Land | Special Issue : Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability

Research

20 pages, 8689 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution Trajectory and Driver Analysis of Habitat Quality Dynamics in the Yellow River Basin

by Jinxin Sun, Xianglun Kong, Wenjun Zhu and Mei Han

Land 2026, 15(5), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050695 - 22 Apr 2026

Identifying the heterogeneous characteristics of habitat quality (HQ) trajectories is a key prerequisite for refined ecological spatial management. We used kernel Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (kNDVI) to correct the highly sensitive parameters, validated the correction results based on their consistency with the prior [...] Read more.

Identifying the heterogeneous characteristics of habitat quality (HQ) trajectories is a key prerequisite for refined ecological spatial management. We used kernel Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (kNDVI) to correct the highly sensitive parameters, validated the correction results based on their consistency with the prior study findings, developed a framework for the evolution of HQ using Sen+MK and Pettitt’s tests, and utilized XGBoost and partial correlation analysis to identify the primary drivers of dynamic changes in HQ from both spatiotemporal perspectives. Our findings include the following: (1) between 2000 and 2023, the average annual rate of change in the HQ index was 0.0037 per year, indicating a continuous improvement in HQ. Compared with the period from 2011 to 2023 (0.0026 per year), the rate of improvement in HQ was faster during 2000–2011 (0.0047 per year). (2) Mutational improvement and progressive improvement were the main evolutionary trajectories, accounting for over 50.33% of the total. (3) Precipitation, land-use intensity (LUI), temperature, and elevation show a strong correlation with HQ distribution. The magnitude of HQ variation is related to HQ status, LUI, precipitation, and elevation. This study establishes a scientific foundation for developing differentiated regulatory strategies for YRB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

24 pages, 24014 KB

Open AccessArticle

From a Topographic Gradient Perspective: Ecosystem Service Effects of Agricultural Land Transformation in Karst Mountainous Areas—A Case Study of Puding County, Guizhou Province

by Xiang Wu, Guangjie Luo, Yangbing Li, Luanyu Zhou, Xue Ren and Kunyan Rao

Land 2026, 15(4), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040582 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 384

Abstract

Agricultural land transformation significantly affects ecosystem services (ES), yet its impacts across different topographic gradients remain unclear, hindering integrated land management in karst mountainous areas. Using Puding County, Guizhou Province, as a case study, this research employed the land-use transfer matrix, the InVEST [...] Read more.

Agricultural land transformation significantly affects ecosystem services (ES), yet its impacts across different topographic gradients remain unclear, hindering integrated land management in karst mountainous areas. Using Puding County, Guizhou Province, as a case study, this research employed the land-use transfer matrix, the InVEST model, and Spearman correlation analysis to examine the spatiotemporal patterns and relationships between agricultural land transformation and ES from 2004 to 2024. The findings indicate: (1) Agricultural land transformation shows distinct topographic differentiation: non-agricultural conversion and agricultural intensification dominate low-topographic positions; ecological land use conversion and agricultural intensification coexist in mid-topographic positions; and ecological land use conversion prevails in high-topographic positions. (2) ES vary consistently along topographic gradients: soil retention and carbon storage increase with elevation, food supply concentrates in low topographic positions, and water yield changes are most pronounced at low topographic positions. (3) Topography regulates the ecological effects of transformation pathways: ecological land use conversion enhances regulating services in high-topographic positions, while farmland abandonment increases erosion risk; composite transformation promotes a dynamic balance between services in mid-topographic positions; and agricultural intensification improves food supply but intensifies water competition in low-topographic positions, whereas non-agricultural conversion degrades multiple ecosystem services. This study provides a scientific basis for zoned land management and sustainable development in karst mountainous areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 3218 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Carbon Emissions and Ecosystem Service Values in Xinjiang Based on LUCC

by Qiuyi Wu, Wei Chang, Mengfei Song, Xinjuan Kuang and Honghui Zhu

Land 2026, 15(4), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040538 - 26 Mar 2026

Viewed by 339

Abstract

This study is based on time-series land use data of Xinjiang from 2000 to 2022. Using grid tools, bivariate autocorrelation models and other methods, we systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of land use and ecosystem service value. The results show the following: [...] Read more.

This study is based on time-series land use data of Xinjiang from 2000 to 2022. Using grid tools, bivariate autocorrelation models and other methods, we systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of land use and ecosystem service value. The results show the following: Firstly, from 2000 to 2022, Xinjiang’s LUCC exhibits differentiated evolution characteristics: cropland, forestland, and built-up land expanded continuously, while the areas of grassland and unused land showed a steady reduction trend, and the area of water bodies showed a fluctuating growth pattern. Secondly, according to the calculation of carbon emissions from LUCC in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2022, the carbon emissions from LUCC have increased significantly, from 27.79 million tons in 2000 to 226.43 million tons in 2022, with built-up land being the main source of carbon emissions, but the continuous reduction in grassland area has led to the weakening of carbon sequestration capacity. Thirdly, from 2000 to 2022, Xinjiang’s ESV shows a fluctuating upward trend, increasing from 1880.528 billion yuan in 2000 to 1894.198 billion yuan in 2022, with grassland and water area being the core contributors to ESV, accounting for over 80% of the total contribution. Fourthly, in terms of spatial distribution, there is an overall negative correlation between the intensity of carbon emissions from LUCC and the intensity of ESV, mainly aggregated as “low–low” and “low–high”, with “high–low” aggregation primarily distributed in the desert areas of the Tarim Basin and Junggar Basin and “low–high” aggregation concentrated in the marginal mountainous areas and oasis regions of Xinjiang. The findings provide a solid scientific basis for the optimization of land use structure, the achievement of carbon emission reduction targets, and the protection of ecosystems in Xinjiang and similar arid regions worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5247 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Zoning of Cultivated Land Utilization in Hubei Province from the Perspective of the “Big Food Concept”

by Xiaodan Li, Quanxi Wang, Jun Ren and Xiaoning Zhang

Land 2026, 15(4), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040529 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 335

Abstract

Against the backdrop of dietary structure evolution and the “big food concept” strategy, there has been a shift from the traditional grain-centric perspective toward a diversified supply system. Taking Hubei Province—a major grain-producing region in China—as a case study, this research establishes a [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of dietary structure evolution and the “big food concept” strategy, there has been a shift from the traditional grain-centric perspective toward a diversified supply system. Taking Hubei Province—a major grain-producing region in China—as a case study, this research establishes a multi-criteria evaluation system and conducts analysis using statistical yearbooks and land survey data. By integrating natural conditions, economic benefits, and production capacity, the suitability of cultivated land for growing grain crops, cash crops, and forage crops is assessed. Concurrently, landscape pattern indices were applied to quantify the degree of farmland fragmentation. Employing a self-organizing mapping (SOM) neural network model, we synthesized suitability and fragmentation data to delineate differentiated farmland conservation zones. The results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in crop suitability and fragmentation levels. High-suitability zones for grain crops were concentrated in the Jianghan Plain, while forage crops exhibited higher suitability in northeastern and southeastern Hubei. Farmland fragmentation showed a spatial pattern of lower levels in central Jianghan Plain, gradually increasing toward surrounding hilly and mountainous areas. SOM clustering effectively partitioned farmland into six functional zones: multifunctional agricultural zones, mixed farming zones, grain crop zones, cash crop zones, forage crop zones, and production improvement zones. This multi-source geographic and statistical data-driven zoning framework provides scientific basis for targeted policy interventions. It enables the quantitative management, quality enhancement, and spatial optimization of farmland resources, thereby operationalizing the big food concept to strengthen regional food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4157 KB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Measurement and Mechanism Diagnosis in Rural Construction: A Dual-Perspective Post-Occupancy Evaluation of China Resources Hope Towns

by Zhuoran Jiang, Hao Chu, Yuhan Tian and Zhigang Wang

Land 2026, 15(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15020316 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 609

Abstract

Addressing the challenge of misalignment between high capital input and operational efficacy in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) led rural revitalization often highlighted in relevant studies, this study establishes a dual perspective Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) framework that integrates objective efficiency measurement with subjective mechanism [...] Read more.

Addressing the challenge of misalignment between high capital input and operational efficacy in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) led rural revitalization often highlighted in relevant studies, this study establishes a dual perspective Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) framework that integrates objective efficiency measurement with subjective mechanism diagnosis. Leveraging multi-source official data from 11 China Resources Hope Towns, we apply an entropy-weighted super-efficiency DEA model for holistic assessment, complemented by an in-depth diagnostic of the Jinzhai project. The results indicate that operational performance is not a linear function of investment scale but exhibits significant heterogeneity. The analysis delineates distinct inefficiency typologies: the “Scale Restricted” type, characterized by effective management constrained by insufficient functional agglomeration, and the “Management-Constrained” type, marked by challenges in converting physical assets into economic vitality. Notably, the Jinzhai case exposes a critical “Delivery Utility Divergence,” where high technical efficiency coexists with moderate resident satisfaction revealed by survey data, highlighting structural gaps in service accessibility. Consequently, this research proposes a “Diagnose-Feedback-Optimization” closed-loop governance framework. It advocates a paradigm shift from uniform construction delivery to differentiated operational strategies, specifically structured expansion, asset activation, and service patching, to effectively align facility supply with resident needs throughout the full lifecycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 1331 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Cultivated Land Quality Protection Policy in China Based on the Content Analysis Method

by Yanqing Wang, Weilai Ding, Hongbo Zhu and Junxiong Mo

Land 2026, 15(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15020298 - 11 Feb 2026

Viewed by 538

Abstract

Analyzing the evolution of cultivated land quality protection policy in China is crucial for refining its frameworks and constructing a “trinity” system integrating quantity, quality, and ecological sustainability. This study employs content analysis to systematically trace the evolutionary patterns of such policies, based [...] Read more.

Analyzing the evolution of cultivated land quality protection policy in China is crucial for refining its frameworks and constructing a “trinity” system integrating quantity, quality, and ecological sustainability. This study employs content analysis to systematically trace the evolutionary patterns of such policies, based on a review of 200 national and local policy documents issued between 1986 and 2014. The results reveal the following: (1) Policy development has occurred in five distinct stages: embryonic, practical exploration, system construction, in-depth transformation, and comprehensive upgrading. The policy system is now maturing toward an integrated “trinity” protection mechanism. Accordingly, governmental priorities have shifted from emphasizing subsistence benefits to prioritizing ecological benefits. (2) Despite a multifaceted policy framework, effectiveness is hindered by the absence of binding national legislation, which remains in the drafting phase. This gap has resulted in fragmented implementation, inconsistent regional standards, and limited policy efficacy. (3) To strengthen the system, we propose three optimization pathways: elevating the legislative hierarchy for robust legal safeguards, implementing zoning-based control mechanisms for targeted governance, and refining interest linkage policies to enhance stakeholder coordination. Furthermore, by constructing a policy orientation index, we quantify the distinct shift from quantity control towards quality and ecological priorities. The study links this discursive evolution to land governance challenges, arguing that policy fragmentation and weak legal binding may undermine land value stability and long-term investment. Our findings extend beyond descriptive policy history, offering a framework for assessing how policy discourse translates into tangible land system outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 33179 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Heterogeneity and Scale Dependence of Ecological Security: Assessing the Impacts of Land Use and Human Activities in a Typical Mountainous Urban Agglomeration

by Yixin Chen, Shuyu Liao, Hang Li, Zeshi Li, Wenxuan Wang, Xiaoyu Hu, Jialan Liang, Lianyou Liu and Jifu Liu

Land 2026, 15(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15020284 - 9 Feb 2026

Viewed by 543

Abstract

Ecological Security (ES) is an essential safeguard for regional sustainable development. Scientifically elucidating the multiscale evolution of ES patterns and their driving mechanisms is critical for ecological governance and conservation in Mountainous Urban Agglomerations (MUAs). Taking the central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA) as [...] Read more.

Ecological Security (ES) is an essential safeguard for regional sustainable development. Scientifically elucidating the multiscale evolution of ES patterns and their driving mechanisms is critical for ecological governance and conservation in Mountainous Urban Agglomerations (MUAs). Taking the central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA) as a representative MUA, this study constructs a three-dimensional ES assessment framework integrating ecological health, ecological sensitivity, and ecological risk. By integrating ES slope-spectrum analysis with spatial autocorrelation, Geodetector, Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), and machine learning, we analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of regional ES patterns and their driving mechanisms from a multiscale perspective. Results show that from 2000 to 2020, ES in the CYUA exhibited an overall improving trend with clear scale dependency. At the micro-scale, urban expansion intensified ecological fragmentation, whereas at the macro-scale, regional integration under policy guidance was evident. ES shows significant differentiation along slope gradients, forming a typical pattern of “low-slope–high-risk and high-slope–high-security,” with the 10–25° interval identified as a “conflict front” between ecological conservation and urban development, facing elevated degradation risks. Human Activity Intensity (HAI) is the dominant driver of ES spatial differentiation, with a critical pressure threshold of 0.29, and exhibits significant nonlinear interactive effects with slope and NDVI, with q-values exceeding 0.6. Overall, this study reveals complex human–environment interactions in MUAs and provides scientific evidence for balancing topographic constraints with urbanization, optimizing territorial spatial patterns, and promoting coordinated development of ecological conservation and high-quality urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 7704 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Functional Zoning and Conservation Strategies for Agricultural Heritage Sites Based on Ecosystem Service Bundles: A Case Study of the Mountain Spring Water Fish Farming System in Kaihua, Zhejiang, China

by Bifan Cai, Mingming Zhang, Zhiming Wang and Wenhao Hu

Land 2026, 15(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010102 - 5 Jan 2026

Viewed by 695

Abstract

As agricultural heritage systems provide crucial ecosystem service functions, conducting functional zoning serves as a fundamental and essential approach to implementing the ecological civilization strategy and promoting targeted conservation and sustainable utilization. Taking the Mountain Spring Water Fish Farming System in Kaihua, Zhejiang, [...] Read more.

As agricultural heritage systems provide crucial ecosystem service functions, conducting functional zoning serves as a fundamental and essential approach to implementing the ecological civilization strategy and promoting targeted conservation and sustainable utilization. Taking the Mountain Spring Water Fish Farming System in Kaihua, Zhejiang, a site recognized as a China-Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage System, as a case study, this research integrates the equivalent factor method and the Self-Organizing Map neural network clustering method to evaluate ecosystem service values, identify ecosystem service clusters, and conduct ecological functional zoning. Protection and utilization strategies are subsequently proposed for each functional zone. The results show the following findings: (1) From 2005 to 2020, the total ecosystem service value of the system exhibited a fluctuating yet overall declining trend, decreasing by approximately 0.25%; (2) five ecosystem service clusters were identified, within which services generally showed synergistic relationships, while trade-offs were mainly concentrated between food provision and other ecosystem services; (3) based on these findings, the study area was divided into five functional zones—the Heritage Culture Core Zone, the Ecological Restoration and Conservation Priority Zone, the Industrial Integration and Development Zone, the Ecological–Industrial Transition and Optimization Zone, and the Multi-Value Protection and Exploration Zone. Specific protection and utilization strategies were proposed for each zone. This study provides a novel theoretical perspective and practical reference for rational ecological functional zoning, as well as the protection and sustainable use of agricultural heritage systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1498 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Multiple Driving Mechanisms and Dynamic Evolution of Urban Inefficient Land Redevelopment: An Integrated SEM-FCM Approach

by Siling Yang, Yang Zhang, Puwei Zhang and Hao Chen

Land 2025, 14(12), 2411; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122411 - 12 Dec 2025

Viewed by 565

Abstract

Urban inefficient land redevelopment (UILR) is crucial for sustainable urban development, yet its progress is driven by the interplay of multiple factors. To systematically uncover the driving mechanisms and dynamic patterns of these factors, an integrated analytical approach combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) [...] Read more.

Urban inefficient land redevelopment (UILR) is crucial for sustainable urban development, yet its progress is driven by the interplay of multiple factors. To systematically uncover the driving mechanisms and dynamic patterns of these factors, an integrated analytical approach combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) is developed in this study. Based on 222 valid survey responses from professionals across eight cities in China’s Yangtze River Delta region, five key factors are identified within the “drivers–pressure–enablers” conceptual framework: economic incentives, environmental objectives, social needs, policy guidance, and implementation conditions. SEM is first employed to examine static causal relationships, and the quantified pathway effects are subsequently incorporated into an FCM model to simulate the long-term evolution. The results reveal the following: (i) All five factors exert significant direct effects, with economic incentives, environmental objectives, and policy guidance also demonstrating notable indirect effects. (ii) The factors exhibit distinct temporal characteristics: policy guidance acts as a “fast variable” enabling short-term breakthroughs; economic incentives serve as a “strong variable” driving medium-term progress; and social needs function as a “slow variable” with long-term benefits. (iii) Policy guidance is essential, as its absence leads to persistently low effectiveness, while its synergy with implementation conditions can achieve satisfactory performance even without economic incentives. The combined SEM–FCM approach validates static hypotheses and simulates dynamic scenarios, offering a new perspective for analyzing complex driving mechanisms of UILR and providing practical insights for targeted redevelopment strategy design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4504 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Spatiotemporal Drivers of Green Utilization Efficiency of Cultivated Land in China: A PEST-GTWR Framework

by Mengyao Zhang, Quanfeng Li, Bonoua Faye and Anran Yang

Land 2025, 14(12), 2329; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122329 - 27 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 602

Abstract

Promoting green utilization of cultivated land is the key to balancing resource use and ecological capacity. However, its working mechanisms are still unclear. This study attempts to address this empirical research gap through a three-stage cyclic system (Input-State-Output). It employed the PEST framework [...] Read more.

Promoting green utilization of cultivated land is the key to balancing resource use and ecological capacity. However, its working mechanisms are still unclear. This study attempts to address this empirical research gap through a three-stage cyclic system (Input-State-Output). It employed the PEST framework (Politics, Economy, Society, Technology) to identify external drivers. Using advanced methods, including the Super-SBM model, Dagum Gini coefficient, and Kernel density estimation, this paper mapped the spatiotemporal drivers of China’s green utilization efficiency of cultivated land (GUECL) between 2000 and 2020. The results indicate that despite some variation, the GUECL exhibited a distinct upward tendency over the study period. Spatially, efficiency was highest in northeastern China, while eastern and western China indicated moderate efficiency, and it was the lowest in central China. Regional differences generally narrowed, with trans-variation remaining the primary source of differences. External drivers varied across regions. At the national level, fiscal support and the R&D staff reduced GUECL, while economic growth increased it. In contrast, at the regional level, environmental regulation helped in western China, while income disparity boosted it in central China. Moreover, farm size and machinery use promoted GUECL in the eastern, central, and northeastern China, while cropping intensity and farmer education had positive effects in the central and eastern regions. This study provides a scientific foundation for developing region-specific strategies to promote the green utilization of cultivated land. It provides a valuable Chinese case for global research on sustainable land use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 3955 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Ecosystem Services into Urban Carbon Dynamics: A Dual-Scale Spatial Analysis of Land Use, Emissions, and Planning

by Carmelina Bevilacqua, Poya Sohrabi and Nourhan Hamdy

Land 2025, 14(11), 2286; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14112286 - 19 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 955

Abstract

Integrating ecosystem services into urban planning requires analytical tools that connect spatial land-use data with environmental performance. This paper applies a multi-scale, data-driven approach to assess urban carbon dynamics using spatial units that reflect both ecological functions and planning relevance. The study examines [...] Read more.

Integrating ecosystem services into urban planning requires analytical tools that connect spatial land-use data with environmental performance. This paper applies a multi-scale, data-driven approach to assess urban carbon dynamics using spatial units that reflect both ecological functions and planning relevance. The study examines the Reggio Calabria Functional Urban Area (FUA) in Southern Italy, using Copernicus Urban Atlas land-use data to characterize spatial patterns and estimate CO₂ emissions and sequestration using parameters derived from established literature and institutional sources. A Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) identifies land uses with direct and spillover effects, revealing how spatial organization shapes urban carbon outcomes. Results reveal a net emission imbalance of approximately 1.85 billion kg CO₂ per year, confirming the region’s role as a net emitter. Transport corridors and discontinuous low-density urban areas show the strongest positive SDM coefficients (+3.48 and +0.78 kg CO₂ m⁻² yr⁻¹, respectively). Forests and agricultural lands show negative effects, indicating potential sequestration functions, though not statistically significant. This suggests that natural and semi-natural land uses contribute little to measurable CO₂ reduction within the FUA. Emissions and sinks display a polarized spatial pattern, with coastal urban zones acting as hotspots and inland areas serving as potential sinks. These findings underscore the need to strengthen ecological connectivity and integrate green infrastructure within dense urban areas to enhance mitigation capacity. The proposed framework shows how spatially explicit, hierarchical analysis can bridge ecosystem services and urban planning, offering a replicable basis for data-informed, climate-responsive strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 9213 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hospital-Oriented Development (HOD): A Quantitative Morphological Analysis for Collaborative Development of Healthcare and Daily Life

by Ziyi Chen, Yizhuo Wang, Hua Zhang, Jingmeng Lei, Haochun Tan, Xuan Wang and Yu Ye

Land 2025, 14(10), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101996 - 4 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2105

Abstract

With the global trend of population aging, human-centered development that integrates medical convenience with daily life quality has become a critical necessity. However, conceptual frameworks, evaluation methods, and spatial prototypes for such ‘healthcare–daily-life’ development remain limited. This study proposes Hospital-Oriented Development (HOD) as [...] Read more.

With the global trend of population aging, human-centered development that integrates medical convenience with daily life quality has become a critical necessity. However, conceptual frameworks, evaluation methods, and spatial prototypes for such ‘healthcare–daily-life’ development remain limited. This study proposes Hospital-Oriented Development (HOD) as a framework to promote collaborative development by considering both hospital accessibility and urban development intensity, derived from multi-sourced urban data. First, a conceptual framework was established, consisting of three dimensions, i.e., network accessibility, facility completeness, and environmental comfort, which was then characterized by twelve indicators based on urban morphological features. Second, these indicators were quantitatively evaluated through detailed values measured among 20 exemplary hospitals in Shanghai selected via user-generated content. Finally, HOD performance and morphology informed the spatial prototype. The results reveal confidence intervals for each indicator and recommended spatial features. Numerically, there was a positive correlation between facility completeness and network accessibility, but a negative correlation with environmental comfort. Spatially, a context-specific HOD prototype for China was developed. This study proposes the concept of HOD, delivers quantitative measurements, and develops a spatial prototype via empirical research, providing theoretical insights and evidence to support the improvement in healthcare environments from a human-centered perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1092 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perception over Possession: How Farmers’ Subjective Tenure Security and Forest Certification Drive Sustainable Bamboo Management

by Yuan Huang and Yali Wen

Land 2025, 14(10), 1979; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101979 - 1 Oct 2025

Viewed by 713

Abstract

Against the backdrop of China’s large-scale collective forest tenure reform, examining the actual effects of land policies at the household level is crucial for advancing sustainable forestry. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impacts of tenure formalization (forest tenure certificates) and market-based [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of China’s large-scale collective forest tenure reform, examining the actual effects of land policies at the household level is crucial for advancing sustainable forestry. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the impacts of tenure formalization (forest tenure certificates) and market-based incentives (bamboo forest certification) on household production inputs and harvesting behavior by disentangling the objective implementation of policies from households’ subjective perceptions. Based on survey data from 1090 households in Fujian Province, China, and employing double-hurdle and Tobit models, this study reveals a central finding: households’ management decisions are driven more strongly by their subjective perceptions than by objectively held policy instruments. Specifically, perceived tenure security serves as a key incentive for increasing production inputs and adopting long-term harvesting plans, whereas the mere possession of forest tenure certificates exhibits limited direct effects. Similarly, households’ positive expectations about the market value enhancement from bamboo forest certification significantly promote investments and sustainable harvesting practices—an effect substantially greater than that of mere participation in certification. Consequently, this study argues that the successful implementation of land governance policies depends not only on the rollout of instruments but, more critically, on fostering households’ trust and positive perceptions of policies’ long-term value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 27143 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Stream Bank Erosion with a Visual Assessment Protocol in Streams Around Drama City, Greece

by Georgios Pagonis, Georgios Gkiatas, Paschalis Koutalakis, Valasia Iakovoglou and George N. Zaimes

Land 2025, 14(10), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101963 - 29 Sep 2025

Viewed by 2541

Abstract

Stream bank erosion poses significant threats to societal well-being and ecosystem services. Despite its importance, studies in Greece have been limited. This study evaluated stream bank erosion categories using the geographic information system (GIS) and the Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI). Five stream [...] Read more.

Stream bank erosion poses significant threats to societal well-being and ecosystem services. Despite its importance, studies in Greece have been limited. This study evaluated stream bank erosion categories using the geographic information system (GIS) and the Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI). Five stream reaches with different characteristics were selected near Drama, Greece. The GIS was used to map the stream and riparian area characteristics and to locate the BEHI sampling plots. The BEHI was employed to classify bank erosion vulnerability. The Categorical Principal Components Analysis (CatPCA) analysis was used to determine the factors that influence erosion. The study reaches, except for one, had high, very high, and extreme stream bank erosion exceeding 28%. Two reaches had greater than 40% of the banks without erosion. Substantial differences in erosion categories (%) were detected due to different fluvio-geomorphologic and anthropogenic pressures. Based on the CatPCA, agricultural and urbanized riparian areas experienced high, very high, and extreme bank erosion. Reaches with perennial flow had limited erosion. In addition, straight reaches had many human interventions. Although mitigation measures had been taken, they have not been effective. Thus, the responsible authorities should consider adopting nature-based solutions to maintain and restore riverine and riparian areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 66863 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Land Use/Cover Changes Influence Air Quality in Türkiye? A Satellite-Based Assessment

by Mehmet Ali Çelik, Adile Bilik, Muhammed Ernur Akiner and Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda

Land 2025, 14(10), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101945 - 25 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2997

Abstract

Air pollution critically impacts global health, climate change, and ecosystem balance. In Türkiye, rapid population growth, urban expansion, and industrial activities lead to significant land use and cover changes, negatively affecting air quality. This study examined the relationship between land use and land [...] Read more.

Air pollution critically impacts global health, climate change, and ecosystem balance. In Türkiye, rapid population growth, urban expansion, and industrial activities lead to significant land use and cover changes, negatively affecting air quality. This study examined the relationship between land use and land cover changes and six key pollutants (sulfur dioxide, ozone, aerosol index, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde) using TROPOMI/Sentinel-5P and European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative data between 2018 and 2024. Satellite-based remote sensing techniques, MODIS data, land surface temperature, and Normalized Vegetation Index analyses were employed. The findings revealed that nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions increase with urban expansion and traffic density in metropolitan areas (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir), while agriculture and deforestation increase aerosol index levels in inland areas. Additionally, photochemical reactions increased surface ozone in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions. At the same time, sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde concentrations reached high levels in highly industrialized and metropolitan cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. This study highlights the role of green infrastructure in improving air quality and provides data-based recommendations for sustainable land management and urban planning policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Feature Papers on Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI