component of environmental impact studies, as it enables the identification and management of negative effects on the territory. Traditional methods are often subjective, rely on expert judgement, and consider limited criteria. To address these limitations, this [...] Read more.

Landscape visual impact assessment is a key component of environmental impact studies, as it enables the identification and management of negative effects on the territory. Traditional methods are often subjective, rely on expert judgement, and consider limited criteria. To address these limitations, this study proposes a quantitative index based on the integration of grey clustering and Shannon entropy complemented with Geographic Information System (GIS). This approach allows classification under uncertainty and the objective weighting of indicators related to physiographic, biotic, and anthropic factors of visual quality, fragility, and accessibility. The methodology was applied to an open-pit mine in Peru. Results show that terrain modifications, presence of artificial elements, and the alteration of water bodies significantly affect visual quality, while the absence of restoration measures, observer exposure, and vegetation type increase fragility and reduce landscape resilience. The proposed method provides a robust, transparent, and reproducible framework that overcomes subjectivity in traditional approaches, supporting more reliable environmental planning and management. Full article

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

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29 pages, 5828 KB

Open AccessArticle

Grid-Based Analysis of the Spatial Relationships and Driving Factors of Land-Use Carbon Emissions and Landscape Ecological Risk: A Case Study of the Hexi Corridor, China

by Xiaoying Nie, Chao Wang, Kaiming Li and Wanzhuang Huang

Land 2026, 15(4), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040669 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 364

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion in arid regions have profoundly altered carbon cycles and landscape stability. Focusing on the Hexi Corridor, China, this study integrates multi-source geospatial data (1990–2020) to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of land-use carbon emissions (LUCE) and [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion in arid regions have profoundly altered carbon cycles and landscape stability. Focusing on the Hexi Corridor, China, this study integrates multi-source geospatial data (1990–2020) to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of land-use carbon emissions (LUCE) and landscape ecological risks (LER). By integrating carbon accounting, LER assessment, bivariate spatial autocorrelation, and the Optimal Parameter Geographic Detector (OPGD), we quantify the intricate relationship between carbon dynamics and landscape integrity. Results indicate a transformative pattern of anthropogenic expansion and natural contraction, with a 2315.49 km² net loss of unused land. Net carbon emissions surged 4.6-fold, while forest and grassland sinks exhibited a significant “lock-in effect” due to fragile ecological foundations. Simultaneously, LER followed an “inverted U-shaped” trajectory; the refined 5 × 5 km grid scale revealed a significant drop in high-risk areas from 44.65% to 10.96% following ecological restoration. Spatial analysis reveals a significant “spatial mismatch” between LUCE and LER, with oases manifesting “high carbon–low risk” clustering. Driver detection confirms a driving asymmetry. LUCE is dominated by anthropogenic factors (nighttime light, q > 0.90), whereas LER is profoundly constrained by natural backgrounds. Future governance must shift toward a collaborative system centered on source-based emission control and precise regional management to synergize low-carbon transition with landscape security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)

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32 pages, 19848 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Land-Use Change on the Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Mechanisms of Ecosystem Services in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: A Case Study of Gansu Province, China

by Zhuanghui Duan, Xiyun Wang, Xianglong Tang, Chenyu Lu and Shuangqing Sheng

Land 2026, 15(4), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040668 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 383

Abstract

The spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem services and the elucidation of their driving mechanisms constitute a central scientific issue in territorial spatial optimization and regional sustainable development. Taking Gansu Province, a core area of the ecological security barrier in northwestern China, as the study [...] Read more.

The spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem services and the elucidation of their driving mechanisms constitute a central scientific issue in territorial spatial optimization and regional sustainable development. Taking Gansu Province, a core area of the ecological security barrier in northwestern China, as the study area, this study integrates land-use, natural geographic, and socioeconomic data from 2000 to 2020. Using a land-use transfer matrix, the InVEST model, the Geographical Detector, and the PLUS model, we constructed a comprehensive analytical framework that combines historical evolution analysis, spatial differentiation identification, and multi-scenario simulation and prediction. The framework was used to systematically reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics of four core ecosystem services, namely carbon storage (CS), water yield (WY), habitat quality (HQ), and soil retention service (SDR), and to analyze their natural and socioeconomic driving mechanisms, while also simulating land-use change and ecosystem-service responses under the natural development, ecological protection, and urban expansion scenarios in 2030. The results show that, from 2000 to 2020, land use in Gansu Province was dominated by grassland (average proportion: 33.34%) and unused land (average proportion: 41.35%). Urban land expanded from 660.52 km² to 2227.36 km², with its share increasing from 0.15% to 0.50%, mainly through the conversion of cropland and grassland. Ecosystem services exhibited marked spatial differentiation: CS increased from east to west; WY showed an increasing pattern from northwest to southeast; HQ was lower in the central and southeastern regions and higher in the western and southern regions; and SDR was dominated by low-value areas in the northwest (average proportion: 84.81%). Driving-mechanism analysis indicated that slope was the core natural factor affecting CS, HQ, and SDR (q = 0.18–0.45), while mean annual precipitation dominated the variation in WY (q = 0.31–0.35). The influence of socioeconomic factors such as GDP increased gradually over time, showing an evolutionary trend from natural dominance to coordinated natural–socioeconomic regulation. Multi-scenario simulation further showed that, under the ecological protection scenario, grassland area increased significantly (+0.60%), the proportions of medium-value CS zones and high-value WY zones increased, and ecosystem services were optimized overall; under the urban expansion scenario, cropland and urban land expanded (+0.87% and +0.23%, respectively), imposing potential pressure on part of the ecosystem-service functions. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing territorial spatial planning, strengthening the ecological security barrier, and promoting regional sustainable development in Gansu Province. The methodological framework also offers a broadly applicable reference for ecologically sensitive arid and semi-arid regions in northwestern China. Full article

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21 pages, 13853 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Regeneration to Stewardship: What Shapes Residents’ Willingness to Co-Manage Neighbourhood Micro-Public Spaces in Chongqing, China?

by Yang Li, Jiasheng Zhou and Ahmad Sanusi Hassan

Land 2026, 15(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040667 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 284

Abstract

Micro-public space (MPS) regeneration is typically evaluated at the point of delivery, yet long-term performance depends on whether everyday stewardship can be sustained thereafter. This study reframes neighbourhood social capital as a governance–environment signal reflecting coordination capacity and examines whether residents’ willingness to [...] Read more.

Micro-public space (MPS) regeneration is typically evaluated at the point of delivery, yet long-term performance depends on whether everyday stewardship can be sustained thereafter. This study reframes neighbourhood social capital as a governance–environment signal reflecting coordination capacity and examines whether residents’ willingness to participate in post-regeneration co-management is primarily appraisal-driven (perceived value, attitude, and perceived behavioural control) or coordination-driven via a residual direct channel consistent with routine governance. A cross-sectional survey of adults residing within walkable catchments of five regenerated MPS sites in Nan’an District, Chongqing, China (

N = 477

), was conducted. An integrated Stimulus–Organism–Response × TPB model was estimated using WLSMV with ordered categorical indicators; indirect effects were assessed via bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals. Coordination capacity was strongly associated with perceived value, participation attitude, and perceived behavioural control. In the joint model, only perceived value retained a statistically reliable positive association with stewardship willingness, whereas the incremental contributions of attitude and perceived behavioural control were negligible once the stimulus was included. A residual direct association from coordination capacity to willingness persisted beyond the appraisal block, supporting a direct-dominant interpretation; bootstrap analyses yielded no robust evidence for mediation (BCa 95% CIs crossed zero). These findings suggest that sustaining regenerated micro-spaces requires low-friction governance designs that minimise coordination costs, reinforce soft accountability, and render institutional responsiveness visible to residents. Full article

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

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27 pages, 2997 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Cultural Ecosystem Services and Blue Space

by Chenxiao Liu, Zijian Wang, Xiaoping Li, Mo Han and Simon Bell

Land 2026, 15(4), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040666 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 449

Abstract

Blue space, as an important natural and social composite feature system in cities, not only provides supporting, regulating, and provisioning services, but also plays a key role in human well-being, recreational experience, and urban sustainable development. The blue space cultural ecosystem service (CES) [...] Read more.

Blue space, as an important natural and social composite feature system in cities, not only provides supporting, regulating, and provisioning services, but also plays a key role in human well-being, recreational experience, and urban sustainable development. The blue space cultural ecosystem service (CES) has gradually attracted the attention of academia in recent years, but there is a lack of systematic integration research in related fields. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current studies to clarify how, and to what extent, blue spaces influence CESs. This study adopts a PRISMA-based systematic search combined with qualitative synthesis, aiming to review the research status of CES and its developmental trajectory within blue space studies, and to identify future research trends and critical gaps. A total of 52 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were finally selected through database screening. The research innovatively divides the evolution of blue space CES into three stages (2012–2017/2018–2022/2023–2025), revealing a shift in research focus from single value identification to complex policy support. Secondly, through the mapping of six typical blue space types (such as rivers and wetlands) and 10 CES indicators, combined with a Pearson correlation heatmap, it provides quantitative insights into the coupling mechanisms between indicators, such as the significant synergy between spiritual and educational values. Methodologically, it systematically discriminates between the application boundaries of monetary valuation based on the contingent valuation method and non-monetary valuation represented by social media big data and PPGIS, pointing out that technological progress is driving the evaluation toward high dynamics and refinement. Finally, the study points out current bottlenecks such as uneven geographical distribution and insufficient planning transformation, emphasizing that future research should use artificial intelligence to improve data processing accuracy and transform blue space CESs from “invisible welfare” into “explicit policy assets” to guide sustainable urban renewal and healthy space design. Full article

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42 pages, 1414 KB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring People–Place Relationships in Residential Environments: Framework Development and Pilot Testing in Damascus

by Rahaf Yousef, Anna Éva Borkó and István Valánszki

Land 2026, 15(4), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040665 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 455

Abstract

Conceptual ambiguity in People–Place Relationships (PPR) research limits consistent operationalization and cross-context comparability, particularly in under-represented cultural settings. This study develops an integrated, context-sensitive framework for assessing PPR in residential environments and empirically examines its measurement structure. The framework is applied in Damascus [...] Read more.

Conceptual ambiguity in People–Place Relationships (PPR) research limits consistent operationalization and cross-context comparability, particularly in under-represented cultural settings. This study develops an integrated, context-sensitive framework for assessing PPR in residential environments and empirically examines its measurement structure. The framework is applied in Damascus as a pilot context to assess its structural validity, internal consistency, and applicability. The methodological approach comprised two stages: conceptual development and empirical validation. First, two rounds of case-study analysis derived from a prior systematic literature review synthesized environmental (social and urban) and relational (cognitive, affective, attachment) dimensions into a coherent framework. Second, the framework was operationalized and tested using survey data from 1610 residents across Damascus districts. Six first-order indices and one composite PPR index were constructed and evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha with item–total correlation analysis. Results demonstrate a stable multidimensional structure that integrates evaluative environmental conditions with relational processes, moving beyond emotion-dominant interpretations of attachment. The framework advances existing approaches by linking theoretical constructs to empirically tested measurement dimensions. While further validation in diverse contexts is required, the results indicate that the model provides a coherent and adaptable basis for assessing residential PPR in socio-culturally complex urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: Searching for Sustainable Planning, Design and Management Solutions)

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27 pages, 26658 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritizing Crucial Habitats for Biodiversity Conservation in Temperate and Tropical North America and the Caribbean: A Fine-Scale Indexing Approach

by Emmanuel Oceguera-Conchas, Jose W. Valdez, Lea A. Schulte and Patrick J. Comer

Land 2026, 15(4), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040664 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 380

Abstract

Conserving biodiversity requires identifying and prioritizing critical habitats at a fine scale, as coarse-scale approaches often fail to address the needs of specialized and threatened species. This study applies a fine-scale prioritization approach across temperate and tropical regions of North America and the [...] Read more.

Conserving biodiversity requires identifying and prioritizing critical habitats at a fine scale, as coarse-scale approaches often fail to address the needs of specialized and threatened species. This study applies a fine-scale prioritization approach across temperate and tropical regions of North America and the Caribbean using a detailed map of 636 ecosystem types and high-resolution Area of Habitat (AOH) data. We then evaluated the current protection status and risk of future land use changes for each habitat type and prioritized them for conservation. Our results revealed that 38% of the area was identified in the top quartile of high-priority habitats, with 56 (33%) of identified IUCN threatened ecosystem types captured within these areas. Top priority habitats include the Meso-American Premontane Semi-deciduous Forest, Central American Caribbean Evergreen Lowland Forest, and Guerreran Dry Deciduous Forest, all characterized by low protection, high projected land-use conversion, and large numbers of threatened and habitat-specialist species, highlighting their urgent conservation importance in Meso-American and Caribbean tropical forests. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies that consider finer-scale habitat classifications and species requirements to improve the precision of conservation planning, especially where already at-risk species and ecosystems are located, and human land use intensities are high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation in Protected Areas)

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19 pages, 237 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Collective Land Expropriation in China: Historical Evolution, Institutional Attributes, and Reform Pathways

by Ziyan Hua and Yansong He

Land 2026, 15(4), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040663 - 17 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Land expropriation remains an important instrument for industrialization and urbanization in developing countries, but its extensive use often generates fiscal dependence, social conflict, and governance strain. This article argues that these outcomes are rooted in the political and economic logics embedded in land [...] Read more.

Land expropriation remains an important instrument for industrialization and urbanization in developing countries, but its extensive use often generates fiscal dependence, social conflict, and governance strain. This article argues that these outcomes are rooted in the political and economic logics embedded in land governance. Using China’s rural collective land expropriation as the principal case, it traces how a century of institutional change produced a system that serves both political consolidation and economic accumulation. This configuration has fostered path dependence on land-based revenue, expanded the scope of expropriation, distorted the distribution of land value gains, and marginalized affected farmers. The article further argues that reform requires coordinated adjustment in four dimensions: narrowing expropriation to genuinely public purposes, aligning it with the market entry of collectively owned commercial construction land, moving compensation toward a more market-relevant standard, and strengthening procedures around participation, disclosure, and review. Together, these reforms offer a more systematic path for transforming land expropriation from a development tool into a mechanism of sustainable governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transition Pathways: Governance, Resources, and Policies)

26 pages, 2577 KB

Open AccessReview

Waterlogging and Land System Transformation in Pakistan’s Indus Basin Irrigation System: Six Decades of Management and Governance Lessons

by Muhammad Aslam, Fatima Hanif and Andrea Petroselli

Land 2026, 15(4), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040662 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 403

Abstract

Waterlogging and secondary salinization are major drivers of land degradation in irrigated dryland regions, undermining soil productivity and long-term sustainability. Pakistan’s Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), one of the world’s largest irrigation networks, supports national food security over approximately 16.7 million hectares (Mha). [...] Read more.

Waterlogging and secondary salinization are major drivers of land degradation in irrigated dryland regions, undermining soil productivity and long-term sustainability. Pakistan’s Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), one of the world’s largest irrigation networks, supports national food security over approximately 16.7 million hectares (Mha). However, large-scale canal irrigation, combined with flat topography, monsoonal recharge, and inefficient water management, has disrupted groundwater balance, leading to persistent shallow water tables and widespread land degradation. Currently, nearly one-third of the irrigated area is affected by groundwater depths of less than 3 m. This review synthesizes six decades of waterlogging development and management in the IBIS, analyzing the evolution of drainage infrastructure, salinity control strategies, groundwater exploitation, and institutional reforms within a land sustainability perspective. Although large-scale interventions—including 61 Salinity Control and Reclamation Projects (SCARPs) and major outfall systems—initially reclaimed substantial areas, long-term performance has been constrained by governance fragmentation, inadequate operation and maintenance, and environmentally problematic effluent disposal. The Indus Basin experience underscores the need to move beyond infrastructure-centered solutions towards more integrated land–water governance and adaptive management to enhance land system resilience in irrigated regions facing growing climatic and resource pressures. Full article

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18 pages, 4494 KB

Open AccessArticle

Source Apportionment and Risk of Soil Heavy Metals in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Major Function-Oriented Zone

by Hanyue Hu, Yu Guo, Yongkang Zhou and Zhenbo Wang

Land 2026, 15(4), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040661 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 334

Abstract

Managing soil heavy metal pollution is pivotal for the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. This study integrated geostatistical methods, Principal Component Analysis, and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to characterize “source–sink” dynamics across diverse Main Functional Zones. Results revealed distinct pollution [...] Read more.

Managing soil heavy metal pollution is pivotal for the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. This study integrated geostatistical methods, Principal Component Analysis, and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to characterize “source–sink” dynamics across diverse Main Functional Zones. Results revealed distinct pollution landscapes: Key Development Zones exhibited high-risk accumulation driven by multi-source superposition, while Ecological-restricted Zones, despite overall low pollution levels, faced significant anomalous enrichment of Cadmium (Cd). Source apportionment confirmed that this spatial differentiation stems from the coexistence of “in situ accumulation” and “source–sink misalignment” mechanisms. The former is driven by high-intensity industrial agglomeration, whereas the latter is governed by cross-boundary atmospheric transport and the topographic blocking of emissions from the plains. This research demonstrates for the first time the joint shaping effect of national spatial planning and natural geographical processes on regional pollution patterns. Accordingly, a precise management framework incorporating source reduction, cross-boundary synergy, and spatial reorganization is proposed, providing a new paradigm for addressing environmental risks caused by unbalanced development in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

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31 pages, 11082 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Impact of High-Quality Urban Development on Non-Point Source Pollution in the Chenghai Lake Drainage Basin Based on Multi-Source Big Data

by Mingbiao Chen and Xiong He

Land 2026, 15(4), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040660 - 16 Apr 2026

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Abstract

With urbanization transforming from scale expansion to high-quality development and the increasing prominence of the ecological environment constraints of drainage basins, systematically identifying the mechanism of action of non-point source pollution from a high-quality development perspective is significant for coordinating urban development and [...] Read more.

With urbanization transforming from scale expansion to high-quality development and the increasing prominence of the ecological environment constraints of drainage basins, systematically identifying the mechanism of action of non-point source pollution from a high-quality development perspective is significant for coordinating urban development and environmental protection. Based on remote sensing data on atmospheric pollution and multi-source spatial big data such as nighttime light (NTL), LandScan population, point of interest (POI), and land use data from 2013 to 2025, this study applies methods including deposition flux analysis, deep learning fusion, bivariate spatial autocorrelation, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) to empirically analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, spatial correlation, and local impacts of high-quality urban development on non-point source pollution in the Chenghai drainage basin. We find that, firstly, non-point source pollution and high-quality urban development in the Chenghai drainage basin both present significant stage-specific and spatial heterogeneity. In other words, the two are not mutually independent spatial elements in space; instead, they are closely and significantly correlated, with their correlation types showing obvious spatial agglomeration characteristics. Secondly, the impact of high-quality urban development on non-point source pollution evolves in stages. It gradually shifts from a whole-region, homogeneous, strongly positive driving force to spatial differentiation. Specifically, from 2013 to 2017, the whole-region regression coefficients are generally greater than 0.5, meaning that urban development represents a strong, whole-region driving force promoting pollution. However, after 2017, this impact evolves into a stable spatial differentiation pattern. It mainly shows that the northern urban core area, where coefficients are greater than 0.5, maintains a continuous strong positive driving force. Meanwhile, the peripheral area, where coefficients are generally lower than 0, creates a negative inhibition effect. Based on the above rules, further analysis shows that the impact of high-quality urban development on non-point source pollution is absolutely not a simple linear relationship. Instead, it is a result of the coupling effect of multiple factors, including development stage, spatial location, and governance level. Therefore, to positively affect the ecological environment through high-quality development, model transformation and precise governance are essential. The findings of this study deepen our understanding of the transformation of urban development models and the response mechanism of non-point source pollution. They also provide a scientific basis and decision support for promoting the coordinated governance of high-quality urban development and non-point source pollution by region and stage in plateau lake drainage basins, as well as for improving the sustainable development of drainage basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Remote Sensing and GIS for Land Use Change Assessment (Second Edition))

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