Search Results (23)

Counties are fundamental units for ecological restoration, where scientifically delineated zoning is essential for resource allocation and governance. This study proposes a dual-dimensional, multi-source ecological zoning framework combining ecosystem service value (ESV) and Comprehensive Ecological Risk Index (CERI), with the CERI incorporating endogenous, exogenous, and regulatory ecological risk, providing a holistic representation of county-level ecological risk mechanisms. A Self-Organizing Map (SOM) neural network model clusters ESV and CERI, identifying spatial conflict zones and enabling high-resolution ecological management unit delineation. The results indicate the following: (1) The total ESV of Songzi City amounts to CNY 7.64 billion, showing spatial heterogeneity high-value clustering and low-value dispersion pattern, and water bodies and woodlands contributing 49.17% and 29.61%, respectively. (2) The spatial distribution of CERI is high in the central and eastern regions, and low in the west pattern, radiating from river systems under the combined effects of endogenous, exogenous, and regulatory risks. (3) Based on SOM clustering, four service clusters are identified and classified into ecological preventive conservation, vulnerability restoration, safeguard restoration, and improvement and utilization, shifting from broad-scale control to targeted ecological governance. This framework addresses the limitations of traditional single-dimensional risk assessments and provides a scientific basis for sustainable county-level ecological management. Full article

This study proposes replacing traditional single-value urban development intensity control with an elastic interval-based approach to address urban development challenges under population shrinkage. It constructs a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) assignment framework guided by “ideal value determination—interval value demarcation—specific value agreement”. The northern central urban area of Shantou City serves as an empirical case. The study, focusing on the conflict between inefficient expansion and population loss, delineates elastic development intensity intervals through multi-dimensional factor analysis: a baseline FAR is determined based on master plan objectives and resource carrying capacity; upper limits are calculated considering transportation and ecological constraints; and lower limits are set according to economic feasibility and social demands, forming a gradient-based control framework. Practically, the study area is divided into differentiated density units, with optimized pathways designed for newly developed, under-construction, and existing plots across multiple scenarios. A multi-stakeholder negotiation mechanism is established to dynamically adapt elastic intervals. Results demonstrate that this method maintains the regulatory authority of master plans while significantly enhancing the adaptability of spatial governance. It provides a theoretical and practical paradigm for balancing regulatory rigidity and flexibility in shrinking cities, offering actionable solutions for vacancy risk mitigation and land-use intensification. Full article

Land use conflicts represent an increasing challenge to sustainable development, particularly in regions undergoing rapid urbanization. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use conflicts and their ecological implications in Tianshui City from 1980 to 2020. The main objectives were to identify patterns of spatial heterogeneity, explore the driving factors behind these conflicts, and analyze their relationship with the ecological risks. The results indicate the following findings. In terms of spatiotemporal heterogeneity, early land use changes were primarily driven by structural factors, such as topography and climate, with a Nugget/Still ratio of <0.30 observed from 1980 to 2000. After 2000, however, stochastic factors, including an average annual urbanization rate increase of 5.2% and a GDP growth rate of 9.1%, emerged as the dominant drivers, as reflected in a Nugget/Still ratio > 0.36. Regarding conflict intensity, high-conflict areas expanded by approximately 1110 square kilometers between 1980 and 2020, predominantly concentrated in fertile agricultural regions such as the Weihe River Basin and urban core areas. Conversely, non-conflict zones decreased by 38.7%. In terms of ecological risk correlation, bivariate LISA cluster analysis revealed a significant spatial autocorrelation between severe land use conflicts and ecological risks (Moran’s I = 0.62, p < 0.01). High-risk clusters in areas transitioning from arable land to built-up land increased by 23% after 2000. Predictions based on the future land-use simulation (FLUS) model suggest that by 2030, high-intensity conflict areas will expand by an additional 16%, leading to intensified competition for land resources. Therefore, incorporating ecological safety thresholds into land spatial planning policies is essential for reconciling the conflicts between development and conservation, thereby promoting sustainable land use transitions. Full article

In past decades, urbanization has entered a phase of rapid development, resulting in an intensified utilization of land resources. The finite nature of these resources has led to increased pressure on land availability, giving rise to a phenomenon known as land use conflict. This conflict is particularly evident in the frequent conversion of land categories, with urban impervious surfaces increasingly encroaching upon forests, grasslands, and agricultural land. Such encroachments trigger a series of land use conflict issues, which subsequently impact the function and structure of regional ecosystems. This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) within the urban agglomeration on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain. It measures and evaluates the spatial and temporal evolution of land use conflicts in the study area from 1990 to 2020, utilizing conflict-related theories and the landscape risk evaluation model. Additionally, the paper explores the spatial and temporal dimensions of land use conflicts under three scenarios—natural development (ND), cultivation priority (CP), and ecological priority (EP)—for the years 2030 and 2050, informed by the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The results indicate that unused land constitutes the predominant land use type, accounting for over 50% of the total area. The areas of cultivated land, water bodies, and urban land are experiencing an increasing trend, while the areas of forestland, grassland, and unused land are witnessing a decreasing trend. The level of land use spatial conflicts during the study period showed a decreasing and then increasing trend, with an overall upward trend and an increase in the average value of 0.03. In terms of the proportion of spatial units, mild and general conflicts exhibited a decreasing trend, with reductions of 4.21% and 2.95%, respectively. Conversely, the proportion of medium conflicts increased significantly, rising by 7.33%, while severe conflicts experienced a slight increase of 0.23%. Under the ND, CP, and EP scenarios, the spatial and temporal dynamics of future land use conflicts varied. However, the study area was predominantly characterized by general conflicts in both 2030 and 2050. In 2030, the proportions of spatial units experiencing general conflicts in the three scenarios are projected to be 61.20%, 60.39%, and 57.51%, respectively. In comparison, these proportions are projected to be 59.24%, 62.70%, and 56.29% in 2050, respectively. The anticipated future changes in land use spatial conflicts vary across different scenarios. Notably, the ND scenario indicates a rising conflict level in the study area over the next 30 years, with an overall increase of 0.03 in the mean value. In contrast, the changes in the index under the CP and EP scenarios are relatively stable. Full article

Land-use conflicts are inherent challenges in regional development and have social, economic, and ecological impacts. To mitigate these conflicts, multi-scenario simulations can help identify the most effective scenario with minimal land-use conflicts. However, previous studies often neglected the influence of regional policies on these optimal scenarios. This paper addresses this gap by developing a framework to explore strategies for reducing land-use conflicts using Hechi city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, as a case study. In this study, the conflict risk is assessed based on the landscape pattern index, and the ecological benefit is assessed based on the ecosystem service value, and the ‘conflict risk–ecological benefit’ assessment method is constructed, focusing on the land-use conflicts in areas where the conflict risk increases and the ecological benefit decreases, and evaluating whether there is a best solution to alleviate these conflicts. The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2020, the area experiencing land-use conflicts in Hechi city increased. The geographic focus of these conflicts has shifted, first moving to the southeast, then to the northwest, and finally returning to the southeast. The overall center of conflict has moved toward the developed areas in the southeast. Among the three future development scenarios (economic lead, ecological priority, and historical signs), the ecological priority scenario, which includes the green development pilot area policy, offers the most significant reduction in land-use conflicts. Under this scenario, the proportion of conflict areas relative to the total area is the smallest at 5.39% in 2025 and 7.92% in 2030. Additionally, the percentage of high-level conflict areas decreases notably from 2.17% in 2025 to 1.12% in 2030. Consequently, this scenario with an ecological priority emerges as the most favorable for Hechi city’s future development. The framework of alleviating land-use conflicts proposed in this study can be used for reference by other ecological resources areas experiencing rapid urbanization. Full article

This study examines the planning challenges and opportunities in conserving national trails, focusing on the Israel National Trail. National trails offer crucial benefits, including health promotion, social connectivity, cultural education, ecological conservation, and economic growth. Despite their value, these trails face sustainability challenges from environmental impacts, resource constraints, and competing interests, often exacerbated by weak statutory protections. Using a case study approach, this study analyzes three decades of case law and planning committee decisions, uncovering real-life conflicts and challenges in trail conservation. This study uncovers issues like difficulties in preserving the trail’s national identity, risks of route diversions, failure to realize ecological and economic potential, and inefficiencies in planning due to a lack of statutory footing. This study contributes to the emerging field of national trail research by proposing a retrospective methodology for identifying sustainability challenges based on practical realities and by emphasizing the need for comprehensive and transparent planning to ensure the sustainable future of national trails. Legal case studies prove to be a valuable tool for identifying conservation challenges and a significant database for developing a sustainable planning strategy. This methodology serves as a useful and globally relevant tool. Full article

Land use/cover change(LUCC) has a significant impact on the ecological environment. Within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as the largest cross-spatial cooperation initiative in human history, one of the core issues is how to scientifically and effectively use and manage the land in the region to prevent the destruction of important ecological and environmental resources. In order to reduce impact on the latter, in this study, we used the bivariate choropleth–multiple-criteria decision analysis (BC-MCDA) method based on the connotation of the sustainable development goals to construct an ecological and environmental risk warning framework. We found that in the study area, 10.51% of the land has high ecological and environmental risk and importance, corresponding to conflict zones, which require special attention. Conflict areas are mainly distributed in the Gangetic Plain in India, the plains in central and southern Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, and the southern coastal areas of China. Due to the uneven spatial distributions of population and important ecological and environmental resources, the pressure on this type of land use is very high. A share of 8.06% of the land has high risk–low importance, corresponding to economic development zones. Following years of human development, the ecological and environmental value of this type of land is low. A share of 58.75% of the land has low risk and importance, corresponding to wilderness areas. The natural climatic conditions of this type of land are relatively poor, often characterized by a cold climate or water scarcity, and the human interference index is low. A share of 22.68% of the land has low risk–high importance, corresponding to ecological conservation areas, which are the most important areas for ecological function services for humans at present. Finally, we proposed development suggestions for each type of land. Full article

China’s urbanization process is currently in a transition phase from rapid growth to slow growth, necessitating the implementation of sustainable measures in urban planning. Urban regeneration (UR), being one of the fundamental mechanisms for achieving sustainable urban development, has received considerable attention. UR promotes sustainable development by reusing abandoned land and buildings, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the ecological environment. However, UR involves numerous stakeholders who may have conflicting interests due to factors such as the environment, technology, and economy, thereby giving rise to social risks (SRs). These SRs pose a threat to the success of UR projects and can also lead to social instability, as well as hindering sustainable urban development. Identifying risk sources forms the foundation of and key to risk management. Therefore, this research employs an integrated qualitative and quantitative method to explore the SR factors (SRFs) related to UR for China. On the basis of the grounded theory method, case study examination was used for data collection, resulting in the identification of 22 specific categories and five main categories. Through quantitative analysis, the identified SRFs and five main classifications of UR in China were verified, namely the negative effects of demolition and relocation, the negative environmental effect, the negative effect of technology, the organization-related negative effect, and the negative effect of policy. Among them, the unfair compensation for demolition and relocation has the greatest impact on the SRs in UR. Based on further analysis of the quantitative results, this study proposes three measures to alleviate the UR-related SRs for China on the macro, meso, and micro levels, which include improving policy and the legal system, enhancing collaborative governance capacity, and strengthening public participation. This research also has reference value in the context of promoting UR for other developing countries. Full article

This study focuses on the analysis of nautical activities in school environments. The primary objective is to highlight the pivotal role of educators in optimizing the benefits and mitigating the risks associated with water activities in educational settings. To achieve this goal, ten interviews were conducted, evenly distributed among men and women from different countries who work in nautical activities with students in aquatic settings. Additionally, the Delphi method was employed to validate the interviews with expert opinions in the field from a group of nine experts. The analysis of the interviews revealed three significant dimensions, including safety, benefits, and sports-related aspects. The results demonstrate that nautical activities offer physical and cognitive benefits, promote ecological awareness, and foster values such as group cohesion, leadership, and respect. Furthermore, these activities have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of participants, encouraging socialization and conflict resolution. In conclusion, nautical activities in school environments provide a wide range of benefits but require continuous attention in terms of safety and adaptation for individuals with disabilities. These findings underscore the importance of promoting these practices as an integral part of the school curriculum. Full article

The significance of renewable energy in achieving necessary reductions in emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is widely acknowledged. However, there is growing concern over the allocation of land for constructing the required new infrastructure. Nowhere is this conflict more apparent than in India, where renewable energy targets are ambitious and land use conflicts are already significant. India intends to increase renewable energy to 500 GW by 2030. This would require an additional 42 GW of renewable energy to be installed every year. Although renewable energy can provide the solution to both India’s growing need for cheap energy and climate change mitigation, the sustainable future of renewable energy deployment is far from simple due to its associated land use impacts and socio-ecological risk. While others have highlighted challenges to India’s renewable energy targets, here we focus on the land use change issues that will need to be addressed for India to meet its targets. We introduce a series of recommendations and highlight how these could contribute to mainstreaming land values and facilitate the implementation of India’s 2030 renewable energy targets. These recommendations include suggested planning approaches that would guide the development of standard siting guidelines, identification of preferential “go-to” areas for renewable energy, and the development of tools that allow access to data and information to site renewable right. Policy recommendations highlight utilizing converted lands and existing built infrastructure for renewable energy development, and adapting existing policies so they address land use impacts. Full article

As global inflation escalates and geopolitical conflicts exacerbate, the world’s economy confronts an intensified degree of instability. In this volatile environment, blockchain currencies emerge as a potential bulwark, offering both value preservation and liquidity benefits. However, the conventional “mining” process introduces significant challenges, such as high energy consumption, data security risks, and detachment from the real economy, which potentially facilitate financial capital manipulation. This research endeavors to mitigate these issues, constructing an innovative blockchain cryptocurrency framework that integrates mining and distribution with intelligent big data. It also incorporates social contributions from individuals in domains such as health, knowledge, and ecological conservation. Consequently, the efficiency of cryptocurrency production and distribution correlates with the individual’s societal contribution. The more substantial the contribution, the higher the intrinsic value of the individual and the more efficient the access. Utilizing a comprehensive framework of mathematical modeling, computer numerical simulation, and fuzzy integrated evaluation, we propose a novel endogenous-value blockchain cryptocurrency system. We quantify and optimize variables such as individual intrinsic value, community efficiency, redistribution weights, and total monetary potential. We introduce an innovative method for accumulating time-decaying values such as knowledge contribution and establish an anti-cheating framework. Our results indicate that this pioneering approach can significantly enhance mining efficiency and optimize cryptocurrency distribution. This counters traditional criticisms of blockchain currencies and paves the way for a more sustainable, fair, and efficient model for future blockchain currency systems. Full article

The measurement of territorial spatial conflict degrees and the identification of conflict areas are important issues in the field of regional development planning. The scientific and comprehensive recognition and measurement of territorial spatial utilization conflicts, from a multidimensional perspective, are significant for the optimization of reasonable land use and the realization of sustainable spatial development in various regions. In this study, the territorial spatial development and utilization conflicts in Yibin were measured and analyzed in terms of the development intensity, landscape pattern index, and spatial suitability from a multidimensional perspective of the “upper limit-structure-bottom line” perspective of territorial spaces. Certain corresponding development strategies were proposed, and some major conclusions could be drawn: (1) In terms of the development intensity, the developable intensity value for most townships in Yibin is lower than the minimum developable intensity value, indicating their fine development potential in the future. However, the current development intensity of a few townships is higher than the maximum developable intensity value. These townships can be divided into topographic restricted zones, urban concentrated zones, and natural reserves. (2) In terms of landscape conflict, areas with mild, moderate, and severe conflict in the southern region of Yibin decreased significantly from 1990 to 2018, and severe conflict areas in the middle and northern regions decreased; however, moderate and mild conflict areas increased. Potential ecological conflict risks to the landscape cannot be ignored. (3) For spatial suitability, urban spatial conflict areas, agricultural spatial conflict areas, urban–ecological spatial conflict areas, and agricultural–ecological spatial conflict areas were recognized according to a comparison of the utilization status and suitability assessment results. (4) According to estimation results of three types of conflicts, townships in Yibin were divided into eight types of conflicts: (1) conflict caused by improper urban planning to squeeze ecological spaces and replace agricultural spaces; (2) conflict caused by extensive and disordered agricultural development; (3) conflict controlled by the squeezing of ecological spaces; (4) conflict controlled by the encroachment of ecological spaces; (5) conflict caused by backward urbanization; (6) conflict caused by low-level agricultural development; (7) conflict caused by overall development hysteresis; and (8) conflict caused by a shortage of development space. This study has some theoretical and practical implications for a comprehensive understanding of territorial spatial development patterns and their degrees, the scientific recognition and trade-off of multidimensional territorial spatial utilization conflicts, and realizing sustainable development in certain regions. Full article

As a developing country, China is facing serious water pollution and scarcity, which indicates the need for integrated water-resource and environmental regulations. Zoning policies have undergone significant advancements to enhance water-resource utilization in China. However, conflicts and overlaps still exist among these policies. To integrate these zoning policies and regulations, the “Three Lines One Permit” (TLOP) water-environment policy was formulated as a new framework, which included the goal for water quality, upper limits on water-resource utilization, and a permit list. This study presents the main achievements of the TLOP as a case-study in Jinan. The territories of Jinan were divided into 158 water-environment control-units (WECUs) and classified into two types of protected zones, three types of pollution-control zones, and ordinary zones. The total maximum pollutant-loads in the 158 WECUs, and 138 townships were calculated. The water-resource-utilization indicator values and ecological demand of key rivers were specified. The permit lists for the water environment at macroscale, mesoscale, and microscale were compiled from four perspectives: spatial constraints, emissions control, risk prevention, and resource utilization. Finally, suggestions were proposed to promote a more scientific and efficient TLOP policy to enhance human–water harmony. Full article

Modern environmental philosophy is a new type of philosophy for humans re-examining the relationship between man and nature and provides the value guidance for modern environmental law. China’s environmental crime legislation has gone through the exploration period, establishment period, and optimization period. The environmental philosophy behind this is worth discussing and determines the direction China will take environmental crime in the future and whether China’s environmental strategy can really be implemented. At present, the disputes about the environmental philosophy of environmental crime in China are mainly reflected in the contention between anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, and eco-anthropocentrism. There are radical risks of pure human centrism or pure ecological centrism, and these two theories struggle to serve as a value basis for environmental crime legislation. Although eco-anthropocentrism seems to be comprehensive, it is actually ambiguous, and it is still difficult to deal with the conflict between people and nature. In recent years, China has continuously emphasized the construction of ecological civilization construction and written this into the constitution. Therefore, in the environmental philosophy issues of environmental crimes in China, we should consider absorbing the advantages of anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, and eco-anthropocentrism, while taking the original Chinese ecological civilization philosophy as the value foundation. Full article

Spatial land use conflicts (SLUCs) are a critical issue worldwide due to the scarcity of land resources and diversified human demand. Despite many time-series studies of SLUCs, comprehensive research on SLUCs and their driving factors over a long period remain limited. This study was conducted in the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration, Guangdong Province, China. We constructed a landscape ecological risk assessment model to calculate annual SLUC values and analyze their spatiotemporal distribution over 30 years. K-means clustering analysis was used to cluster SLUC values for 1990–2005 and 2006–2020, yielding comprehensive conflict intensity data for each period. The major factors driving the spatial differentiation of SLUCs and their interactions in each period were identified using an optimal parameter-based geographical detector model. The results show that SLUCs varied significantly over time, with an overall decreasing trend and distinct spatial heterogeneity. Comprehensive conflict intensity for each period was characterized by low values in the peripheral regions and high values in central parts of the study area, which tended to decrease from 1990–2005 to 2006–2020. SLUCs were heavily dependent on topographical (slope and elevation) and environmental (normalized difference vegetation index) factors. Socio-economic factors (gross domestic product and population density) were also major contributors to the spatial differentiation of SLUCs. The explanatory power of multiple interacting factors on SLUCs was enhanced compared with that of individual factors. The explanatory power of the driving factors varied, and their interactions decreased over time. The results may facilitate the rational government planning of regional land use and thus effectively mitigate SLUC intensity at the macro level. Full article