Search Results (565)

Protected areas play a key role in containing and protecting most of the endemic biodiversity of megadiverse places, underscoring their importance as custodians of biological richness. Colombia, one of the most species-rich countries, also has one of the highest rates of deforestation globally. The Colombian National Natural Parks (NNPs) system is one of the mechanisms for protecting natural landscape ecosystems and biota. Based on the role of butterflies as bioindicators in biodiversity mapping, we compiled records of endemic butterfly species from entomological collections and the literature to assess the importance of protected areas in endemic species conservation. The NNPs harbor records of 127 endemic species, representing 65% of the 196 endemic butterfly species recorded in Colombia. Most of these endemic species, 93 species, have been recorded in only one NNP, here defined as “unique” species. These species are mainly distributed along the Andes Cordillera. Among all the NNPs, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta holds the highest number of both total and unique endemic species. Extrapolating this pattern to the broader Andean Biota supports the idea that protected areas play a key role in containing and protecting much of Northern South American endemic biodiversity, underscoring their importance as custodians of biological richness. Full article

In response to the European Union’s revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which mandates enhanced monitoring and advanced treatment of micropollutants, this study was conducted. It took place within the Coastal Landscape Park (CLP), a Natura 2000 protected area in northern Poland. The focus was on the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Jastrzębia Góra, located in a region exposed to seasonal tourist pressure and discharging effluent into the Czarna Wda River. A total of 90 wastewater samples were collected during five monitoring campaigns (July, September 2021; February, May, July 2022) and analysed for 13 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The monitoring included both untreated (UTWW) and treated wastewater (TWW) to assess the PPCP removal efficiency and persistence. The highest concentrations in the treated wastewater were observed for metoprolol (up to 472.9 ng/L), diclofenac (up to 3030 ng/L), trimethoprim (up to 603.6 ng/L) and carbamazepine (up to 2221 ng/L). A risk quotient (RQ) analysis identified diclofenac and LI-CBZ as priority substances for monitoring. Multivariate analyses (PCA, HCA) revealed co-occurrence patterns and seasonal trends. The results underline the need for advanced treatment solutions and targeted monitoring, especially in sensitive coastal catchments with variable micropollutant presence. Full article

China’s rapid urbanization has driven tremendous socioeconomic development while posing new forms of social–spatial inequalities that challenge environmental sustainability and spatial justice. This study investigates urban park-accessibility patterns across 10 s-tier provincial capital cities in China, examining how these patterns relate to housing-price dynamics to reveal diverse manifestations of social–spatial (in)justice. Using comprehensive spatial analysis grounded in distributive justice principles, we measure park accessibility through multiple metrics: distance to the nearest park, park size, and the number of parks within a 15 min walk from residential communities. Our findings reveal significant variation in park accessibility across these cities, with distinctive patterns emerging in the relationship between housing prices and park access that reflect different forms of social–spatial exclusion and inclusion. While most cities demonstrate an unbalanced spatial distribution of parks, they exhibit different forms of this disparity. Some cities show consistent park access across housing-price categories, while others display correlations between high housing prices and superior park accessibility. We argue that these divergent patterns reflect each city’s unique combination of economic development trajectory, politically strategic positioning within national urban hierarchies, and geographical constraints. Through this comparative analysis of second-tier cities, this study contributes to broader understandings of social–spatial (in)justice and urban environmental inequalities within China’s urbanization process, highlighting the need for place-specific approaches to achieving equitable access to urban amenities. Full article

Urban areas are at the forefront in addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Among the key responses are nature-based solutions, which are increasingly being integrated into policy frameworks but which require strong community engagement for their effective implementation. This paper presents the findings of surveys conducted within the Place Lab in Katowice, Poland, an initiative developed as part of an international project and used as a participatory tool for co-creating and implementing green infrastructure. The project applies both place-based and people-centred approaches to support European cities in their transition towards regenerative urbanism. Place Lab activities encourage collaboration between local authorities and residents, enhancing awareness and fostering participation in environmental initiatives. The survey data collected during the project allowed for the evaluation of changes in public attitudes and levels of engagement and for the identification of broader societal phenomena that may influence the implementation of nature-based solutions. The findings revealed, for instance, that more women were interested in supporting the project, that residents tended to be sceptical of governmental actions on climate change, and that views were divided on the trade-off between urban infrastructure such as parking and roads and the presence of green areas. Furthermore, questions of responsibility, awareness, and long-term commitment were frequently raised. Building on the survey results and the existing literature, the study proposes a set of indicators to assess the contribution of citizen participation to the adoption of nature-based solutions. While the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change impacts can be assessed relatively directly, evaluating civic engagement is more complex. Nevertheless, when conducted transparently and interpreted by experts, indicator-based assessment can offer valuable insights. This study introduces a novel perspective by considering not only drivers of engagement but also the obstacles. The proposed indicators provide a foundation for evaluating community readiness and commitment to nature-based approaches and may be adapted for application in other urban settings and in future research on climate resilience strategies. Full article

Japan’s 8.5 million vacant homes (Akiyas) represent a paradox of scarcity amid surplus: while rural depopulation leaves properties abandoned, housing shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder their reuse. This study proposes AKI2ALL, an AI-blockchain framework designed to automate the circular repurposing of Akiyas into ten high-value community assets—guesthouses, co-working spaces, pop-up retail and logistics hubs, urban farming hubs, disaster relief housing, parking lots, elderly daycare centers, exhibition spaces, places for food and beverages, and company offices—through smart contracts and data-driven workflows. By integrating circular economy principles with decentralized technology, AKI2ALL streamlines property transitions, tax validation, and administrative processes, reducing operational costs while preserving embodied carbon in existing structures. Municipalities list properties, owners select uses, and AI optimizes assignments based on real-time demand. This work bridges gaps in digital construction governance, proving that automating trust and accountability can transform systemic inefficiencies into opportunities for community-led, low-carbon regeneration, highlighting its potential as a scalable model for global vacant property reuse. Full article

Awareness of design when planning public urban spaces assumes particular importance through its mission to meet the diverse needs of the different segments within the community. The elderly is considered one of the pivotal segments, with their influence on strengthening social cohesion, fortifying values, and upholding traditions. On the other hand, such a segment demands special physical, behavioral, and mental requirements that would entail specific consideration in the design process of public common spaces. The study aimed to identify and evaluate the most relevant and important indicators pertaining to the most effective design of an age-friendly public space, with community parks taken as a particular case. The study relies on a mixed approach, combining desk research, expert views, the Delphi technique, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process to achieve that purpose. It resulted in a group of sourced, filtered, and evaluated indicators classified into Physical, Experiential, and Social/Emotional categories, which were evaluated by a mixed representative group of academics, practitioners, governmental officials, and end users, being the elderly or their caretakers. Focus was placed on the central park in the Dahiyat Al-Hussein suburb in Amman, Jordan, which was utilized as a contextual case through which a refined design framework was extracted. This framework serves as a potential base that can be expanded and adapted to create a more generalizable model. 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

Sustainable urban development takes place in cities that encourage residents to adopt sustainable consumption behaviors. Cities are transforming towards achieving sustainable urban consumption, meeting the needs of communities without compromising the wealth of future generations. A key element of urban development is sustainable urban mobility, which helps improve residents’ quality of life and protect the environment. The development of sustainable mobility is possible thanks to, among others, investment in infrastructure that improves travel. One element of this infrastructure that plays an important role in sustainable mobility is parking lots. They have a significant impact on the quality of life in the city, and searching for available parking spaces is a serious problem in modern urban mobility. This article includes an analysis of parking data obtained from the Intelligent Paid Parking System in the context of sustainable urban consumption. Three streets in the city of Rzeszów were analyzed. For the period under study, the factors determined included parking space utilization indicators, whose average value for the streets analyzed was in the range of 57–59%, and a turnover indicator, whose average value was in the range of 4.8–6.0. These indicators assessed the degree to which city residents are involved in ideas related to sustainable development, as well as their habits in relation to sustainable consumption. Full article

Tea farmers in Wuyishan National Park face the dual challenges of promoting sustainable tea production while adhering to strict ecological protection policies. This study investigates the key factors influencing tea farmers’ pro-environmental behavior and the transmission mechanisms that encourage the adoption of sustainable development. Based on the theory of planned behavior, the theory of externalities, and place attachment theory, 346 valid questionnaires were collected through household interviews across 12 villages within Wuyishan National Park and its surrounding areas. The results indicate that environmental responsibility and concern for community well-being are major motivators of pro-environmental behavior. Market orientation, production intensification, and adoption of clean technologies significantly enhance environmental outcomes at the farm level. While ecological compensation policies help offset the costs of conservation, their impact is constrained by inconsistencies in standard-setting and implementation. The establishment of the national park has enhanced pro-environmental behavior among farmers within the park and influenced those in peripheral areas by strengthening place attachment and social norms. Tea farmers in the core areas of the national park exhibit higher levels of pro-environmental behavior compared to those on the periphery. This study offers several policy recommendations and contributes new insights into understanding the mechanisms behind tea farmers’ pro-environmental behavior within national park contexts, providing valuable reference for pro-environmental practices in the global protected area system. Full article

This study presents a stability assessment of rock slopes, considering the joint systems of the rock walls of Wojciech Bednarski Park. Special emphasis was placed on analysing the orientation and infill characteristics of the identified joint sets. Based on archival data and newly conducted geological surveys, stability calculations were performed for eight representative cross-sections corresponding to designated sectors. Numerical analyses were conducted using a finite element method (FEM) programme, based on the actual structure of the rock mass, specifically its discontinuities. This ensured a reliable reflection of the real conditions governing the slope instability mechanisms. Factors of safety were estimated with the Shear Strength Reduction Technique. The results indicate that slope failure is highly unlikely in Sectors 1 and 2 (FS > 1.50), unlikely but not fully meeting the safety criteria in Sector 3 (FS < 1.50), and highly probable in Sectors 4 and 6 (FS << 1.00), where unstable rock blocks and deeper structural slides are anticipated. In Sector 5, failure is considered probable (FS < 1.30) due to rockfalls, unstable blocks, and creeping weathered cover. For Sectors 7 and 8, assuming debris cover above the rock walls, failure is unlikely (FS > 1.50). In contrast, under the assumption of weathered material, it becomes probable in Sector 7 (FS < 1.30), and remains unlikely in Sector 8 (FS > 1.50). Due to the necessity of adopting several modelling assumptions, the results should be interpreted primarily in qualitative terms. The outcomes of this research provide a critical basis for assessing the stability of rock slopes within Wojciech Bednarski Park and support decision-making processes related to its planned revitalisation. Full article

The acceleration of industrialization and urbanization worldwide has dramatically improved living standards but has also introduced serious environmental and public health challenges. One of the most critical challenges is air pollution, particularly indoors, where individuals typically spend over 90% of their time. Ensuring good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is essential, especially in heavily frequented public spaces such as shopping malls. This study focuses on assessing IAQ in a large shopping mall located in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, covering retail zones as well as an attached underground parking area. Monitoring is conducted over a continuous two-month period using calibrated instruments placed at representative locations to capture variations in pollutant levels. The investigation targets key contaminants, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and formaldehyde (HCHO). The data are analyzed and compared against international and national guidelines, including World Health Organization (WHO) standards and Saudi environmental regulations. The results show that concentrations of CO, CO₂, and PM_2.5 in the shopping mall are generally within acceptable limits, with values ranging from approximately 7 to 15 ppm, suggesting that ventilation systems are effective in most areas. However, the study identifies high levels of TVOCs and HCHO, particularly in zones characterized by poor ventilation and high human occupancy. Peak concentrations reach 1.48 mg/m³ for TVOCs and 1.43 mg/m³ for HCHO, exceeding recommended exposure thresholds. These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhancing ventilation designs, prioritizing the use of low-emission materials, and establishing continuous air quality monitoring protocols within commercial buildings. Improving IAQ is not only crucial for protecting public health but also for enhancing occupant comfort, satisfaction, and overall building sustainability. This study offers practical recommendations to policymakers, building managers, and designers striving to create healthier indoor environments in rapidly expanding urban centers. Full article

This article focuses on graffiti and street art analysis in green areas from Romanian cities. Whether it is about the invasion or anticipated integration of urban artworks in green areas, in recent years, the phenomenon of urban art has become undoubtedly visible and finds its place among other components of artistic interventions. This study aims to diagnose various forms and expressions of urban art in the parks of several case study cities from Romania and to evaluate the urban art rapport with the parks’ organization. The methods used combine field research to identify spots with urban art, typologies based on different criteria, documentation for primary or supplementary explanations about the reality identified in the field, and results mapping using GIS tools. This study’s main findings are in relation to the location and preferred surfaces in the investigated parks for graffiti and street art works; hence, the main types of urban art and the messages transmitted. The results obtained highlight the idea that there are differences and gaps in terms of urban art phenomenon evolution reflected in diverse approaches of urban art and different balances that impact the parks’ image. Full article

Springs located in urban historic areas are important for groundwater management, the protection of green spaces, and the preservation of park functions and urban structure. This article presents the results of a study of selected Warsaw springs in the city center under conservation protection, focusing on their hydrogeological characteristics, hydrogeochemical analysis, and pressures associated with urban development. Field and laboratory analyses, as well as hydrodynamic modeling, made it possible to assess the quantity and quality of water from the springs. Hydrodynamic studies showed that the area of the spring recharge zone of 13.77 ha is characterized by an average time of water exchange of approx. 26 years and a low infiltration recharge, an average of 18 mm/year. Hydrogeochemical analyses showed that spring water has a complex, multi-ion hydrogeochemical type: Cl-SO₄-HCO₃-Ca-Na, Cl-HCO₃-SO₄-Ca-Na, Cl-HCO₃-Na-Ca, and NO₃-Cl-HCO₃-Ca-Na, including the occurrence of hazardous substances such as PAH and BTEX, PCBs, non-ionic detergents, and heavy metals. The results indicate that urbanization significantly affects groundwater levels and spring recharge areas, which can limit the availability of water in green and recreational areas. The results of the study indicate the need for action to increase groundwater resources through managed aquifer recharge for rainwater management in densely built-up areas. In terms of water quality measures, due to the unsatisfactory chemical water status, the use of spring water for irrigation of urban vegetation or its incorporation into the active recreational infrastructure of the park currently appears to be fraught with considerable risk, hence the need to take protective action in the spring recharge zone through the regular monitoring of groundwater quality, the legal designation of protection zones, and the implementation of policies that support urban water retention. It is necessary to implement pre-treatment solutions (aeration, desalination) or introduce appropriately resistant vegetation. Any type of activity that allows the use of water after treatment will certainly contribute to making the park more attractive as a place of recreation and leisure for residents. Findings from the research can support decisions on protecting green spaces and adapting cities to climate change. Full article

High-speed rail (HSR) station areas play a vital role in shaping urban form, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing spatial vitality. Understanding the factors that influence this vitality is key to supporting sustainable urban development and transit-oriented planning. This study investigates 66 HSR station areas in 35 Chinese cities by integrating multi-source data—Sina Weibo check-in records, urban support indicators, station attributes, and built environment variables—within a city–node–place analytical framework. Using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) models, we identify key drivers of spatial vitality, while SHAP analysis reveals nonlinear and interaction effects. The results show that city population size, urbanization level, commercial land use, transit accessibility, and parking facilities significantly enhance station area vitality. However, diminishing returns are observed when commercial land and bus stop densities exceed certain thresholds. The station location index shows a negative correlation with spatial vitality. The analysis of interaction effects highlights strong synergies between urban development and functional configuration, as well as between accessibility and service infrastructure. Different station types exhibit varied spatial patterns and require differentiated strategies. This study offers empirical insights for aligning transport infrastructure and land use planning, supporting the development of vibrant, accessible, and sustainable HSR station areas. Full article

As a crucial component of cultural heritage, industrial heritage possesses considerable cultural, historical, and economic significance. The key challenge for industrial heritage sites is to foster eco-conscious actions among visitors while boosting tourism spending. Based on the S-O-R theory, we constructed a relationship model between authenticity, place attachment and environmental responsibility behavior through structural equation modeling and tested it with the survey data of tourists in Maoming open-pit mine ecological park. Findings reveal that both the object-related authenticity and the existential authenticity of the experience enhance the sense of reliance and belonging to the place, with the former also directly promoting visitors’ eco-conscious actions. In contrast, experiential authenticity does not exert a direct effect on eco-conscious actions. The sense of place reliance and identity are found to be significantly and positively linked to eco-conscious behavior. Furthermore, place reliance and identity act as intermediaries in the relationship between object authenticity, experiential authenticity, and eco-conscious behavior, serving as a sequential mediating factor. The study suggests strategies such as augmenting financial support to preserve the authenticity of the site, prioritizing the enhancement of infrastructure and the creation of cultural offerings to elicit emotional responses, and reinforcing emotional bonds to encourage eco-conscious actions. Full article