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Land
Volume 14
Issue 10
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Land, Volume 14, Issue 10 (October 2025) – 170 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Coastal systems integrate land and sea communities, moving energy and matter across this boundary. A hierarchical classification was applied to coastal systems of a tropical island in The Bahamas to capture the breadth of diversity and ecological function. The research team Sealy and Patus combined long-term field experience with remote sensing and GIS tools to produce a comprehensive view of nearshore and shoreline biotopes. Ecological community mapping can help with better marine resource management in oil spill response, coastal reserve design and carbon sequestration. The dynamic nature of coastal systems can be captured with updated mapping and change detection. View this paper
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23 pages, 4351 KB  
Article
Upscaling of Soil Moisture over Highly Heterogeneous Surfaces and Validation of SMAP Product
by Jiakai Qin, Zhongli Zhu, Qingxia Wu, Julong Ma, Shaomin Liu, Linna Chai and Ziwei Xu
Land 2025, 14(10), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102098 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Soil moisture (SM) is a critical component of the global water cycle, profoundly influencing carbon fluxes and energy exchanges between the land surface and the atmosphere. NASA’s Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) mission provides soil moisture products at the global scale; however, validation of [...] Read more.
Soil moisture (SM) is a critical component of the global water cycle, profoundly influencing carbon fluxes and energy exchanges between the land surface and the atmosphere. NASA’s Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) mission provides soil moisture products at the global scale; however, validation of SMAP faces significant challenges due to scale mismatches between in situ measurements and satellite pixels, particularly in highly heterogeneous regions such as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This study leverages high-spatiotemporal-resolution Harmonized Landsat–Sentinel-2 (HLS v2.0) data and the QLB-NET observation network, employing multiple machine learning models to generate pixel-scale ground-truth soil moisture from in situ measurements. The results indicate that XGBoost performs best (R = 0.941, RMSE = 0.047 m3/m3), and SHAP analysis identifies elevation and DOY as the primary drivers of the spatial patterns and dynamics of soil moisture. The XGBoost-upscaled soil moisture was employed as a validation benchmark to assess the accuracy of the SMAP 9 km and 36 km products, with the following key findings: (1) the proposed upscaling method effectively bridges the scale gap, yielding a correlation of 0.858 between the 36 km SMAP product and the pixel-scale soil moisture reference derived from XGBoost, surpassing the 0.818 correlation obtained using the traditional in situ averaging approach; (2) descending-orbit data generally outperform ascending-orbit data. In the 9 km SMAP product, 15 descending-orbit grids meet the scientific standard, compared to 10 ascending-orbit grids. For the 36 km product, only descending orbits satisfy the scientific standard. Full article
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26 pages, 2503 KB  
Article
Land Use and Production Practices Shape Unequal Labour Demand in Agriculture and Forestry
by Una Diana Veipane, Irina Pilvere, Jüri Lillemets, Kristine Bilande and Aleksejs Nipers
Land 2025, 14(10), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102097 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 376
Abstract
Agriculture and forestry remain vital sources of rural employment; yet, both sectors face challenges of low labour productivity, demographic change, and structural inefficiencies. Modernisation improves productivity but often reduces labour demand, creating a policy dilemma between innovation and job preservation. Therefore, this study [...] Read more.
Agriculture and forestry remain vital sources of rural employment; yet, both sectors face challenges of low labour productivity, demographic change, and structural inefficiencies. Modernisation improves productivity but often reduces labour demand, creating a policy dilemma between innovation and job preservation. Therefore, this study aims to quantify labour input across different land use types and farm sizes in agriculture and forestry. Latvia was used as a case region representing a sparsely populated territory suitable for both agricultural activities and forestry. This study develops a multi-stage framework to quantify labour inputs across agricultural and forestry land uses. The research findings suggest that labour use intensity decreases as farm size increases; however, it exhibits greater variation across agricultural production types. Perennial plantations, vegetable and potato cultivation, and dairy farming show the highest labour demands, whereas energy crops and grass-based systems require the least. In forestry, establishment and tending dominate labour needs, while mechanised harvesting reduces input requirements. These findings highlight the strategic role of labour-intensive, high-value activities in sustaining rural employment and the need for targeted rural development policies that recognise this pattern, supporting employment in rural areas without discouraging improvements in labour productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Optimization and Sustainable Development of Land Use (Second Edition))
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30 pages, 11916 KB  
Article
Profound Transformations of Mediterranean Wetlands Compared to the Past: Changes in the Vegetation of the Fucecchio Marsh (Central Italy)
by Lorenzo Lastrucci and Daniele Viciani
Land 2025, 14(10), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102096 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 459
Abstract
Although wetlands are key habitats for biodiversity conservation, they are also among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. They are mainly affected by human pressures and threats, even when they are included in protected areas. The Padule di Fucecchio area is one [...] Read more.
Although wetlands are key habitats for biodiversity conservation, they are also among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. They are mainly affected by human pressures and threats, even when they are included in protected areas. The Padule di Fucecchio area is one of the largest and most significant inland marshes in Italy. It is also a wetland of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention. However, studies of the plant communities it contains are surprisingly scarce and out of date. To address this issue, a phytosociological survey of aquatic and marshy vegetation was conducted. This analysis provided an unparalleled census of the area’s current aquatic and marsh vegetation. Eight different plant community types were reported in the former category and twenty-six in the latter, many of which were previously unknown in this territory. One of these is entirely novel and is described here for the first time. However, a comparison with previous data revealed that significant changes to the vegetation structure have occurred in recent decades. The hydrophyte communities have almost completely disappeared and many of the most sensitive plants in the most sensitive marsh communities have become rarer or disappeared. They have mostly been replaced by more resilient native plants and invasive alien species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Facing Environmental Changes in Terrestrial Systems: Research, Management and Education)
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21 pages, 11906 KB  
Article
Voxelized Point Cloud and Solid 3D Model Integration to Assess Visual Exposure in Yueya Lake Park, Nanjing
by Guanting Zhang, Dongxu Yang and Shi Cheng
Land 2025, 14(10), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102095 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 489
Abstract
Natural elements such as vegetation, water bodies, and sky, together with artificial elements including buildings and paved surfaces, constitute the core of urban visual environments. Their perception at the pedestrian level not only influences city image but also contributes to residents’ well-being and [...] Read more.
Natural elements such as vegetation, water bodies, and sky, together with artificial elements including buildings and paved surfaces, constitute the core of urban visual environments. Their perception at the pedestrian level not only influences city image but also contributes to residents’ well-being and spatial experience. This study develops a hybrid 3D visibility assessment framework that integrates a city-scale LOD1 solid model with high-resolution mobile LiDAR point clouds to quantify five visual exposure indicators. The case study area is Yueya Lake Park in Nanjing, where a voxel-based line-of-sight sampling approach simulated eye-level visibility at 1.6 m along the southern lakeside promenade. Sixteen viewpoints were selected at 50 m intervals to capture spatial variations in visual exposure. Comparative analysis between the solid model (excluding vegetation) and the hybrid model (including vegetation) revealed that vegetation significantly reshaped the pedestrian visual field by reducing the dominance of sky and buildings, enhancing near-field greenery, and reframing water views. Artificial elements such as buildings and ground showed decreased exposure in the hybrid model, reflecting vegetation’s masking effect. The calculation efficiency remains a limitation in this study. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating natural and artificial elements provides a more realistic and nuanced assessment of pedestrian visual perception, offering valuable support for sustainable landscape planning, canopy management, and the equitable design of urban public spaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Urban Development Through Spatial Analysis: Leveraging Digital Technologies and Geographic Data for Smart, Inclusive, and Resilient Cities)
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28 pages, 16955 KB  
Article
Impacts of Blue–Green Space Patterns on Carbon Sequestration Benefits in High-Density Cities of the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Basin: A Comparative Analysis Based on the XGBoost-SHAP Model
by Tao Shou, Sidan Yao, Qianyu Hong, Jingwen Mao and Yangyang Yuan
Land 2025, 14(10), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102094 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
As the driving force of China’s green development, cities play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, with their green and blue spaces jointly influencing both carbon sequestrations and carbon emissions. Yet, most existing studies rely on linear analyses, limiting the capture of nonlinear [...] Read more.
As the driving force of China’s green development, cities play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, with their green and blue spaces jointly influencing both carbon sequestrations and carbon emissions. Yet, most existing studies rely on linear analyses, limiting the capture of nonlinear characteristics and overlooking cross-city differences in spatial configurations. Variations in spatial structures, morphology, and distribution of blue–green spaces may lead to divergent sequestration mechanisms, highlighting the need for comparative research. This study selects five high-density cities in the middle and lower Yangtze River Basin (2000, 2010, 2020) as case studies. Using the XGBoost-SHAP model, we investigate the correlations between blue–green space patterns and carbon sequestration benefits across cities. Results show that key indicators vary by city: patch shape complexity, patch area, and connectivity significantly affect sequestration benefits across all cases, while patch proximity, size, shape, and spatial aggregation matter in specific cities. This study provides a reference for optimizing urban blue–green space configurations from the perspective of carbon sequestration benefits and offers a direction for further exploration of their underlying mechanisms. At the planning level, the study identifies key indicators influencing carbon sequestration across different urban forms, providing a scientific basis for context-specific optimization of blue–green space structures and for promoting low-carbon and resilient urban development. Full article
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14 pages, 2132 KB  
Article
Meteorological Droughts in the Paraopeba River Basin: Current Scenarios and Future Projections
by Claudiana Mesquita de Alvarenga, Lívia Alves Alvarenga, Pâmela Aparecida Melo, Javier Tomasella, Pâmela Rafanele França Pinto and Carlos Rogério de Mello
Land 2025, 14(10), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102093 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Meteorological droughts have been occurring with greater frequency and intensity, impacting water security in various regions. Between 2013 and 2015, the Paraopeba River Basin in southeast Brazil experienced its most severe drought in the last 70 years, resulting in low levels in the [...] Read more.
Meteorological droughts have been occurring with greater frequency and intensity, impacting water security in various regions. Between 2013 and 2015, the Paraopeba River Basin in southeast Brazil experienced its most severe drought in the last 70 years, resulting in low levels in the Paraopeba system reservoirs, which supplies 53% of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, the third largest metropolitan area in Brazil. This study evaluated the climate models’ performance from the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 through drought indices projections, specifically the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The results showed that seven climate models can represent the current climate in the basin. For the drought’s projection, the indices were used in two time scales (six and twelve months) for both the current climate and two future scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585). Our results highlight the intensification of droughts throughout the twenty-first century, with greater intensification in the SSP585 scenario. The SPEI indicated trends towards drier conditions, particularly under the SSP585 scenario and on the twelve-month timescale. These findings demonstrate the relevance of climate change and drought indices on the projections, supporting public policies for mitigation and adaptation, especially in strategic regions for water supply and hydro-electric generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land–Climate Interactions)
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15 pages, 1348 KB  
Article
Ecological Risk Assessment of the Aksu River Basin Based on Ecological Service Value
by Guozhu Xia, Guanghui Lv and Jianjun Yang
Land 2025, 14(10), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102092 - 21 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 372
Abstract
Understanding spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of ecosystem service value (ESV) is critical for informing ecological restoration and sustainable land management, particularly in arid inland river basins. Analyzing the spatiotemporal dynamics of ESV in arid river basins and identifying key ecological and environmental drivers [...] Read more.
Understanding spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of ecosystem service value (ESV) is critical for informing ecological restoration and sustainable land management, particularly in arid inland river basins. Analyzing the spatiotemporal dynamics of ESV in arid river basins and identifying key ecological and environmental drivers enable more precise diagnosis of ecological problems and provide a scientific basis for effective governance. This study evaluated the changes in ESV in the Aksu River Basin from 1990 to 2020 using the InVEST model, based on land use data, meteorological records, and biophysical parameters. A comprehensive assessment of seven key ecosystem services—including food production, water conservation, and biodiversity protection—was conducted. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values were applied to interpret the contribution of ecological and environmental variables to ESV changes. The results showed that total ESV increased from CNY 18.904 billion in 1990 to a peak of CNY 22.323 billion in 2010, followed by a slight decline to CNY 20.806 billion in 2020. Spatially, Wensu, Xinhe, and Bachu counties exhibited substantial ESV gains, while Atushi, Akto, and Awat counties experienced significant losses. SHAP analysis identified forest quality, soil erosion, and grassland condition as the dominant drivers of ESV variation, surpassing the influence of land area alone. By combining biophysical modeling with interpretable machine learning, this study highlights the critical role of ecosystem quality rather than land area alone, offering a transferable approach for diagnosing ecological risk assessment in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil-Water Resilience to Climate Change: Mechanisms and Management)
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16 pages, 265 KB  
Article
Developing Indicators for the Valuation of River Ecosystem Services
by Hyun No Kim and Jiwoo Kim
Land 2025, 14(10), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102091 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 338
Abstract
River ecosystems provide essential services that sustain human well-being and ecological integrity, yet their contributions are often underestimated in management and policy decisions. This study aims to develop and validate indicators for quantifying river ecosystem services to support evidence-based decision-making. A review of [...] Read more.
River ecosystems provide essential services that sustain human well-being and ecological integrity, yet their contributions are often underestimated in management and policy decisions. This study aims to develop and validate indicators for quantifying river ecosystem services to support evidence-based decision-making. A review of previous studies was conducted to compile a preliminary list of indicators. Expert evaluations were then applied using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and content validity ratio (CVR) analysis to assess their representativeness and reliability. The results identified priority indicators across provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. The findings revealed that, in the AHP analysis, regulating services received the highest weight (0.4567), followed by provisioning services (0.3811) and cultural services (0.1622). In the CVR analysis, four valid indicators were identified for provisioning services, sixteen for regulating services, and eight for cultural services. These findings highlight the importance of careful indicator selection and methodological transparency. The study contributes a refined set of indicators that can inform river restoration initiatives, sustainable water management, and integration into national ecosystem accounting systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
31 pages, 15156 KB  
Article
There Are No ‘Solutions’ in Urban Planning: Against the Idea of a Ready-Made Urbanism and the 15-Minute City’s Uncritical Branding
by G. Bertrando Bonfantini, Beatrice Galimberti and Erica Ventura
Land 2025, 14(10), 2090; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102090 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
For several years now, urban planning practices have been marked by the proliferation of catchwords, serving as kinds of brands that promote the idea of easy, ready-made, one-size-fits-all ways to tackle planning problems. Among the most recent is the ‘15-Minute City’—sometimes presented as [...] Read more.
For several years now, urban planning practices have been marked by the proliferation of catchwords, serving as kinds of brands that promote the idea of easy, ready-made, one-size-fits-all ways to tackle planning problems. Among the most recent is the ‘15-Minute City’—sometimes presented as a saving ‘solution’ to the settlement issues of our time. This article develops a multifaceted discussion of the uncritical use of the 15-Minute City urban model through ten main objections. In a nutshell, these objections emphasize, first, the unavoidable contextual dimension of places when planning for proximity: urban conditions vary greatly in terms of space, society, and local economic and political settings—as forms and patterns of urbanization around the world may be incommensurable. Second, they challenge the idea that representing urban problems in contemporary urban regions, and their planning treatment, can be simplified to the neighborhood scale alone—cities are not just neighborhoods. Third, they point out that the principles of proximity in organizing urban settlements are not new, but deeply rooted in the history of urban planning, both in theory and practice. The ahistorical—and forgetful—dimension of contemporary urbanism, together with its branding rhetoric, emerges as one of its main issues, as well as one of its paradoxes and aporias. After a section reviewing the core of the current debate on the 15-Minute City model, the main body of the article discusses each of the ten objections in detail, grounding them in specific examples. In its final section, the article concludes by embracing a perspective of ‘openness of the city,’ where urban planning is not reduced to simple and quick formulas, but accepts the complex, historical, contextual, intrinsically political, and conflictual nature of ‘making urbanism,’ and its inevitable partiality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15-Minute City: Land-Use Policy Impacts)
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22 pages, 4745 KB  
Article
The Human–Nature Paradox: Spatiotemporal Coupling and Drivers of Habitat Quality and Human Footprint in China
by Mingxing Zhong and Wanxu Chen
Land 2025, 14(10), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102089 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Human activities inevitably lead to drastic transformations in land use, thereby significantly impacting natural ecosystems. As a crucial indicator of ecosystem health, habitat quality (HQ) provides appropriate conditions for human survival and development. Elucidating the relationships between human activities and HQ can offer [...] Read more.
Human activities inevitably lead to drastic transformations in land use, thereby significantly impacting natural ecosystems. As a crucial indicator of ecosystem health, habitat quality (HQ) provides appropriate conditions for human survival and development. Elucidating the relationships between human activities and HQ can offer scientific insights into the sustainability of socioeconomic development and ecological environmental protection. Although numerous studies have focused on the correlations between human activities and HQ at various scales, analysis on the interactive coercive relationship between human activities and HQ at the county level in China remains limited. Therefore, we employed the human footprint (HFP) to characterize human activities and the InVEST model to assess HQ, then applied the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and GeoDetector to identify their interactive coercive relationship and driving factors in China. The results show that the average HQ in China was 0.555, 0.551, 0.547, 0.538, and 0.531 in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively, showing a declining trend. Furthermore, the average HFP during the same period was 18.3, 18.9, 19.3, 20.1, and 21.6, reflecting an opposite trend. The CCD between HQ and HFP increased continuously from 0.644 in 2000 to 0.659 in 2020 at the county level in China, indicating a highly coupled state with an improving trend. In terms of driving factors, land use intensity was the primary driver of the CCD between HQ and HFP, followed by precipitation, temperature, and night-time light. Notably, the driving force of natural environmental factors showed a declining trend while that of socioeconomic factors increased, and the interaction between natural and socioeconomic factors strengthened. These findings provide important scientific guidance for county-level economic development and ecological environmental protection in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization of Land Space for High-Quality and Sustainable Development)
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32 pages, 2365 KB  
Article
Beyond Spatial Development: A Study on Rural Community Development in China Based on an Actor-Social Network Integration Approach
by Yi Qian, Xianfeng Li, Jian Liu and Yue Lin
Land 2025, 14(10), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102088 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Rural community development in China has made progress under the rapid implementation of the rural revitalization strategy; however, it has also revealed challenges such as an overemphasis on spatial construction, severe homogenization, and low sustainability. Existing research on rural community development lacks sufficient [...] Read more.
Rural community development in China has made progress under the rapid implementation of the rural revitalization strategy; however, it has also revealed challenges such as an overemphasis on spatial construction, severe homogenization, and low sustainability. Existing research on rural community development lacks sufficient localized experience, and there is a limited understanding of how the development process is generated, maintained, and evolved. This study examines Xiongfan Village in Dawu County, Hubei Province, using an innovative methodological integration of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Social Network Analysis (SNA). This mixed-methods approach qualitatively traces the formation of networks involving both human and non-human actors, while quantitatively mapping the collaborative structure among human actors. Qualitative analysis of actor networks identifies both human actors (such as government departments, enterprises, social organizations, and villagers) and non-human actors (such as natural and cultural landscapes) as key participants. Through processes like recruitment, mobilization, and dispute resolution, various actors have formed interest alliances centered around the core issue of “revitalizing and sustainably developing rural community resources.” Quantitative social network analysis reveals a “core-periphery” structure, with government departments and social organizations occupying central roles, while business institutions and community villagers are positioned at the periphery. This distribution contrasts with the overarching goal of community development, which seeks to enhance villagers′ intrinsic motivation. The study suggests that rural community development in this area can be improved by diversifying co-construction forms, restructuring core groups, and empowering peripheral actors. These measures will facilitate a shift from single-space development to enhanced community capacity-building, ultimately promoting sustainable rural development. Full article
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29 pages, 5221 KB  
Article
Urbanization, Digital–Intelligent Integration, and Carbon Productivity: Spatiotemporal Dynamics in the Middle Reaches Urban Agglomeration of the Yellow River
by Jiayu Ru, Jiahui Li, Lu Gan, Jingbing Sun and Sai Wang
Land 2025, 14(10), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102087 - 19 Oct 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
This study investigates the interaction between digital–intelligent integration and carbon productivity in 23 prefecture-level cities across the middle reaches of the Yellow River from 2013 to 2022, focusing on a resource-dependent region transitioning towards low-carbon development. The aim is to examine how digital [...] Read more.
This study investigates the interaction between digital–intelligent integration and carbon productivity in 23 prefecture-level cities across the middle reaches of the Yellow River from 2013 to 2022, focusing on a resource-dependent region transitioning towards low-carbon development. The aim is to examine how digital technologies contribute to improving carbon productivity and reducing environmental pollution. An entropy-weighted index system was used to assess digital–intelligent transformation and carbon productivity. A coupling coordination model was applied to measure their joint performance, with spatial autocorrelation and spillover analyses used to detect regional patterns and intercity linkages. Data were sourced from official yearbooks, environmental bulletins, and urban big-data platforms. The results show a steady improvement in coordination between digital–intelligent integration and carbon productivity, with significant progress in 2018 and 2020 following national policy initiatives. Core cities showed higher coordination and generated positive spillovers, while peripheral cities lagged, resulting in noticeable spatial agglomeration. These findings highlight the growing coupling between digital–intelligent development and carbon productivity, reinforced by policy initiatives but accompanied by regional disparities. This study suggests that policies should focus on enhancing data infrastructure in core cities, improving regional cooperation, and bridging gaps in peripheral areas. It offers insights into the role of digital technologies in achieving low-carbon development in resource-dependent urban regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Urbanization: Challenges and Solutions in Land Development and Regional Planning)
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23 pages, 10343 KB  
Article
Investigating the Impact of Urban Parks on Bird Habitats and Diversity Through Remote Sensing: A Case Study of Chengdu City (China)
by Chenyang Liao, Yumeng Jiang, Mingle Yang, Kexin Feng and Jiazhen Zhang
Land 2025, 14(10), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102086 - 19 Oct 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Accelerated urbanization has induced marked biodiversity loss in metropolitan regions, with urban parks emerging as critical habitat patches for avian species within intensively developed built environments. As a global pioneer in park city conceptualization, Chengdu (China) has achieved notable advancements in urban green [...] Read more.
Accelerated urbanization has induced marked biodiversity loss in metropolitan regions, with urban parks emerging as critical habitat patches for avian species within intensively developed built environments. As a global pioneer in park city conceptualization, Chengdu (China) has achieved notable advancements in urban green space extent and quality through systematic planning efforts. This investigation examines the avian–habitat relationships in Chengdu’s central urban area (2010–2020) using multispectral remote sensing data, employing the ENVI5.6 (Environment for Visualizing Images) software for spatial analysis, and applying the InVEST3.2.0 (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model to identify high-quality habitats, evaluate landscape connectivity, and analyze community composition dynamics. Through a correlation analysis of seven environmental characteristic factors with avian biodiversity in 24 urban parks, the impact mechanism of avian habitat functions was explored. On this basis, measures such as optimizing the plant community structure of riverside greenways and road green spaces, expanding small-scale green spaces near parks, and so on are proposed to promote the enhancement of urban park habitat functions and the protection of avian biodiversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services in Relation to Landscape Design, Planning and Management)
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29 pages, 10960 KB  
Article
Generative AI for Biophilic Design in Historic Urban Alleys: Balancing Place Identity and Biophilic Strategies in Urban Regeneration
by Eun-Ji Lee and Sung-Jun Park
Land 2025, 14(10), 2085; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102085 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Historic urban alleys encapsulate cultural identity and collective memory but are increasingly threatened by commercialization and context-insensitive redevelopment. Preserving their authenticity while enhancing environmental resilience requires design strategies that integrate both heritage and ecological values. This study explores the potential of generative artificial [...] Read more.
Historic urban alleys encapsulate cultural identity and collective memory but are increasingly threatened by commercialization and context-insensitive redevelopment. Preserving their authenticity while enhancing environmental resilience requires design strategies that integrate both heritage and ecological values. This study explores the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to support biophilic design in historic alleys, focusing on Daegu, South Korea. Four alley typologies—path, stairs, edge, and node—were identified through fieldwork and analyzed across cognitive, emotional, and physical dimensions of place identity. A Flux-based diffusion model was fine-tuned using low-rank adaptation (LoRA) with site-specific images, while a structured biophilic design prompt (BDP) framework was developed to embed ecological attributes into generative simulations. The outputs were evaluated through perceptual and statistical similarity indices and expert reviews (n = 8). Results showed that LoRA training significantly improved alignment with ground-truth images compared to prompt-only generation, capturing both material realism and symbolic cues. Expert evaluations confirmed the contextual authenticity and biophilic effectiveness of AI-generated designs, revealing typology-specific strengths: the path enhanced spatial legibility and continuity; the stairs supported immersive sequential experiences; the edge transformed rigid boundaries into ecological transitions; and the node reinforced communal symbolism. Emotional identity was more difficult to reproduce, highlighting the need for multimodal and interactive approaches. This study demonstrates that generative AI can serve not only as a visualization tool but also as a methodological platform for participatory design and heritage-sensitive urban regeneration. Future research will expand the dataset and adopt multimodal and dynamic simulation approaches to further generalize and validate the framework across diverse urban contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Landscapes in Transition: Balancing Heritage, Development, and Sustainability)
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30 pages, 6287 KB  
Article
Deriving RRR Elements from the Integration of Land Registration and Spatial Planning
by Gabriel Triwibawa, Trias Aditya and Heri Sutanta
Land 2025, 14(10), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102084 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Integrating Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities (RRR) information within land administration presents a significant challenge. Currently, land rights management and spatial planning in Indonesia are handled by separate institutions within land administration services, leading to fragmented information and potentially inconsistent decisions, and the information [...] Read more.
Integrating Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities (RRR) information within land administration presents a significant challenge. Currently, land rights management and spatial planning in Indonesia are handled by separate institutions within land administration services, leading to fragmented information and potentially inconsistent decisions, and the information about them is siloed. While land registration data typically provide information regarding land rights, the restrictions and responsibilities are derived from spatial planning data, primarily from Detailed Spatial Plans (RDTR). This fragmented data landscape complicates landowners understanding of their rights and obligations, as well as local government in issuing the development permits. This paper proposes a method to integrate RRR elements by overlaying parcel data (representing Rights) with spatial planning data from RDTR (representing Restrictions and Responsibilities). The analysis reveals that challenges arise from discrepancies between parcel boundaries and spatial plan delineations. To address these challenges, problem scenarios have been developed, illustrating situations where a parcel may fall within a single sub-zone, multiple sub-zones, partly outside sub-zone, and no planning zone. The integrated approach herein aims to empower landowners, ease the issuing of development permits by local government, and align with the government’s digital transformation initiatives. Full article
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30 pages, 10979 KB  
Article
Mapping Urban Segregation with GeoAI: Street View Perceptions and Socio-Spatial Inequality in Thessaloniki, Greece
by Aristotelis Vartholomaios and Apostolos Lagarias
Land 2025, 14(10), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102083 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 533
Abstract
This study examines the statistical and spatial alignment between urban place perceptions and the census-based evidence of socio-spatial segregation. We process a large dataset of geotagged images from Mapillary and KartaView with ZenSVI to score six place perception dimensions (safety, liveliness, wealth, beauty, [...] Read more.
This study examines the statistical and spatial alignment between urban place perceptions and the census-based evidence of socio-spatial segregation. We process a large dataset of geotagged images from Mapillary and KartaView with ZenSVI to score six place perception dimensions (safety, liveliness, wealth, beauty, boredom, depression) for the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, Greece. The socio-economic structure is derived from census indicators and property values using Location Quotients and principal component analysis. We assess alignment through Pearson’s correlation (r) to capture statistical association, and bivariate Moran’s I to test spatial correspondence while accounting for spatial dependence. Results reveal a robust northwest–southeast divide: southeastern and central districts are perceived as safer, livelier, wealthier, and more beautiful, while northwestern and industrial zones score higher on boredom and depression. The historic city center emerges as vibrant and affluent, acting as a key interface between social groups, especially students, the elderly, and migrants. Perceptual dimensions vary in spatial form: safety, beauty, and depression cluster locally, whereas wealth and vibrancy extend over broader sectors. The study demonstrates the combined use of perceptual and socio-economic data for urban analysis and provides a replicable framework for monitoring inequalities and guiding participatory and inclusive planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GeoAI for Urban Sustainability Monitoring and Analysis)
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16 pages, 5747 KB  
Article
Investigation of the Influence of Urban Compactness on Transportation: A Comparative Analysis of Average Commuting Duration and Velocity
by Fan Wang, Yuan Cao, Zhen Wang, Junchen Li and Hongmei Xu
Land 2025, 14(10), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102082 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 451
Abstract
Compact urban land use planning and smart growth are essential strategies for tackling the issues of sustainable urban transportation development. In the context of swift global urbanization, examining the intrinsic relationship between urban spatial structure and transport systems might furnish a measurable foundation [...] Read more.
Compact urban land use planning and smart growth are essential strategies for tackling the issues of sustainable urban transportation development. In the context of swift global urbanization, examining the intrinsic relationship between urban spatial structure and transport systems might furnish a measurable foundation for urban planning decisions. This study utilizes various data sources, including Chinese city compactness and the Didi traffic index, to integrate exploratory spatial analysis and regression analysis methods. It examines the influence of city compactness on urban transportation by comparing average commuting time and speed relative to city compactness. The following findings are derived: The compactness of Chinese cities demonstrates notable regional differentiation, with western cities expanding uniformly and efficiently, whereas eastern cities display multi-centered, differentiated development in their spatial structures. Furthermore, Chinese cities exhibit a pronounced high-value agglomeration in commuting patterns, where major cities are characterized by high speeds and extended durations. The study reveals that city compactness creates a “concentration paradox” in commuting efficiency, which may reduce commuting distances but significantly decreases speed and extends travel time. The solution to this conflict is to prioritize the enhancement of public transport systems, as the increase in passenger volume is strongly positively connected with improved commuting speed and reduced commuting time. These findings offer a crucial scientific foundation for developing diverse regional spatial plans and transport development strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Spatial Modeling in Urban Land Dynamics and Planning)
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24 pages, 6032 KB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Coupling Coordination and Driving Mechanism of Urban Pseudo and Reality Human Settlements in the Coastal Cities of China
by Xueming Li, Linlin Feng, Meishuo Du and Shenzhen Tian
Land 2025, 14(10), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102081 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 313
Abstract
The accelerated development of digital technologies during the 21st century has intensified requirements for Human Settlements (HS) infrastructure advancement in China’s maritime urban centers, driven by national objectives to forge a cohesive, technologically integrated state framework. This transformation has changed people’s work, learning, [...] Read more.
The accelerated development of digital technologies during the 21st century has intensified requirements for Human Settlements (HS) infrastructure advancement in China’s maritime urban centers, driven by national objectives to forge a cohesive, technologically integrated state framework. This transformation has changed people’s work, learning, and entertainment patterns, leading to the rise in complex networks of pseudo human settlements (PHS). Traditional approaches to environmental research are insufficient for understanding the interactions between PHS and reality human settlements (RHS), which are interdependent and shape urban development. This study utilizes advanced methods such as the entropy weight method to determine indicator weights, the coupling coordination degree model to quantify the interaction intensity, the geo-detector to identify driving factors, and ArcGIS for spatial analysis to assess the interaction between PHS and RHS in 53 coastal cities from 2011 to 2022. The results show: (1) The coupling coordination degree rose initially but later declined, reflecting temporal differentiation; (2) The coordination of settlements varies across regions; (3) A migration trend from the northeast to southwest, with faster coordination improvement in the southwest; (4) Socio-economic development drives the coupling coordination, with big data technology enhancing the relationship. The findings guide sustainable urban development in coastal cities. Full article
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31 pages, 1700 KB  
Article
How Do Digitalization and Scale Influence Agricultural Carbon Emission Reduction: Evidence from Jiangsu, China
by Degui Yu, Ying Cao, Suyan Tian, Jiahao Cai and Xinzhuo Fang
Land 2025, 14(10), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102080 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
In order to alleviate the constraints of global warming and sustainable development, digitalization has made significant contributions to promoting agricultural carbon reduction through resources, technology, and platforms. Under this situation, China insists on developing agricultural scale management. However, what impact will scale management [...] Read more.
In order to alleviate the constraints of global warming and sustainable development, digitalization has made significant contributions to promoting agricultural carbon reduction through resources, technology, and platforms. Under this situation, China insists on developing agricultural scale management. However, what impact will scale management in agricultural digital emission reduction have on mechanisms and pathways? Based on three rounds of follow-up surveys conducted by the Digital Countryside Research Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024, in this study a total of 258 valid questionnaires on the rice and wheat industry were collected. Methods such as member checking and audit trail were employed to ensure data reliability and validity. Using econometric approaches including Tobit, mediation, and moderation models, this study quantified the Scale Management Level (SML), examined the mechanism pathways of digital emission reduction in a scaled environment, further demonstrated the impact of scale management on digital emission reduction, and verified the mediating and moderating effects of internal and external scale management. We found that: (1) In scale and carbon reduction, the SBM-DEA model calculates that the scale of agricultural land in Jiangsu showed an “inverted S” trend with SML and an “inverted W” trend with the overall agricultural green production efficiency (AGPE), and the highest agricultural green production efficiency is 0.814 in the moderate scale range of 20–36.667 hm2. (2) In digitalization and carbon reduction, the Tobit regression model results indicate that Network Platform Empowerment (NPE) significantly promotes carbon reduction (p < 1%), but its squared terms exhibit an inverted U-shaped relationship with agricultural green production efficiency (p < 1%), and SML is significant at the 5% level. From a local regression perspective, the strength of SML’s impact on the three core variables is: NPE > DRE > DTE. (3) Adding scale in agricultural digital emission reduction, the intermediary mechanism results showed that the significant intensity (p < 5%) of the mediating role of Agricultural Mechanization Level (AML) is NPE > DTE > DRE, and that of the Employment of Labor (EOL) is DRE > NPE > DTE. (4) Adding scale in agricultural digital emission reduction, the regulatory effect results showed that the Organized Management Level (OML) and Social Service System (SSS) significantly positively regulate the inhibitory effect of DRE and DTE on AGPE. Finally, we suggest controlling the scale of land management reasonably and developing moderate agricultural scale management according to local conditions, enhancing the digital literacy and agricultural machinery training of scale entities while encouraging the improvement of organizational level and social service innovation, and reasonably reducing labor and mechanization inputs in order to standardize the digital emission reduction effect of agriculture under the background of scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
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24 pages, 2561 KB  
Article
Soil Calcimetry Dynamics to Resolve Weathering Flux in Wollastonite-Amended Croplands
by Francisco S. M. Araujo and Rafael M. Santos
Land 2025, 14(10), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102079 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy that accelerates mineral dissolution, sequestering atmospheric CO2 while improving soil health. This study builds on prior applications of soil calcimetry by investigating its ability to resolve short-term carbonate fluxes and [...] Read more.
Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy that accelerates mineral dissolution, sequestering atmospheric CO2 while improving soil health. This study builds on prior applications of soil calcimetry by investigating its ability to resolve short-term carbonate fluxes and rainfall-modulated weathering dynamics in wollastonite-amended croplands. Conducted over a single growing season (May–October 2024) in temperate row-crop fields near Port Colborne, Ontario—characterized by fibric mesisol soils (Histosols, FAO-WRB)—this study tests whether calcimetry can distinguish between dissolution and precipitation phases and serve as a proxy for weathering flux within the upper soil horizon, under the assumption that rapid pedogenic carbonate cycling dominates alkalinity retention in this soil–mineral system. Monthly measurements of soil pH (Milli-Q and CaCl2) and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) were conducted across 10 plots, totaling 180 composite samples. Results show significant alkalinization (p < 0.001), with average pH increases of ~+1.0 unit in both Milli-Q and CaCl2 extracts over the timeline. In contrast, CCE values showed high spatiotemporal variability (−2.5 to +6.4%) without consistent seasonal trends. The calcimetry-derived weathering proxy, log (Σ ΔCCE/Δt), correlated positively with pH (r = 0.652), capturing net carbonate accumulation, while the kinetic dissolution rate model correlated strongly and negatively with pH (r ≈ −1), reflecting acid-promoted dissolution. This divergence confirms that the two metrics capture complementary stages of the weathering–precipitation continuum. Rainfall strongly modulated short-term carbonate formation, with cumulative precipitation over the previous 7–10 days enhancing formation rates up to a saturation point (~30 mm), beyond which additional rainfall yielded diminishing returns. In contrast, dissolution fluxes remained largely independent of rainfall. These results highlight calcimetry as a direct, scalable, and dynamic tool not only for monitoring solid-phase carbonate formation, but also for inferring carbonate migration and dissolution dynamics. In systems dominated by rapid pedogenic carbonate cycling, this approach captures the majority of alkalinity fluxes, offering a conservative yet comprehensive proxy for CO2 sequestration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Degradation in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) : Assessment and Conservation (Second Edition))
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27 pages, 2167 KB  
Article
Urban Sprawl in the Yangtze River Delta: Spatio-Temporal Characteristics and Impacts on PM2.5
by Ning Ruan, Jianhui Xu and Huarong He
Land 2025, 14(10), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102078 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Over the past three decades, the Yangtze River Delta has undergone a rapid urbanization phenomenon, resulting in pronounced urban sprawl that has significantly impacted regional sustainable development and air quality. This study constructs an urban sprawl index based on nighttime light data spanning [...] Read more.
Over the past three decades, the Yangtze River Delta has undergone a rapid urbanization phenomenon, resulting in pronounced urban sprawl that has significantly impacted regional sustainable development and air quality. This study constructs an urban sprawl index based on nighttime light data spanning 2000–2020 and employs exploratory spatio-temporal analysis, panel data models, and spatial econometric models to examine the evolution of urban sprawl and its effects on PM2.5 concentrations. The results reveal four key findings: (1) Urban sprawl is spatially heterogeneous, exhibiting a ‘high in the centre-east, low in the north-west’ pattern, with high-intensity sprawl expanding from the central region towards the north-west and south-west; (2) The dominant growth pattern is characterized by relatively rapid expansion. The global Moran’s I index fluctuates between 0.428 and 0.214, indicating a gradual decline in the global clustering effect of urban sprawl. Meanwhile, the share of local high–high agglomeration zones decreases to 21.9%, whereas low–low zones increase to 24.3%; (3) Spatio-temporal transitions of urban sprawl show strong spatial dependence while overall relocation exhibits inertia; (4) Before the implementation of the Ten Key Measures for Air Pollution Prevention and Control in 2013, urban sprawl significantly intensified PM2.5 pollution. Following the policy, this relationship notably reversed, with sprawl exhibiting pollution-mitigating effects in certain regions. The spatial diffusion of pollution is evident, as urban sprawl influences air quality through both local development and inter-regional interactions. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution of urban sprawl and establishes a framework to examine the interactive mechanisms between urban expansion and air pollution, thereby broadening perspectives on atmospheric pollution research and offering scientific and policy guidance for sustainable land use and air quality management in the Yangtze River Delta. Full article
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49 pages, 4679 KB  
Article
Evaluating China’s National Park Pilots: Constructing an Indicator System for Performance Assessment
by Jiao Li, Gaoyuan Hu and Fei Wang
Land 2025, 14(10), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102077 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 432
Abstract
With the designation of the first cohort of national parks and the continued operation of remaining pilots, China’s national park reform has entered a critical stage requiring consolidation and adaptive improvement. A key challenge lies in the ambiguous status of five pilot zones, [...] Read more.
With the designation of the first cohort of national parks and the continued operation of remaining pilots, China’s national park reform has entered a critical stage requiring consolidation and adaptive improvement. A key challenge lies in the ambiguous status of five pilot zones, which lack a standardized evaluation mechanism to guide decisions on future inclusion or exit. This study develops a comprehensive indicator system specifically tailored to assess the construction and development of national park pilots, thereby supporting evidence-based governance beyond initial entry criteria. Drawing on relevant theories and China’s institutional context, the framework employs Analytic Hierarchy Process, expert consultation, and fuzzy scoring to determine indicator weights and evaluation standards. The resulting system integrates three dimensions—ecological protection system, management system, and public service system. Nanshan National Park was selected as a case study, scoring 87.77 in 2024 (Class II, “Proficient”), with strong overall performance but notable weaknesses in landscape connectivity, recreational product diversity, and regional integration. These findings suggest the need for targeted improvements in ecological corridors, service enrichment, and community benefit-sharing. Overall, the proposed framework provides a replicable tool for evaluating pilot zones, offering practical insights for refining China’s national park development and enhancing governance effectiveness. Full article
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25 pages, 19035 KB  
Article
Revealing Multiscale Characteristics of Ecosystem Service Flows: Application to the Yangtze River Economic Belt
by Yiyang Li, Hongrui Wang, Li Zhang, Yafeng Yang, Ziyang Zhao and Xin Jiang
Land 2025, 14(10), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102076 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 340
Abstract
Assessing ecosystem service (ES) supply–demand relationships and identifying their driving forces are essential for ecological security and sustainable ecosystem development. Using ES supply–demand mismatches as a basis, this study characterized the spatiotemporal evolution of ES supply and demand from 2000 to 2023. Additionally, [...] Read more.
Assessing ecosystem service (ES) supply–demand relationships and identifying their driving forces are essential for ecological security and sustainable ecosystem development. Using ES supply–demand mismatches as a basis, this study characterized the spatiotemporal evolution of ES supply and demand from 2000 to 2023. Additionally, a SHAP-informed Stacking Bayesian optimization model was employed to identify key drivers of supply–demand imbalances. Building on this, threshold-aware spatial optimization of ecosystem service flows was performed using an improved minimum-cost algorithm within an NSGA-II multi-objective framework. The results showed that: (1) The YREB’s supply–demand balance (SDB) exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. Water SDB declined with fluctuations, decreasing from 5.343 × 1011 m3 to 4.433 × 1011 m3, whereas carbon SDB shifted from a surplus (+1.514 × 109 t) to a deficit (−1.673 × 109 t) during the study period. Crop SDB rose from 1.361 × 108 to 1.450 × 108 t across the study period. (2) Nighttime light intensity (NLI) was the dominant factor for water SDB and carbon SDB, while cropland area was the key driver for crop SDB. (3) Over 2000–2023, water SDB flow increased from 8.5 × 109 m3 to 1.43 × 1010 m3. Carbon SDB flows more than tripled from 9.576 × 107 tons to 2.89 × 108 tons. Crop SDB flow increased nearly twelvefold over 2000–2023, from 3.3 × 105 t to 3.93 × 106 t. The findings provide scientific support for coordinating ecological conservation and high-quality development across the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land–Water–Energy–Food (LWEF) System Coupling and Sustainable Development of Watersheds)
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21 pages, 480 KB  
Article
Assessing the Trends of a Network for Landscape Conservation
by Jennifer M. Thomsen and Molly C. McDevitt
Land 2025, 14(10), 2075; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102075 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 324
Abstract
Landscape conservation has grown in popularity over the past few decades and is widely recognized as essential for achieving conservation outcomes. However, there are many challenges to operating at the landscape scale, and little research assesses the trends of Landscape Conservation Initiatives (LCIs) [...] Read more.
Landscape conservation has grown in popularity over the past few decades and is widely recognized as essential for achieving conservation outcomes. However, there are many challenges to operating at the landscape scale, and little research assesses the trends of Landscape Conservation Initiatives (LCIs) within a network. To address this gap, we surveyed a nationwide sample of LCIs that are connected through the Network for Landscape Conservation in 2016 and in 2021. Our research presents findings on the focus of these initiatives (often wildlife habitat and watershed protection), the strategies and approaches employed to achieve goals (often coordinating community activities and networking/information sharing), the factors that support or challenge the LCI success (ranging from political support to trust/respect), and how LCIs perceive their biggest successes (often a combination of Collaborative, Ecological, and Human categories). The main findings highlight how some of these trends changed over a five-year period and with the age range of the LCI. These findings contribute to our greater understanding of unique aspects of LCIs and changing trends for LCIs within a network and have implications for emerging and established LCIs as they evolve over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Management in the Anthropocene)
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32 pages, 726 KB  
Article
Organic Rice Transition in a Changing Environment: Linking Farmers’ Benefits to Adaptation and Mitigation
by Jack O’Connor, Joachim H. Spangenberg, Ngan Ha Nguyen, Gioia Emidi, Arne Kappenberg, Linda Klamann, Nick Kupfer, Huynh Ky, Nguyen Thi Thu Nga, Chau Minh Khoi, Cao Dinh An Giang, Jürgen Ott, Björn Thiele, Bei Wu and Lutz Weihermüller
Land 2025, 14(10), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102074 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 695
Abstract
Organic rice farming (ORF) can support both climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, a deeper understanding of its specific benefits and challenges is needed. This paper synthesises current knowledge on the potential of ORF to enhance resilience in regions exposed to natural hazards, [...] Read more.
Organic rice farming (ORF) can support both climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, a deeper understanding of its specific benefits and challenges is needed. This paper synthesises current knowledge on the potential of ORF to enhance resilience in regions exposed to natural hazards, with particular attention to the climate-vulnerable region of the Mekong Delta (MKD), Vietnam. ORF can deliver multiple benefits: reducing production costs, revitalising degraded and pesticide-contaminated soils, improving water and soil quality, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to human health and sustainable livelihoods. In the context of MKD, where rice production intersects with acute vulnerability to salinity intrusion, storms, and drought, ORF also presents opportunities for long-term adaptation by improving ecosystem health and reducing socio-ecological vulnerability. Despite these benefits, ORF remains limited in scale and impact due to the lack of integrated, landscape-level implementation strategies. Challenges like chemical contamination, limited access to certified organic inputs, and insufficient institutional and technical support leave many existing ORF initiatives vulnerable and constrain further expansion. To fully realise ORF’s resilience and sustainability potential, more targeted research and policy attention are needed. An integrated governance approach that considers both biophysical and socio-economic dimensions is essential to support a meaningful and scalable transition to organic rice farming in climate-sensitive regions like the MKD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)
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19 pages, 13759 KB  
Article
University Campuses as Vital Urban Green Infrastructure: Quantifying Ecosystem Services Based on Field Inventory in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
by Basil N. Yakimov, Nataly I. Zaznobina, Irina M. Kuznetsova, Angela D. Bolshakova, Taisia A. Kovaleva, Ivan N. Markelov and Vladislav V. Onishchenko
Land 2025, 14(10), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102073 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
This study provides the first comprehensive, field-inventory-based assessment of urban ecosystem services within a Russian university campus, focusing on the woody vegetation of the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod. Utilizing a detailed field tree inventory combined with the i-Tree framework (including i-Tree [...] Read more.
This study provides the first comprehensive, field-inventory-based assessment of urban ecosystem services within a Russian university campus, focusing on the woody vegetation of the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod. Utilizing a detailed field tree inventory combined with the i-Tree framework (including i-Tree Eco, i-Tree Canopy, UFORE, and i-Tree Hydro models), we quantified the campus’s capacity for carbon storage and sequestration, air pollutant removal, and stormwater runoff mitigation. The campus green infrastructure, comprising 1887 trees across 32 species with a density of 145.5 stems per hectare, demonstrated significant ecological value. Results show a carbon storage density of 26.61 t C ha−1 and an annual gross carbon sequestration of 11.43 tons. Furthermore, the campus trees removed 1213.7 kg of air pollutants annually (a deposition rate of 9.35 g m−2), with ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide showing the highest deposition. The campus also retained 956.1 m3 of stormwater annually. These findings, particularly the high carbon sequestration rates, are attributed to the dominance of relatively young, fast-growing tree species. This research establishes a critical baseline for understanding urban ecosystem services in a previously under-researched geographical context. The detailed, empirical data offers crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers in Nizhny Novgorod and beyond, advocating for the strategic integration of ecosystem services assessments into campus planning and broader urban green infrastructure development across Russian cities. The study underscores the significant role of university campuses as vital components of urban green infrastructure, contributing substantially to environmental sustainability and human well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
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26 pages, 7275 KB  
Article
Co-Designing Accessible Urban Public Spaces Through Geodesign: A Case Study of Alicante, Spain
by Mariana Huskinson, Álvaro Bernabeu-Bautista, Michele Campagna and Leticia Serrano-Estrada
Land 2025, 14(10), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102072 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Ensuring accessibility in urban public spaces is a key challenge for contemporary cities, particularly in the context of ageing populations, socio-spatial inequalities, and the global call for inclusive urban development. Despite its importance, accessibility is often treated as a cross-cutting issue rather than [...] Read more.
Ensuring accessibility in urban public spaces is a key challenge for contemporary cities, particularly in the context of ageing populations, socio-spatial inequalities, and the global call for inclusive urban development. Despite its importance, accessibility is often treated as a cross-cutting issue rather than as a central objective in planning practice. This study examines how accessibility can be addressed in participatory urban public space design through a geodesign workshop conducted with architecture students from the University of Alicante. Focusing on the area along Line 2 of the TRAM light-rail network in Alicante, Spain, the workshop applied the geodesign framework in four iterative phases: system analysis, stakeholder role-play, design negotiation, and consensus building. The workshop participants represented six stakeholder groups with varying objectives and priorities, proposing micro-interventions in vulnerable urban areas aimed at improving walkability, surface conditions, and access to services. The role-play phase highlighted contrasting views on accessibility, particularly emphasised by groups representing older adults and people with disabilities. Negotiation revealed both alliances and tensions, while the final consensus reflected a moderate but meaningful inclusion of wide accessibility concerns. The resulting proposals showed spatial awareness of socio-territorial inequalities. The findings suggest that geodesign fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy in future urban professionals; however, challenges persist regarding inclusivity, contextual adaptation, and integration into practice. Future work should explore long-term impacts and co-creation of accessibility standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reimagining Public Spaces in Europe: Towards Inclusive, Livable, and Resilient Human-Scale Urban Environments)
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25 pages, 857 KB  
Article
The Impact of Multidimensional Regional Integration on Low-Carbon Development: Empirical Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta
by Fang Zhang, Jianjun Zhang and Muhammad Hussain
Land 2025, 14(10), 2071; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102071 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
Amid the deep integration of China’s “dual-carbon” goals with regional coordinated development strategies, this study develops a multidimensional analytical framework of regional integration based on panel data from 41 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration from 2009 to 2023. The [...] Read more.
Amid the deep integration of China’s “dual-carbon” goals with regional coordinated development strategies, this study develops a multidimensional analytical framework of regional integration based on panel data from 41 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration from 2009 to 2023. The framework encompasses five dimensions: urban–rural integration, innovation coordination, infrastructure connectivity, ecological co-governance, and public service sharing. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the study empirically investigates the mechanisms and pathways through which regional integration shapes low-carbon development. The results indicate that different dimensions exert differentiated impacts: urban–rural integration and infrastructure connectivity significantly promote low-carbon development, whereas public service sharing has an adverse effect due to a phenomenon known as “carbon lock-in”. By contrast, the impact of innovation coordination and ecological co-governance is not statistically significant. Moreover, substantial regional heterogeneity exists: Jiangsu Province demonstrates the leading performance in the manifest development level; Zhejiang Province shows strong systemic capacity level, but limited conversion into manifest outcomes. At the same time, most cities in Anhui Province lag in both aspects. Coordination analysis further identifies four typical development patterns: dual-high, system-driven, performance-dominant, and dual-low. Drawing on these findings, this study proposes policy recommendations across four dimensions—regional coordination, low-carbon pathway optimization, targeted empowerment, and collaborative governance—to facilitate the green and low-carbon transition of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
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29 pages, 880 KB  
Review
A Review Analysis of Heirs’ Property Challenges in Sustainable Land Use
by Raksha Khadka, Lila Karki and Prem Bhandari
Land 2025, 14(10), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102070 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Heirs’ property is a form of collective land ownership arising from intestate succession, often resulting in clouded titles, fractional ownership, and legal vulnerability. This tenure system is especially prevalent among African American landowners in the Southern United States and poses significant challenges for [...] Read more.
Heirs’ property is a form of collective land ownership arising from intestate succession, often resulting in clouded titles, fractional ownership, and legal vulnerability. This tenure system is especially prevalent among African American landowners in the Southern United States and poses significant challenges for sustainable land use, agricultural development, forest management, and conservation. This paper presents an interdisciplinary review, research, and analysis encompassing legal studies, environmental policies, and rural social science to examine how heirs’ property status leads to diminished productivity, land underutilization, disinvestment, and involuntary land loss. Key issues include barriers to accessing USDA and NRCS programs, an inability to implement long-term land management plans, and an increased risk of partition sales and tax foreclosures. This review also examines demographic trends, regional concentration, and the broader socio-environmental impacts of insecure land tenure. Current policy responses, such as the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA), USDA land access provisions, and community-based legal interventions, are assessed for their effectiveness and limitations. The article concludes with policy and programmatic strategies to support title clearing, promote equitable land retention, and enhance participation in conservation and climate resilience initiatives. By highlighting the intersection of property law, racial equity, and environmental sustainability, this review contributes to a growing body of research aimed at securing land tenure for historically marginalized communities. Full article
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26 pages, 9496 KB  
Article
An Integrated Approach to Identify Functional Areas for Bicycle Use with Spatial–Temporal Information: A Case Study of Seoul, Republic of Korea
by Jiwon Lee and Jiyoung Kim
Land 2025, 14(10), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102069 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
Identifying urban functional areas increasingly relies on data-driven approaches that utilize multimodal spatial information. There is a growing focus on purpose-oriented functional area identification with greater policy relevance. This paper proposes a data-driven methodology to identify functional areas from the perspective of bicycle [...] Read more.
Identifying urban functional areas increasingly relies on data-driven approaches that utilize multimodal spatial information. There is a growing focus on purpose-oriented functional area identification with greater policy relevance. This paper proposes a data-driven methodology to identify functional areas from the perspective of bicycle users. To achieve this, line-based road network units were defined around bicycle stations, and spatial–temporal data such as Origin–Destination flows and Point of Interest information were semantically integrated to delineate functional areas. An experiment was conducted on 2628 public bicycle stations in Seoul, Republic of Korea, for May 2022, and a total of five functional areas were identified via a Co-Matrix Factorization-based fusion approach. Additionally, the proposed method was validated through visual evaluation and comparison with actual bicycle usage data. The results demonstrate that by simultaneously incorporating spatial–temporal information and latent connectivity, this approach identifies bicycle-friendly areas, even with low observed usage, highlighting its potential for policy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
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