Land

23 pages, 1187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Farmland Transfer-Out Reshape Household Consumption Structure? Insights from Generational Heterogeneity in Rural China

by Shaojun Chen, Jixing Xiu and Kexin Zhou

Land 2025, 14(6), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061134 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

China’s ongoing urbanization, expanding land transfer, has reshaped rural land use and generational consumption patterns. Using three waves of China Family Panel Studies data, this study applies a two-way fixed effect model to examine the impact of farmland transfer-out on generational consumption structure [...] Read more.

China’s ongoing urbanization, expanding land transfer, has reshaped rural land use and generational consumption patterns. Using three waves of China Family Panel Studies data, this study applies a two-way fixed effect model to examine the impact of farmland transfer-out on generational consumption structure and explores the mediating role of household income, the moderating role of non-agricultural income share, and regional and income heterogeneity. Findings show the following: (1) Farmland transfer-out significantly increases subsistence, developmental, and hedonic consumption among middle-aged and young farmers, with the greatest rise in hedonic consumption. For elderly farmers, only subsistence consumption increases, and to a lesser extent. (2) Among middle-aged and young farmers, transfer-out raises household income, boosting all consumption types; a higher share of non-farm income further strengthens subsistence and hedonic consumption. For elderly farmers, while income increases, a higher non-farm income share weakens the income effect on subsistence consumption. (3) Regionally, land transfer-out significantly boosts subsistence and hedonic consumption in the eastern region for younger farmers, and all three types—especially subsistence—in the central and western regions. Elderly farmers in the east also see a rise in subsistence consumption. (4) An income heterogeneity analysis shows stronger effects for low-income younger farmers and high-income elderly farmers. Based on these findings, this study proposes targeted policies to promote farmland transfer-out, offering insights for optimizing land use and enhancing rural consumption, with implications for other countries’ land management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Global Farmland Protection, Food Security and Land Use Planning)

23 pages, 1878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Management Zoning Through Integration of Ecosystem Service and Landscape Ecological Risk: A Case Study in Chongli, China

by Fang Xu, Shaoning Yan, Xiangrong Wang and Xiyue Wang

Land 2025, 14(6), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061133 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Balancing ecological conservation with development pressures remains a critical challenge in regions hosting mega-events like the Winter Olympics. This study evaluates the ecological impacts of pre-Olympic construction in Chongli, China (2016–2021), through the integrated analysis of ecosystem service value (ESV) and landscape ecological [...] Read more.

Balancing ecological conservation with development pressures remains a critical challenge in regions hosting mega-events like the Winter Olympics. This study evaluates the ecological impacts of pre-Olympic construction in Chongli, China (2016–2021), through the integrated analysis of ecosystem service value (ESV) and landscape ecological risk (LERI). Using Sentinel-2 imagery and spatial statistics, we quantified land-use changes, applied benefit transfer methods for ESV assessment, and calculated the LERI using landscape pattern indices. The results revealed a 4.6% increase in the total ESV (266.4 to 278.7 million CNY), which was driven by afforestation initiatives that expanded the area of shrub-grassland and forests. Concurrently, the proportion of high/moderate LERI areas decreased by 12.3%, indicating reduced ecological vulnerability. Spatial correlation analysis demonstrated significant negative relationships between the ESV and LERI, particularly in zones that were undergoing ecological restoration. However, urban expansion weakened these synergies locally. The findings of this study highlight that strategic greening effectively enhanced ecosystem services while mitigating landscape risks during preparations for the Olympics. We propose an adaptive zoning framework that emphasizes dynamic ESV-LERI monitoring, tourism carrying capacity regulation, and payment for ecosystem service mechanisms to optimize post-event management. This integrated approach provides a transferable model for ecological governance in ecologically sensitive areas facing rapid development pressures, demonstrating the value of dual assessment methodologies in sustainable spatial planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Landscape Patterns under Land Use Change)

28 pages, 3187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Identification and Spatiotemporal Evolution in Rural Land Trusteeship

by Jianying Xiao and Xinran Fang

Land 2025, 14(6), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061132 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Rural land trusteeship, as an innovative agricultural business model, has played an important role in enhancing agricultural production efficiency and optimizing land resource allocation. However, the model has also revealed many risks in the process of its implementation, posing challenges to its sustainable [...] Read more.

Rural land trusteeship, as an innovative agricultural business model, has played an important role in enhancing agricultural production efficiency and optimizing land resource allocation. However, the model has also revealed many risks in the process of its implementation, posing challenges to its sustainable development. Based on the cases of land trusteeship risk disputes made public by the China Judges and Records Network from 2013 to 2023, this paper uses Nvivo 12 Plus qualitative analysis software to identify and characterize the risks and utilizes the spatial analysis method to explore the spatial and temporal evolution of the risks. The study found the following: (1) Risks of rural land trusteeship can be categorized as market, operational, financial, natural, and contractual risks, with financial and contractual risks being more prominent. (2) The number of land trusteeship disputes gradually increased from 2013 to 2020, reaching a peak in 2020. Subsequently, the number has shown a decreasing trend, which reflects the positive effect of policy. (3) In terms of spatial pattern, land trusteeship risks have a significant northeast–southwest clustering trend, North China and Northeast China being high-risk clustering areas, while South China and Southwest China have relatively low risks. (4) There are significant differences in the spatial distributions of different types of risks, with market and operational risks being highly concentrated in economically active areas, while natural risks are more influenced by the geographic environment. Full article

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

18 pages, 3533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice

by Matteo Buson and Lucia Bortolini

Land 2025, 14(6), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061131 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Urban green areas, while providing numerous benefits, can also produce negative impacts, often referred to as “ecosystem disservices”. While fallen fruits, leaves, and branches may pose tripping hazards, falling trees present a more significant threat to the safety of citizens and buildings. A [...] Read more.

Urban green areas, while providing numerous benefits, can also produce negative impacts, often referred to as “ecosystem disservices”. While fallen fruits, leaves, and branches may pose tripping hazards, falling trees present a more significant threat to the safety of citizens and buildings. A study was conducted to identify the factors that most influence tree falls, aiming to enhance monitoring and maintenance in high-risk areas and develop preventive felling plans. The analysis was carried out in the city of Venice (Italy) using data from 2019 to 2022. Key variables included daily rainfall and cumulative rainfall over the four days preceding tree falls, minimum temperature, average wind speed and direction, and maximum gust speed on the day of the event and two days prior, as well as detailed information on the affected trees from the municipal GreenSpaces application database (R3GIS). The distribution of fallen trees was assessed in relation to these parameters, and a spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed. The results revealed that tree falls were more frequent during the summer season, coinciding with more intense weather events, especially those characterized by gusts of strong wind (>15 m/s). Street trees and trees in groups, particularly those in parks and densely populated urban areas, were most affected. Tree falls during a single event often occurred in clusters within a radius of approximately 1.5 km. Species analysis indicated that maintaining a diverse mix of tree species could reduce the number of fallen trees, as different species exhibit varying levels of resistance to wind pressure and adaptability to urban conditions. Addressing these findings can help to create more sustainable and livable urban environments, maximizing the benefits of green spaces while mitigating their ecosystem disservices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services: 6th Edition)

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27 pages, 18521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Blue Carbon Storage in Mangrove and Salt Marsh Ecosystems in Guangdong, China

by Di Dong, Huamei Huang, Qing Gao, Kang Li, Shengpeng Zhang and Ran Yan

Land 2025, 14(6), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061130 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems serve as vital carbon sinks in global climate regulation, yet their long-term carbon storage dynamics remain poorly quantified at regional scales. This study quantified the spatiotemporal evolution of mangrove and salt marsh carbon storage in Guangdong Province, China, over [...] Read more.

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems serve as vital carbon sinks in global climate regulation, yet their long-term carbon storage dynamics remain poorly quantified at regional scales. This study quantified the spatiotemporal evolution of mangrove and salt marsh carbon storage in Guangdong Province, China, over three decades (1986–2020), by integrating a new mangrove and salt marsh detection framework based on Landsat image time series and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. The proposed detection framework provided two coastal vegetation detection methods, exploring the potential of utilizing phenological features to improve the mangrove and salt marsh discrimination accuracy with Landsat data. The overall accuracies of both mangrove and salt marsh detection results exceeded 90%, suggesting good consistency with the validation data. The mangrove extent showed a trend of decreasing from 1986 to 1995, then fluctuated from 1995 to 2005, and presented an upward trend from 2005 to 2020. The overall trend of the salt marsh area was upward, with small fluctuations. The mangrove carbon storage in Guangdong increased from 414.66 × 10⁴ Mg C to 490.49 × 10⁴ Mg C during 1986–2020, with Zhanjiang having the largest mangrove carbon storage increase. The salt marsh carbon storage in Guangdong grew from 8.73 × 10⁴ Mg C in 1986 to 14.39 × 10⁴ Mg C in 2020, with Zhuhai as the salt marsh carbon sequestration hotspot. The temporal dynamics of carbon storage in mangroves and salt marshes could be divided into three stages, namely a decreasing period, a fluctuating period, and a rapid increase period, during which ecological and economic policies played a crucial role. The multi-decadal blue carbon datasets and their temporal-spatial change analysis results here can provide a scientific basis for nature-based climate solutions and decision-support tools for carbon offset potential realization and sustainable coastal zone management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating 10 Years of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem)

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32 pages, 7126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Demographic Challenge Analyzed Through Ageing Indices in Extremadura and Andalusia (Spain) with Cluster Mapping Tools

by José-Manuel Sánchez-Martín, José-Luis Gurría-Gascón and Juan-Ignacio Rengifo-Gallego

Land 2025, 14(6), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061129 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

This study examines the demographic dynamics of Extremadura and Andalusia, two autonomous communities in southern Spain characterized by low income levels and marked territorial differences in terms of ageing and depopulation. Based on the observation of growing demographic pressure associated with low birth [...] Read more.

This study examines the demographic dynamics of Extremadura and Andalusia, two autonomous communities in southern Spain characterized by low income levels and marked territorial differences in terms of ageing and depopulation. Based on the observation of growing demographic pressure associated with low birth rates and emigration to more economically dynamic areas, a methodological approach based on spatial analysis techniques is proposed. In particular, the ageing index and demographic dependency ratio indicators are used, applying tools such as Hot Spot Analysis and Cluster and Outlier Analysis to identify significant spatial patterns and outliers. The results show a high concentration of ageing and dependency in provinces such as Cáceres and Almería, suggesting greater demographic vulnerability. In contrast, urban areas such as Seville and Granada, as well as the Guadalquivir depression, show more favorable indicators, reflecting greater resilience. Likewise, municipalities with demographic behavior that is anomalous with respect to their surroundings are detected, which raises the need for micro-territorial studies aimed at understanding these exceptions and designing more effective public policies adapted to the local context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use: Integration of Rural and Urban Landscape)

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18 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greenery Effects: Comparing the Associations Between Multi-Dimensional Measurements of Urban Green Space Greenery and Engagement in Health-Related Activities Across Age Groups

by Chongxiao Wang, Shuolei Chen, Yang Chen and Zhongzhe Shen

Land 2025, 14(6), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061128 - 22 May 2025

Abstract

With the progression of global urbanization, UGS greenery plays an increasingly important role in encouraging engagement in various health-related activities among sedentary residents, and its quality improvement is widely recognized as a promising strategy for achieving public health benefits. However, existing studies have [...] Read more.

With the progression of global urbanization, UGS greenery plays an increasingly important role in encouraging engagement in various health-related activities among sedentary residents, and its quality improvement is widely recognized as a promising strategy for achieving public health benefits. However, existing studies have not reached an agreement on the associations between UGS greenery and engagement in health-related activities, largely due to limited dimensions of greenery measurement and insufficient evidence on health-related activities. To address these gaps, this study proposes a holistic analytical framework that integrates multi-dimensional greenery measurements (measured by the NDVI, GVI, and LVV metrics) with systematic observations of engagement in physical activity and social interaction across the general population, children, and seniors, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of their varied associations. Conducting empirical research in the Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area, the results showed that (1) UGS greenery had stronger explanatory power for activity participant numbers than activity intensity across age groups; (2) top–down greenery (NDVI) was positively associated with engagement in health-related activities (although not statistically significant), while excessive eye-level (GVI) and spatial greenery (LVV) demonstrated negative effects; (3) UGS greenery alone did not sufficiently predict children’s engagement in health-related activities; and (4) greenery conditions in adjacent UGS samples also significantly impacted local health-related activities. These findings suggest that UGS greenery measured from a single dimension may not reliably predict engagement in health-related activities across age groups, thereby calling for balanced and context-sensitive greenery design in future UGS planning to support inclusive public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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25 pages, 10714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Provision and Accessibility of Services of General Interest in Functional Urban Regions: The Case of Zagreb, Croatia

by Ivan Šišak and Aleksandar Lukić

Land 2025, 14(5), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051127 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

The quality of life in both urban and rural areas is highly dependent on the availability of services of general interest. This study examines the provision and accessibility of 41 types of point-specific services, divided into 10 categories, within the functional urban region [...] Read more.

The quality of life in both urban and rural areas is highly dependent on the availability of services of general interest. This study examines the provision and accessibility of 41 types of point-specific services, divided into 10 categories, within the functional urban region of Zagreb, Croatia, characterized by a declining population, despite being the most populous area in Croatia. This study adopts a multi-service rather than a single-service research approach, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Using GIS composite indices for service provision and accessibility by car (cumulative opportunities) were calculated. Cluster analysis (Ward method, quadratic Euclidean distance) revealed seven different geographical patterns. The results show different patterns of service provision and accessibility throughout the urban region. Two specific areas were highlighted: traditional and inner peripheral areas with low levels of both service provision and accessibility, and suburban areas with very good accessibility but very poor service provision. The results of this study are particularly valuable as they relate to a single functional urban area that includes both urban, suburban and rural settlements of different types, a spatial framework that has not been sufficiently analysed in the literature. Full article

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

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19 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Management Practices on Soil Organic Carbon Content and Microbial Diversity Under Semi-Arid Conditions

by Nadia Bekhit, Fatiha Faraoun, Faiza Bennabi, Abbassia Ayache, Fawzia Toumi, Rawan Mlih, Viktoriia Lovynska and Roland Bol

Land 2025, 14(5), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051126 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

Globally, arid and semi-arid agricultural land is characterized by low soil organic carbon (SOC) content. This impacts on the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms in such environments. We therefore examined SOC and bacterial community structure dynamics in the single plots of the [...] Read more.

Globally, arid and semi-arid agricultural land is characterized by low soil organic carbon (SOC) content. This impacts on the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms in such environments. We therefore examined SOC and bacterial community structure dynamics in the single plots of the conventional (PC), improved fertilization (PA) and unimproved control (PT) at El Hmadna experimental station (Northwest Algeria) during five-time intervals T(0), T(15), T(70), T(104) and T(147 days). The SOC content was determined using the modified Walkley and Black method. The 16S rRNA genes were isolated from soils and sequenced using the Illumina sequencing platform. Over time, OC levels increased by more than 15%, especially in the improved plot. The highest OC stock was observed for the unmanaged control plot (47 Mg ha⁻¹), also associated with higher bacterial biomass. However, taxonomic analysis revealed that bacterial diversity was higher in PA and PC, with Actinobacteria (42%) and Firmicutes (15%) dominating. Soil salinity did negatively influence SOC but the imposed management practices such as organic amendments did improve both carbon retention and bacterial diversity. The results underline the importance of imposing sustainable agricultural practices to improve carbon sequestration and soil health in semi-arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Ecological Risk Assessment Based on LULC)

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12 pages, 2007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Differentiation Mechanism of Urban Housing Prices from the Perspective of Amenity: A Case Study of Nanjing

by Guangyuan Feng, Xiaopu Bi, Jingxiang Zhang and Tianhan Cheng

Land 2025, 14(5), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051125 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

New economic development trends have brought challenges and transformation directions to China’s urban planning process, in which the relationship between supply and demand of urban housing needs urgent optimisation. Using data on multiple types of facilities and housing price information, this paper analysed [...] Read more.

New economic development trends have brought challenges and transformation directions to China’s urban planning process, in which the relationship between supply and demand of urban housing needs urgent optimisation. Using data on multiple types of facilities and housing price information, this paper analysed spatial differentiation characteristics of housing prices in Nanjing. An evaluation indicator system of human environment quality was established under the amenity connotation based on three dimensions of natural amenity, artificial amenity and social atmosphere amenity, and the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) algorithm was applied to investigate the impact of different amenity factors on housing prices. The findings revealed that amenity factors have a positive impact on housing prices, with artificial amenity as the most influential. Partial amenity factors demonstrated nonlinear relationships with housing prices with obvious threshold effects. Based on these findings, this paper proposed targeted supply and demand optimisation strategies in accordance with the above three dimensions, aiming to offer practical recommendations and guidance for improving the quality of the urban habitat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning and Housing Market II)

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33 pages, 9520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Realizations at the Archaeological and Funereal Park of Takino Cemetery in Hokkaido (Japan)

by Joseph Cabeza-Lainez, Victor Marquet-Saget, Inmaculada Rodriguez-Cunill, Cesar Puchol-Barcina and Miguel Gutiérrez-Villarubia

Land 2025, 14(5), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051124 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

For decades, in historical research, archeological vestiges have been linked with geomancy and cults of the mythical ancestors of a group of the population. This is particularly true in Eastern Asia and especially in China, Korea, and Japan. A fundamental problem of Japanese [...] Read more.

For decades, in historical research, archeological vestiges have been linked with geomancy and cults of the mythical ancestors of a group of the population. This is particularly true in Eastern Asia and especially in China, Korea, and Japan. A fundamental problem of Japanese archeology is that few of the remnants were realized in stone. One of the most important parts of archeological sciences is the study of Necropolises or ancient interments. From the 1970s onwards, in the relatively “new” and promising land of Hokkaido, cemeteries were built with the concept of landscape in mind; this is also due to the lavish vegetation features of this northernmost island of Japan. In the case of the Takino cemetery on the plains of Sapporo, Hokkaido, whose construction began in 1982, solemnity and religiousness were incorporated by producing exact stone replicas of famous funerary landmarks from antiquity as such materials were inexistent in the Nipponese Isles. This trend to grant eternity included traditional Buddhist funereal monuments like the Stupa, Seokguram grotto, and Kamakura sites, but at a certain and exuberant point, under the influence of Isamu Noguchi, it reached Stonehenge in England and the Moai from Easter Island in Polynesia (being after all located in a remote isle of the Pacific Ocean). In this article we will outline such process of generation and overall conception, analyzing the inclusion and architectural assembly of the different compounds and the recent and extraordinary additions projected and built by the celebrity architect Tadao Ando. We expect, in this manner, to facilitate the comprehension of the significance of venerable landscape sublimated through archeology for the Nipponese modern civilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Archaeological Landscape and Settlement II)

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25 pages, 3106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Prediction of Spatial and Temporal Land Use Changes in the Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slopes of the Tianshan Mountains

by Xiaoxu He, Zhaojin Yan, Yicong Shi, Zhe Wei, Zhijie Liu and Rong He

Land 2025, 14(5), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051123 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the spatiotemporal changes in land use within the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains (TNUA), aiming to identify the driving factors and provide a scientific basis for regional ecological protection, rational land use planning, and sustainable [...] Read more.

This study investigates the spatiotemporal changes in land use within the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains (TNUA), aiming to identify the driving factors and provide a scientific basis for regional ecological protection, rational land use planning, and sustainable resource utilization. Using land use data, we analyzed transitions, dynamics, intensity, and gravity shifts in land use, examined driving mechanisms using geographic detectors, and simulated future land use patterns with the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model. The results indicate that between 2010 and 2020, forest, water body, and unused land areas decreased, while cropland, grassland, and construction land expanded. The rate of land use change accelerated significantly, increasing from 0.0955% during 2010–2015 to 0.3192% during 2015–2020. The comprehensive land use dynamic degree index rose from 157.8371 to 161.1008, with Shayibake District exhibiting the most rapid growth. Precipitation, temperature, economic development, and elevation were the dominant driving factors throughout the study period. Population density had the strongest influence on the expansion of water body, while slope was the most significant factor for cropland expansion. Nighttime light was the primary driver of construction land growth. Projections for 2025, 2030, and 2035 suggest a continued decline in unused land and forest areas, alongside increases in cropland, grassland, water body, and construction land. Full article

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28 pages, 2896 KiB

Open AccessReview

Community Forest Management and REDD+: Pathways to Effective Implementation, Livelihood Improvement, and Climate Change Adaptation in Cambodia

by Chaly Y, Karen F. Hytten and Diane Pearson

Land 2025, 14(5), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051122 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

Community Forest Management (CFM) and REDD+ projects have emerged as key strategies for promoting environmental conservation and livelihood improvement. This review explores the effectiveness of incorporating free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), safeguard principles, grievance redress mechanisms, and benefit-sharing mechanisms into CFM and [...] Read more.

Community Forest Management (CFM) and REDD+ projects have emerged as key strategies for promoting environmental conservation and livelihood improvement. This review explores the effectiveness of incorporating free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), safeguard principles, grievance redress mechanisms, and benefit-sharing mechanisms into CFM and REDD+ in Cambodia, with a focus on enhancing communities’ livelihoods and climate change adaptation. This paper synthesizes findings from recent literature on CFM and REDD+ in Cambodia and internationally, analyzing key case studies, policy frameworks, and community engagement strategies. Findings suggest that while REDD+ projects offer potential economic and ecological benefits, challenges related to land tenure, equity in benefit-sharing, and community participation remain. This review highlights the need for stronger community engagement, a robust conflict management structure, clear land tenure policies, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and more climate change adaptation activities to ensure the success of CFM and REDD+ projects in Cambodia and the Global South. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Landscape Management Towards Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity)

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34 pages, 2355 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

A National Vision for Land Use Planning in the United States

by Eric G. Darracq, Jeffrey J. Brooks and Andrea K. Darracq

Land 2025, 14(5), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051121 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

The time is nigh to organize the physical landscapes of the United States under a unified land use policy and planning framework. As human populations have steadily grown, so has the urgency for agencies to plan for land uses at broader scales to [...] Read more.

The time is nigh to organize the physical landscapes of the United States under a unified land use policy and planning framework. As human populations have steadily grown, so has the urgency for agencies to plan for land uses at broader scales to overcome continued jurisdictional fragmentation and achieve sustainable and environmentally just landscapes. This paper introduces a vision, conceptual approach, and implementation strategy that applies ecoregions and proposes a unified framework for land use planning and regulation in the United States. The Sustainable Ecoregion Program (SEP) is designed to enable local landowners; public stakeholders; other land users; and state, regional, tribal, and national natural resource professionals to set and achieve future desired conditions for sustainable land uses across landscapes. The objective is to outline a comprehensive and sustainably just solution to the recurring problem of managing conflicting land uses in the face of continued degradation and multiple land tenure systems. The SEP will determine how much of the physical landscape will go to developed, agricultural, and natural landcover types. The framework includes recognition of level III ecoregions as primary boundaries, proposed secondary boundaries and shapes to enhance connectivity and movement across landscapes, a proposed structure for the environmental governance and co-management of landscapes, and definitions of physical landscape types. The benefits and challenges of the SEP are discussed. The outcomes of the SEP include ecological integrity, sustainable land use management, deliberative democracy, just sustainability, and improved quality of life for residents of the United States. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Systems and Global Change Section: 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 5796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing Ecological Networks and Analyzing Impact Factors in Multi-Scenario Simulation Under Climate Change

by Hua Bai, Yaoyun Zhang, Jiazhuo Huang and Haopeng Chen

Land 2025, 14(5), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051120 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

Persistent climate change and anthropogenic activities have caused the degradation of urban ecosystems and the fragmentation of landscapes in the Loess Plateau region, situated in northern China. Ecological networks have been considered an effective measure for reducing urban habitat fragmentation, enhancing landscape connectivity, [...] Read more.

Persistent climate change and anthropogenic activities have caused the degradation of urban ecosystems and the fragmentation of landscapes in the Loess Plateau region, situated in northern China. Ecological networks have been considered an effective measure for reducing urban habitat fragmentation, enhancing landscape connectivity, and identifying priority areas for ecological restoration. However, research on the spatiotemporal dynamics of ecological networks in cities in the Loess Plateau region, especially multi-scenario ecological networks under future climate change scenarios, and the drivers affecting these network elements are still limited. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamic changes in the ecological networks in Shenmu City from 2000 to 2035, and used GeoDetector to explore the driving factors influencing changes in ecological source distribution. The results showed the following: (1) The ecological sources in Shenmu City continued to shrink from 2000 to 2020, while landscape fragmentation increased. By 2035, the results of scenario modeling will differ for different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), with the ecological source area increasing under scenarios SSP119 and SSP245, and continuing to decrease under scenario SSP585. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the α, β, and γ indices increased and then declined, while the ecological networks of the SSP119 and SSP585 scenarios will stabilize. (3) Under the optimal scenario SSP119, 27 ecological pinch points and 43 ecological barrier points will be identified, which are priority areas for the future execution of ecological restoration initiatives. (4) Precipitation is the primary factor that affects the distribution of ecological sources, followed by temperature. This study proposes a new research perspective on ecological networks, and provides a guideline for ecological restoration and conservation in cities (counties) in the Loess Plateau region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urbanscapes: The Role of Green Infrastructure on the Resilience of Ecosystem Services)

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21 pages, 4672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Relationship Between City Development and Ecosystem Service in the Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration

by Qianqian Ge, Yahan Lu, Guoqiang An, Zhiqiang Tian, Meichen Fu, Xuquan Tan, Xinge Liu and Zhiyuan Sun

Land 2025, 14(5), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051119 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

Reconstructing relationships between urban agglomeration and relevant ecosystems from an ecosystem services perspective and quantitatively assessing their interactive status holds significant implications for achieving coordinated development. Taking Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration (SPUA) as our study area, we developed a Cities-ESV Coupling Index ( [...] Read more.

Reconstructing relationships between urban agglomeration and relevant ecosystems from an ecosystem services perspective and quantitatively assessing their interactive status holds significant implications for achieving coordinated development. Taking Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration (SPUA) as our study area, we developed a Cities-ESV Coupling Index (I) serving as a composite metric for assessing city–ecosystem coupling dynamics through a multidimensional framework encompassing the following: (1) urban development level, (2) ecosystem service value (ESV), (3) ecosystem service physical quantity, and (4) spatial balance degree of ecosystem service, operationalized through 10 selected indicators. Our methodology integrates ESV quantification, biophysical assessment, correlation analysis modeling, and spatial autocorrelation modeling to comprehensively evaluate coupling relationships between cities and ecosystems across 16 cities and 78 counties. This study innovatively integrates ESV quantification with biophysical assessment methodologies in indicator selection, while strategically incorporating spatial agglomeration metrics. The multidimensional framework effectively addresses the prevalent oversimplification in existing ecosystem service measurement paradigms. The findings are as follows: the total ESV is 13,977.87 × 10⁸ CNY/a, which accounts for about 20% of the total GDP of SPUA. The Cities-ESV coupling index (I) of four cities, including Dongying, Linyi, Yantai, and Weifang, ranks among the top in SPUA, while that of seven counties, namely Weshan, Qixia, Yiyuan, Yishui, Mengyin, and Linqu, is at a relatively high-level. The conclusion is as follows: the total ESV in SPUA had been continuously decreasing. The coupling relationship between cities and ecosystems are significantly negatively correlated, and the Cities-ESV coupling index (I) of SPUA has obvious regional differentiation characteristics. Therefore, differentiated ecological land protection policies should be formulated to curb the trend of continuous decline in ESV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Remote Sensing and GIS for Monitoring Land Use Change and Its Ecological Effects)

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21 pages, 6880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges in Systematic Property Registration in Romania: An Analytical Overview

by Vasile Gherheș, Carmen Grecea, Clara-Beatrice Vilceanu, Sorin Herban and Claudiu Coman

Land 2025, 14(5), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051118 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

After the fall of communism, Romania embarked on a comprehensive land restitution process through Law No. 18/1991, aiming to re-establish private ownership rights, particularly for agricultural and forestry lands. Divergent historical legacies across regions have resulted in heterogeneous land administration systems, contributing to [...] Read more.

After the fall of communism, Romania embarked on a comprehensive land restitution process through Law No. 18/1991, aiming to re-establish private ownership rights, particularly for agricultural and forestry lands. Divergent historical legacies across regions have resulted in heterogeneous land administration systems, contributing to inconsistencies, overlapping claims, and prolonged legal disputes. To address these challenges, the Romanian government introduced the National Cadastre and Land Registration Program, which promotes systematic property registration across the country. Keeping in mind the fact that there is no integrated study that analyses national challenges from multiple dimensions such as history, law, institutions, technology, and socioeconomics and proposes systematic optimization strategies, this article provides a critical analysis of the legal and institutional framework governing land restitution and cadastral reform, highlighting the influence of historical administrative structures and the adoption of modern geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). By adopting a qualitative and document-based research approach, focusing on the analysis of legislative frameworks, institutional procedures, and technical instruments used in systematic land registration in Romania, this study emphasizes the benefits of systematic registration, including increased legal certainty, investment stimulation, improved access to credit, and better planning and taxation. Despite progress, implementation remains uneven, hindered by documentation gaps, institutional capacity limitations, and administrative obstacles. Recent legislative adjustments and the integration of advanced geospatial tools aim to improve data quality and accelerate the registration process. Ultimately, the integration of legal, institutional, and geospatial components is essential for achieving transparent and accountable land governance, efficient resource management, and sustainable rural development in Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Development and Investment)

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25 pages, 9270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variation and Influencing Factors of Ecological Quality in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Based on the Unified Remote Sensing Ecological Index over the Past 30 Years

by Fangfang Sun, Chengcheng Dong, Longlong Zhao, Jinsong Chen, Li Wang, Ruixia Jiang and Hongzhong Li

Land 2025, 14(5), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051117 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is one of China’s three major urban agglomerations. Over the past thirty years, the region has undergone intensive economic development and urban expansion, resulting in significant changes in its ecological conditions. Due to the region’s humid [...] Read more.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is one of China’s three major urban agglomerations. Over the past thirty years, the region has undergone intensive economic development and urban expansion, resulting in significant changes in its ecological conditions. Due to the region’s humid and rainy climate, traditional remote sensing ecological indexes (RSEIs) struggle to ensure consistency in long-term ecological quality assessments. To address this, this study developed a unified RSEI (URSEI) model, incorporating optimized data selection, composite index construction, normalization using invariant regions, and multi-temporal principal component analysis. Using Landsat imagery from 1990 to 2020, this study examined the spatiotemporal evolution of ecological quality in the GBA. Building on this, spatial autocorrelation analysis was applied to explore the distribution characteristics of the URSEI, followed by geodetector analysis to investigate its driving factors, including temperature, precipitation, elevation, slope, land use, population density, GDP, and nighttime light. The results indicate that (1) the URSEI effectively mitigates the impact of cloudy and rainy conditions on data consistency, producing seamless ecological quality maps that accurately reflect the region’s ecological evolution; (2) ecological quality showed a “decline-then-improvement” trend during the study period, with the URSEI mean dropping from 0.65 in 1990 to 0.60 in 2000, then rising to 0.63 by 2020. Spatially, ecological quality was higher in the northwest and northeast, and poorer in the central urbanized areas; and (3) in terms of driving mechanisms, nighttime light, GDP, and temperature were the most influential, with the combined effect of “nighttime light + land use” being the primary driver of URSEI spatial heterogeneity. Human-activity-related factors showed the most notable variation in influence over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Sensitive Areas: Ecosystem Services, Protected Lands, and Current Challenges (Second Edition))

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19 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Harnessing the Invasive Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for Use as an Agricultural Soil Amendment

by Adam Canning

Land 2025, 14(5), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051116 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a globally invasive aquatic weed with high biomass productivity and nutrient content, offering potential as a low-cost organic soil amendment. This review synthesizes findings from 35 studies identified through a structured Web of Science search, examining [...] Read more.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a globally invasive aquatic weed with high biomass productivity and nutrient content, offering potential as a low-cost organic soil amendment. This review synthesizes findings from 35 studies identified through a structured Web of Science search, examining its use as mulch, compost, biochar, and foliar extract. Reported agronomic benefits include improvements in soil organic carbon, nutrient availability (particularly nitrogen and potassium), microbial activity, and crop yields. However, most studies are short-term and conducted under greenhouse or pot conditions, limiting field-scale generalizability. Additionally, reporting of compost composition and contaminant levels is inconsistent, raising concerns about food safety. While logistical and economic feasibility remain underexplored, emerging evidence suggests that with proper processing, water hyacinth amendments could reduce fertilizer dependence and contribute to circular bioeconomy goals. Future research should prioritize field trials, standardized production protocols, and life cycle assessments to evaluate long-term performance, risks, and climate benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Land Management towards a Net-Zero Pathway)

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