Search Results (239)

Accurately identifying urban functional zones and revealing their spatial interaction characteristics is crucial for understanding urban operational mechanisms and optimizing spatial layouts. Addressing the limitations of traditional research in simultaneously capturing static functional attributes and dynamic resident travel behaviors, this study takes the central urban area of Lhasa as the research object, integrating ride-hailing trajectory data with Point of Interest (POI) data to conduct research on urban functional zone identification and spatial interaction characteristics. First, Thiessen polygons were used to quantify the spatial influence range of POIs, and an address matching algorithm was employed to associate ride-hailing origins and destinations (ODs) with POIs. A weighted land use intensity index was constructed, and functional zones were precisely identified using information entropy and K-Means clustering. Secondly, with basic research units as nodes and OD flows as edges, a directed weighted spatial interaction network was constructed. Complex-network indicators and the Infomap community detection algorithm were utilized to analyze network characteristics, node importance, and community interaction patterns. The results show that: (1) The functional mixing degree in the study area exhibits a pattern of “highly composite core, relatively differentiated periphery.” Eight functional zone types, including commercial–residential mixed, science–education–culture, and transportation service zones, were ultimately identified. Residential areas form the base, while the core area features multi-functional agglomeration. (2) The spatial interaction network exhibits typical small-world effects, while its degree distribution is better characterized by a lognormal distribution rather than a power law. Node importance is dominated by betweenness centrality, with Lhasa Station, the Potala Palace, and core commercial areas constituting key hubs. (3) The network can be divided into four functionally coupled communities: the core multi-functional area, the western industry–residence integrated area, the eastern science–education-dominated area, and the southern transportation hub area, forming a “core leading, two wings supporting” center–subcenter spatial organization pattern. This study verifies the effectiveness of integrating trajectory and POI data for identifying urban functional zones and provides a new perspective for understanding the spatial structure and planning of plateau cities. Full article

The urgency to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and address the accelerating impacts of climate change has placed renewable energy as a core part of global climate strategies. However, the expansion of renewable infrastructures with a focus on solar systems often generates competition with other land uses, raising concerns about land availability, environmental integrity, and social acceptance. Renewable energy solutions deployment must be aligned with sustainable land-use planning, particularly in diverse and multifunctional landscapes. This study presents a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology to identify the most suitable areas for implementing a set of six land-use-based adaptation and mitigation solutions (LAMSs) focused on solar energy. Using Python-based processing algorithms and high-resolution spatial datasets, the methodology integrates technical, environmental, and socioeconomic criteria to generate suitability maps for three different case studies across Europe: Almería (Spain), Valle d’Aosta (Italy), and the Azores (Portugal). Results reveal significant geographical disparities in suitability due to the different land constraints. Almería and the Azores demonstrate high potential for photovoltaic and agrovoltaic farms, while Valle d’Aosta’s mountainous terrain is more limited for these measures. Floating solar and solar land management measures show limited applicability across all sites. The analysis highlights the value of place-based approaches in energy planning and the utility of GIS-MCDM tools to support evidence-based decision-making, enabling context-sensitive deployment of renewable energy infrastructure. Full article

Comparative Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of bio-based materials are highly influenced by methodological choices, so the term “bio-based” does not necessarily imply a low environmental impact. This review analyzes over 50 peer-reviewed LCAs (2010–2024) to quantify how four methodological pillars—(i) attributional versus consequential modeling, (ii) timing and storage of biogenic carbon, (iii) Direct Land-Use Change (LUC) and Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC), and (iv) allocation in multifunctional systems—drive variability across long-life construction and short-life packaging/composites; adding regionalized perspectives (e.g., water scarcity according to the AWARE initiative, and relevant inventories for the MENA region) and ex-ante LCA guidance aligned with technology readiness levels. Methods included systematic selection from Web of Science/Scopus databases, standardized functional units, system boundaries, impact methods (ReCiPe/EF/TRACI/AWARE), biogenic carbon conventions (GWP100, dynamic/GWPbio), LUC/ILUC handling, allocation rules, and end-of-life scenarios, followed by qualitative meta-synthesis. Results show ~85% of studies used attributional approaches; consequential models typically report higher climate impacts when ILUC is included. In the building applications, bio-based alternatives—particularly wood—reduced cradle-to-critical-state global warming potential (GWP) by 30–70%; a “negative GWP” only emerged when storage balances or dynamic characterization were applied. For bioplastics, climate benefits are context-dependent and can disappear once ILUC and agricultural inputs are considered; acidification and eutrophication frequently increase. We conclude that environmental performance is subject to methodological choices rather than bio-based origin; systematic trade-offs persist between reducing GWP, increasing eutrophication/acidification, and increasing pressure on water/biodiversity. Full article

This study focuses on the Dabie Mountain Comprehensive Station in Anhui Province, constructing a multi-scale analytical framework and integrating remote sensing and socio-economic data to systematically assess the spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem service bundles (ESBs) and landscape ecological risks using SOFM, XGBoost, and SHAP models. The research categorizes ecosystem service functions into four types: water conservation core areas, carbon storage–habitat optimization areas, carbon storage–water production composite areas, and multifunctional synergy areas. From 2013 to 2023, the proportion of multifunctional synergy areas increased from 39.85% to 42.86%, while carbon storage-habitat optimization areas and water conservation core areas decreased by 28,035.47 hm² and 2118.8 hm², respectively, indicating significant spatial restructuring of regional ecosystem service functions. The landscape ecological risk exhibits a pattern of “medium risk dominance with high-low polarization,” where high-risk areas overlap with urban expansion zones, and low-risk areas are concentrated in ecological conservation zones. Quantitative analysis reveals that climatic factors (e.g., annual precipitation) dominate the risk patterns in water conservation core areas and ecological conservation zones, topographic factors (e.g., elevation) influence regional spatial differentiation, and socio-economic factors (e.g., nighttime light index) significantly affect agricultural production core areas. The findings elucidate the evolutionary patterns of ecosystem service functions and the mechanisms of risk formation in the Dabie Mountain region, providing a scientific basis and technical support for regional land use optimization, ecosystem function enhancement, and ecological security assurance. Full article

Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of land-use multifunction (LUMF) is crucial for the preservation and management of large-scale national cultural parks in alleviating potential human-land conflicts. Using 28 multidimensional indicators across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, this study established an LUMF index system for the Long March National Cultural Park of China (CLMNCP). LUMF values for 77 prefecture-level cities were quantified from 2008 to 2023, and their spatiotemporal heterogeneity was examined using a spatial autocorrelation model. Subsequently, the Optimal Parameters-based GeoDetector (OPGD) model was applied to identify key driving factors. The main findings are as follows: (1) From 2008 to 2023, the total, economic (EF), social (SF), and environmental (EnF) functions in the CLMNCP exhibited a consistent upward trend. (2) Significant spatial heterogeneity characterized the trade-offs and synergies among these functions. The EF-EnF interaction displayed a concave synergistic relationship, while the EF-SF and SF-EnF interactions showed convex, fluctuating patterns during their transitions between trade-off and synergy. (3) The primary drivers varied across function pairs. The EF-SF synergy was predominantly influenced by agricultural production, resource supply, and cultural service factors. The EF-EnF interaction was mainly shaped by natural conditions and environmental improvement factors. In contrast, the SF-EnF interaction was primarily driven by economic development, cultural services, and resource supply. These findings support functional zoning and targeted management of large-scale national cultural park to balance development and conservation while reducing human-land conflicts. Full article

In an era of rapid urbanisation and climate challenges, understanding how urban land patterns contribute to resilience is crucial for sustainable development. This theoretical review introduces a novel framework positing that greater heterogeneity in plot sizes and land uses enhances urban resilience by promoting the long-term preservation of built environments, multifunctional spaces, and socio-cultural adaptability. Drawing on urban morphology, assemblage theory, and resilience science, we argue that fragmented ownership in small-plot fabrics acts as a barrier to large-scale redevelopment, fostering diversity that buffers against shocks. Through comparative case studies of Venice (Italy), Tokyo (Japan), Hong Kong, Mexico City (Mexico), and York (UK), we illustrate how historical small-plot subdivisions have endured centuries, supporting ecological, economic, and social sustainability. The analysis reveals common patterns: ownership fragmentation preserves fine-grained urban forms, enabling adaptive reuse (exaptation) and inclusivity. The five case studies serve an illustrative function, demonstrating how the theoretical linkages between plot heterogeneity, institutional friction, incremental transformation, and long-term resilience outcomes can plausibly operate in real-world historic urban fabrics. This paper addresses a gap in the literature by synthesising plot-level heterogeneity with broader resilience outcomes, offering policy implications for protecting such fabrics amid global urbanisation pressures. The findings align with land system science, emphasising multifunctionality for regenerative urbanism. Full article

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

Railway corridors create persistent linear habitats embedded within intensively managed agricultural landscapes and can simultaneously support native biodiversity and facilitate the spread of undesirable taxa. We evaluated vegetation composition across five habitat types associated with railway line no. 250 (Havlíčkův Brod–Tišnov, Czech Republic): railway yard, railway embankment, railway land, field margin, and adjacent arable land. Vegetation was recorded using phytosociological relevés (10 m²) at four localities during three surveys in the 2021 growing season. In total, 83 plant taxa were identified, with pronounced differences among habitat types. Species richness and vegetation structure were highest in railway embankments, railway land, and field margins, whereas the railway yard and arable land exhibited lower diversity consistent with high disturbance intensity and substrate constraints. Canonical correspondence analysis distinguished habitat-affinity assemblages, indicating strong habitat filtering along the railway–agriculture gradient. Classification by origin and invasion status showed that non-native and invasive taxa were concentrated predominantly in railway embankments and adjacent habitats, suggesting elevated propagule pressure and potential spread into surrounding farmland. Colonization success (ICS) and colonization potential (ICP) indices indicated that railway-associated habitats can host taxa with high establishment capacity, contributing to successional stability within the corridor. These findings highlight railways as multifunctional elements of agricultural landscapes that require integrated vegetation management to balance biodiversity benefits with operational safety and invasive species risk. Full article

Aquaculture faces rising climate-change risks, while photovoltaic power generation requires substantial land resources, underscoring the need for multifunctional land use in the energy transition. Aquavoltaics—combining aquaculture with solar power—has emerged, and its success depends on stakeholder cooperation. Using white shrimp aquaculture in Taiwan as a case study, this study examines four cooperation schemes—a sole-investment scheme, a photovoltaic-led leasing scheme, a landowner lease-back scheme, and a separated aquaculture and photovoltaic operation scheme—across six aquavoltaic types. Cost–benefit and data envelopment analyses assess the economic returns and operational efficiency of aquaculture operators and photovoltaic companies under each scheme. The results show that all schemes offer profit potential but differ in efficiency and income distribution. The landowner lease-back scheme is most efficient for aquaculture operators, while photovoltaic companies operate near the efficiency frontier in all schemes. The findings highlight that cooperation design shapes the economic feasibility, efficiency, and livelihood impact of aquavoltaic systems, providing a useful reference for future policy and model design. Full article

Tree-based production systems embedded within Amazonian biocultural landscapes remain systematically undervalued in global climate, biodiversity, and development policy frameworks. This study assessed tree diversity, structural attributes, and carbon stocks across traditional cacao-based Amazonian agroforestry systems (Chakra), tree-rich silvopastoral systems, and old-growth forests in the Andean–Amazon transition zone of Ecuador. Based on 28 sampling plots (DBH ≥ 10 cm), old-growth forests stored the highest aboveground carbon stocks, while agroforestry and silvopastoral systems retained approximately 20–30% of forest carbon, equivalent to ~100–180 Mg CO₂-equivalent ha⁻¹—far exceeding values reported for monocultures or treeless pastures. A total of 151 tree species were recorded across all land-use systems, with forests harboring the highest richness (122 species), followed by agroforestry (35 species) and silvopastoral systems (28 species). Carbon storage was highly concentrated in a limited subset of multifunctional species: in agroforestry systems, eight species accounted for ~80% of total aboveground CO₂-equivalent stocks, whereas in silvopastoral systems only five species explained a similar proportion. Dominant taxa such as Cordia alliodora, Inga edulis, Jacaranda copaia, Piptocoma discolor, and Piptadenia pteroclada illustrate a process of biocultural species filtering, whereby trees providing food, timber, shade, and cultural value are selectively retained while sustaining significant carbon stocks. These findings demonstrate that tree-based productive systems function as biocultural productive landscapes that conserve carbon, biodiversity, and livelihoods beyond forest boundaries. We argue for their formal inclusion, particularly traditional silvopastoral systems, within climate finance mechanisms, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and biocultural heritage frameworks, alongside forest conservation strategies. Full article

The transition towards climate neutrality requires the development of spatially explicit planning approaches that account for territorial differences and land-use dynamics. Within this conceptual framework, this study has the objective of identifying and discussing spatially explicit planning approaches that can support the transition to climate neutrality in different regional spatial contexts. With reference to this research question, a methodological framework is introduced and applied that is designed to support climate neutrality through spatial planning strategies. Carbon sequestration (CS) serves as a key metric to evaluate both the current state and the temporal evolution of this process, examined in connection with the provision of specific ecosystem services (ESs) within the relevant spatial setting. The work is structured as follows. An approach is developed to define the provision of ESs. Drawing on previous research and detailed assessments of environmental, landscape, and socio-cultural features, the study considers the following ESs: maintaining or improving habitat quality to sustain the life cycles of wild species valuable to humans; regulating climate by mitigating land surface temperature; agricultural and forestry production; and nature-based recreational opportunities. Moreover, spatial relationships between CS capacity and ES provision are examined through geographically weighted regressions, allowing comparisons across Basilicata, Campania, and Sardinia, three Regions in southern Italy forming the Italian Mezzogiorno. The multifunctional characteristics of ES supply contributes to optimizing CS capacity and advancing climate neutrality goals. In particular, in all three regional contexts, high values of CS capacity elasticity are recognized in relation to habitat quality and ground temperature mitigation, and very low elasticity conditions as regards the supply of recreational ESs and agricultural and forestry production. Full article

Progressive climate change, intensified urbanization, and deteriorating urban environmental quality pose significant challenges for compact mid-sized city centers, where limited land availability and strong investment pressure hinder the development of green spaces. In this context, green and blue infrastructure (GBI) is increasingly seen as a key element of climate change adaptation strategies and strengthening the resilience of cities. This study aims to assess the state of GBI in the city center of Rzeszów and identify the opportunities for its integration into a coherent and multifunctional public space system. The research was conducted using a case study method combining GIS spatial analyses, remote sensing data (NDVI index), an assessment of the accessibility of green spaces according to the 3–30–300 rule, an expert assessment of the quality of public spaces, and field visits to the selected areas. An analysis of changes in vegetation cover between 2016 and 2024 showed a systematic decline in the proportion of green areas and insufficient tree cover and continuity in the GBI system. The results indicate that, despite the relatively good accessibility of larger green areas within a 300 m radius, the city center does not meet the key criteria for tree visibility, tree canopy coverage, and the creation of a coherent GBI system. The areas with the greatest integration potential were identified as the Wisłok River valley, marginal spaces, interiors between blocks, and green microforms, such as pocket parks, rain gardens, and linear greenery. The results obtained form the basis for formulating planning recommendations to support the development of GBI in densely built-up city centers. Full article

In many Latin American cities, rapid densification, shrinking public land reserves, and growing spatial, social and biophysical fragmentation have heightened the urban significance of large, private, closed open spaces (COSs). COS, marked by restricted access and social homogeneity, operate as capsular urban models that limit socio-environmental integration, urban continuity and resilience. Far from being mere enclaves, the reconfiguration of COS emerges as a critical response to contemporary urban challenges with the capacity to reshape urban structures by generating new social and spatial connectivities. This article examines the transformation of COSs in urban contexts, such as golf clubs, into accessible public landscapes as hybrid open spaces (HOSs), a topic that remains underexplored internationally. For that, this research proposes a design-oriented, multiscalar framework (city and zonal/local) that integrates open and closed spatial programs within the wider urban open space system. Considering urban, biophysical, and sociocultural dynamics, and drawing on the concepts of accessibility, connectivity, diversity, and flexibility, the study develops guidelines and design strategies for hybridising private and public recreational and environmental uses to strengthen urban integration. Using El Rodeo Gold Club in Medellín as a case study, the work contributes to landscape architecture by advancing the transformation of underutilised COS into inclusive, multifunctional HOS, positioning COS as a strategic asset for sustainable urban environments. The framework can be replicable in other similar contexts. Full article

Smallholder agricultural systems in tropical and subtropical regions are threatened by climate change. This systematic review of 218 peer-reviewed studies (2000–2024) synthesizes evidence on agroforestry’s role as a climate-smart economic strategy across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Using a PRISMA-guided approach, we evaluated carbon sequestration pathways, biophysical adaptation benefits, and socioeconomic outcomes. Findings indicate that agroforestry systems can sequester 0.5–5 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in biomass and soils. The results show that agroforestry has the potential to improve above- and below-ground carbon stocks, moderate microclimates, decrease erosion and improve functional biodiversity. The results, however, differ greatly depending on the type of system, ecology and practice. The socioeconomic advantages can be diversification of income and stability of the yield, and adoption is limited due to barriers related to the economy, lack of security in tenure, information asymmetry, and insufficient policy encouragement. We find that agroforestry is a multifunctional and climate resistant land-use approach, but the potential that agroforestry has cannot be fulfilled without context-specific policies, better extension services and inclusive carbon financing schemes. Full article

Grasslands represent an essential resource for rural economies and for the provision of ecosystem services, yet they are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures, functional land-use changes, and institutional constraints. This study develops a geospatial decision-support framework for assessing grassland suitability in Hunedoara County, Romania, by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) within a GIS environment. The assessment is based on nine criteria thematically grouped into three dimensions: (A) physical-geographical, including topographic suitability, climatic pressure, and hydrological risk exposure; (B) ecological and conservation-related, reflected by ecological conservation value, ecological carrying capacity, and the anthropic pressure index; and (C) socio-economic and functional, represented by spatial accessibility, recreational value, and policy support mechanisms. Suitability is defined as the integrated capacity of grasslands to sustain productive and multifunctional uses compatible with ecological conservation and the existing policy framework. Results indicate that 0.43% of the grassland area exhibits very high suitability (Class 1), 44.51% high suitability (Class 2), and 54.75% moderate suitability (Class 3), while unfavorable areas account for only 0.31% of the total (Class 4). The proposed methodology is reproducible and transferable, providing support for prioritizing management interventions, agri-environmental payments, and rural planning in mountainous and hilly regions. Full article