Land | Editor’s choice Articles

26 pages, 9187 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A New Perspective on Blue–Green Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation in Urbanized Areas: A Soil-Pipe System as a Multifunctional Solution

by Henrike Walther, Christoph Bennerscheidt, Dirk Jan Boudeling, Markus Streckenbach, Felix Simon, Christoph Mudersbach, Saphira Schnaut, Mark Oelmann and Markus Quirmbach

Land 2025, 14(5), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051065 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 485

Abstract

The implementation of a decentralized blue–green infrastructure (BGI) is a key strategy in climate adaptation and stormwater management. However, the integration of urban trees into the multifunctional infrastructure remains insufficiently addressed, particularly regarding rooting space in dense urban environments. Addressing this gap, the [...] Read more.

The implementation of a decentralized blue–green infrastructure (BGI) is a key strategy in climate adaptation and stormwater management. However, the integration of urban trees into the multifunctional infrastructure remains insufficiently addressed, particularly regarding rooting space in dense urban environments. Addressing this gap, the BoRSiS project developed the soil-pipe system (SPS), which repurposes the existing underground pipe trenches and roadway space to provide trees with significantly larger root zones without competing for additional urban space. This enhances tree-related ecosystem services, such as cooling, air purification, and runoff reduction. The SPS serves as a stormwater retention system by capturing excess rainwater during heavy precipitation events of up to 180 min, reducing the pressure on drainage systems. System evaluations show that, on average, each SPS module (20 m trench length) can store 1028–1285 L of water, enabling a moisture supply to trees for 3.4 to 25.7 days depending on the species and site conditions. This capacity allows the system to buffer short-term drought periods, which, according to climate data, recur with frequencies of 9 (7-day) and 2 (14-day) events per year. Geotechnical and economic assessments confirm the system stability and cost-efficiency. These findings position the SPS as a scalable, multifunctional solution for urban climate adaptation, tree vitality, and a resilient infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)

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21 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Urban Shrinkage on Carbon Emission Intensity and Its Spatial Spillover Effects

by Xiaochun Zhao and Xiaodan Nie

Land 2025, 14(5), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050975 - 30 Apr 2025

Viewed by 204

Abstract

Cities are important consumers of resources, and their carbon emissions are key to realizing China’s dual-carbon goals. However, the trend of urban shrinkage has grown increasingly pronounced in recent years, and how this affects the carbon emissions of cities is a major issue [...] Read more.

Cities are important consumers of resources, and their carbon emissions are key to realizing China’s dual-carbon goals. However, the trend of urban shrinkage has grown increasingly pronounced in recent years, and how this affects the carbon emissions of cities is a major issue that deserves to be studied. This study zeroes in on 278 Chinese cities that rank at or above the prefectural level between 2012 and 2021, employs a comprehensive analytical framework, incorporating multiple methodological approaches including entropy-based measurement, panel fixed-effects regression, mediating effect analysis, and spatial econometric modeling, to systematically investigate how urban shrinkage affects carbon emission intensity. The study’s findings indicate the following: (1) Urban contraction exacerbates the further increase in carbon emission intensity. (2) Mechanism tests show that human capital level and industrial structure advancement are the primary pathways through which urban shrinkage influences carbon intensity. (3) Urban contraction has a greater effect on increasing carbon emission intensity in central, western, and resource-dependent cities, according to the heterogeneity study. (4) Urban shrinkage lowers nearby cities’ carbon intensity through spatial spillovers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Second Edition: Urban Planning Pathways to Carbon Neutrality)

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15 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Natural Climate Solutions in Long-Term Climate Strategies: Opportunities for Enhanced Mitigation Across the European Union

by Giulio Di Lallo, Chiara De Notaris and Maria Vincenza Chiriacò

Land 2025, 14(4), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040825 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 379

Abstract

Effective national strategies must be carefully planned in advance to position the land sector as a pivotal contributor to achieving the 2050 climate neutrality target set by the European Union (EU) under the Paris Agreement. Governments define their pathways to achieve the climate [...] Read more.

Effective national strategies must be carefully planned in advance to position the land sector as a pivotal contributor to achieving the 2050 climate neutrality target set by the European Union (EU) under the Paris Agreement. Governments define their pathways to achieve the climate goals through the long-term low emission development strategies (LTSs), which describe policies and measures for a just and socially fair transition to low greenhouse gas. This paper explores the natural climate solutions foreseen by the available twenty-five LTSs in the EU to assess each country’s use and potential of land mitigation. Subsequently, it evaluates if better planning is possible to increase carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We found that most of the analyzed twenty-five EU countries envisage a wide set of natural climate solutions, demonstrating an understand of importance of land policies and measures to meet their climate targets. Sustainable forest management, agroforestry, and healthy and sustainable diets emerge as solutions mostly reported and with the largest mitigation potential across the EU, albeit with large variability among countries. However, some countries could further harness the potential for mitigation in the land sector. This study highlights how some countries could improve their LTSs, accounting for their specific land mitigation potential. Full article

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

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23 pages, 14330 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Prediction Capability of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Badland Susceptibility Mapping: The Foglia River Basin (Italy) Case of Study

by Margherita Bianchini, Stefano Morelli, Mirko Francioni and Roberta Bonì

Land 2025, 14(3), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030651 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 854

Abstract

Badland morphologies are prominent examples of linear erosion occurring on clay-rich slopes and are critical hotspots for sediment production. Traditional field-based mapping of these features can be both time-consuming and costly, particularly over larger basins. This research proposes a novel methodology for assessing [...] Read more.

Badland morphologies are prominent examples of linear erosion occurring on clay-rich slopes and are critical hotspots for sediment production. Traditional field-based mapping of these features can be both time-consuming and costly, particularly over larger basins. This research proposes a novel methodology for assessing badland susceptibility through a multi-criteria decision-making framework known as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This methodology, developed and tested in the Foglia River basin of the Marche region (Italy), facilitates the identification and mapping of badland areas. More in detail, our study resulted in the creation of a comprehensive badland inventory and susceptibility map for the 102 km² study area, identifying 276 badlands using a combination of satellite imagery, historical orthophotos, existing regional inventories, and field inspections. Key predisposing factors, including geological, land use, topographical, and hydrometric elements, were systematically analyzed using the AHP approach. The research findings indicate that badlands develop in medium to steep slopes oriented towards the southern quadrants and in proximity to watercourses; their formation is predominantly influenced by clayey–sandy lithology. The resulting inventory and susceptibility map serve as relevant tools for monitoring, preventing, and mitigating slope instability risks within the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Disasters in a Changing Landscape: Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies)

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19 pages, 2977 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing Cross-Border Spatial Planning: Establishing a Common Understanding Through a Forthcoming European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Between Galicia and Portugal

by Roberto Vila-Lage, Alejandro Otero-Varela and Valerià Paül

Land 2025, 14(3), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030542 - 5 Mar 2025

Viewed by 607

Abstract

At the border between Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal, where three European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) currently operate, the process to establish a fourth one is underway: Raia Seca Gerês/Xurés (RSGX). This new cross-border cooperation structure covers an area rich in natural [...] Read more.

At the border between Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal, where three European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) currently operate, the process to establish a fourth one is underway: Raia Seca Gerês/Xurés (RSGX). This new cross-border cooperation structure covers an area rich in natural and cultural heritage and mostly matches the Gerês/Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve designated in 2009. The goal of this paper is to decipher to what extent a common understanding between both sides of the border might enable the delivery of a common spatial plan managed by the EGTC under the auspices of the sustainable development paradigm. The findings obtained from the interviews conducted indicate that borders remain present in the experiences and mentalities of the interviewed stakeholders and that cross-border spatial planning largely depends on territorial agendas linked to national-state sovereignty, hindering its factual implementation. The interviewees expect the future EGTC to serve as a mechanism to channel cooperation and redefine the role of the already designated Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, moving beyond isolated actions funded by Interreg and embracing a more integrated approach to cooperation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Commons Governance and Sustainable Land Use)

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15 pages, 4852 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Structural and Functional Connectivity of Thermal Refuges in a Desert City: Impacts of Climate Change and Urbanization on Desert Wildlife

by Amy E. Frazier, Brian Sehner and Barira Rashid

Land 2025, 14(3), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030480 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 695

Abstract

Connectivity is crucial for species conservation, but most assessments define connectivity solely in terms of protected or natural areas and land covers without regard for the underlying thermal environment. As climate change accelerates, it is becoming increasingly important to not only assess land [...] Read more.

Connectivity is crucial for species conservation, but most assessments define connectivity solely in terms of protected or natural areas and land covers without regard for the underlying thermal environment. As climate change accelerates, it is becoming increasingly important to not only assess land use and land cover changes (LULCC) but also how surface temperatures are evolving and creating more fragmented thermal refuges over time. This research investigates how the surface thermal environment has changed over time in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, a desert city in the southwestern United States, and how the spatial patterns of cooler refuges within the heat landscape, or “heatscape,” may be affecting wildlife habitat availability alongside LULCC. We quantify the structural and functional connectivity of thermal refuges using a suite of connectivity metrics from landscape ecology to demonstrate how the spatial distribution and configuration of these critical areas has changed over the last 35 years and what the implications are for the many wildlife species living in this desert environment. Results show that thermal refuge patches have been shrinking and becoming more fragmented over the past 35 years, with connectivity also declining over the same period. A key inflection point was identified in 2000, when the probability that cooler refuges patches were connected dropped to nearly zero, and it has remained at that low level ever since. These shifts in connectivity are tightly coupled with LULCC in the study area, particularly the loss of irrigated agriculture as it has been replaced by residential and other developed land uses over time. Decreasing water security in the region also threatens to reduce the availability of cooler patches and, simultaneously, the connectivity of those refuges. Introducing cooler patches through engineered materials or artificial shade may help offset some of the losses from irrigated lands. The findings offer a perspective for conservation research with implications for advancing a more formal thermal landscape ecology for understanding and improving the relationship between spatial thermal patterns and ecological processes. Full article

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14 pages, 10755 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Impact of Amazonian Fires on Atmospheric NO₂ Using Satellite Data

by Humberto Alves Barbosa and Catarina de Oliveira Buriti

Land 2025, 14(3), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030482 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 522

Abstract

In the Amazon region, the impact of fire on the region’s biogeochemical processes remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the relationship of seasonal fire on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the study region during the last two decades of the 21st [...] Read more.

In the Amazon region, the impact of fire on the region’s biogeochemical processes remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the relationship of seasonal fire on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the study region during the last two decades of the 21st century by integrating calibrated and validated satellite-derived products of estimations of burned biomass area, land cover, vegetation greenness, rainfall, carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) through geospatial techniques. Results revealed a strong impact of fire activity on GHG emissions, with abrupt changes in CO and NO₂ emission factors between early- and middle-dry-season fires (July–September). We found a strong positive correlation (r² = 0.71) between NO₂ and burned biomass when a small percentage of burned biomass (around ≤ 0.5%) is released during a fire. However, in the event of a large percentage of burned biomass (>0.8%), the correlation coefficient between NO₂ and burned biomass was weak (r² = 0.41). New models need to be developed that incorporate the substantial existing knowledge on the seasonal dynamics of fire-derived GHG emissions. This information should be utilized to make effective decisions about how to manage fire in the Amazon ecosystems and to drive further data collection campaigns and modelling initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Effects on Carbon Storage and Greenhouse Gas Emissions)

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15 pages, 6524 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Global Pattern of Vegetation Homogeneity and Its Impact on Land Surface Temperature

by Ehsan Rahimi, Pinliang Dong and Chuleui Jung

Land 2025, 14(2), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020421 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 486

Abstract

Recent advancements in texture-based metrics have improved the representation of landscape heterogeneity, yet global-scale analyses of the relationship between vegetation homogeneity and land surface temperature (LST) remain limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the correlation between Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)-derived texture [...] Read more.

Recent advancements in texture-based metrics have improved the representation of landscape heterogeneity, yet global-scale analyses of the relationship between vegetation homogeneity and land surface temperature (LST) remain limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the correlation between Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)-derived texture metrics and LST worldwide. We used texture-based metrics from the EVI to assess landscape homogeneity, with LST data from the 2015 MODIS MOD11A1 V6.1 product at a 1 km spatial resolution. Correlation analyses and nonlinear regression models were applied to explore how EVI homogeneity relates to LST across latitudes. Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between EVI homogeneity and LST, with the strongest association in the Northern Hemisphere (R² = 49.3%), followed by a moderate relationship in the Southern Hemisphere (R² = 21.1%). In tropical regions (−10° to 10° latitudes), the association is weaker but still significant (R² = 15.1%). The distribution of EVI homogeneity follows a Gaussian curve, peaking in mid-latitudes (from −35° to −15° in the Southern Hemisphere and from 15° to 35° in the Northern Hemisphere), while tropical regions exhibit consistently low homogeneity with minimal variation. Our results indicate that regions with higher EVI homogeneity, representing less fragmented vegetation, tend to experience higher LST, whereas areas with more fragmented vegetation (lower homogeneity) exhibit cooler temperatures. Our findings offer valuable insights into the role of vegetation structure in regulating surface temperature across diverse ecosystems. The study highlights the potential for texture-based metrics to enhance environmental monitoring, contributing to improved climate adaptation strategies and sustainable land management practices globally. 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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24 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Invasion Patterns of the Coypu, Myocastor coypus, in Western Central Greece: New Records Reveal Expanding Range, Emerging Hotspots, and Habitat Preferences

by Yiannis G. Zevgolis, Alexandros D. Kouris, Stylianos P. Zannetos, Ioannis Selimas, Themistoklis D. Kontos, Apostolos Christopoulos, Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos and Triantaphyllos Akriotis

Land 2025, 14(2), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020365 - 10 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 870

Abstract

The coypu (Myocastor coypus), a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, has established invasive populations across North America, Asia, and Europe. In Greece, since its initial recording in 1965, the species has been rapidly expanding, forming sizable populations in northern continental [...] Read more.

The coypu (Myocastor coypus), a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, has established invasive populations across North America, Asia, and Europe. In Greece, since its initial recording in 1965, the species has been rapidly expanding, forming sizable populations in northern continental regions. However, the extent of its invasion and the environmental drivers shaping its distribution and spatial patterns in western–central Greece remain poorly understood. Here, we address this knowledge gap, aiming to identify and map new coypu records, investigate the relationship between coypu presence and habitat characteristics, and analyze its spatial distribution. Between 2020 and 2023, we conducted 50 field surveys across the study area, documenting direct and indirect evidence of coypu presence. We integrated kernel density estimation, Getis-Ord Gi*, and Anselin local Moran’s I to identify spatial distribution patterns and hotspots of the coypu. Additionally, we analyzed environmental factors including land cover type, total productivity, and geomorphological features to determine their influence on habitat selection. Our findings reveal significant spatial clustering of coypus, with 12 identified hotspots primarily located in protected areas, and highlight tree cover density and productivity variability as key predictors of coypu presence. The suitability of western–central Greece for the coypu appears to be driven by extensive wetlands and interconnected hydrological systems, with hotspots concentrated in lowland agricultural landscapes, providing essential data to guide targeted management strategies for mitigating the ecological risks posed by this invasive species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Management in the Anthropocene)

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19 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Drifting Past Policy Coherence? Rhetoric and Realities of the Mexican Sembrando Vida Program’s Sustainability Goals

by Sofia Mardero, Birgit Schmook, Sophie Calmé, Grecia Casanova and Rehema M. White

Land 2025, 14(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020278 - 29 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1347

Abstract

Global and interconnected sustainability challenges require systems thinking and policy coherence to support bold and coordinated action. To chart a course for action, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a suite of targets across international and national levels. Here, we explore intentions [...] Read more.

Global and interconnected sustainability challenges require systems thinking and policy coherence to support bold and coordinated action. To chart a course for action, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a suite of targets across international and national levels. Here, we explore intentions and contributions over time of the Mexican multifaceted rural-development program Sembrando Vida (SV) to the SDGs, to assess its policy coherence for sustainable development, especially in relation to climate change. We reviewed online documents and newspaper articles, interviewed key SV staff and analyzed the Mexican President’s morning conference speeches. We show that multiplicity and adaptation of stated intentions suggest opportunistic forms of policy drift with limited policy coherence. The potential of the SV program remains promising, but it requires clearer objectives, coherent strategy, expert knowledge, community support and evaluation. These results demonstrate how political context can cause policy drift and negatively impact intended policy coherence for sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role Played by Agriculture in Inland Areas)

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27 pages, 7231 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

From Landscape Architecture to Nature-Based Solutions: A Strategic Approach to Fine Dust Mitigation in Urban School Forests

by Youngsun Seok, Kihwan Song, Jinhyung Chon and Yun Eui Choi

Land 2025, 14(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020281 - 29 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1146

Abstract

Urban areas face increasing environmental challenges, including fine dust pollution and climate change, which significantly impact public health and urban resilience. To address these issues, this study explores the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) and landscape architecture processes to develop a systematic approach [...] Read more.

Urban areas face increasing environmental challenges, including fine dust pollution and climate change, which significantly impact public health and urban resilience. To address these issues, this study explores the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) and landscape architecture processes to develop a systematic approach for enhancing urban environmental outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of prior studies, the strengths and weaknesses of NbSs and landscape architecture processes were analyzed, leading to the development of the Nature-based Landscape Process (NLP), which synthesizes the key principles of both approaches. The Dongmyeong Elementary School Fine Dust Mitigation Forest Project was analyzed as a case study to evaluate the applicability of the NLP. This project, implemented using traditional landscape processes, was critically reviewed to identify areas where NbS principles could enhance ecological, social, and functional outcomes. The findings highlight how the integration of NbS principles into landscape architecture processes can address existing gaps and improve project sustainability and precision. This study provides practical insights into the application of the NLP in urban landscape projects, contributing to the development of strategies that align with long-term sustainability and climate adaptation goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)

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23 pages, 6295 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustaining the Fabric of Time: Urban Heritage, Time Rupture, and Sustainable Development

by Kaixuan Wang and Kalliopi Fouseki

Land 2025, 14(1), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010193 - 18 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1119

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of time rupture, i.e., the disruption of historical continuity caused by rapid urbanization, and its implications for urban heritage preservation, using Dongjiadu in Shanghai as a case study. Time rupture highlights the disconnection between modern development and cultural [...] Read more.

This paper explores the concept of time rupture, i.e., the disruption of historical continuity caused by rapid urbanization, and its implications for urban heritage preservation, using Dongjiadu in Shanghai as a case study. Time rupture highlights the disconnection between modern development and cultural heritage, often diluting local identity and a sense of place. While it presents challenges to the continuity of urban heritage, it also creates opportunities to redefine historical narratives and enrich cultural meaning. By introducing a temporal framework, this study examines the dynamic interplay between heritage preservation and modernity, advocating for adaptive, context-sensitive strategies that move beyond static conservation methods. These strategies acknowledge the fragmented overlaps of urban timelines, ensuring that heritage sites remain vibrant, living components of urban environments. The Dongjiadu case illustrates two distinct categories of time rupture, underscoring the need for sustainable practices that harmonize cultural continuity with contemporary growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices, community engagement, and the critical integration of technological advancements to address time rupture effectively. By incorporating a temporal perspective into heritage conservation, it is possible to bridge historical continuity and modern development, foster resilience in urban environments, and enable cities to adapt to rapid change while retaining their cultural essence. Ultimately, addressing time rupture through thoughtful, adaptive strategies ensures that urban heritage actively contributes to the sustainability and vitality of evolving cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preservation, Reuse and Reveal of Cultural Heritage Through Sustainable Land Management, Rural and Urban Development (Third Edition))

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47 pages, 7369 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review: Potential of Earth Observation (EO) for Mapping Small-Scale Agriculture and Cropping Systems in West Africa

by Niklas Heiss, Jonas Meier, Ursula Gessner and Claudia Kuenzer

Land 2025, 14(1), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010171 - 15 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383

Abstract

West Africa faces a complex range of challenges arising from climatic, social, economic, and ecological factors, which pose significant risks. The rapidly growing population, coupled with persistently low agricultural yield, further exacerbates these risks. A state-of-the-art monitoring and data derivation of agricultural systems [...] Read more.

West Africa faces a complex range of challenges arising from climatic, social, economic, and ecological factors, which pose significant risks. The rapidly growing population, coupled with persistently low agricultural yield, further exacerbates these risks. A state-of-the-art monitoring and data derivation of agricultural systems are crucial for improving livelihoods and enhancing food security. Despite smallholder farming systems accounting for 80% of cultivated cropland area and providing about 42% of the total employment in West Africa, there exists a lack of a comprehensive overview of Remote Sensing (RS) products and studies specifically tailored to smallholder farming systems, which this review aims to address. Through a systematic literature review comprising 163 SCI papers sourced from the Web of Science database (Filter I), followed by a full-text review (Filter II), we analyze the RS sensors, spatiotemporal distribution, temporal scales, the crop types examined, and thematic foci employed in existing research. Our findings highlight the predominance of high to very high-resolution, multispectral sensors as the primary data source and we observe that a wide array of available sensors and datasets, along with increasing computing capacities, have shaped the field over the last years. By highlighting existing knowledge, this study identifies the potential of RS and pinpoints the key research gaps. This sets the stage for future investigations aimed at addressing critical challenges in West African smallholder agricultural systems. Full article

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30 pages, 4743 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rapid Landslide Detection Following an Extreme Rainfall Event Using Remote Sensing Indices, Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery, and Probabilistic Methods

by Aikaterini-Alexandra Chrysafi, Paraskevas Tsangaratos, Ioanna Ilia and Wei Chen

Land 2025, 14(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010021 - 26 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

The rapid detection of landslide phenomena that may be triggered by extreme rainfall events is a critical point concerning timely response and the implementation of mitigation measures. The main goal of the present study is to identify susceptible areas by estimating changes in [...] Read more.

The rapid detection of landslide phenomena that may be triggered by extreme rainfall events is a critical point concerning timely response and the implementation of mitigation measures. The main goal of the present study is to identify susceptible areas by estimating changes in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), Bare Soil Index (BSI), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) amplitude ratio before and after extreme rainfall events. The developed methodology was utilized in a case study of Storm Daniel, which struck central Greece in September 2023, with a focus on the Mount Pelion region on the Pelion Peninsula. Using Google Earth Engine, we processed satellite imagery to calculate these indices, enabling the assessment of vegetation health, soil moisture, and exposed soil areas, which are key indicators of landslide activity. The methodology integrates these indices with a Weight of Evidence (WofE) model, previously developed to identify regions of high and very high landslide susceptibility based on morphological parameters like slope, aspect, plan and profile curvature, and stream power index. Pre- and post-event imagery was analyzed to detect changes in the indices, and the results were then masked to focus only on high and very high susceptibility areas characterized by the WofE model. The outcomes of the study indicate significant changes in NDVI, NDMI, BSI values, and SAR amplitude ratio within the masked areas, suggesting locations where landslides were likely to have occurred due to the extreme rainfall event. This rapid detection technique provides essential data for emergency services and disaster management teams, enabling them to prioritize areas for immediate response and recovery efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Application in Landslide Detection and Assessment)

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20 pages, 8697 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Matching Trees to Streets by Street Type: A Case Study of Street Tree Suitability and Services in a Highly Urbanized City

by Heejung Nam, Seunghyun Hong, Dohyuk Im, Ayun Maeng, Sunmi Je, Wanmo Kang and Hanna Chang

Land 2024, 13(12), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122079 - 3 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1210

Abstract

Street trees are a representative form of urban green space that play an important role in mitigating the environmental impact of urbanization. Planting the right tree in the right place in urban streetscapes can improve tree health and ecosystem services. Here, we propose [...] Read more.

Street trees are a representative form of urban green space that play an important role in mitigating the environmental impact of urbanization. Planting the right tree in the right place in urban streetscapes can improve tree health and ecosystem services. Here, we propose a novel approach to selecting appropriate street trees using street type classifications. In the highly urbanized area of Uijeongbu City, South Korea, 221.9 km of streets with 19,717 street trees were classified into 12 types based on road width, aspect ratio, land use, and the presence of power lines. Appropriate tree species were selected for each street type, taking into account tree traits and functions as well as street environments. Then, we analyzed the structure and ecosystem-regulating services of street trees by type, also comparing the services of appropriate and non-appropriate trees. As a result, all 12 street types were identified, but their distribution was uneven. Tree dimension was the key factor in determining appropriate species, and, for the second most common street type, characterized by narrow roads, low aspect ratios, and power lines, only four appropriate species were identified, indicating an urgent need for more options. Additionally, the most dominant species accounted for over 20%, averaging 44% across the 12 street types, further highlighting the necessity of introducing more diverse tree species. Overall, appropriate street trees generally provided higher service efficiency compared to non-appropriate trees across four ecosystem regulating services. These findings emphasize the need for policies and guidelines that promote street tree diversity and enhance the ecological benefits of street trees. This study provides a foundation for developing sustainable street tree management strategies that contribute to healthier and more resilient urban streetscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services: 5th Edition)

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17 pages, 8272 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Retention Levels and Years-After-Harvesting Influence over Soil Microbial Activity and Biomass in Southern Patagonian Forests

by Santiago Toledo, Guillermo Martínez Pastur, Julián Rodríguez-Souilla and Pablo L. Peri

Land 2024, 13(11), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111963 - 20 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1045

Abstract

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) was designed for timber purposes and biodiversity conservation in natural forests. This system was globally tested, but few studies are related to soil microbial components. The objective was to evaluate different retention types (aggregated and dispersed retention) considering different [...] Read more.

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) was designed for timber purposes and biodiversity conservation in natural forests. This system was globally tested, but few studies are related to soil microbial components. The objective was to evaluate different retention types (aggregated and dispersed retention) considering different years-after-harvesting (6, 9, 16 YAH) on soil microbial community attributes compared with unmanaged primary forests (PF) in Nothofagus pumilio forests of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). This study also evaluated the influence of climate, soil, and understory vegetation. Results showed that aggregated retention increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and soil basal respiration (SBR) compared to dispersed retention, but with similar values than PF. However, harvested areas decreased MBC/MBN values compared with PF. The results showed an overall decrease in microbial biomass and activity in 9 YAH stands, with a positive recovery at 16 YAH. Soil pH, mean annual temperature, and understory vegetation cover showed a positive relationship with MBC, MBN, and SBR. The recovery after 16 YAH reached to different microbial communities. Therefore, the maintenance of retention components in managed stands for longer periods is needed. The results highlight some advantages of VRH as a tool for conservation of forest-dwelling soil microorganisms, including microbial biomass and activity. Full article

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

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20 pages, 15708 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoicePerspective

Returning to Integrated Landscape Management as an Approach to Counteract Land Degradation in Small Mediterranean Islands: The Case Study of Stromboli (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

by Rita Biasi, Francesco Valerio Collotti and Stefano Baia Curioni

Land 2024, 13(11), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111949 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1041

Abstract

The small Mediterranean islands, unique geographical places where coastlines and mountains converge due to volcanic genesis, are among the most threatened environments on Earth. Their marginality, which has historically led to their use as places of detention and punishment, coupled with the extreme [...] Read more.

The small Mediterranean islands, unique geographical places where coastlines and mountains converge due to volcanic genesis, are among the most threatened environments on Earth. Their marginality, which has historically led to their use as places of detention and punishment, coupled with the extreme climate and rugged geomorphology shaped by terracing practices, has resulted in the loss of systematic land management. This loss stems from the abandonment of cropland in favor of alternative activities and migrations, impacting essential ecosystem services such as the water cycle, soil fertility, and the cultural landscape. The need to counteract the land degradation in these vulnerable areas has been acknowledged for some Mediterranean small islands, including the UNESCO heritage site of Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy—an especially captivating location due to its active volcano. The agricultural abandonment on terraces, intensively cultivated with olives groves and vineyards until the mid-20th century, has rendered the area highly fragile and susceptible to risks such as fires and soil erosion, particularly as a consequence of extreme weather events, as proven in 2022, which saw a destructive fire followed by storms. To mitigate the negative effects of hydrogeological disruptions, the implementation of integrated landscape management—managing ecosystems at the landscape level—has been proposed. Specifically, an agroforestry intervention, coupled with the restoration of dry stone walls, the shaping of soil slopes by recovering the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and the design of water-collecting devices incorporated with the traditional hydraulic knowledge, may be proposed as a strategic approach to minimize the soil erosion risks, adapt to climate change, and extensively restore the use of traditional agrobiodiversity to support the local economy and tourism. A pilot intervention by local stakeholders based on these principles is described as an emblematic agrobiodiversity-based landscape design project in a vulnerable area, aiming at the preservation of the cultural landscapes of the small Mediterranean islands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Runoff and Soil Erosion in the Mediterranean Region)

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27 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Water, Ecosystem Services, and Urban Green Spaces in the Anthropocene

by Marianna Olivadese and Maria Luisa Dindo

Land 2024, 13(11), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111948 - 19 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2349

Abstract

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman [...] Read more.

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman aqueducts, Maya rainwater harvesting systems, and ancient Chinese flood control techniques—can be adapted to address contemporary water challenges in modern cities. We evaluate these historical practices through a lens of contemporary environmental pressures, including climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity. By integrating ancient methods with modern technologies, we propose adaptive solutions to enhance urban water resilience. Case studies from five cities (Singapore, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) illustrate how modern green infrastructure, inspired by ancient techniques, is being successfully implemented to manage stormwater, mitigate urban flooding, and improve water conservation. By integrating historical practices with modern technologies—such as advanced filtration systems and water recycling—these cities are enhancing their water resilience and sustainability. The findings suggest that urban planners can draw valuable lessons from historical systems to design adaptive, climate-resilient cities that balance human needs with ecological sustainability. This paper concludes with actionable recommendations for future urban planning, emphasizing the importance of decentralized water systems, nature-based solutions, and community engagement to ensure sustainable urban water management in the Anthropocene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Collection for the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE))

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32 pages, 2391 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Temperate Soils Exposed to Drought—Key Processes, Impacts, Indicators, and Unknowns

by Sabine Reinsch, David A. Robinson, Maud A. J. van Soest, Aidan M. Keith, Simon Parry and Andrew M. Tye

Land 2024, 13(11), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111759 - 26 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2265

Abstract

The summer drought in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022 produced significant speculation concerning how its termination may impact and interact with the soil resource. Whilst knowledge regarding soils and droughts exists in the scientific literature, a coherent understanding of the wider range [...] Read more.

The summer drought in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022 produced significant speculation concerning how its termination may impact and interact with the soil resource. Whilst knowledge regarding soils and droughts exists in the scientific literature, a coherent understanding of the wider range of impacts on soil properties and functions has not been compiled for temperate soils. Here, we draw together knowledge from studies in the UK and other temperate countries to understand how soils respond to drought, and importantly what and where our knowledge gaps are. First, we define the different types of droughts and their frequency in the UK and provide a brief overview on the likely societal impacts that droughts place on the soil and related ecosystems. Our focus is on ‘agricultural and ecosystem drought’, as this is when soils experience dry periods affecting crops and ecosystem function, followed by rewetting. The behaviour of moisture in soils and the key processes that contribute to its storage and transport are examined. The principal changes in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils resulting from drought, and rewetting (i.e., drought termination) are discussed and their extensive interactions are demonstrated. Processes that are involved in the rewetting of soils are explored for soil and catchment-scale soil responses. Lastly, soils’ recovery after drought is considered, knowledge gaps are identified, and areas to improve understanding are highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating 30 Years of International Day against Desertification, and Drought)

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19 pages, 4739 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Agroecology for the City—Spatialising ES-Based Design in Peri-Urban Contexts

by Richard Morris, Shannon Davis, Gwen-Aëlle Grelet and Pablo Gregorini

Land 2024, 13(10), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101589 - 30 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1363

Abstract

The design of urban systems that allow growth while also maximising ecosystem services is identified as an important priority for creating a Good Anthropocene. An ecosystem service (ES)-based approach to landscape interventions maximises the provision of ESs, and in doing so, repairs and [...] Read more.

The design of urban systems that allow growth while also maximising ecosystem services is identified as an important priority for creating a Good Anthropocene. An ecosystem service (ES)-based approach to landscape interventions maximises the provision of ESs, and in doing so, repairs and reinforces threatened ecological planetary boundaries. As an urbanising planet, cities are critical frontiers of human interaction with these planetary boundaries, and therefore a critical arena for ES-based intervention. Globally, the predominant pattern of urbanisation is dedensification, an outwardly expanding trend where cities are growing in physical extent at a higher rate than their population growth. We therefore require spatially explicit tools capable of reconciling dedensification and Good Anthropocene visions. We propose a methodology that integrates agroecology and urbanisation and is focussed specifically on the supply of targeted regulating ESs. This ‘Agroecology for the City’ differs from conventional urban agriculture discourse and its preoccupation with food security. Our research interest is agroecological farm systems’ (AFSs) capacity to provide critical life support services in a spatially effective manner to urban systems. Our recent research introduced a new GIS-based model (ESMAX) and a spatial agroecology approach that identified AFS configurations at a 1 ha scale which maximised the supply of three regulating ESs, as well as multifunctional performance across all three ESs combined. In the present research, we apply this process at a larger scale, with 1 ha and 4 ha AFS parcels being integrated with a real-world 200 ha peri-urban residential development. The AFS parcels and built-up areas are configured differently to maximise the supply of ESs identified as critical by the local community. We found that arrangements with AFS parcels interspersed evenly with built-up areas provided the best multifunctionality across the four ESs tested. This supports pathways for a Good Anthropocene that work with the global urbanising reality of dedensification and underpin the need for a hybrid science of rural/urban systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services: 5th Edition)

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16 pages, 7347 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Wetlands in Crisis: The Silent Desertification Threat on the Greek Wetlands

by Anastasios Zotos, Ioannis P. Kokkoris, Ioannis Charalampopoulos, Eleni S. Bekri and Panayotis Dimopoulos

Land 2024, 13(10), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101567 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1862

Abstract

This study deals with the information gap on desertification risk for wetland habitat types in Natura 2000 network sites of Greece. Using the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) index as a proxy, all Natura 2000 wetland habitat types have been assessed and assigned to [...] Read more.

This study deals with the information gap on desertification risk for wetland habitat types in Natura 2000 network sites of Greece. Using the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) index as a proxy, all Natura 2000 wetland habitat types have been assessed and assigned to desertification risk categories. The assessment was conducted at the national, regional, and local scales in order to provide different outcomes for targeted support on decision and policy making regarding restoration and conservation measures. The main results document that circa 20% of wetland habitat types area are considered under desertification risk, while circa 10% are considered as potentially affected by desertification. It was also shown that there should be prioritization of the habitat types that need attention due to their inclusion in the different desertification risk categories. The study also highlights the administrative regions (NUTS2) and Natura 2000 sites and the need to structure, draft, and implement conservation projects to mitigate wetlands’ risk as well as the use of wetlands as primary nature-based solutions (NbS) in the battle with desertification and climate change. Management implications are also provided from the perspective of habitat restoration as well as for their exploitation as valuable NbS for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soils and Land Management under Climate Change)

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26 pages, 28717 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing Land-Cover Change Trends, Patterns, and Transitions in Coalfield Counties of Eastern Kentucky, USA

by Suraj K C, Buddhi R. Gyawali, Shawn Lucas, George F. Antonious, Anuj Chiluwal and Demetrio Zourarakis

Land 2024, 13(9), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091541 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1828

Abstract

Surface coal mining and reclamation have greatly reshaped eastern Kentucky’s landscape affecting its socioeconomic, environmental and climatic aspects. This study examined the land-cover changes, trends and patterns in Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry, and Pike counties from 2004 to 2019. Using a [...] Read more.

Surface coal mining and reclamation have greatly reshaped eastern Kentucky’s landscape affecting its socioeconomic, environmental and climatic aspects. This study examined the land-cover changes, trends and patterns in Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry, and Pike counties from 2004 to 2019. Using a random forest classifier, land cover was categorized into seven major classes, i.e., water, barren land, developed land, forest, shrubland, herbaceous, and planted/cultivated, majorly based on Landsat images. The Kappa accuracy ranged from 75 to 89%. The results showed a notable increase in forest area from 5052 sq km to 5305 sq km accompanied by a substantial decrease in barren land from 179 sq km to 91 sq km from 2004 to 2019. These findings demonstrated that reclamation activities positively impacted the forest expansion and reduced the barren land of the study area. Key land-cover transitions included barren land to shrubland/herbaceous, forest to shrubland, and shrubland to forest, indicating vegetation growth from 2004 to 2019. An autocorrelation analysis indicated similar land-cover types clustered together, showing effective forest restoration efforts. As surface coal mining and reclamation significantly influenced the landscapes of the coalfield counties in eastern Kentucky, this study provides a holistic perspective for understanding the repercussions of these transformations, including their effects on humans, society, and environmental health. Full article

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32 pages, 7046 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Greening Management Arrangements between Municipalities and Citizens for Effective Climate Adaptation Pathways: Four Case Studies from The Netherlands

by Sara Romero-Muñoz, Teresa Sánchez-Chaparro, Víctor Muñoz Sanz and Nico Tillie

Land 2024, 13(9), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091414 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 3869

Abstract

The transition towards nature-based cities has increasingly become a central focus in political–environmental agendas and urban design practices, aiming to enhance climate adaptation, urban biodiversity, spatial equilibrium, and social well-being as part of the ongoing socio-ecological urban transition process. Climate adaptation in cities [...] Read more.

The transition towards nature-based cities has increasingly become a central focus in political–environmental agendas and urban design practices, aiming to enhance climate adaptation, urban biodiversity, spatial equilibrium, and social well-being as part of the ongoing socio-ecological urban transition process. Climate adaptation in cities is a complex problem and one of the main collective challenges for society, but the relationships between city managers and citizens as to urban green care still face many challenges. Parks design guided by technical-expert and globalised criteria; inflexibility from bureaucratic inertia; and citizens’ demands to participate in the urban green transition, sometimes without the necessary knowledge or time, are some of the challenges that require further research. In this study, we examine four long-lasting approaches to green-space management in four cities in the Netherlands, ranging from municipality-driven to community-driven management forms, and encompassing diverse spatial configurations of greenery within the urban fabric. Utilising the theoretical lens of the Social–Ecological Systems Framework, we employ a multiple-case-study approach and ethnographic fieldwork analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the norms, collective-choice rules, and social conventions embodied in each urban green management arrangement. The purpose of this research is applied, that is, to provide urban managers and decision-makers with a deeper understanding of drivers to promote effective collaborative management approaches, focusing on specific organisational rules that may contribute to more sustained planning and maintenance pathways for urban green spaces, regardless of changes in political leadership or significant external funding sources. The results of the investigated cases show that long-lasting collaborative management of forests and parks has established a set of collective-choice rules for resource transfer between municipalities and citizens, including non-monetary resources (such as pruning-training courses or guided tours that attract tourists and researchers). Additionally, these arrangements have been favoured by the existence of legal norms that enable co-ownership of the land, and monitoring and sanctioning mechanisms that offer a slightly different interpretation from the evidence identified so far in the scientific literature on collective resource management and organisational studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Spaces: An Effective Tool to Regulate Urban Climate and Biodiversity)

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31 pages, 6393 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Impact of Land Conversion on Carbon Stocks and GHG Emissions

by Ima Ituen and Baoxin Hu

Land 2024, 13(8), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081291 - 15 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

With the recent thrust to convert forests in Ontario’s Clay Belt to agricultural land, a vital need arises to assess the attendant effects on carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper examines the possible effect of land conversion on soil organic carbon [...] Read more.

With the recent thrust to convert forests in Ontario’s Clay Belt to agricultural land, a vital need arises to assess the attendant effects on carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper examines the possible effect of land conversion on soil organic carbon and GHG emissions within a study area in Northern Ontario, Canada, during the next two decades under different land management schemes. The study established a framework to conduct simulations with the DNDC model for agricultural lands and the CBM for forested areas. The methodology involves a unique change detection method for models’ land cover and disturbance inputs. The work highlights the improvement in carbon simulation accuracy from better inputs to carbon models. Furthermore, it addresses modalities to ensure fewer uncertainties are introduced while merging data from multiple geospatial data sources. The simulations demonstrated that the carbon sequestration potential in the forests was almost double the soil organic carbon accumulation in the agricultural lands. Validations done for the estimation of carbon sequestered included comparisons of the carbon model outputs from field survey data from 2018–2021. In most sites, the carbon amounts from the computer models compared to those from the field survey, within limits of error. The average uncertainties in GHG emissions ranged from ~0.5% to 12.8%. Full article

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25 pages, 3265 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity: The Role of Private Semi-Natural Areas

by Raihan Jamil, Jason P. Julian, Jennifer L. R. Jensen and Kimberly M. Meitzen

Land 2024, 13(8), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081213 - 6 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3958

Abstract

Green spaces and blue spaces in cities provide a wealth of benefits to the urban social–ecological system. Unfortunately, urban development fragments natural habitats, reducing connectivity and biodiversity. Urban green–blue infrastructure (UGI) networks can mitigate these effects by providing ecological corridors that enhance habitat [...] Read more.

Green spaces and blue spaces in cities provide a wealth of benefits to the urban social–ecological system. Unfortunately, urban development fragments natural habitats, reducing connectivity and biodiversity. Urban green–blue infrastructure (UGI) networks can mitigate these effects by providing ecological corridors that enhance habitat connectivity. This study examined UGI connectivity for two indicator species in a rapidly developing city in the southern United States. We mapped and analyzed UGI at a high resolution (0.6 m) across the entire city, with a focus on semi-natural areas in private land and residential neighborhoods. Integrating graph theory and a gravity model, we assessed structural UGI networks and ranked them based on their ability to support functional connectivity. Most of the potential habitat corridors we mapped in this project traversed private lands, including 58% of the priority habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler and 69% of the priority habitat for the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. Riparian zones and other areas with dense tree cover were critical linkages in these habitat corridors. Our findings illustrate the important role that private semi-natural areas play in UGI, habitat connectivity, and essential ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services)

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25 pages, 22407 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysing Land Cover Change in the Valencian Community through Landsat Imagery: From 1984 to 2022

by Jose Antonio Sobrino, Sergio Gimeno, Virginia Crisafulli and Álvaro Sobrino-Gómez

Land 2024, 13(7), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071072 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2191

Abstract

Land cover change represents one of the most significant global transformations, which has profound impacts on ecosystems, biological diversity, and the ongoing climate crisis. In this study, our objective was to analyse land cover transformation in the Valencian Community over the last four [...] Read more.

Land cover change represents one of the most significant global transformations, which has profound impacts on ecosystems, biological diversity, and the ongoing climate crisis. In this study, our objective was to analyse land cover transformation in the Valencian Community over the last four decades. Utilising Landsat 5, 8, and 9 summer images, a Random Forest algorithm renowned for its ability to handle large datasets and complex variables, was employed to produce land cover classifications consisting of five categories: ‘Urban Areas’, ‘Dense Vegetation’, ‘Sparse Vegetation’, ‘Water Bodies’, and Other’. The results were validated through in situ measurements comparing with pre-existing products and utilising a confusion matrix. Over the study period, the urban area practically doubled, increasing from approximately 482 to 940 square kilometres. This expansion was concentrated mainly in the proximity of the already existing urban zone and occurred primarily between 1985 and 1990. The Dense and Sparse Vegetation classes exhibit substantial fluctuations over the years, displaying a subtle trend towards a decrease in their cumulative value. Water bodies and Other classes do not show substantial changes over the years. The Random Forest algorithm showed a high Overall Accuracy (OA) of 95% and Kappa values of 93%, showing good agreement with field measurements (88% OA), ESA World Cover (80% OA), and the Copernicus Global Land Service Land Cover Map (73% OA), confirming the effectiveness of this methodology in generating land cover classifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Mapping as the Base for Modeling and Earth Oriented Digital Twins)

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16 pages, 23675 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 15.3.1 on Land Degradation Using SEPAL: Examples, Challenges and Prospects

by Amit Ghosh, Pierrick Rambaud, Yelena Finegold, Inge Jonckheere, Pablo Martin-Ortega, Rashed Jalal, Adebowale Daniel Adebayo, Ana Alvarez, Martin Borretti, Jose Caela, Tuhin Ghosh, Erik Lindquist and Matieu Henry

Land 2024, 13(7), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071027 - 9 Jul 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3025

Abstract

A third of the world’s ecosystems are considered degraded, and there is an urgent need for protection and restoration to make the planet healthier. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 15.3 aims at protecting and restoring the terrestrial ecosystem to achieve a land [...] Read more.

A third of the world’s ecosystems are considered degraded, and there is an urgent need for protection and restoration to make the planet healthier. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 15.3 aims at protecting and restoring the terrestrial ecosystem to achieve a land degradation-neutral world by 2030. Land restoration through inclusive and productive growth is indispensable to promote sustainable development by fostering climate change-resistant, poverty-alleviating, and environmentally protective economic growth. The SDG Indicator 15.3.1 is used to measure progress towards a land degradation-neutral world. Earth observation datasets are the primary data sources for deriving the three sub-indicators of indicator 15.3.1. It requires selecting, querying, and processing a substantial historical archive of data. To reduce the complexities, make the calculation user-friendly, and adapt it to in-country applications, a module on the FAO’s SEPAL platform has been developed in compliance with the UNCCD Good Practice Guidance (GPG v2) to derive the necessary statistics and maps for monitoring and reporting land degradation. The module uses satellite data from Landsat, Sentinel 2, and MODIS sensors for primary productivity assessment, along with other datasets enabling high-resolution to large-scale assessment of land degradation. The use of an in-country land cover transition matrix along with in-country land cover data enables a more accurate assessment of land cover changes over time. Four different case studies from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uruguay, and Angola are presented to highlight the prospect and challenges of monitoring land degradation using various datasets, including LCML-based national land cover legend and land cover data. Full article

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

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25 pages, 10341 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Typhoon-Induced Forest Damage Mapping in the Philippines Using Landsat and PlanetScope Images

by Benjamin Jonah Perez Magallon and Satoshi Tsuyuki

Land 2024, 13(7), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071031 - 9 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2271

Abstract

Forests provide valuable resources for households in the Philippines, particularly in poor and upland communities. This makes forests an integral part of building resilient communities. This relationship became complex during extreme events such as typhoon occurrence as forests can be a contributor to [...] Read more.

Forests provide valuable resources for households in the Philippines, particularly in poor and upland communities. This makes forests an integral part of building resilient communities. This relationship became complex during extreme events such as typhoon occurrence as forests can be a contributor to the intensity and impact of disasters. However, little attention has been paid to forest cover losses due to typhoons during disaster assessments. In this study, forest damage caused by typhoons was measured using harmonic analysis of time series (HANTS) with Landsat-8 Operation Land Imager (OLI) images. The ΔHarmonic Vegetation Index was computed by calculating the difference between HANTS and the actual observed vegetation index value. This was used to identify damaged areas in the forest regions and create a damage map. To validate the reliability of the results, the resulting maps produced using ΔHarmonic VI were compared with the damage mapped from PlanetScope’s high-resolution pre- and post-typhoon images. The method achieved an overall accuracy of 69.20%. The accuracy of the results was comparable to the traditional remote sensing techniques used in forest damage assessment, such as ΔVI and land cover change detection. To further the understanding of the relationship between forest and typhoon occurrence, the presence of time lag in the observations was investigated. Additionally, different contributing factors in forest damage were identified. Most of the forest damage observed was in forest areas with slopes facing the typhoon direction and in vulnerable areas such as near the coast and hill tops. This study will help the government and forest management sectors preserve forests, which will ultimately result in the development of a more resilient community, by making it easier to identify forest areas that are vulnerable to typhoon damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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27 pages, 19132 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Geomorphology Methods and Applications as a Guideline for Understanding the City Environment

by Alessia Pica, Luca Lämmle, Martina Burnelli, Maurizio Del Monte, Carlo Donadio, Francesco Faccini, Maurizio Lazzari, Andrea Mandarino, Laura Melelli, Archimedes Perez Filho, Filippo Russo, Leonidas Stamatopoulos, Corrado Stanislao and Pierluigi Brandolini

Land 2024, 13(7), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070907 - 22 Jun 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2992

Abstract

Cities all over the world have developed on different geological-geomorphological substrates. Different kinds of human activities have operated for millennia as geomorphic agents, generating numerous and various erosion landforms and huge anthropogenic deposits. Considering the increasing demand for land and the expansion of [...] Read more.

Cities all over the world have developed on different geological-geomorphological substrates. Different kinds of human activities have operated for millennia as geomorphic agents, generating numerous and various erosion landforms and huge anthropogenic deposits. Considering the increasing demand for land and the expansion of the built-up areas involving and disturbing any kind of natural system inside and surrounding the actual urban areas, it is not negligible how important the dynamics of the urban environment and its physical evolution are. In this context, this manuscript addresses insights into eight case studies of urban geomorphological analyses of cities in Italy, Greece, and Brazil. The studies are based on surveying and mapping geomorphological processes and landforms in urban areas, supporting both geo-hazard assessment, historical evolution, and paleomorphologies, as well as disseminating knowledge of urban geoheritage and educating about the anthropogenic impact on urban sustainability. We hypothesize that urban geomorphological analysis of several case studies addresses the physical environment of modern cities in a multi-temporal, multidisciplinary, and critical way concerning global changes. Thus, this study aims to illustrate and propose a novel approach to urban geomorphological investigation as a model for the understanding and planning of the physical urban environment on a European and global scale. Full article

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

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25 pages, 19458 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Urban Green Space Inequity to Promote Distributional Justice in Portland, Oregon

by Evan Elderbrock, Kory Russel, Yekang Ko, Elizabeth Budd, Lilah Gonen and Chris Enright

Land 2024, 13(6), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060720 - 21 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3425

Abstract

Access and exposure to urban green space—the combination of parks and vegetative cover in cities—are associated with various health benefits. As urban green space is often unequally distributed throughout cities, understanding how it is allocated across socio-demographic populations can help city planners and [...] Read more.

Access and exposure to urban green space—the combination of parks and vegetative cover in cities—are associated with various health benefits. As urban green space is often unequally distributed throughout cities, understanding how it is allocated across socio-demographic populations can help city planners and policy makers identify and address urban environmental justice and health equity issues. To our knowledge, no studies have yet combined assessments of park quality, park availability, and green cover to inform equitable urban green space planning. To this end, we developed a comprehensive methodology to identify urban green space inequities at the city scale and applied it in Portland, OR, USA. After auditing all public parks in Portland and gathering green cover data from publicly accessible repositories, we used a suite of statistical tests to evaluate distribution of parks and green cover across Census block groups, comprising race, ethnicity, income, and educational attainment characteristics. Right-of-way tree canopy cover was the most significant urban green space inequity identified in bivariate analysis (r_s = −0.73). Spatial autoregressive models identified that right-of-way, private, and overall tree canopy cover (Nagelkerke pseudo-R² = 0.66, 0.77, and 0.67, respectively) significantly decreased with the proportion of minoritized racial population and increased with median income. The results were then used to identify priority locations for specific urban green space investments. This research establishes a process to assess intra-urban green space inequities, as well as identify data-informed and spatially explicit planning priorities to promote health equity and environmental justice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Greenspace Planning, Design and Management)

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24 pages, 3035 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Transformative Impact of Technology in Landscape Architecture on Landscape Research: Trends, Concepts and Roles

by Xiwei Shen, Mary G. Padua and Niall G. Kirkwood

Land 2024, 13(5), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050630 - 8 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4233

Abstract

The role of technology in landscape architecture (TLA) has significantly evolved since the 19th century, increasingly integrating with digital tools and technologies in the 21st century. Despite its growing importance, there is a notable deficiency in the scholarly literature regarding the progression of [...] Read more.

The role of technology in landscape architecture (TLA) has significantly evolved since the 19th century, increasingly integrating with digital tools and technologies in the 21st century. Despite its growing importance, there is a notable deficiency in the scholarly literature regarding the progression of TLA trends and their interplay with the core domains and research themes within landscape research. The influence of TLA on landscape research remains ambiguous, especially concerning its ability to generate new knowledge and impact design and sustainability practices. Furthermore, there is a critical need to delineate how TLA differs from allied general digital technology tools and to identify specific specializations that are emerging within the TLA field. To explore the above gaps, this study utilized a mixed methods approach involving secondary data from peer-reviewed publications, primary data from the archival research of winning projects, and expert interviews based on the two major research types of “Research through Design (RTD)” and “Research for Design (RFD)” to explore the TLA’s contribution. This research is significant as it: (1) identified the trend of TLA; (2) conceptualized the TLA, and (3) identified its role in relation to the core domains and research themes of landscape research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Design, Evaluation and Management Created by Novel Technologies)

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15 pages, 2220 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Consequences of Land Use Changes on Native Forest and Agricultural Areas in Central-Southern Chile during the Last Fifty Years

by Alejandro del Pozo, Giordano Catenacci-Aguilera and Belén Acosta-Gallo

Land 2024, 13(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050610 - 1 May 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4162

Abstract

Chile’s central-south region has experienced significant land use changes in the past fifty years, affecting native forests, agriculture, and urbanization. This article examines these changes and assesses their impact on native forest cover and agricultural land. Agricultural data for Chile (1980–2020) were obtained [...] Read more.

Chile’s central-south region has experienced significant land use changes in the past fifty years, affecting native forests, agriculture, and urbanization. This article examines these changes and assesses their impact on native forest cover and agricultural land. Agricultural data for Chile (1980–2020) were obtained from public Chilean institutions (INE and ODEPA). Data on land use changes in central and south Chile (1975–2018), analysed from satellite images, were obtained from indexed papers. Urban area expansion in Chile between 1993 and 2020 was examined using publicly available data from MINVIU, Chile. Additionally, photovoltaic park data was sourced from SEA, Chile. Field crop coverage, primarily in central and southern Chile, decreased from 1,080,000 ha in 1980 to 667,000 ha in 2020, with notable decreases observed in cereal and legume crops. Conversely, the coverage of export-oriented orchards and vineyards increased from 194,947 ha to 492,587 ha. Forest plantations expanded significantly, ranging from 18% per decade in northern central Chile to 246% in the Maule and Biobío regions. This was accompanied by a 12.7–27.0% reduction per 10 years in native forest. Urban areas have experienced significant growth of 91% in the last 27 years, concentrated in the Mediterranean climate region. Solar photovoltaic parks have begun to increasingly replace thorn scrub (Espinal) and agricultural land, mirroring transformations seen in other Mediterranean nations like Spain and Portugal. Full article

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16 pages, 3794 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring Urban Service Location Suitability: Mapping Social Behavior Dynamics with Space Syntax Theory

by Saleh Qanazi, Ihab H. Hijazi, Isam Shahrour and Rani El Meouche

Land 2024, 13(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050609 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4703

Abstract

Assessing urban service locations is a key issue within city planning, integral to promoting the well-being of citizens, and ensuring effective urban development. However, many current approaches emphasize spatial analysis focused solely on physical attributes, neglecting the equally vital social dimensions essential for [...] Read more.

Assessing urban service locations is a key issue within city planning, integral to promoting the well-being of citizens, and ensuring effective urban development. However, many current approaches emphasize spatial analysis focused solely on physical attributes, neglecting the equally vital social dimensions essential for enhancing inhabitants’ comfort and quality of life. When social factors are considered, they tend to operate at smaller scales. This paper addresses this gap by prioritizing integrating social factors alongside spatial analysis at the community level. By employing space syntax theory, this study investigates urban service suitability in Hajjah, a Palestinian urban community, presenting a novel approach in the literature. The research identifies good spots for essential governmental facilities like health clinics and fire stations using axial map analysis. It also suggests reallocation for some schools. Additionally, it shows ways to improve the placement of community amenities, finding ideal park locations but suboptimal mosque placements. Commercial services also exhibit areas for enhancement including gas stations and shops. The insights from this research can offer policymakers and planners insights to create more efficient, equitable, and accessible cities. The research approach incorporates social behavior dynamics into spatial analysis, promoting inclusive urban planning. Full article

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

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31 pages, 25016 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Natural Climate Protection through Peatland Rewetting: A Future for the Rathsbruch Peatland in Germany

by Petra Schneider, Tino Fauk, Florin-Constantin Mihai, Harald Junker, Bernd Ettmer and Volker Lüderitz

Land 2024, 13(5), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050581 - 27 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

Draining peatlands to create agricultural land has been the norm in Europe, but in the context of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, these rich ecosystems may reactivate their functions as greenhouse gas sinks and retreat spaces for animals and plants. Against [...] Read more.

Draining peatlands to create agricultural land has been the norm in Europe, but in the context of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, these rich ecosystems may reactivate their functions as greenhouse gas sinks and retreat spaces for animals and plants. Against this background, the National Moor Rewetting Strategy was put into effect in Germany in 2023, together with the Natural Climate Protection Action Plan. This article examines the methodology of peatland rewetting from scientific, administrative, social, and technical perspectives. The article focuses on an example of moor rewetting in central Germany: the Rathsbruch moor near the municipality of Zerbst, Saxony-Anhalt. To illustrate the importance of rewetting projects for degraded peatlands, five scenarios with different target soil water levels were considered, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions were calculated for a period of five years. For the planning solution, an estimate of the medium-to-long-term development of the habitat types was made based on current use and the dynamics typical of the habitat. The results for the Rathsbruch moor area showed that increasing the water level in steps of 1, 0.8, or 0.5 m has no significant influence on reducing the CO₂ emissions situation, while a depth of 0.3 m has a slight influence. When the water was raised to 0.1 m below the surface (Scenario 5), a significant CO₂ reduction was observed. The calculated avoided CO₂ costs due to environmental damage show that the environmental benefits multiply with every decimeter of water level increase. The rising groundwater levels and extensification favor the establishment of local biotopes. This means that two of the biggest man-made problems (extinction of species and climate change) can be reduced. Therefore, this research is applicable to the development and planning of recultivation work at municipal and regional levels in Germany and beyond within the framework of EU restoration policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Simulation of Wetland Ecological Processes)

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24 pages, 6655 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Coupled InVEST-PLUS Model for the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Multi-Scenario Prediction Analysis

by Yan Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao and Dongqi Sun

Land 2024, 13(4), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040509 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3221

Abstract

In investigating the spatiotemporal patterns and spatial attributes of carbon storage across terrestrial ecosystems, there is a significant focus on improving regional carbon sequestration capabilities. Such endeavors are crucial for balancing land development with ecological preservation and promoting sustainable, low-carbon urban growth. This [...] Read more.

In investigating the spatiotemporal patterns and spatial attributes of carbon storage across terrestrial ecosystems, there is a significant focus on improving regional carbon sequestration capabilities. Such endeavors are crucial for balancing land development with ecological preservation and promoting sustainable, low-carbon urban growth. This study employs the integrated InVEST-PLUS model to assess and predict changes in ecosystem carbon storage under various land use scenarios within the Chengdu urban cluster, a vital region in Central and Western China, by 2050. The results indicate the following. (1) A linkage between land use dynamics and ecosystem carbon storage changes: over two decades, a 7.5% decrease in arable land was observed alongside a 12.3% increase in urban areas, leading to an 8.2% net reduction in ecosystem carbon storage, equating to a loss of 1.6 million tons of carbon. (2) Carbon storage variations under four scenarios—natural development (NDS), urban development (UDS), farmland protection (FPS), and ecological protection (EPS)—highlight the impact of differing developmental and conservation policies on Chengdu’s carbon reserves. Projections until 2050 suggest a further 5% reduction in carbon storage under NDS without intervention, while EPS could potentially decrease carbon storage loss by 3%, emphasizing the importance of strategic land use planning and policy. This research provides a solid theoretical foundation for exploring the relationship between land use and carbon storage dynamics further. In summary, the findings highlight the necessity of incorporating ecological considerations into urban planning strategies. The InVEST-PLUS model not only sheds light on current challenges but also presents a method for forecasting and mitigating urbanization effects on ecosystem services, thus supporting sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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27 pages, 3129 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bridging Sustainable Development Goals and Land Administration: The Role of the ISO 19152 Land Administration Domain Model in SDG Indicator Formalization

by Mengying Chen, Peter Van Oosterom, Eftychia Kalogianni, Paula Dijkstra and Christiaan Lemmen

Land 2024, 13(4), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040491 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3434

Abstract

This study illustrates the linkages between the ISO’s Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of the LADM in promoting effective land administration suitable for efficient computation of land/water (space)-related SDG indicators. The main contribution [...] Read more.

This study illustrates the linkages between the ISO’s Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of the LADM in promoting effective land administration suitable for efficient computation of land/water (space)-related SDG indicators. The main contribution of this study is the formalization of SDG indicators by using the ISO standard LADM. This paper proposes several SDG-indicator-related extensions to the multi-part LADM standard that is currently under revision. These extensions encompass the introduction of new procedures for calculating indicators, the integration of blueprints for external classes to fulfil additional information needs and the design of interface classes for presenting indicator values across specific countries and reporting years. In an innovative approach, this paper introduces the Four-Step Method—a powerful framework designed to formalize SDG indicators within the LADM framework. Detailed attention is devoted to specific indicators, including 1.4.2 (secure land rights), 5.a.1 (women’s agricultural land rights), 14.5.1 (protected marine areas) and 11.5.2 (valuation as a basis for direct economic loss). In short, the Four-Step Method is pivotal in eliminating ambiguities, enhancing the efficiency of indicator computation and securing more accurate indicator values that more truly reflect the progress towards SDG realization. This approach is also expected to work with other (ISO) standards for other SDG indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and Sustainable Development)

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30 pages, 5944 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Multi-Scenario Simulation and Dynamic Assessment of the Ecosystem Service Values in Key Ecological Functional Areas: A Case Study of the Sichuan Province, China

by Wei Li, Xi Chen, Jianghua Zheng, Feifei Zhang, Yang Yan, Wenyue Hai, Chuqiao Han and Liang Liu

Land 2024, 13(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040468 - 6 Apr 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

The ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important basis for measuring an ecological environment’s quality and the efficient management of ecosystems. It is particularly necessary to explore a proven methodology for assessing and predicting ESV dynamics coupled with policy-oriented scenarios that can provide [...] Read more.

The ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important basis for measuring an ecological environment’s quality and the efficient management of ecosystems. It is particularly necessary to explore a proven methodology for assessing and predicting ESV dynamics coupled with policy-oriented scenarios that can provide a theoretical groundwork for macro decision, particularly in the context of implementing ecological protection and restoration projects. This study selected the land cover (LC) of Sichuan Province at five periods and the spatiotemporal dynamic equivalent factor method to assess the ESVs from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, the study coupled the Markov chain and GeoSOS-FLUS model, and predicted the future pattern of ESVs under four future development scenarios. The results show that (a) the areas of forests, shrubs, waters, wastelands, wetlands, and impervious areas showed a continuous increase from 2000 to 2020, with the most frequent interchanges occurring among croplands, forests, and grasslands. (b) The implementation of ecological protection and restoration projects led to a 13,083.32 × 10⁸ yuan increase in ESV, and barycenter of the ESVs is located in the northeastern part of Ya’an and exhibits a tendency to move towards the northeast. (c) The ESV aggregation pattern of each city has remained unchanged, with Ganzi being the only city with a high aggregation. Overall, there are more conflict cities than coordination cities between economic development and the ecological environment. (d) The total ESV in 2025 will continue to increase under all development scenarios, reaching a maximum of 50,903.37 × 10⁸ yuan under the EP scenario. This study can provide insights for ecological planning decisions and sustainable regional socio-economic development. Full article

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18 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Land Fragmentation and Heirs Property: Current Issues and Policy Responses

by Kurt Smith and Frederick Cubbage

Land 2024, 13(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040459 - 5 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3762

Abstract

Land fragmentation continues to be a challenge throughout the world, the United States, and particularly in the rapidly growing Southeast, as well as every state with a metropolitan area that abuts rural lands. With a United States population expected to grow to more [...] Read more.

Land fragmentation continues to be a challenge throughout the world, the United States, and particularly in the rapidly growing Southeast, as well as every state with a metropolitan area that abuts rural lands. With a United States population expected to grow to more than 500 million by 2060, it will present exceptional challenges for planners and policy makers to preserve important agricultural lands for farms and forests to provide both food and fiber, as well as to provide a host of ecosystem services and enhance the quality of life for our growing population. These issues of fragmentation are extremely substantial for African American, other minority, and limited-income landowners in the U.S. South, who often lack wills and have lands that are broken up into small parcels, or have divided ownership rights in one parcel, when passed on to heirs. Existing efforts can be expanded to provide tools and incentives for the owners of hiers property and other working lands to preserve them, and state and municipal planners will need to promote development plans and practices thoughtfully and strategically in order to prevent the projected loss of nearly 18 million acres of working lands by the year 2040. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Socio-Ecological Transformations and Implications for Land Use Change)

22 pages, 8966 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Land Administration Data Exchange and Interoperability Framework for Kenya and Its Significance to the Sustainable Development Goals

by Clifford Okembo, Javier Morales, Christiaan Lemmen, Jaap Zevenbergen and David Kuria

Land 2024, 13(4), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040435 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4134

Abstract

Sharing land data from one department to the other is a continuous process. A solid structure and a set of guidelines on how to share them is to be put in place as a foundation for the development of a land administration data [...] Read more.

Sharing land data from one department to the other is a continuous process. A solid structure and a set of guidelines on how to share them is to be put in place as a foundation for the development of a land administration data exchange and interoperability framework in support of data acquisition, land transactions and distribution of land data. In this research, the application of the ISO Framework for Enterprise Interoperability (FEI) as a standard is the starting point. Utilising the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) profile for Kenya as a base, an interoperability framework in support of land administration in Kenya is developed that addresses concerns, removes barriers and selects the approach for implementation. Due to the critical nature of land, it fits into the United Nations 2030 sustainability agenda. During the development of the Kenyan profile, four country-specific issues in the context of people-to-land relationships have been identified and modeled. The mapping of those issues relevant to the sustainable development goals supports the achievement of those goals so that all related targets and indicators can be attained. Using GIS tools, the implementing and testing of the new LADM profile for Kenya is not a difficult task. By using existing land data combined with newly collected data in the LADM-compliant database, a complete and accurate workflow is assured. Integration with external databases is useful for improving efficiency and eliminating duplication. Data collection with all stakeholders and validation through public inspection are recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 6600 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing a Wilderness Quality Index for Continental Europe

by Iurii Strus and Stephen Carver

Land 2024, 13(4), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040428 - 27 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2671

Abstract

This paper presents an updated wilderness quality map, WQI 2.0, for Europe, which extends the existing map (WQI 1.0) to include non-EU states in Eastern Europe. The analysis utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and incorporates contemporary datasets to assess wilderness [...] Read more.

This paper presents an updated wilderness quality map, WQI 2.0, for Europe, which extends the existing map (WQI 1.0) to include non-EU states in Eastern Europe. The analysis utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and incorporates contemporary datasets to assess wilderness quality across the continent. WQI 2.0 is compared to the previous version from the EU Wilderness register and global data from the WCS Human Influence Index (HII). Results indicate a high level of consistency between the versions, validating the robustness of the approach and the value of up-to-date datasets. WQI 2.0 serves as a valuable tool for developing a coordinated European policy on wilderness protection, encompassing both EU and non-EU states. By identifying areas outside current protected boundaries, the map helps to identify regions at risk of degradation and loss, due to resource exploitation. While small changes are seen between WQI 1.0 and WQI 2.0, expanding the coverage over the whole of continental Europe provides a foundation for the longer-term monitoring and evaluation of conservation targets. The findings contribute to meeting international commitments, such as the COP15 Kunming–Montreal Agreement and CBD targets, by highlighting the importance of preserving intact wilderness areas and increasing protected areas through restoration and rewilding efforts. Future iterations, such as WQI 3.0+, can track trends and potential threats to wilderness areas, while also identifying opportunities for ecosystem recovery through restoration and rewilding. To ensure comprehensive coverage, there is a need to update the existing Wilderness Register 1.0 and expand its scope to include non-EU states. This can be facilitated through collaboration with national WQI mapping programs, building on the experiences of countries such as Scotland, France, Iceland, and Germany, which have well-established national mapping initiatives. Overall, WQI 2.0 and the proposed updates provide valuable tools for informed decision-making in wilderness conservation and restoration efforts across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Google Earth Engine Applications for Monitoring Natural Ecosystems and Land Use)

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20 pages, 1417 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Potential Interactions between Climate Change and Land Use for Forest Issues in the Eastern United States

by Brice B. Hanberry, Marc D. Abrams and Gregory J. Nowacki

Land 2024, 13(3), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030398 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3815

Abstract

Applying an interaction framework, we examined whether climate change and combined land use and disturbance changes were synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral for forest issues of wildfires, tree growth, tree species distributions, species invasions and outbreaks, and deer herbivory, focused on the eastern United [...] Read more.

Applying an interaction framework, we examined whether climate change and combined land use and disturbance changes were synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral for forest issues of wildfires, tree growth, tree species distributions, species invasions and outbreaks, and deer herbivory, focused on the eastern United States generally since the 1800s and the development of instrumental records (1895). Climate largely has not warmed during 1981–2020 compared to 1895–1980, but precipitation has increased. Increased precipitation and land use (encompassing fire exclusion and forestation, with coarse fuel accumulation due to increased tree densities) have interacted synergistically to dampen wildfire frequency in the humid eastern U.S. For overall tree growth, increased precipitation, carbon fertilization, and land use (i.e., young, fast-growing dense stands) likely have been positive, generating a synergistic interaction. Human activities created conditions for expanding native tree species distributions, non-native species invasions, and damaging native species outbreaks. No strong evidence appears to exist for recent climate change or land use influences on deer populations and associated herbivory levels. In the future, a warmer and effectively drier climate may reverse synergistic and neutral interactions with land use, although effects of climate interactions with land use will vary by species. Management can help correct non-climate stressors due to land use and support resilient structures and species against climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use/Land Cover and Natural Hazards: Interactions, Changes, and Impacts II)

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19 pages, 24193 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring Sensitivity of Phenology to Seasonal Climate Differences in Temperate Grasslands of China Based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

by Xiaoshuai Wei, Mingze Xu, Hongxian Zhao, Xinyue Liu, Zifan Guo, Xinhao Li and Tianshan Zha

Land 2024, 13(3), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030399 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1973

Abstract

The affiliation between vegetation phenology and seasonal climate (start and end times of the growing season, or SOS and EOS) provides a basis for acquiring insight into the dynamic response of terrestrial ecosystems to the effects of climate change. Although climate warming is [...] Read more.

The affiliation between vegetation phenology and seasonal climate (start and end times of the growing season, or SOS and EOS) provides a basis for acquiring insight into the dynamic response of terrestrial ecosystems to the effects of climate change. Although climate warming is an important factor affecting the advancement or delay of plant phenology, understanding the sensitivity of phenology to seasonal variation in climate factors (e.g., local air temperature, precipitation) is generally lacking under different climate backgrounds. In this study, we investigated the interannual variability of grassland phenology and its spatial variation in temperate regions of China based on satellite-derived products for the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and weather data acquired from 2001 to 2020. We found that due to differences in local climate conditions, the effects of seasonal warming and precipitation on phenology were divergent or even opposite during the 20 years. The sensitivities of the start of growing season (SOS) to both spring temperature and last-winter precipitation was controlled by mean annual precipitation in terms of spatial variation. The SOS in the semi-humid (200–400 mm) region was most sensitive to spring temperature, advancing 5.24 days for each 1 °C rise in the average spring temperature (p < 0.05), while it was most sensitive to last-winter precipitation in arid regions (<200 mm), with SOS advancing up to 2.23 days for every 1 mm increase in the last-winter precipitation (p < 0.05). The end of growing season (EOS) was sensitive to autumn temperature, being delayed 10.13 days for each 1 °C rise in the average autumn temperature in regions with temperatures between −10 °C and −5 °C (p < 0.05). The uncertainty in the determination of the EOS could conceivably be greater than the determination of the SOS due to the dual effects of pre-autumn climate and growth constraints induced by declining fall temperatures. The effect of atmospheric warming on grassland phenology was lessened with increased atmospheric and soil aridity, suggesting that the interaction of regional drought and climate warming is an important source for local-to-regional differences and uncertainties in grass phenological response. Full article

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28 pages, 6438 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Your Favourite Park Is Not My Favourite Park: A Participatory Geographic Information System Approach to Improving Urban Green and Blue Spaces—A Case Study in Edinburgh, Scotland

by Charlotte Wendelboe-Nelson, Yiyun Wang, Simon Bell, Craig W. McDougall and Catharine Ward Thompson

Land 2024, 13(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030395 - 20 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3081

Abstract

Access to urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs) has been associated with positive effects on health and wellbeing; however, the past decades have seen a decline in quality and user satisfaction with UGBSs. This reflects the mounting challenges that many UK cities face [...] Read more.

Access to urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs) has been associated with positive effects on health and wellbeing; however, the past decades have seen a decline in quality and user satisfaction with UGBSs. This reflects the mounting challenges that many UK cities face in providing appropriate public facilities, alongside issues such as health inequalities, an ageing population, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. At present, little is known about the preferences of different population subgroups and, specifically, the UGBSs they visit and the spaces they avoid. Using a public participatory geographic information system (PPGIS), the overall aim of the research presented here was to investigate the preferences of different population subgroups in urban areas, and the UGBSs they visit, using Edinburgh, Scotland as a case study. We created a baseline visitor demographic profile for UGBS use, and highlighted how visitors perceive, physically access, use, and engage with UGBSs. The results revealed considerable variation in UGBS preference: one person’s favourite UGBS may be one that someone else dislikes and avoids. It is clear that adapting UGBSs to suit local communities should not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The conflicting views and preferences of different groups of respondents point to the importance of developing policies and park management plans that can accommodate a variety of uses and experiential qualities within individual parks. PPGIS approaches, such as those utilised in this study, offer opportunities to address this issue and provide evidence to increase equitable UGBS usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services)

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24 pages, 3335 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Seminatural Grasslands: An Emblematic Challenge for Nature Conservation in Protected Areas

by Daniela Gigante, Simone Angelucci, Federica Bonini, Federico Caruso, Valter Di Cecco, Domizia Donnini, Luciano Morbidini, Mariano Pauselli, Bernardo Valenti, Andrea Tassi, Marco Vizzari and Luciano Di Martino

Land 2024, 13(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030386 - 18 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2595

Abstract

Seminatural grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in Europe and worldwide, mainly due to changes in/abandonment of their traditional extensive use by grazing animals. This study aimed to develop an innovative model that integrates plant biodiversity, animal husbandry, and geo-informatics to manage [...] Read more.

Seminatural grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in Europe and worldwide, mainly due to changes in/abandonment of their traditional extensive use by grazing animals. This study aimed to develop an innovative model that integrates plant biodiversity, animal husbandry, and geo-informatics to manage and preserve seminatural grasslands in protected areas. With this objective, an integrated study was conducted on the seminatural grasslands in the hilly, montane, and (to a minimum extent) subalpine belts of the Maiella National Park, one of Europe’s most biodiversity-rich protected sites. Plant biodiversity was investigated through 141 phytosociological relevés in homogeneous areas; the pastoral value was calculated, and grasslands’ productivity was measured together with the main nutritional parameters. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the main grassland vegetation types, their indicator species and ecological–environmental characteristics, and their pastoral and nutritional values’ variability and differences. A total of 17 grassland types, most of which correspond to habitat types listed in Annex I to the 92/43/EEC Directive, were identified and characterised in terms of their biodiversity and potential animal load. To allow for near-real-time analysis of grasslands, an NDVI-based web interface running on Google Earth Engine was implemented. This integrated approach can provide decision-making support for protected-area managers seeking to develop and implement sustainable grassland management practices that ensure the long-term maintenance of their biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Altitude Grasslands: Biodiversity Conservation, Management, and Habitat Preference)

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22 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Systematic Review on Digital Soil Mapping Approaches in Lowland Areas

by Odunayo David Adeniyi, Hauwa Bature and Michael Mearker

Land 2024, 13(3), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030379 - 17 Mar 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4861

Abstract

Digital soil mapping (DSM) around the world is mostly conducted in areas with a certain relief characterized by significant heterogeneities in soil-forming factors. However, lowland areas (e.g., plains, low-relief areas), prevalently used for agricultural purposes, might also show a certain variability in soil [...] Read more.

Digital soil mapping (DSM) around the world is mostly conducted in areas with a certain relief characterized by significant heterogeneities in soil-forming factors. However, lowland areas (e.g., plains, low-relief areas), prevalently used for agricultural purposes, might also show a certain variability in soil characteristics. To assess the spatial distribution of soil properties and classes, accurate soil datasets are a prerequisite to facilitate the effective management of agricultural areas. This systematic review explores the DSM approaches in lowland areas by compiling and analysing published articles from 2008 to mid-2023. A total of 67 relevant articles were identified from Web of Science and Scopus. The study reveals a rising trend in publications, particularly in recent years, indicative of the growing recognition of DSM’s pivotal role in comprehending soil properties in lowland ecosystems. Noteworthy knowledge gaps are identified, emphasizing the need for nuanced exploration of specific environmental variables influencing soil heterogeneity. This review underscores the dominance of agricultural cropland as a focus, reflecting the intricate relationship between soil attributes and agricultural productivity in lowlands. Vegetation-related covariates, relief-related factors, and statistical machine learning models, with random forest at the forefront, emerge prominently. The study concludes by outlining future research directions, highlighting the urgency of understanding the intricacies of lowland soil mapping for improved land management, heightened agricultural productivity, and effective environmental conservation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Soil Mapping, Decision Support Tools and Soil Monitoring Systems in the Mediterranean)

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21 pages, 11576 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sample Size Optimization for Digital Soil Mapping: An Empirical Example

by Daniel D. Saurette, Richard J. Heck, Adam W. Gillespie, Aaron A. Berg and Asim Biswas

Land 2024, 13(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030365 - 14 Mar 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2830

Abstract

In the evolving field of digital soil mapping (DSM), the determination of sample size remains a pivotal challenge, particularly for large-scale regional projects. We introduced the Jensen-Shannon Divergence (D_JS), a novel tool recently applied to DSM, to determine optimal sample sizes [...] Read more.

In the evolving field of digital soil mapping (DSM), the determination of sample size remains a pivotal challenge, particularly for large-scale regional projects. We introduced the Jensen-Shannon Divergence (D_JS), a novel tool recently applied to DSM, to determine optimal sample sizes for a 2790 km² area in Ontario, Canada. Utilizing 1791 observations, we generated maps for cation exchange capacity (CEC), clay content, pH, and soil organic carbon (SOC). We then assessed sample sets ranging from 50 to 4000 through conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS), feature space coverage sampling (FSCS), and simple random sampling (SRS) to calibrate random forest models, analyzing performance via concordance correlation coefficient and root mean square error. Findings reveal D_JS as a robust estimator for optimal sample sizes—865 for cLHS, 874 for FSCS, and 869 for SRS, with property-specific optimal sizes indicating the potential for enhanced DSM accuracy. This methodology facilitates a strategic approach to sample size determination, significantly improving the precision of large-scale soil mapping. Conclusively, our research validates the utility of D_JS in DSM, offering a scalable solution. This advancement holds considerable promise for improving soil management and sustainability practices, underpinning the critical role of precise soil data in agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Soil Mapping Contributing to Sustainable Soil Management)

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24 pages, 5821 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Identifying the Climatic and Anthropogenic Impact on Vegetation Surrounding the Natural Springs of the Arava Valley Using Remote Sensing Methods

by Ariel Mordechai Meroz, Avshalom Babad and Noam Levin

Land 2024, 13(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030361 - 12 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Natural springs, recognized as biodiversity hotspots and keystone ecosystems, exert positive ecological influences beyond their immediate extent, particularly in dryland environments. The water feeding these springs, largely governed by natural climatic conditions, is susceptible to anthropogenic impacts. The objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Natural springs, recognized as biodiversity hotspots and keystone ecosystems, exert positive ecological influences beyond their immediate extent, particularly in dryland environments. The water feeding these springs, largely governed by natural climatic conditions, is susceptible to anthropogenic impacts. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that cause fluctuations in water availability to springs of the hyper-arid Arava Valley (Israel/Jordan). Using the Standard Precipitation Index, we statistically classified the historical record of yearly rainfall for the past four decades into clusters of dry and wet sub-periods. We assessed changes in vegetation cover around the springs using the Landsat-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for each sub-period. To assess the anthropogenic effects, we examined the correlations between vegetation cover, water extraction from the aquifer, and the status of adjacent agricultural plots that share a hydrological connection with the springs. Our findings revealed fluctuations between wet and dry sub-periods over the last four decades. We observed high responsiveness of vegetation cover around the springs to these fluctuating sub-periods. Of the 25 studied springs, 12 were directly influenced by anthropogenic factors—7 experienced a decline in vegetation, which we attributed to water extraction from the aquifers, while vegetation increase in 5 springs was attributed to water seepage from agricultural areas upstream. In conclusion, addressing vital habitats such as natural springs in arid drylands requires a holistic approach that integrates long-term climatic, ecological, and anthropogenic observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Vulnerability and Habitat Loss II)

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14 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modeling Landscape Influence on Stream Baseflows for Watershed Conservation

by Timothy O. Randhir and Kimberly B. Klosterman

Land 2024, 13(3), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030324 - 3 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1727

Abstract

Instream flows are vital to the ecology of riverine and riparian systems. The influence of watershed characteristics on these systems is helpful in developing landscape policies to maintain these flows. Watershed characteristics like precipitation, forest cover, impervious cover, soil drainage, and slope affect [...] Read more.

Instream flows are vital to the ecology of riverine and riparian systems. The influence of watershed characteristics on these systems is helpful in developing landscape policies to maintain these flows. Watershed characteristics like precipitation, forest cover, impervious cover, soil drainage, and slope affect baseflows. Spatial analysis using GIS and nonlinear regression analysis is used to analyze spatial and temporal information from gauged watersheds in Massachusetts to quantify the relationship between baseflows and watershed metrics. The marginal functions of landscape factors that reflect changes in baseflow are quantified. This information is then applied to watershed policy toward improving base flows. The interactions of three fixed attributes, soil drainage, rainfall incidence, and slope, are analyzed for the manageable landscape attributes of impervious and forest cover. Developing watershed policy to protect baseflows involves evaluating the complex interactions and functional relationships between these landscape factors and their use in watershed conservation planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydro-Sedimentological Modeling for Simulating LULC)

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21 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Counteract Soil Consumption through Ecosystem Services and Landscape Restoration for an Efficient Urban Regeneration

by Celestina Fazia, Kh Md Nahiduzzaman, Baqer Al-Ramadan, Adel Aldosary and Francesca Moraci

Land 2024, 13(3), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030323 - 2 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2794

Abstract

Soil consumption, marked by the expansion of artificial land cover for residential, productive, and infrastructural purposes, is a concerning trend in Italy, as revealed by the Copernicus land monitoring program. The issue is exacerbated by agricultural intensification and urbanization, particularly affecting regions like [...] Read more.

Soil consumption, marked by the expansion of artificial land cover for residential, productive, and infrastructural purposes, is a concerning trend in Italy, as revealed by the Copernicus land monitoring program. The issue is exacerbated by agricultural intensification and urbanization, particularly affecting regions like Lombardia and Piemonte. However, Sicilia, Abruzzo, and Lazio experience notable increases in processes of abandonment and re-naturalization. Data from Ispra highlights the need for in-depth study, especially in regions like Sicilia, where contrasting phenomena occur. This study utilizes Ispra data to monitor and formulate strategies for mitigating soil consumption and safeguarding ecosystem services. The research aligns with objectives related to combating climate change and facilitating the ecological transition of territories. The complexity of land consumption, influenced by interdependent factors, is evident in the achieved results. Effective strategies for containment and re-naturalization involve the implementation of town planning regulations and multi-level behavioral pathways. This study aims to identify contextual actions that can reduce land consumption, promote de-impermeabilization, and encourage re-naturalization, focusing on enhancing ecosystem services in land use activities. Thus, it focuses on understanding the contributions of ecosystem services, landscape restoration and green infrastructure on climate mitigation, and a reduction in land consumption in urban regeneration processes. As well, through open-source systems, it is important to monitor in real time the trend of the quantity of factors and variables and the state of the environment, and the reasons to intervene with systemic strategies and actions constitutes another lens of focus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Regeneration: Challenges and Opportunities for the Landscape)

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16 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Inequalities and Injustices of Urban Green Regeneration: Applying the Conflict Analysis Perspective

by Annegret Haase

Land 2024, 13(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030296 - 27 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3245

Abstract

Green regeneration has become one of the most powerful strategies for improving the quality of life in cities, supporting climate change adaptation, and reducing the carbon footprints of cities. While it is the ambition of most green regeneration projects to create benefits for [...] Read more.

Green regeneration has become one of the most powerful strategies for improving the quality of life in cities, supporting climate change adaptation, and reducing the carbon footprints of cities. While it is the ambition of most green regeneration projects to create benefits for residents and users, reality shows that green regeneration also reinforces existing or even shapes new ‘green inequalities’. These can result from green gentrification and displacement, procedural injustices, and exclusion from participation or barriers to the access and use of newly created urban green spaces. Set against this background, the paper uses a conflict analysis perspective to look at the inequalities and injustices that evolve within the context of green regeneration. Applying social conflict theory, it seeks to understand (1) why and how green regeneration may lead to inequality and justice conflicts and (2) how conflict analysis helps to understand the nature and implications of green regeneration conflicts in more depth. As for its empirical foundation, the paper reanalyses empirical evidence that was examined in earlier projects on a residential area in the city of Leipzig, Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Spaces: Socioeconomic Challenges)

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