Search Results (309)

Biosphere Reserves (BRs), designated by UNESCO, are uniquely positioned to serve as model territories for sustainable development, as they aim to harmonize biodiversity conservation with the socio-economic vitality and cultural identity of local communities. This work examines the commitment of the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using a survey-based research design, this study assesses the extent to which the reserves have integrated the SDGs into their strategic frameworks and operational practices. It also identifies and analyses successful initiatives and best practices implemented across Spain that exemplify this integration. The findings highlight the need for enhanced awareness and understanding of the 2030 Agenda among stakeholders, alongside stronger mechanisms for participation, cooperation, and governance. The conclusion emphasises the importance of equipping all reserves with strategic planning tools and robust systems for monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. Moreover, the analysis of exemplary cases reveals the transformative potential of sustainability-oriented projects—not only in advancing environmental goals but also in revitalizing local economies and reinforcing cultural heritage. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of how BRs can act as dynamic laboratories for sustainable development and heritage preservation. Full article

Nomadic heritage villages constitute significant material cultural heritage. Under China’s cultural revitalization and rural development strategies, these villages face spatial degradation driven by tourism and urbanization. Current research predominantly employs isolated analytical approaches—space syntax often overlooks social dynamics while social network analysis (SNA) overlooks physical interfaces—hindering the development of holistic solutions for socio-spatial resilience. This study proposes a multi-scale integrated assessment framework combining social network analysis (SNA) and space syntax to systematically evaluate public space structures in traditional nomadic villages of Xinjiang. The framework provides scientific evidence for optimizing public space design in these villages, facilitating harmonious coexistence between spatial functionality and cultural values. Focusing on three heritage villages—representing compact, linear, and dispersed morphologies—the research employs a hierarchical “village-street-node” analytical model to dissect spatial configurations and their socio-functional dynamics. Key findings include the following: Compact villages exhibit high central clustering but excessive concentration, necessitating strategies to enhance network resilience and peripheral connectivity. Linear villages demonstrate weak systemic linkages, requiring “segment-connection point supplementation” interventions to mitigate structural elongation. Dispersed villages maintain moderate network density but face challenges in visual integration and centrality, demanding targeted activation of key intersections to improve regional cohesion. By merging SNA’s social attributes with space syntax’s geometric precision, this framework bridges a methodological gap, offering comprehensive spatial optimization solutions. Practical recommendations include culturally embedded placemaking, adaptive reuse of transitional spaces, and thematic zoning to balance heritage conservation with tourism needs. Analyzing Xinjiang’s unique spatial–social interactions provides innovative insights for sustainable heritage village planning and replicable solutions for comparable global cases. 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

With the acceleration of modernization, villages in Southwest China are experiencing spatial fragmentation and homogenization, leading to the loss of traditional identity. Addressing how to balance scientific planning with cultural and spatial continuity has become a key challenge in rural governance. This study takes Xuyong County in Luzhou City as a case and develops a three-tier analytical framework—“genome–spatial factors–specific indicators”—based on the space gene theory to identify, classify, and map spatial patterns in marginal villages of southern Sichuan. Through cluster analysis, common and distinctive spatial genes are extracted. Common genes—such as medium surface roughness (GeneN-2-b), medium building dispersion (GeneA-3-b), and low intelligibility (GeneT-2-b)—are prevalent across multiple village types, reflecting shared adaptive strategies to complex terrains, ecological constraints, and historical development. In contrast, distinctive genes—such as high building dispersion (GeneA-3-a) and linear boundaries (GeneB-1-c)—highlight unique spatial responses that are shaped by local cultural and environmental conditions. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of spatial morphology and adaptive mechanisms in rural settlements. This research offers a theoretical and methodological basis for village classification, conservation zoning, and spatial optimization, providing practical guidance for rural revitalization efforts focusing on both development and heritage protection. Full article

This paper critically examines the persistent limitations of spatial planning reforms in China in addressing urban–rural integration, despite significant and successive legislative and planning reforms. Through a historically grounded and institutionally informed analysis, the study traces the evolution of China’s planning regimes across three key phases—urban planning, urban–rural planning, and territorial spatial planning (TSP)—highlighting shifting policy logics and the enduring structural challenges that shape rural marginalization. Drawing on national planning documents and authors’ empirical insights from planning practice, the paper identifies four interrelated and persistent constraints: (1) cross-scalar and interdepartmental fragmentation in governance, (2) contradictions in the land system that restrict rural development rights, (3) fiscal dependence on land conversion that distorts planning priorities, and (4) technical and conceptual gaps that reduce rural planning to physicalist and exogenous interventions. The paper contributes by offering a periodized account of China’s rural planning reforms, situating these within global debates on rural marginalization, and evaluating the transformative potential of the TSP framework. It argues that achieving meaningful urban–rural integration requires a fundamental rethinking of planning as a developmental, rather than solely regulatory, practice—one that is territorially embedded, socially responsive, and functionally aligned with endogenous rural revitalization. Full article

Clarifying the coordination and impediments of social, economic, and spatial connection in rural areas is essential for advancing rural revitalization, urban-rural integration, and regional coordinated development. Utilizing the 24 counties and districts in western Hunan as case studies, we developed an evaluation index system for sustainable rural development across three dimensions: social, economic, and spatial. We employed the coupling model, coordination model, and obstacle factor model to investigate the comprehensive development level, coupling and coordination status, and obstacle factors of the villages in the study area at three temporal points: 2002, 2012, and 2022. The findings indicate the following: (1) The degree of rural development in western Hunan has escalated swiftly throughout the study period, transitioning from relative homogeneity to a heterogeneous developmental landscape, accompanied by issues such as inadequate development and regional polarization. (2) The overall rural social, economic, and spatial indices are low, and the degree of coupling has increased variably across different study periods; the average coordination degree has gradually improved over time, yet the level of coordination remains low, and spatial development is unbalanced. (3) The criterion-level impediments hindering the sustainable development of rural society, economy, and space are, in descending order, social factors, spatial factors, and economic factors. The urbanization rate, total fixed investment rate, and arable land change rate are the primary impediments in most counties and cities. The study’s findings will inform the planning of rural development in ethnic regions, promote sustainable social and spatial advancement in the countryside, and serve as a reference for rural revitalization efforts. Full article

Phewa Lake, Nepal’s second-largest natural lake, is under increasing ecological stress due to sedimentation, shoreline encroachment, and water quality decline driven by rapid urban growth, fragile mountainous catchments, and changing climate patterns. This study employs an integrated approach combining sediment yield estimation from its catchment using RUSLE, shoreline encroachment analysis via satellite imagery and historical records, and identification of pollution sources and socio-economic factors through field surveys and community consultations. The results show that steep, sparsely vegetated slopes are the primary sediment sources, with Harpan Khola (a tributary of Phewa Lake) contributing over 80% of the estimated 339,118 tons of annual sediment inflow. From 1962 to 2024, the lake has lost approximately 5.62 sq. km of surface area, primarily due to a combination of sediment deposition and human encroachment. Pollution from untreated sewage, urban runoff, and invasive aquatic weeds further degrades water quality and threatens biodiversity. Based on the findings, this study proposes a way forward to mitigate sedimentation, encroachment, and pollution, along with a sustainable revitalization plan. The approach of this study, along with the proposed sustainability measures, can be replicated in other lake systems within Nepal and in similar watersheds elsewhere. Full article

Traditional villages are critical to preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable rural development. This study evaluates the development potential of 47 traditional villages in Jilin Province from the perspectives of spatial planning, architectural conservation, and rural real estate revitalization. A Development Potential Assessment (DPA) framework is constructed based on five dimensions: geographical position, cultural resources, socio-economic factors, natural ecology, and living environment. The AHP-entropy weighting method is applied to ensure objectivity in scoring, while kernel density analysis and coefficient of variation techniques identify spatial patterns and internal disparities. To further inform strategic planning and targeted investment, an Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) model is introduced, aligning resource advantages with development performance. Key findings include the following: (1) significant spatial heterogeneity, with higher potential concentrated in the southeast and lower levels in the northwest; (2) cultural and socio-economic dimensions are the most influential factors in differentiating development types; and (3) a subset of villages shows a disconnect between resource endowment and realized potential, indicating the need for tailored design interventions and investment strategies. This research offers a visual and data-driven basis for differentiated revitalization strategies, integrating urban science methods, architectural thinking, and real estate development logic. It supports refined policy implementation, spatial design decisions, and the activation of underutilized rural assets through context-sensitive planning. 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

This study investigates the challenges and opportunities of balancing cultural preservation, tourism investment, and community resilience in historic Syrian cities during the post-war recovery period. The Syrian conflict has imposed considerable harm upon the nation’s cultural heritage, encompassing UNESCO World Heritage sites, thereby interrupting not only the urban infrastructure but also local economies and social networks. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology that includes a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and local surveys, this research investigates the potential for aligning cultural preservation with tourism investment to promote sustainable economic revitalization while simultaneously enhancing social cohesion and community resilience. The results underscore the significance of inclusive governance, participatory planning, and capacity enhancement to guarantee that post-conflict urban redevelopment fosters enduring environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. By framing the Syrian case within the broader context of global urban sustainability and resilience discourse, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and heritage managers working in post-conflict or post-disaster environments worldwide. In the end, the study highlights that the revitalization of historic cities transcends being a simple technical or economic endeavor; it is a complex process of re-establishing identity, strengthening communities, and fostering sustainable, resilient urban futures. Full article

Masonry industrial buildings, common in the 19th and 20th centuries, represent a significant architectural typology. These structures are crucial to the study of industrial archeology, which focuses on preserving and revitalizing historical industrial heritage. Often left neglected and deteriorating, they hold great potential for adaptive reuse, transforming into vibrant cultural, commercial, or residential spaces through well-planned restoration and consolidation efforts. This paper explores a case study of such industrial architecture: a decommissioned factory near Naples. The complex consists of multiple structures with vertical supports made of yellow tuff stone and roofs framed by wooden trusses. To improve the building’s seismic resilience, a comprehensive analysis was conducted, encompassing its historical, geometric, and structural characteristics. Using advanced computer software, the factory was modelled with a macro-element approach, allowing for a detailed assessment of its seismic vulnerability. This approach facilitated both a global analysis of the building’s overall behaviour and the identification of potential local collapse mechanisms. Non-linear analyses revealed a critical lack of seismic safety, particularly in the Y direction, with significant out-of-plane collapse risk due to weak connections among walls. Based on these findings, a restoration and consolidation plan was developed to enhance the structural integrity of the building and to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. This plan incorporated metal tie rods, masonry strengthening through injections, and roof reconstruction. The proposed interventions not only address immediate seismic risks but also contribute to the broader goal of preserving this industrial architectural heritage. This study introduces a novel multidisciplinary methodology—integrating seismic analysis, traditional retrofit techniques, and sustainable reuse—specifically tailored to the rarely addressed typology of masonry industrial structures. By transforming the factory into a functional urban space, the project presents a replicable model for preserving industrial heritage within contemporary cityscapes. Full article

This study explores the evolution of China’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) governance through the lens of discursive institutionalism, with a specific focus on how institutional discourse and arrangements shape the spatial configuration and symbolic meaning of ICH-related landscapes. By analyzing policy discourse, governance actors, resource mobilization, and regulatory mechanisms, the study traces the transition from community-led practices to increasingly formalized and spatialized systems under the influence of the 2003 UNESCO Convention. Drawing on a combination of historical policy analysis and place-specific institutional insights, the research finds that while institutional reforms have enhanced administrative coherence and international alignment, they have also at times disrupted vernacular meanings and weakened residents’ place-based cultural attachments. Conversely, localized revitalization initiatives can foster community resilience and landscape justice. These findings are derived from an interpretive synthesis of institutional trajectories and spatial governance practices. Overall, the study contributes to the theoretical integration of discursive institutionalism and cultural geography, offering new insights into heritage governance and sustainable cultural planning in rapidly urbanizing contexts. Full article

Indonesia’s post-mining landscapes require an integrated governance approach to achieve equitable and sustainable reclamation. This study developed and evaluated the TILANG Framework (Triple-Bottom-Line Integrated Land Governance) as a multidimensional model that aligns ecological restoration, community empowerment, and institutional accountability. Based on a meta-synthesis of 773 academic and institutional remarks coded using NVivo 12, the study identified sustainable cacao agriculture as a viable compensation mechanism that supports livelihood recovery while restoring degraded land. The framework draws on six foundational theoretical components—Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Stakeholder Theory, Legitimacy Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Triple Bottom Line, and multi-level governance—and is operationalized through six implementation principles: Trust, Inclusivity, Legitimacy, Alignment, Norms, and Governance. The findings support performance-based land reclamation by embedding behavioral readiness and institutional co-financing into sustainability strategies. This model is particularly relevant to Indonesia’s ongoing land-use transformation, where post-extractive zones are shifting toward agroecological and community-centered recovery. The study found that (1) reframing land compensation as a restorative, performance-based mechanism enables more legitimate and inclusive post-mining governance; (2) sustainable cacao agriculture represents a viable and socially accepted strategy for ecological recovery and rural livelihood revitalization; and (3) the TILANG Framework advances land-use transformation by integrating corporate responsibility, behavioral readiness, and multi-level governance into a cohesive performance model. Full article

As a core element of comprehensive land consolidation, cultivated land serves as both a fundamental resource and strategic platform for driving rural revitalization and advancing ecological civilization development. Based on the five periods of remote sensing monitoring data of land use from the 1980 to 2020 in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, this study systematically examines cultivated land transfer dynamics and quantitatively assesses fragmentation levels through landscape metrics analysis, with the ultimate objective of informing strategic land consolidation planning at the county scale. The results indicate that (1) the cultivated land transformation in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County exhibited distinct temporal patterns demarcated by 2010. During the initial phase, limited land transfers predominantly involved woodland transfers, characterized by cross-regional occupation–compensation dynamics and a northwest-oriented spatial shift. The subsequent phase witnessed substantial transfer intensification, incorporating grassland and construction land transfers alongside woodland. This period demonstrated balanced intra-township occupation–compensation mechanisms and a marked southeastward migration of transfer concentration; (2) cultivated land transfer dynamics demonstrated greater intensity in topographically moderate townships, whereas northwestern mountainous townships characterized by elevated altitudes and pronounced gradients maintained comparative spatial stability in transfer patterns; (3) cultivated land fragmentation exhibited topographic modulation, with reduced spatial disaggregation in low-lying plains contrasting elevated indices across northwestern highland terrains; and (4) the cultivated land area showed a predominant reduction in low-elevation and gentle-slope regions, accompanied by a decrease in landscape fragmentation. Conversely, in areas with higher elevations and steeper slopes, expansions in both cultivated land area and fragmentation were observed. Full article

The field of tourism economics has consistently attracted big attention from scholars across various countries. Tourism is inherently linked to economic aspects. Concurrently, Indonesia has relocated its Ibu Kota Negara/National Capital City, now named “IKN”, from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. In addition to extensive public infrastructure development, the Indonesian government is also working to revitalize the tourism sector in IKN. To assess the economic feasibility of this sector, an in-depth study is necessary. This research aims to examine labor absorption, tourist visits, and economic growth as indicators of successful tourism economic performance. It also analyzes the variables that influence these indicators, including (1) wages, (2) occupancy rates, (3) room rates, (4) food and beverage facilities, (5) inflation, (6) hotel and lodging taxes, (7) restaurant and eating-house taxes, and (8) investment. The regression testing method employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). According to the data analyzed from 2013 to 2024, the authors identified three main points: First, tourist visits and inflation have positive and significant impacts on labor absorption. Second, labor absorption, wages, occupancy rates, economic growth, and investment positively and significantly influence tourist visits. Third, tourist visits, room rates, food and beverage facilities, and inflation have positive and significant effects on economic growth. The implications of this research can be enlightening for regulators and future initiatives. This is particularly important for guiding further empirical investigations and policy planning aimed at accelerating economic development in the tourism sector. Full article