Search Results (558)

The construction and maintenance of an ecological security pattern (ESP) are important for promoting the regional development of ecological civilizations, realizing sustainable and healthy development, and creating a harmonious and beautiful space for human beings and nature to thrive. Traditional construction methods have the limitations of a single dimension, a single method, and excessive human subjective intervention for source and corridor identification, without considering the multidimensional quality of the sources and the structural connectivity and resilience optimization of the corridors. Therefore, an ecological civilization demonstration area (Jiangxi Province) was used as the study area, a new research method for ESP was proposed, and an empirical study was conducted. To evaluate ecosystem service (ES) importance–disturbance–risk and extract sustainability sources through the deep embedded clustering–self-organizing map (DEC–SOM) deep unsupervised learning clustering algorithm, ecological networks (ENs) were constructed by applying the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) gravity model and circuit theory. The ENs were then optimized to improve performance by combining the comparative advantages of the two approaches in terms of structural connectivity and resilience. A comparative analysis of EN performance was constructed among different functional control zones, and the ESP was constructed to include 42 ecological sources, 134 corridors, 210 restoration nodes, and 280 protection nodes. An ESP of ‘1 nucleus, 3 belts, 6 zones, and multiple corridors’ was constructed, and the key restoration components and protection functions were clarified. This study offers a valuable reference for ecological management, protection, and restoration and provides insights into the promotion of harmonious symbiosis between human beings and nature and sustainable regional development. Full article

Mining activities in a quarry significantly interfere with the landscape, weaken its ecological functions, disrupt the continuity of habitats and change its natural character. The aim of this study is to present a robust, transparent, and participatory methodological framework centered on the Reclamation Quality Index, which enables a comprehensive and repeatable assessment of reclamation quality. At a time when the restoration of functional, ecologically stable and long-term sustainable landscapes is increasingly important, there is a need for reliable tools to assess the quality of restoration. This article presents an original methodology for the evaluation of quarry reclamation, which combines scientific precision with practical applicability. The proposed Reclamation Quality Index is built on multidisciplinary foundations and uses the Delphi methodology, through which expert knowledge and weighted preferences enter the evaluation process. A tool designed in this way makes it possible to quantify the quality of land restoration, identify the benefits of individual interventions, support effective planning, and strengthen the strategic management of post-mining transformation. At the same time, the Reclamation Quality Index creates space for the application of the principles of ecological stability and integration of the landscape as a living, dynamic system in the process of restoration. With its structure and philosophy, the methodology represents a prospective approach to the evaluation and planning of the post-extraction landscape. Its application goes beyond academia, as it can serve as a support for environmental policymaking, landscape planning, and assessing the quality of restoration in practice. Full article

Climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological degradation have become critical bottlenecks constraining socio-economic development. Basin cities serve as key nodes in China’s ecological security pattern, playing indispensable roles in ecological civilization construction. This study established an evaluation index system spanning five dimensions to assess the effectiveness of ecological civilization construction. This study employs the entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Back-Propagation (BP) neural network methods to evaluate the level of ecological civilization construction in the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2022, to analyze its indicator weights, and to explore the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of each city. The results demonstrate the following: (1) Although the ecological civilization construction level of cities in the Yellow River Basin shows a steady improvement, significant regional development disparities persist. (2) The upper reaches are primarily constrained by ecological fragility and economic underdevelopment. The middle reaches exhibit significant internal divergence, with provincial capitals leading yet demonstrating limited spillover effects on neighboring areas. The lower reaches face intense anthropogenic pressures, necessitating greater economic–ecological coordination. (3) Among the dimensions considered, Territorial Space and Eco-environmental Protection emerged as the two most influential dimensions contributing to performance differences. According to the ecological civilization construction performance and changing characteristics of the 48 cities, this study proposes differentiated optimization measures and coordinated development pathways to advance the implementation of the national strategy for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. Full article

In the stage of high-quality development, the functional coordination between transportation systems and territorial space is a key issue for improving urban spatial efficiency. This paper breaks through the traditional volume-to-capacity ratio analysis paradigm and innovatively integrates the “production-living-ecological space” theory. By introducing an improved accessibility evaluation model and developing a coordination measurement algorithm, a three-dimensional evaluation mechanism covering development potential assessment, service efficiency diagnosis, and resource allocation optimization is established. Empirical research indicates that the improved accessibility indicators can precisely identify the transportation location value of regional functional cores, while the composite coordination indicators can deconstruct the spatiotemporal matching characteristics of “transportation facilities—spatial functions,” providing a dual decision-making basis for the redevelopment of existing space. This measurement system innovatively realizes the integration of planning transmission mechanisms with multi-scale application scenarios, guiding both overall spatial planning and urban renewal area re-optimization. The methodology, applied to the urban villages of Guangzhou, can significantly increase land utilization intensity and value. The research results offer a technical tool for cross-scale collaboration in land space planning reforms and provide theoretical innovations and practical guidance for the value reconstruction of existing spaces under the context of new urbanization. Full article

Urban green spaces are increasingly recognized as important habitats for pollinators, and wildflower seed mixes marketed as pollinator-friendly are gaining popularity, though their actual conservation value remains poorly understood. This study provides the first systematic screening of commercially available seed mixes in Portugal, evaluating their taxonomic composition, origin, life cycle traits, and potential to support pollinator communities. A total of 229 seed mixes were identified. Although these have a predominance of native species (median 86%), the taxonomic diversity was limited, with 91% of mixes comprising species from only one or two families, predominantly Poaceae and Fabaceae, potentially restricting the range of floral resources available to pollinators. Only 21 seed mixes met the criteria for being pollinator-friendly, based on a three-step decision tree prioritizing native species, extended flowering periods, and visual diversity. These showed the highest percentage of native species (median 87%) and a greater representation of flowering plants. However, 76% of all mixes still included at least one non-native species, although none is considered invasive. Perennial species dominated all seed mix types, indicating the potential for the long-term persistence of wildflower meadows in urban spaces. Despite their promise, the ecological quality and transparency of the seed mix composition remain inconsistent, with limited certification or information on species origin. This highlights the need for clearer labeling, regulatory guidance, and ecologically informed formulations. Seed mixes, if properly designed and implemented, represent a largely untapped yet cost-effective tool for enhancing the pollinator habitats and biodiversity within urban landscapes. Full article

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China presents a critical conflict between industrial development and ecological conservation. It functions as a key hub for water management, energy production, and shipping, while also serving as a vital zone for ecological and environmental protection. Focusing on Zigui County, this study developed a 16-indicator evaluation system integrating geological, ecological, and socioeconomic factors. It utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), coefficient of variation (CV), and the Real-Coded Accelerating Genetic Algorithm-Projection Pursuit (RAGA-PP) model for evaluation, the latter of which optimizes the projection direction and utilizes PP to transform high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional space, thereby obtaining the values of the projection indices. The findings indicate the following: (1) The RAGA-PP model outperforms conventional AHP-CV methods in assessing Zigui County’s eco-geological environment, showing superior accuracy (higher Moran’s I) and spatial consistency. (2) Hotspot analysis confirms these results, revealing distinct spatial patterns. (3) From 2000 to 2020, “bad” quality areas decreased from 17.31% to 12.33%, while “moderate” or “better” zones expanded. (4) This improvement reflects favorable natural conditions and reduced human impacts. These trends underscore the effectiveness of China’s ecological civilization policies, which have prioritized sustainable development through targeted environmental governance, afforestation initiatives, and stringent regulations on industrial activities. Full article

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project constitutes a fundamental initiative designed to enhance water resource distribution and foster regional coordinated development. To investigate the coupling coordination and its spatiotemporal evolution between high-quality development and ecological security (HQD-ES) within the project’s water source areas, this research established a dedicated evaluation index system. Employing coupling coordination, spatial autocorrelation, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models, the study analyzed the coupled coordination state and its spatiotemporal characteristics across these water source areas for the period 2010–2023. The findings demonstrated that (1) the high-quality development trend remained generally positive, rising from 0.253 to 0.377; ecological safety level showed sustained improvement, increasing from 0.365 to 0.731. (2) The coupling degree (CD) was in a high coupling stage on the whole; the coupling coordination degree (CCD) increased significantly, from imminent imbalance to good coordination state, and the space pattern showed “prominent in the middle and stable in the north and south”. (3) There was no obvious spatial correlation existing between the CCD of HQD-ES in Nanyang City. Tongba, Fangcheng, and Xinye displayed spatial correlation characteristics of low-high aggregation and high-low aggregation. GWR results showed that industrial structure, urbanization, and greening level promoted CCD, while economic level, population density, and environmental regulation inhibited it. Full article

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, combined with the historic degradation of urban water systems, has prompted cities worldwide to reconsider the role of water in urban planning. This study examines the restoration and integration of historical watercourses into contemporary urban environments through blue and green infrastructure (BGI). Focusing on three case study cities—Poznań (Poland), Milan (Italy), and Beijing (China)—this research explores both spatial and regulatory conditions for reintroducing surface water into cityscapes. Utilizing historical maps, contemporary land use data, and spatial planning documents, this study applies a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) to assess restoration potential. The selected case studies, including the redesign of Park Rataje in Poznań, canal daylighting projects in Milan, and the multifunctional design of Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park, illustrate diverse approaches to ecological revitalization. The findings emphasize that restoring or recreating urban water systems can enhance urban resilience, ecological connectivity, and the quality of public space. Full article

Rapid urban expansion has led to an increasing number of people relocating to Urban–Rural Fringe Areas (URFAs) in China, with related development placing pressure on ecosystems in these locations. Community parks (CPs) are a key category of urban public park (UPPs) in Chinese planning and play a vital role in improving residents’ quality of life and enhancing regional environment, whilst also promoting sustainable urban development. Consequently, CPs are considered by many to be integral components of “communities” in Chinese cities. Drawing on documentary analysis and field research, this paper explores the socio-economic and ecological values associated with CP investments in URFAs in China. It assesses governmental policies and expert perspectives concerning CPs’ development in URFAs and analyses the factors influencing their planning and delivery. The research highlights how policy and stakeholders’ viewpoints impact the development of sustainable green space in URFAs. To enhance the construction of multi-functional CPs in URFAs, we propose a series of characteristics that need to be considered in future developments, including stakeholder engagement, resident needs, and park design. These insights offer an evidence-based reference for decision-makers, aiming to better meet the requirements of residents and support the development of urban sustainability. Full article

In this study, a large portion of data on the chemical composition of precipitation falling in the South Baikal region shows the main factors determining their formation in 2017–2024. Taking into account the high variability of meteorological conditions in the region, both in time and in space, a method of observing the chemical composition of atmospheric precipitation has been developed, which makes it possible to determine its composition depending on the conditions of air mass formation. Using statistical analysis, marker substances characterizing the main groups of sources influencing the composition of atmospheric precipitation were identified. Joint analysis of air mass trajectories and data on chemical composition of precipitation allowed for establishing the areas of location of potential sources of precipitation pollution. All precipitation events were categorized based on the similarity of air mass formation conditions and chemical composition. Precipitation composition data collected on the shores of Lake Baikal reflect the influence of different types of pollutants such as industrial emissions, motor vehicles, dust storms, and forest fires. The results of the study are relevant for air quality assessment in the region and demonstrate the potential of using precipitation chemistry data to understand the long-range transport of pollutants, which contributes to sustainable development by increasing the availability of air quality data in ecologically significant regions such as Lake Baikal. Full article

As an important green infrastructure, urban greenways can provide a range of socio-ecological benefits and play an important role in improving the urban ecological environment and enhancing the quality of living. Currently, the relationship between service quality and the actual benefits of greenways has not been sufficiently explored in urban greenway research. This study introduces the concept of “efficiency”, determines service efficiency and service effectiveness as the evaluation dimensions, selects 4 first-level indicators and 12 second-level indicators to evaluate the service efficiency of greenways, and constructs an evaluation model using a combination of subjective and objective assignments. This study uses the overall service effectiveness index and the efficiency–effectiveness balance index to measure the overall performance of the greenway space in the hope of revealing the key factors and reasons that affect the service effectiveness of the greenway and providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the planning and management of the greenway. Using ArcGIS network analysis technology, image semantic segmentation technology, a questionnaire survey, network text analysis, and other methods to quantify the indicators, this paper conducts an empirical study on four municipal greenways in Nanjing. This research shows that the factors affecting the service effectiveness of greenways mainly include the landscape environment, greenway functions, transportation conditions, and supporting facility factors. The contradiction between the single-function positioning and the variety of user needs is the main reason for the imbalance between the efficiency and effectiveness of urban greenways. This study provides a new path to quantify greenway service effectiveness and enriches the greenway evaluation theory. Full article

Soundscape is the sonic environment that a living being, like a human or animal, experiences in a certain setting. It affects how a space functions and how the being perceives its quality. Consequently, the soundscape is crucial in ecosystems globally. In recent decades, researchers have explored soundscapes using various methodologies across different disciplines. This study aims to provide a brief overview of the soundscape research history, pinpoint key authors, institutions, and collaboration networks, and identify trends and main themes through a bibliometric analysis. A search in the Scopus database on 26 February 2025 found 5825 articles, reviews, and conference papers on soundscape published from 1985 to 2024. The analysis indicated a significant increase in soundscape publications, rising from 1 in 1985 to 19 in 2002, and reaching 586 in 2024. J. Kang was the most prolific author with 265 publications, while University College London emerged as the most productive institution. Co-citation analysis revealed three research groups: one focused on urban soundscapes, another on aquatic soundscapes, and a third on soundscapes in landscape ecology. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three themes: “soundscape(s), acoustic environment, and urban planning”, “noise, animal(s), bioacoustics, biodiversity, passive acoustic monitoring, fish, and bird(s)”, and “human(s), sound, perception, and physiology”. Full article

The Urban Green Space Index (UGSI) is an indicator that measures the quantity, quality, accessibility, and distribution of green spaces in urban environments. This study focused on analyzing the UGSI in Ecuadorian cities through a multiple linear regression model, analyzing the UGSI from both territorial and public management perspectives. Ecuador was selected as a case study due to the limited availability of research on urban green spaces in the country, despite its high ecological diversity and increasing urbanization. The model was used to explore relationships among various factors influencing urban green spaces. Government variables and key factors, such as budget allocations, were analyzed. The model revealed an inverse relationship between urban population size and per capita green space availability. In cities with 50,000 inhabitants, the average is 60 m² per person, which decreases significantly to just 5 m² per person in cities with 300,000 residents. This trend highlights the pressure of urbanization on green spaces and emphasizes the need for evidence-based urban planning to ensure equitable access and to improve quality of life. However, challenges such as the lack of updated data and opportunities for improvement in territorial planning were also identified. Full article

Surface urban heat island (SUHI) effects are intensifying in arid desert cities due to rapid urban expansion, limited vegetation, and increasing impervious and barren land surfaces. This leads to serious ecological and socio-environmental challenges in cities. This study investigates the relationship between landscape composition and land surface temperature (LST) in Phoenix and Tucson, two rapidly growing cities located in the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States. Landsat-9 OLI-2/TIRS-2 satellite imagery was used to derive the LST value and calculate spectral indices. A multi-resolution grid-based approach was applied to assess spatial correlations between land cover and mean LST across varying spatial scales. The strongest positive correlations were observed with barren land, followed by impervious surfaces, while green space showed a negative correlation. Furthermore, the Urban Thermal Field Variation Index (UTFVI) and the Ecological Evaluation Index (EEI) assessments indicated that over one-third of both cities are exposed to strong SUHI effects and poor ecological quality. The findings highlight the critical need for ecologically sensitive urban planning, emphasizing the importance of the morphological structure of cities, the necessity of planning holistic blue–green infrastructure systems, and the importance of reducing impervious surfaces to decrease LST, mitigate SUHI and SUHI impacts, and increase urban resilience in desert environments. These results provide evidence-based guidance for landscape planning and climate adaptation in hyper-arid urban environments. Full article

This paper focuses on the social effect assessment of the ecological governance of Poyang Lake wetland in Jiangxi Province. By distributing 1098 valid questionnaires to the surrounding residents and collecting them, this paper deeply explores the feedback on residents’ satisfaction and recognition regarding the effectiveness of wetland governance measures. Through the comprehensive use of the Order Logit model and descriptive statistical methods such as the mean and standard deviation, this paper deeply discusses the impact of the ecological management measures of Poyang Lake wetland on residents’ life quality, environmental protection awareness, and community well-being. The study found that the wetland ecological management project was widely praised, and the overall satisfaction of residents was as high as 87.5%, reflecting a significant social effect. Further analysis revealed that satisfaction was affected by multiple factors, including age, education, quality of life (including increased leisure and recreational space and enhanced regional identity), and improvement in environmental quality (including increased bird species diversity, improved water and air quality, and improved infrastructure). Residents’ cognition of wetland function is multi-dimensional and profound, but they still need to strengthen standard science education in deep-level ecological functions such as species protection. Based on the research conclusion, three policy suggestions are proposed: first, the government should strengthen ecological education and enhance the public awareness of environmental protection; second, the government should pay attention to the win–win of ecology and people’s livelihoods and promote the harmonious coexistence of wetland protection and community development; and third, the government should improve the relevant infrastructure, strengthen environmental protection facilities, scientific research monitoring and legal construction, and lay a solid foundation for the sustainable protection and utilization of wetland resources. Full article