Geographies

Metro Manila, one of the world’s most densely populated megacities, is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise because of its low-lying deltaic location, frequent tropical cyclones, and rapid anthropogenic subsidence caused mainly by groundwater extraction. This study brings together historical tide-gauge records from the Port of Manila (PSMSL) with the Sixth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR6) projections under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, adding in vertical land motion (VLM) and sea-level fingerprints to work out local relative sea-level (RSL) changes. Assuming a constant subsidence rate, cumulative VLM reaches ~0.785 m by 2100 and ~1.289 m by 2150. When you factor in climatic contributions (amplified 10–20% by fingerprints, especially under high-emission scenarios thanks to far-field Antarctic ice-loss effects in the western Pacific), projected RSL ranges from 1.09–1.42 m (SSP1-2.6) to 1.51–2.00 m (SSP5-8.5) by 2100, and from 1.70–2.28 m to 2.41–3.54 m by 2150. Results show that 7.95–11.15 km² (1.2–1.8% of land area under SSP5-8.5) could face permanent inundation, mostly in Malabon (~18%), Navotas (~20%), and Manila (~7%). Our conservative estimates (permanent ocean-connected flooding, excluding existing aquaculture areas) come in much lower than earlier mid-century projections of up to a 30% area affected. All this will worsen chronic tidal flooding, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and risks to millions in low-lying districts. We urgently need integrated adaptation, better groundwater regulation, and a mix of nature-based and engineered solutions. Full article

The article will focus on the concept of eco-hotel, ecotourism, the criteria for the creation of an eco-hotel and, subsequently, the certifications valid in Europe specifically in the Visegrád Group countries. The analysis of the Visegrád Group (V4) countries focuses on the ecolabel and comparison of certified and non-certified hotels. With the increasing number of ecolabels on the market, many hotels are trying to adapt to this growing trend. However, it is very important to expose the misleading advertising in the field of “being eco”. Tourists are often misled by the so-called “greenwashing”, which is an increasingly big problem. This negative phenomenon needs to be eliminated, and hoteliers should be motivated to create an environmentally friendly environment in the context of sustainable tourism development. Full article

The proliferation of marine data presents both an opportunity for ocean governance and a challenge, contributing to fragmentation across disciplines, institutions, and sectors. Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) stands out as a major framework for integrating marine information. However, an integrated synthesis that combines quantitative mapping of publication patterns with qualitative analysis of thematic evolution remains absent. This study employs a two-step approach combining systematic review and bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature (2000–2024). Based on a focused corpus of 20 publications rigorously screened for explicit MSDI relevance, we examine publication trends, collaboration patterns, thematic structures, and evolutionary trajectories. Results indicate accelerating scholarly interest in MSDI, with European institutions contributing 75% of the analysed publications. Policy frameworks such as the INSPIRE Directive (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) emerge as key drivers of research activity. Temporal analysis of this corpus suggests a tentative five-phase evolution in MSDI research: (1) foundational technical standardisation, (2) governance model implementation, (3) semantic interoperability enhancement, (4) policy integration, and (5) advanced applications incorporating FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) principles and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These phases, derived from systematic coding of thematic focus across publications, represent observed patterns within the analysed literature rather than definitive stages. This paper concludes that MSDI is moving toward a more socio-technical approach that requires the consideration of a technical-focused tool in present-day ocean governance. Future work should combine semantic AI, decentralised architectures, polycentric governance models, and impact assessment frameworks to align MSDI development with the objectives of equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Full article

The San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago, located in the Colombian Caribbean, hosts diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and beaches, all of which are increasingly threatened by human activities. This research proposes a spatial analysis of ecological risk that integrates ecosystem vulnerability and anthropogenic pressures associated with land-use change to promote sustainable risk management. The vulnerability of island ecosystems was assessed by analyzing changes in cover across multiple time periods. At the same time, risks from anthropogenic pressures were determined based on marine protected area zoning and land-use planning regulations. Results show contrasting patterns: while several mangrove and beach sectors remained relatively stable, mangrove loss reached up to 65% in Providencia, and seagrass ecosystems experienced severe degradation, including a complete loss (100%) in western San Andrés. Risk maps indicate that the highest risk levels are consistently associated with Special Use Zones, where tourism infrastructure, navigation, and port activities are permitted. These findings highlight the importance of ecosystem-based risk management and adaptive governance in reducing anthropogenic pressures and preserving island ecosystem health. Full article

Winter tourism is increasingly influenced by changing socio-demographic dynamics, climate change, and evolving leisure preferences. While prior research has examined winter tourist motivations, sustainability strategies and climate change adoption, less attention has been paid to differences between urban and rural residents in their attitudes toward domestic winter leisure tourism. This study addresses this gap by exploring variations in participation patterns, service evaluations, and overall tourism experiences among urban and rural Bulgarian residents. Drawing on a quantitative survey of urban and rural residents (n = 1003), the research systematizes the general characteristics of domestic winter leisure tourism practices and evaluates key tourism service dimensions, including accessibility, accommodation, pricing, infrastructure, and environmental quality. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were applied to identify statistically significant differences between groups. The findings reveal distinct behavioural and perceptual patterns: urban residents demonstrate higher participation frequency and place greater emphasis on service quality and diversified amenities, whereas rural residents show stronger sensitivity to pricing and accessibility factors. Differences are also observed in the overall evaluation of the tourism experience, reflecting structural and socio-economic disparities. The study contributes to winter tourism literature by integrating spatial residence into the analysis of domestic tourism demand and experience assessment. The results provide practical implications for destination managers and policymakers seeking to design differentiated marketing strategies and improve service provision in line with the needs of diverse domestic segments. Full article

This study examines the propagation from meteorological to hydrological drought across representative river basins in Bulgaria, focusing on temporal and spatial characteristics of the process. Monthly precipitation and streamflow data for 1964–2023 were used to calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-1 to SPI-12) and the Streamflow Drought Index (SDI-1). The results indicate an increase in drought frequency and severity during 1994–2023 compared to 1964–1993, particularly at longer accumulation scales (SPI-6 to SPI-12). The strongest relationships between meteorological and hydrological drought are observed at multi-seasonal scales (SPI-3 to SPI-6), while clear seasonal differences are identified between the cold (November–April) and warm (May–October) half-years. Conditional probability analysis shows a common propagation lag of 7–9 months across the studied basins. At the same time, once critical precipitation deficits are reached, hydrological drought may develop at short lags of 0–1 month, indicating a rapid system response under severe conditions. Marked regional differences are observed. The middle and lower Struma basin shows the highest drought-transition probabilities (>50%), whereas the Tundzha basin appears more buffered due to reservoir regulation and hydrogeological conditions. The results highlight that drought propagation depends on accumulation time, seasonal regime, and basin characteristics, and they support the need for basin-specific and proactive water management under changing climate conditions. Full article

Community land management plays an important role in wildfire-prone landscapes in Mediterranean Europe. However, in Portugal, information on the spatial extent and boundaries of community land remains fragmented across multiple institutions. This study addresses a critical but often overlooked issue in wildfire management: the fragmentation of institutional data on community land boundaries in mainland Portugal and its direct implications for forest fire risk management, planning, and accountability. We harmonized georeferenced datasets from various government and public institutions, applying multi-institutional spatial integration supported by legal land use criteria using the Land Use Land Cover map 2018 (LULC2018). The resulting national map represents the first fully harmonized spatial assessment of community land (baldios) in mainland Portugal. Our results show that baldios currently occupy approximately 595 thousand hectares, significantly exceeding official estimates. Of this total, around 74% are under partial forest regime law, and approximately 76% are classified as having a high or very high wildfire hazard. This means that three out of every four hectares of baldios in mainland Portugal are structurally susceptible to extreme wildfire conditions. Beyond improving cartographic data, the study’s findings demonstrate how the lack of land registry weakens the institutional foundations for community-based wildfire management. Without a functional, legally validated national map of community land boundaries, responsibilities, co-management mechanisms, and prevention measures remain spatially inconsistent. Full article

Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, together with altered soil saturation dynamics, have significantly increased the occurrence of shallow landslides. These processes are closely linked to climate change and increasingly affect mountainous and hilly regions worldwide, where rainfall-induced pore pressure variations and transient infiltration govern slope instability. Despite growing recognition of climate-driven slope failures, most conventional geomechanical analyses still rely on static assumptions and simplified boundary conditions, which are insufficient to capture the pronounced temporal variability of hydro-climatic forcing. To address this gap, this study introduces a conceptual and methodological framework for a proactive landslide cadaster, developed within the Climate Adaptive Resilience Evaluation (CARE) framework. Rather than serving as a static inventory of past events, the proposed cadaster functions as a structured, updatable repository of climate–geomechanical parameters that directly support advanced landslide analyses. The core innovation lies in the formalization of the climate–geomechanical interface, which enables the transformation of climatic and hydrological variables into parameters directly applicable in geomechanical modeling. These parameters encompass climatic, hydrological, geomechanical, and thermo-hydraulic processes and are assigned to spatially referenced locations, complemented by documented landslide occurrences. Their spatial distribution forms a network of reference points that allows interpolation, continuous updating, and reuse across multiple analyses. In this way, the cadaster becomes a proactive, process-based data infrastructure, serving as the foundational input for scenario-based landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk assessments within the CARE analytical workflow. The conceptual framework is illustrated through an example from Slovenia, focusing on the Visole area near Maribor, where selected data types and workflow steps are presented for demonstration purposes. Full article

Catastrophic disturbances pose significant challenges to remote sensing because landscapes can change rapidly, while access for field validation is limited, making it difficult to consistently track the spatiotemporal dynamics of discrete land-surface types. Building on the metaphor of the “ecosystem as an organism” and the individualistic perspective on ecosystems, each surface type is treated as a spectrally coherent entity whose identity must remain comparable over time despite changing conditions. To achieve this comparability, a Procrustes-based framework is introduced to align multi-index feature spaces from different dates to a common archetype, enabling cross-date classification within a commensurable coordinate system. Since Procrustes alignment requires a stable reference, the concept of core pixels (centroid-typical samples in feature space) is extended to spatially grounded anchor pixels that are invariant in both spectral and geographic space, thereby representing the persistent “organismal” structure of the landscape. Regression-based evaluation indicates that the Procrustes–anchor workflow improves classification fidelity and produces a clearer, more interpretable transition matrix of type changes, facilitating the separation of systematic transient dynamics from noisy reassignments. The resulting discrete habitat maps are independently validated using field geobotanical vegetation types, providing an ecological basis for the classified surface-type dynamics under catastrophic conditions. Full article

Tornadoes pose growing threats to both communities and the built environment, yet few studies have quantified how spatial characteristics of the built environment interact with social and economic factors while influencing tornado impacts. This paper introduces an integrated metric that combines tornado risk and exposure to evaluate localized disaster impact. Focusing on Florida’s Panhandle, we examine how housing density and affordability, network connectivity, and urban form efficiency, together with demographic and socioeconomic attributes, shape tornado impacts at the U.S. census block group (CBG) level. To address spatial autocorrelation and non-stationarity, five statistical models were compared, including both global and local spatial regressions. The findings indicate that multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) most effectively captures the spatial heterogeneity of tornado impacts. Built-environment and affordability factors show clear spatial heterogeneity— smart location indexand housing cost burden (h_ami) are positively associated with tornado impact in CBGs near Tallahassee and parts of Pensacola—suggesting amplified impacts in location-efficient urban areas where exposure is concentrated and affordability stress may limit preparedness and recovery. In contrast, network density is negatively associated with the impact of key clusters, consistent with the idea that denser, more redundant road networks can reduce canopy-weighted disruption by providing alternative routes for emergency access and restoration. Overall, these findings can inform our understanding of how the built environment influences tornado exposure, offering critical insights for planners and policymakers seeking to strengthen communities against tornadoes. Full article

This study evaluates the costs and benefits of participatory forest management (PFM) versus non-participatory forest management based on the perceptions and involvement of local communities in the Kilombero Valley Ramsar site, Tanzania. The area hosts ecologically significant wetlands managed through different regimes: forests managed by local communities under PFM and protected areas controlled by national authorities. Using data collected through focus groups, key interviews, household surveys, and direct observations in two villages—Siginali (PFM) and Kilama (non-participatory)—this research explores perceptions of two different forest management approaches. The results revealed: (i) a generally low awareness and participation in forest management activities in both villages; (ii) restrictions on forest resource access, essential for local livelihoods, were common and often poorly accepted in the two villages; (iii) neither approach alleviates poverty, instead, strict regulations have worsened livelihoods by eliminating traditional income sources; (iv) forced participation in patrols and fire control was also noted as an unfair burden without direct compensation; and (v) the “fortress” model is perceived as more effective at improving forest health and stopping illegal activity due to stricter patrols. The study concludes that while PFM supports forest sustainability, it needs enhanced local engagement, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and complementary income-generating initiatives such as ecotourism to sustainably balance conservation and community welfare. Full article

This study aims to investigate the relationship between basin hydrology and estuarine processes such as dynamics that influence salinity and water quality in the Shatt Al-Arab River, southern Iraq. Extensive samplings were conducted at 25 sites along the river course over one hydrological year. Runoff estimates were obtained using the soil conservation service–curve number (SCS-CN) model. During winter, peak rainfall (76.8 mm month⁻¹) and runoff (12.38 mm month⁻¹) promote the shortest salt wedge extension (8 km) and the highest water quality (median water quality index (WQI) = 22). In contrast, during fall, minimal rainfall (6.51 mm month⁻¹) and runoff (0.14 mm month⁻¹) result in a salt wedge extension of 109 km and the lowest water quality (median WQI = 250). Strong correlations between rainfall–runoff estimates, salt wedge extension, and water quality parameters demonstrate that water quality status can be predicted using hydrological inputs alone. Thus, this study introduces a novel quantification of the flushing influence required to maintain the Shatt Al-Arab River’s ecological health. A strong (r² = 0.87) significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was detected between the runoff coefficient (a proxy indicator of catchment wetness) and the standard deviation of WQI. Such a negative correlation implies that hydrological flushing fosters water quality stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed how natural and anthropogenic sources contribute to water quality. The findings illustrate how seasonal hydrological variability control mixing processes, salt wedge propagation, and water quality in estuarine-influenced river systems, presenting a framework adaptable to similar systems worldwide. Full article

The Aravalli Mountain System (AMS) is one of the oldest fold orogens in the world, serving as a natural boundary against desertification in north-western India. The AMS has high environmental importance and faces accelerated soil degradation driven by both anthropogenic pressures and climatic shifts. Still, high-resolution measurements of soil erosion processes have not been conducted on the AMS scale. The present study assesses long-term LULC transitions between 2001 and 2021, identifies high-resolution short-term LULC dynamics between 2017 and 2024, and models spatiotemporal soil erosion dynamics using the RUSLE model. The findings indicate that LULC has changed rapidly, with built-up areas increasing by 53 per cent at the expense of rangelands and croplands. These drivers resulted in a 13.8 per cent increase in the mean annual soil loss between 2017 and 2024, from 1.59 to 1.81 t/ha/yr, while forest cover has increased over the timescale, as is evident in this study. The steep slopes, susceptible soils, and mining areas are strongly associated with erosion hotspots. Increased soil erosion in the AMS despite a significant increase in afforestation highlights that local conservation cannot compensate for massive land conversion. The present study provides a scalable, high-resolution framework for assessing soil erosion in vulnerable old mountain systems globally for sustainable land-use planning, mineral governance, and integrated conservation to protect for future generations. Full article

Traditional fieldwork in Physical Geography courses is considered a key activity to fix concepts and ideas taught in class. Unfortunately, it is a complex and expensive activity. Over recent decades, with the advancement and emergence of new technological tools, part of the traditional fieldwork has been replaced by virtual fieldwork techniques. In this study, we analyzed and evaluated the perceptions of the students in relation to the traditional fieldwork, focusing on the reinforcement of the concepts taught in class. After several extensive fieldwork campaigns, we evaluated a group of Physical Geography students through tests, which assessed perceptions related to learning enhancement, skill acquisition, motivation and environmental awareness, and we confirmed that the traditional fieldwork allowed the students not only to reinforce their knowledge, but also to acquire new skills and improve their understanding of the importance of environmental conservation. Full article

This study was conducted to assess the impact of land allocation on the land tenure security, settlement, and land use stability of households, individuals in Central Vietnam. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the model using survey data from 400 households and individuals in Quy Nhon, Tay Son, and An Lao, administratively under Binh Dinh Province during the 2019–2023 study period and currently under Gia Lai Province following the July 2025 administrative restructuring. The research results show that land allocation has a direct and positive impact on land tenure security, settlement, and land use stability, while also having an indirect impact through a mediating variable, partly land tenure security (shown by the significance level of the research model at 1%, total effect β_{LA→LTS–SLUS} = 0.603). The research results propose several policy implications for land allocation regulations that combine enhanced legal security, actual security, and perceived security, thereby encouraging land users to settle and stabilize their land use. Full article

Urban hydrological risks are endangering vulnerable populations, particularly in densely populated metropolitan areas undergoing rapid land use transformation. This study uses geospatial analysis to identify zones in the Athens metropolitan area that are prone to surface water accumulation and stream flow development during extreme rainfall events. Two spatial indices were developed by integrating digital elevation models, flow accumulation, slope, aspect, the topographic wetness index, and classified road network data: a Surface Water Accumulation Index and a Stream flow Pathway Index. Roads were categorized based on their orientation relative to the direction of the slope, which allowed for an assessment of their influence on hydrological flow. Both indices were classified into five risk levels representing gradients of hydrological vulnerability. The spatial patterns revealed by this analysis show strong correlations with flood-prone areas and natural drainage systems. These insights are essential for guiding urban planning efforts aimed at reducing hydrological hazards, particularly for at-risk groups such as the homeless. This approach offers a valuable tool for promoting sustainable, socially inclusive landscape management. Full article

Coastal settlements in Bangladesh are geographically flood-prone areas. This physical nature erodes the size and shape of those settlement boundaries over time. Such changes leave communities vulnerable in terms of securing a living place and livelihoods. However, the research arena rarely addresses the long-term changing aspects of settlement and the local governance responses to vulnerability. To examine this situation, this study explored settlement transformation patterns and governance challenges, using the case study of Chattogram Division in Bangladesh from 2005 to 2025. It applied a mixed-methods approach. The analysis, using the technique of Multi-temporal Landsat imagery with Random Forest classification, revealed complex settlement trajectories. It showed built-up areas expanded significantly between 2005 and 2015 but shrank by 2025, reflecting both hazard exposure and displacement pressures. Union-level analysis identified 62 coastal unions with high to very high settlement change. Conducting field surveys in selected Juidandi and Kalamarchhara unions through focus group discussions with communities and interviews with local officials highlighted recurring inundation, permanent land loss affecting thousands of households, and persistent disruptions to livelihoods. This study also found moderate emergency responses in selected unions; however, strategic planning for relocation, health, and well-being of communities is insufficient. Continuous resource constraints and poor coordination with communities and line organizations made local implementation less effective, which blurs the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction policies. These findings underscore the necessity of union-level governance capacity building, integrating community-based adaptation with formal interventions, and developing spatially differentiated relocation strategies to enhance the resilience of climate-vulnerable coastal settlements. Full article

Village landscapes within an 80 km radius of Lubumbashi (south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo) are undergoing rapid spatial transformation driven by subsistence agriculture, charcoal production, and mining activities. This study analyzes how these transformations are spatially perceived and organized across five village territories of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin using an adapted version of Kevin Lynch’s perceptual model. Landscape elements were independently identified by trained cartographic observers and by local community members. A comparison of the resulting maps yields a Sørensen similarity index ranging between 70% and 75% across villages, indicating strong convergence in spatial interpretation despite differences in expertise. Among the perceptual components, districts and landmarks account for nearly half of all identified elements and comprise the most perceptible anthropogenic disturbances. Spatial analysis shows that areas perceived as negatively impacted represent between 40% and 79% of total village surfaces. Deforestation associated with post-cultivation fallow dominates in Makisemu (47.6%) and Texas (64.4%), while woodland degradation linked to charcoal production is particularly pronounced in Mwawa (39.0%) and Luisha (25.1%). Mining-related disturbances, including soil and water alteration, are especially evident in Nsela (24.6%). These findings demonstrate that Lynch’s framework, although originally developed for urban systems, can effectively structure perception in diffuse rural woodland environments when methodologically adapted. Perception-based cartography therefore provides a robust complementary tool to biophysical monitoring for understanding the spatial footprint of anthropogenic pressures at the village scale and informing ecosystem restoration strategies. Full article

This study intends to develop a GIS–AHP integrated framework to identify and analyze potential ecotourism routes between Jeddah and Alula, a corridor rich in ecological and cultural resources in Saudi Arabia. The research employed an integrated GIS and AHP methodology applying four criteria: ecological, cultural, infrastructural, and socio-economic. The AHP provided a systematic method for allocating weights to criteria through expert assessment, while GIS facilitated the spatial analysis, standardization, and integration of diverse information into a unified suitability map. The results reveal considerable regional heterogeneity in ecotourism suitability along the corridor. Highland areas near Alula and Al-Madinah showed high suitability due to the favorable climate, vegetation, and scenic aspects, while arid interior zones were mostly low-suited. The regions surrounding Jeddah, Yanbu, and Alula prospered from significant cultural and infrastructural accessibility. Overall, 21.4% of the land and 19.6% of road parts were categorized as highly appropriate for ecotourism. The integrated model indicates that ecotourism route planning can be enhanced by integrating environmental sensitivity with infrastructural availability. The findings expand the theoretical and practical discussion on spatial decision-making in sustainable tourism, offering a comprehensive, reliable approach for identifying potential ecotourism routes. Full article