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Global Commons Governance and Sustainable Land Use

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A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 9966

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fangzhou Xia

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Guest Editor

Department of Land Management, School of Public Administration & Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
Interests: land use planning; land economy
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Prof. Dr. Hualin Xie

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Guest Editor

Institute of Ecological Civilization, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang 330013, China
Interests: land use; ecological security; resource and environmental policy; cultivated land protection; geographic information system
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Prof. Dr. Xiaoshun Li

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Guest Editor

School of Public Policy & Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221000, China
Interests: resources; environment economy and public policy
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Dr. Ling Li

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Guest Editor

School of School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: land use planning and public policy; housing economics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change, environmental degradation, and irrational land use pose significant threats to the Earth’s ecosystem and sustainable human development. Specifically, the rapid growth of the global population, the accelerated process of urbanization, and the demands of economic development place enormous pressure on scarce land resources. The global commons (primarily including the Antarctic, Arctic, and high seas) as a crucial component of global land are pivotal for future resource utilization and development. However, these natural resource-rich areas face severe challenges, including resource overexploitation, fragile ecological environments, escalating pollution levels, and heightened security threats. In the absence of an effective governance system, human-induced destruction of public resources and disorderly land development activities continue to be exacerbated. It is therefore imperative to improve the effectiveness of global commons governance in order to address existing issues scientifically while ensuring that public resources are utilized sustainably to promote global sustainability.

In the realm of global commons governance, research primarily focuses on designing and structuring the system for governing global commons. However, there are few studies solving current land-use problems in global commons, improving land-use efficiency, revitalizing multi-value of natural resources, and ultimately promoting sustainable global land use. The development of an internationally centered model for governing natural resources is therefore required to address these issues and promote global sustainability. The primary objective of this Special Issue is to enhance systematic research on global commons governance and sustainable development by exploring novel studies on global commons governance and sustainable land use. High-quality research on the following topics is welcome: policy changes in global commons governance, valuation of global natural resources, vegetation cover changes in global commons, interest relations among governance subjects in global commons, environmental benefits of governance, multi-purpose land utilization, global spatial planning, regional land consolidation, and other issues related to governance of the global commons and sustainable land use. We also welcome articles from interdisciplinary areas that are critical to the governance of the global commons and sustainable land development, such as the relationship between governance of the global commons and climate change, carbon neutrality, and its integration with global sustainable development.

The manuscripts can be case studies, empirical studies, modeling, or review studies. The core arguments should focus on the following topics:

Land use sustainability;
Global commons governance policy changes;
Assessment of the natural resources of the global commons;
Sustainable use of global commons;
Effect of global commons governance;
Global commons governance path;
Multi-purpose land utilization;
Spatial planning and optimum land use;
Sustainable land-use change towards carbon neutrality;
Global commons governance and climate change.

Prof. Dr. Fangzhou Xia
Prof. Dr. Hualin Xie
Prof. Dr. Xiaoshun Li
Dr. Ling Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

land use sustainability
global commons
spatial planning and governance
global nature resources
carbon neutrality
climate change

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 6392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Language Culture and Land Use: A Case Study of the Dialect Cultural Regions in Anhui Province, China

by Xiyu Chen, Guodong Fang, Jia Kang, Bo Hong, Ziyou Wang and Wuyun Xia

Land 2025, 14(3), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030648 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 459

Abstract

The unity of material and spiritual civilization is among the important criteria for sustainable development and modernization construction. However, defining the relationship between the two has posed a challenge to researchers. In terms of spiritual civilization, many studies on dialect maps reflect the dialect characteristics and cultural features of different regions. Regarding material civilization, changes in land use and behavior have attracted the attention of many scholars, who have extensively discussed their regional heterogeneity. However, few studies have focused on the connection between the two, and discussions on the possible bidirectional interaction between dialects and land use have been limited. Thus, in order to bridge the gap between the spiritual civilization related to language and the material civilization related to land use, this study proposes an interactive theoretical framework and conducts an in—depth analysis by taking Anhui Province in China as an example. Firstly, it comprehensively identifies the dialect types within Anhui Province and maps the dialects. This fundamental work provides a crucial basis for understanding the distribution of different dialect regions. Subsequently, a profound analysis of the spatiotemporal changes in land use in this province over time is carried out. To further explore the characteristics of land use behaviors, this study employs the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model to mine the latent semantic topics in the land use-related data, thus enabling a more detailed understanding of the diverse patterns of land use behaviors in different regions. Finally, by uncovering the characteristics of land use changes and behavior differences in different dialect regions, this study explores the possible bidirectional interaction mechanisms. The results show that significant spatial heterogeneity in land use behavior and its driving factors can be observed within different dialect regions. Its bidirectional interaction is manifested in land use behaviors regulating people’s activities through constructing “fields” and forming habits that influence regional dialects and cultures. Meanwhile, under mobility mechanisms, new dialect systems replace indigenous languages in immigration destinations. Land use methods from emigration areas are spread through convenient communication, affecting the cultural psychology and land use behaviors of social groups in immigration destinations. This study expands the boundaries of linguistic and cultural geography, offering a new perspective for the identification of spatial differentiation and new ideas for the governance of spatial differences. Full article

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

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19 pages, 3728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Carbon Footprint in Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Zhehan Shao, Xiaoshun Li, Jiangquan Chen, Yiwei Geng, Xuanyu Zhai, Ke Zhang and Jie Zhang

Land 2025, 14(3), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030641 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 374

Abstract

As an important engine of China’s development, the Yangtze River Economic Belt faces the dual contradiction of economic growth and ecological protection. Addressing the insufficient analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of city-level carbon footprints, this study delves into the concept of carbon footprint from the perspective of ecological footprint theory and carbon cycle dynamics. Using ODIAC and NPP data, it systematically evaluates carbon footprints across 130 cities and examines their spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors using kernel density estimation and the Kaya-LMDI model. The results show (1) a significant growth trend in carbon footprint, with rapid expansion from 2000 to 2012, followed by fluctuating growth from 2012 to 2022; (2) a west-to-east “low–high” spatial pattern, where disparities have narrowed but absolute gaps continue to widen, leading to polarization; and (3) economic growth and urban expansion as the primary drivers of carbon footprint growth, while ecological land use pressure and carbon sequestration capacity played a major role in mitigation, with the impact of carbon sequestration foundations remaining limited. This study conducts precise regional carbon sink accounting and offers a new perspective on the quantitative analysis of carbon footprint drivers. The findings provide insights for low-carbon governance and sustainable urban development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Full article

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

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19 pages, 2977 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

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 555

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 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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28 pages, 4056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do “One-Time Bidding, Average Price Win” Land Auction Rules Affect Land Prices: A Quasinatural Experiment in Suzhou, China

by Duo Chai, Shunru Li and Pengyuan Zhang

Land 2024, 13(11), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111740 - 23 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1087

Abstract

The land price reflects the supply and demand relationship in the land market and plays an important role in regulating land use. Improving land auction rules is of great significance for avoiding abnormal fluctuations in the land market and promoting the sustainable use of land resources. To regulate the abnormal fluctuations in the state-owned land use rights’ auction prices, Chinese local governments have implemented a “sealed one-time bidding, average price wins” rule. However, limited theoretical and empirical research that assesses its policy impact exists. This study examines the policy motivations behind this rule, constructing three game models; namely, static complete information, static incomplete information, and multiperiod repeated games. By deducing bidding strategies and equilibrium results, hypotheses are formulated. A baseline difference-in-differences (DID) and a dynamic policy effect model are designed, and the Python crawler is used to obtain 1182 microland auction samples in Suzhou. This study evaluates the impact of the one-time bidding rule on the starting prices, transaction prices, and premium rates. The empirical results underwent multiple robustness tests, eliminating potential endogeneity issues and biases. The results show that while the policy is effective in restraining the premium rate, indicating the bidding intensity in single-land auctions, it proves challenging to curb the long-term rise in land prices through continuous bidding auctions. Moreover, the policy may stimulate local governments to increase auction starting prices. Full article

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

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20 pages, 1462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Valuation of Nature’s Contributions in the Antarctic: Extension of the Nature’s Contributions to People Conceptual Framework

by Jinfang Pu and Jinming Yan

Land 2024, 13(9), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091367 - 26 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098

Abstract

The Antarctic region harbors abundant natural resources that constitute a common heritage site for humankind. However, given climate change and global resource scarcity, natural resource management has emerged as a pivotal issue in Antarctic governance. Assessing the value of natural resources is fundamental and crucial for ensuring their sustainable utilization and conservation. This study attempted to promote decision-makers’ understanding of the Antarctic using nature’s contribution to people (NCP) and provide an evaluation of the value of natural resources in the Antarctic, thereby contributing to sustainable global development. It developed a conceptual framework for evaluating natural resource values in the NCP, which includes scope delimitation, type identification, and value assessment. Economic value assessments were conducted for key NCPs in Antarctica. Based on existing biological, physical, and economic data, our initial estimates indicate that the economic value of the realized NCP is approximately 2.46 trillion CNY, with regulating NCP accounting for roughly 70% of the total value. If the potential NCP in the Antarctic were realized at foreseeable scientific and technological levels, the total economic value would reach approximately 105.62 trillion CNY. Regulating NCP accounted for most of the total value, but material NCP accounted for more than 20%. Overall, the development of natural resources and environmental protection are two sides of the same coin in the Antarctic, and there may be trade-offs between different NCPs. With increasing human activity, many NCP may be lost in the Antarctic region. This study develops a new perspective on the valuation of nature’s contributions to the Antarctic. The evaluation results can provide scientific evidence for decision-making and management of the development and utilization of natural resources in the Antarctic. Full article

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

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18 pages, 3474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Industrial Land Marketization in Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle

by Xiaoyi Chen and Hengwei Wang

Land 2024, 13(7), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070972 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1193

Abstract

Industrial land is essential for supply-side structural reforms, particularly in the Chengdu–Chongqing area, Western China’s most densely populated and industrially robust region. This area, a pivotal hub linking Southwest China with South Asia and Southeast Asia, is critical for the national strategic layout and regional economic restructuring. Despite its substantial industrial foundation as an old industrial base, internal developmental stagnation has led to an irrational industrial land use structure. This paper analyzed land transaction data from the China Land Market Network (2010–2021) using methods such as kernel density estimation, the standard deviation ellipse method, and Global Moran’s I index. The analysis focuses on the spatiotemporal evolution of industrial land marketization and its driving factors in 44 cities within the Chengdu–Chongqing economic circle. The findings aim to enhance the strategic implementation of national policies and regional economic optimization, suggesting intensified development efforts in key cities and promoting integrated growth in potential areas like Suining and Ziyang to foster a conducive environment for high-quality regional development. Full article

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

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21 pages, 1917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decision-Making Mechanism of Farmers in Land Transfer Processes Based on Sustainable Livelihood Analysis Framework: A Study in Rural China

by Hongbin Liu, Hebin Zhang, Yuxuan Xu and Ying Xue

Land 2024, 13(5), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050640 - 8 May 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

The act of land transfer in rural areas is an important decision-making mechanism for farmers, to enhance resource allocation efficiency and promote capital mobility, and this act is of strategic importance in promoting the level of agricultural scale and mechanization, land system change, and, thus, the sustainable development of livelihoods and production in China. This study aims to explore farmers’ decision-making mechanisms in the process of land transfer in rural areas, by constructing a theoretical framework. Structural equation modeling was used, based on data from a survey of rural families in the Liaoning Province area of Northeastern China. The main findings are as follows: (1) The seven types of exogenous latent variables, including environmental vulnerability, policy, and five main livelihood assets (natural capital, physical capital, financial capital, human capital, and social capital), are intermediary in farmers’ land transfer behavior, which then positively affect farmers’ livelihood outcomes. (2) Among the exogenous latent variables affecting farmers’ land transfer, human assets have the most significant positive effect, followed by social assets and physical assets, family labor force share, frequency of work information exchange, and number of production tools, greatly affect the corresponding variable. (3) Natural assets play the most important role and have a negative effect on farmers’ land transfer decision; contracted area of land per family is the greatest impacted measurable variable of this. The results of the study suggest that the government should strengthen skills training for farmers, improve the land transfer policy system, and provide appropriate subsidies in a regionally targeted manner. Thus, it can promote the transformation of Chinese-style agricultural modernization and achieve rural revitalization. Full article

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

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20 pages, 1994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Perceive National Governance Networks in the Global Commons of the Earth’s Surface: A Case Study of the Antarctic

by Chu Li and Wenjin Shen

Land 2024, 13(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020199 - 6 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1656

Abstract

The destiny of mankind is closely intertwined, and exploring new paths for the governance of the global commons of the earth’s surface (GCES) has become a worldwide topic. Thus, this paper attempts to carry out the following work by taking the Antarctic as an example: (1) Identify the characteristics of the governance subjects by using a literature review and the inductive analysis method. (2) Construct a network of responsive relationships among the governance subjects based on the evolutionary game approach. This study found the following: (1) A multi-subject participation in governance, i.e., with the Antarctic Treaty parties as the core, the seven major organizations as the main force, the United Nations as the support, enterprises as the emerging force, and other countries as the potential subjects. (2) Response-relational networks have high clustering coefficients and characteristic path lengths close to those of random networks, with significant small-world features of relational networks. (3) As important components of the benefit function, long-term benefits and benefit intensities together influence cooperative strategies for governance in the Antarctic. In the future, we should actively focus on long-term interests based on the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, improve the governance structure at the right time, and strive to build a robust globalization. Full article

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

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