Search Results (501)

Jiangsu Province is an important economic province on the eastern coast of China, revealing the spatial–temporal characteristics, dynamic degree, and transition direction of land use/cover change, and its main driving factors are significant for the effective use of land resources and the promotion of regional human–land coordinated development. Based on land use data of Jiangsu Province from 2000 to 2020, this study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of land use/cover using the dynamics model and the transfer matrix model, and examines the influence and interaction of the driving factors between human activities and the natural environment based on 10-factor data using Geodetector. The results showed that (1) In the past 20 years, the type of land use/cover in Jiangsu Province primarily comprises cropland, water, and impervious, with the land use/cover change mode mainly consisting of a dramatic change in cropland and impervious and relatively little change in forest, grassland, water, and barren. (2) From the perspective of the dynamic rate of land use/cover change, the single land use dynamic degree showed that impervious is the only land type whose dynamics have positively increased from 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2020, with values of 3.67% and 3.03%, respectively. According to the classification of comprehensive motivation, the comprehensive land use motivation in Jiangsu Province in each time period from 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2020 is 0.46% and 0.43%, respectively, which belongs to the extremely slow change type. (3) From the perspective of land use/cover transfer, Jiangsu Province is mainly characterized by a large area of cropland transfer (−7954.30 km²) and a large area of impervious transfer (8759.58 km²). The increase in impervious is mainly attributed to the transformation of cropland and water, accounting for 4066.07 km² and 513.73 km² from 2010 to 2020, which indicates that the non-agricultural phenomenon of cropland in Jiangsu Province, i.e., the process of transforming cropland into non-agricultural construction land, is significant. (4) From the perspective of driving factors, population density (q = 0.154) and night light brightness (q = 0.156) have always been important drivers of land use/cover change in Jiangsu Province. The interaction detection indicates that the land use/cover change is driven by both socio-economic factors and natural geographic factors. (5) In response to the dual pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization, coordinating the multiple objectives of socio-economic development, food security, and ecological protection is the fundamental path to achieving sustainable land use in Jiangsu Province and similar developed coastal areas. By revealing the characteristics and driving factors of land use/cover change in Jiangsu Province, this study provides qualitative and quantitative theoretical support for the coordinated decision-making of economic development and land use planning in Jiangsu Province, specifically contributing to sustainable land planning, climate adaptation policy-making, and the enhancement of community well-being through optimized land use. Full article

River ice is a common feature in most Canadian rivers and streams during the cold season. River channel hydraulics under ice conditions may cause higher water levels at a relatively lower discharge compared to the open-water flood events. Elevated water levels resulting from river ice processes throughout fall freeze-over, mid-winter, and spring break-up are important hydrologic events with diverse morphological, ecological, and socio-economic impacts. This study analyzes the timing of maximum water levels (occurring during freeze-over, spring break-up, and open-water periods) and the typology of maximum ice-related events (at freeze-over, mid-winter, and spring break-up) using data from the Canadian River Ice Database. The study also compares annual maximum water levels during the river ice and open-water periods at selected hydrometric stations from 1966 to 2015, divided into two 25-year windows: 1966–1990 and 1991–2015. A return period classification method was applied to define ice-influenced, open-water, and mixed-regime conditions. The results indicate that the majority of ice-influenced maximum water levels occurred during spring break-up (~79% in 1966–1990 and ~69% in 1991–2015), followed by fall freeze-up (~13% and ~23%) and mid-winter break-up (~8% and ~7%) for the two periods, respectively. Among 15 stations analyzed for 1966–1990 and 42 stations for 1991–2015, the proportion of annual maximum water levels dominated by open-water conditions increased from 47% to 55%, while ice-dominated events decreased from 13% to 12%, and mixed-regime events dropped from 40% to 33%. However, a focused comparison of eight common stations revealed minimal change in the distribution of water level-generating events between the two periods. The findings offer valuable insights into the spatial distribution of maximum water level-generating mechanisms across Canada. Full article

Landscapes are vital systems where ecological, cultural, perceptual, and socio-economic values meet, making their quality assessment essential for sustainable development. Landscape Quality (LQ), shaped by the interaction of natural processes and human activities, remains methodologically challenging due to its interdisciplinarity and the need to integrate multiple dimensions. This challenge is particularly perceived in peri-urban areas, predominantly understudied in landscape research. This article addresses this gap in LQ assessment at peri-urban landscapes, through the case of Houch Al Oumaraa, Zahleh, a peri-urban area of patrimonial significance and agricultural landscape value. To evaluate the four spatial dimensions of LQ (structural, ecological, cultural and visual), we adopted a mixed methodology, where a pre-developed set of landscape indicators (LIs) applied within GIS and spatial technics, were supplemented by expert analysis through visual studies. Two questions framed this research: (i) is remote sensing sufficient to assess peri-urban LQ, and (ii) what are the limits of applying pre-developed LIs to diverse landscape contexts? Results show moderate fragmentation (CONTAG 61.6%), low diversity (MSDI 0.27), high density of cultural monuments (PROTAP 4.19) and average visual disharmony (FCDHI 0.49). Findings reveal that spatial dimensions alone are insufficient for assessing LQ of peri-urban landscapes, where socio-economic dimensions must also be integrated. Structural indicators (PLAND, MPA, ED, CONTAG) and MSDI proved transferable, while ECOLBAR was less applicable, cultural indicators (PROTAP, HLE) were limited to tangible heritage, and visual indicators (FCDHI, SDHI) highly context dependent. Establishing a differentiated yet standardized framework would not only enhance methodological precision but also ensure that LQ assessment remain relevant across diverse contexts, providing policymakers with actionable insights to align planning with sustainability goals. Full article

The Sohodol Gorges has become a location of interest for tourists seeking ecological experiences and outdoor activities. The main purpose of the present study is to evaluate the attitudes of Romanian tourists toward the development of geotourism in this region following the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with the research questions, hypotheses, variables, and research methodology, the following research objectives were emphasized in this study of the Oltenia region: (1) investigate how certain socio-demographic variables, such as age, gender, level of education, and occupation, influence tourists’ perceptions of the various aspects of geotourism development in the Sohodol Gorges; (2) analyze the different dimensions of geotourism, including its economic, ecological, and socio-cultural impacts, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of how geotourism is perceived in the study area in the post-pandemic context. For a qualitative evaluation of the information presented in this study, the authors used a qualitative survey with open questions and closed questions as a data collection method. For data processing and analysis, the EViews version 12.0 software package was used, enabling complex statistical analyses such as multiple regressions and correlation coefficient determination. These techniques were essential for identifying and interpreting the relationships between demographic variables and tourist perceptions. The research results provide a detailed picture of the influence that demographic and behavioral factors have on tourists’ perceptions in the context of post-COVID-19 geotourism development in the Sohodol Gorges of Romania. Education level and age play a significant role in shaping economic and environmental perceptions, indicating that tourists with higher education levels are more aware of the economic and ecological impact of tourism. Full article

The Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981 for its exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystem. However, due to poaching, livestock grazing, and dam construction projects in the Sambangalou area, the site was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2007. Through regional and international cooperation, enhanced monitoring, and community engagement in conservation efforts, the site was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2024. As a typical case of the entire process from inscription on to removal from the World Heritage List in Danger, the NKNP’s threats and successful removal experience profoundly reveal complex internal and external challenges and governance needs in heritage conservation. Its successful experience can provide valuable lessons for World Heritage sites around the world facing similar threats. As part of our qualitative research, we reviewed the literature from UNESCO and IUCN, which annually assessed the state of conservation of the NKNP between 2007 and 2024. In 2024, a field mission assessed on-site conservation progress and discussed challenges and responses to the NKNP management with 30 stakeholders. Our results highlight the lengthy and potentially costly process of removal, such as Senegal’s EUR 4.57 million Emergency Plan, the threats to the park’s integrity by the State itself, and the value placed on World Heritage status, further emphasizing the need for long-term investment from both the national government and international partners. Therefore, ensuring returns on such investment, whether through increased ecotourism, international recognition, or strengthened ecosystem services, is essential for sustainable conservation financing. The case of the NKNP also illustrates the positive impact of improved national governance and partnerships involving international and local NGOs, as well as the private sector, on conservation efforts. It also highlights the importance of a new collaborative governance paradigm for heritage sites facing severe human interference (poaching, illegal development) and governance challenges, particularly in ecologically fragile or socio-economically pressured regions, by strengthening national responsibility, leveraging international mechanisms, and activating local participation. Full article

Multi-target optimization management of reservoirs plays a crucial role in balancing multiple scheduling objectives, thereby contributing to watershed sustainability. In this study, a model was developed for the multi-target optimization scheduling of water–sediment, ecological, and socioeconomic objectives of reservoirs with multi-dimensional scheduling needs, including flood control, sediment discharge, ecological protection, and socio-economic development. After obtaining the Pareto solution set by solving the optimization model, a decision model based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) was constructed to select optimal scheduling schemes, resulting in the development of a multi-target decision framework for reservoirs. The proposed framework not only mitigates multi-target conflicts among water–sediment, ecological, and socioeconomic objectives but also quantifies the different preferences of decision-makers. The framework was then applied to six cascade reservoirs (Longyangxia, Liujiaxia, Haibowan, Wanjiazhai, Sanmenxia, and Xiaolangdi) in the Yellow River basin of China. A whole-river multi-target decision model was developed for water–sediment, ecological, and socioeconomic objectives, and the cooperation–competition dynamics among multiple objectives and decision schemes were analyzed for wet, normal, and dry years. The results demonstrated the following: (1) sediment discharge goals and ecological goals were somewhat competitive, and sediment discharge goals and power generation goals were highly competitive, while ecological goals and power generation goals were cooperative, and cooperation–competition relationships among the three objectives was particularly pronounced in dry years; (2) the decision plans for abundant, normal, and low water years were S293, S241, and S386, respectively, and all are consistent with actual dispatch conditions; (3) compared to local models, the whole-river multi-target scheduling model achieved increases of 71.01 × 10⁶ t in maximum sediment discharge, 0.72% in maximum satisfaction rate of suitable ecological flow, and 0.20 × 10⁹ kW·h in maximum power generation; and (4) compared to conventional decision methods, the CPT-based approach yielded rational results with substantially enhanced sensitivity, indicating its suitability for selecting and decision-making of various schemes. This study provides insights into the establishment of multi-target dispatching models for reservoirs and decision-making processes for scheduling schemes. Full article

Both water and sediment resource allocation are critical for achieving sustainable development in sediment-laden river basins. However, current understanding lacks a holistic perspective and fails to capture the inseparability of water and sediment. The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is the world’s most sediment-laden river, characterized by pronounced ecological fragility and uneven socio-economic development. This study introduces integrated water-sediment allocation frameworks for the YRB based on the perspective of the water-sediment nexus, aiming to regulate their impacts on socio-economic and ecological systems. The frameworks were established for both artificial units (e.g., irrigation zones and reservoirs) and geological units (e.g., the Jiziwan region, lower channels, and estuarine deltas) within the YRB. The common feature of the joint allocation of water and sediment across the five units lies in shaping a coordinated water–sediment relationship, though their focuses differ, including in-stream water-sediment processes and combinations, the utilization of water and sediment resources, and the constraints imposed by socio-economic and ecological systems on water-sediment distribution. In irrigation zones, the primary challenge lies in engineering-based control of inflow magnitude and spatiotemporal distribution for both water and sediment. In reservoir systems, effective management requires dynamic regulation through density current flushing and coordinated operations to achieve water-sediment balance. In the Jiziwan region, reconciling socio-economic development with ecological integrity requires establishing science-based thresholds for water and sediment use while ensuring a balance between utilization and protection. Along the lower channel, sustainable management depends on delineating zones for human activities and ecological preservation within floodplains. For deltaic systems, key strategies involve adjusting upstream sediment and refining depositional processes. Full article

In recent decades there has been a deterioration of wetlands with severe implications for human health, particularly through its effects on food, water, and climate security. Thus, there is an increasing interest in addressing the adverse effects of wetland degradation, particularly in relation to public health. Despite the necessity to comprehend the economic value associated with wetland degradation, there is still a paucity of research on the subject in many areas of the world, such as Latin American countries. The objective of this work is to determine the economic impacts of wetland degradation through its health impacts on local communities to achieve sustainable wetland management. To this end, a contingent valuation method has been applied selecting Lake Cuitzeo (Mexico) as an emblematic case study where there is a process of ecological degradation that has a negative impact on both the well-being and health of the population. Based on contingent valuation surveys of the population, respondents were directly asked to express their willingness to accept (WTA) by considering changes in well-being resulting from the loss of a benefit or their willingness to pay (WTP) for the improvement of goods/services. The findings indicated a willingness to accept economic compensation of 47.86 USD/household/month for health-related damages and a willingness to pay 2.77 USD/household/month for the environmental management measures to improve lake conditions. In addition, a multivariate analysis was carried out to determine the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on the economic valuation exercise. The results can serve as a guide for policymakers in the implementation of socially accepted measures to solve the environmental and public health problems in degraded water bodies. Full article

Plastic from abandoned fishing gear can persist in the marine environment for extended periods, worsening the problem of ghost fishing and highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. This research aims to develop a theoretical model that defines the socio-economic costs and benefits of fisheries within the context of the circular economy. The theoretical foundations of the model are based on moral risk theory, externality theory, and welfare economics. Marginal analysis, cost–revenue function analysis, and investment efficiency analysis were also used. According to the results, the costly process of catching, transporting, and collecting lost fishing gear carried out by fishermen can be replaced or offset by implementing several proactive measures. These include introducing compensation to encourage fishermen to adopt pro-ecological practices related to reducing the amount of used fishing equipment. The proposed model could be a helpful tool in determining the optimal level of subsidies for sustainable fisheries. The model could also help determine the costs and methods of reducing the pollution associated with fishing gear, which is vital for all entities currently operating in the fishing sector. Full article

With the tightening of environmental regulations, the need to identify tools that foster the development of sustainable systems is growing. The shift toward closed-loop, bio-like systems promotes the creation of nature-inspired systems. However, the transformation processes and toolkits vary across meso-level systems with differing economic activity. This research reveals the patterns of formation and develops governance models for the evolution of nature-inspired systems, considering the specifics of digital transformation and innovative activity in ensuring environmental security. Methodology includes the following: correlation and regression analysis, factor and cluster analysis, along with automated neural network simulations. The study resulted in the expansion of conceptual frameworks for “nature-inspired system” formation; revealed dependencies between the formation of a nature-inspired macrosystem and mesosystems, while identifying growth hotspots for nature-inspired systems in Russia; identified the priority determinants of nature-inspired mesosystem formation; proposed a composite index (DNIS—Development of a Nature-Inspired System) to assess the cumulative impact of determinants and evaluate ecological performance responses; and developed a typology of regional mesosystems based on economic/ecological performance and “green” technology adoption, enabling differentiated approaches to guiding nature-inspired system development. The findings presented in this study are recommended for applications in improving regional socio-economic development programs. Full article

Background: Urban loneliness is rising worldwide and is a recognised public-health threat. Nature-Based Social Prescriptions (NBSPs), guided group activities in natural settings, are being piloted in six cities through the EU project RECETAS. However, in new contexts such as Marseille, its implementation is constrained by professionals’ limited knowledge of the concept. Objectives: (i) Exploring how professionals in Marseille (France) conceptualise NBSPs; (ii) Identifying perceived facilitators and barriers to implementing NBSPs among residents facing social isolation and loneliness. Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with health, social-care, and urban–environment professionals selected via network mapping and snowball sampling. Verbatim transcripts underwent inductive thematic analysis informed by Social Representation Theory, with double coding to enhance reliability. Results: Five analytic themes emerged: (1) a holistic health paradigm linking nature, community, and well-being; (2) stark ecological inequities with limited green-space access in deprived districts; (3) work challenges due to the urgent needs of individuals facing significant socio-economic challenges in demanding contexts; (4) a key tension between a perceived top-down process and a preference for participatory approaches; (5) drivers and obstacles: strong professional endorsement of NBSPs meets significant systemic and institutional constraints. Conclusions: Professionals endorse NBSPs as a promising approach against loneliness, provided programmes tackle structural inequities and adopt participatory governance. Results inform the Marseille RECETAS pilot and contribute to global discussions on environmentally anchored health promotion. Full article

The process of social globalization and urbanization has developed rapidly in China, and the tension between economic development and the eco-environment is becoming increasingly tense, posing a major challenge to the sustainable development strategy of the Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration (SPUA). Coordination development between economic development and habitat quality has become essential for preserving ecological stability and advancing long-term regional sustainability. This study constructed the optimal regression model to measure GDP density using night-time lighting data and economic statistical data and calculated habitat quality at the grid scale with the InVEST model. The spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of the coupling coordination between economy and habitat quality (EHCCD) were revealed using the coupling coordination degree model and the Geo-detector model. The results show that (1) between 2000 and 2020, the spatial pattern of GDP density has evolved from a single-core to a multi-core networked development. (2) The habitat quality of the SPUA exhibited a spatial pattern high in the east and low in the west, showing a downward trend. (3) The synergistic effect between GDP density and habitat quality was strengthened continuously, showing an overall strengthening tendency. (4) Driving factors’ influence on the EHCCD showed evident differences; socio-economic factors such as built-up area especially had greater explanatory power for the EHCCD; the interaction factors had shifted from socio-economic dominance to synergistic dominance of natural and human factors. This study not only overcomes the limitations imposed by administrative boundaries on assessing inter-regional coupling coordination but also provides fundamental data support for cross-regional cooperation, thereby advancing the sustainable development goal of the SPUA. Full article

To address urban flooding challenges exacerbated by climate change and urbanization, this study develops an integrated assessment framework combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), entropy weight method, and cloud model to quantify urban flood resilience. Resilience is deconstructed into resistance, adaptability, and recovery and evaluated through 24 indicators spanning water resources, socio-economic systems, and ecological systems. Subjective (AHP) and objective (entropy) weights are optimized via minimum information entropy, with the cloud model enabling qualitative–quantitative resilience mapping. Analyzing 2014–2024 data from 27 Chinese sponge city pilots, the results show resilience improved from “poor to average” to “good to average”, with a 2.89% annual growth rate. Megacities like Beijing and Shanghai excel in resistance and recovery due to infrastructure and economic strengths, while cities like Sanya enhance resilience via ecological restoration. Key drivers include water allocation (27.38%), economic system (18.41%), and social system (17.94%), with critical indicators being population density, secondary industry GDP ratio, and sewage treatment rate. Recommendations emphasize upgrading rainwater storage, intelligent monitoring networks, and resilience-oriented planning. The model offers a scientific foundation for urban disaster risk management, supporting sustainable development. This approach enables systematic improvements in adaptive capacity and recovery potential, providing actionable insights for global flood-resilient urban planning. Full article

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is framed as a flagship of Türkiye’s national low-carbon transition. This study examines how domestic economic actors perceive the project’s socio-economic and environmental impacts, and how those perceptions align with—or diverge from—official assessments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research draws on 28 semi-structured interviews with members of the Silifke Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council. This lens captures how locally embedded businesses read the project’s risks and rewards in real time. Four themes stand out. First, respondents see a clear economic uptick—but one that feels time-bound and vulnerable to the project cycle. Second, many feel excluded from decision-making; as a result, their support remains conditional rather than open-ended. Third, participants describe environmental signals as ambiguous, paired with genuine ecological concern. Fourth, skepticism about governance intertwines with sovereignty anxieties, particularly around foreign ownership and control. Overall, while short-term economic benefits are widely acknowledged, support is tempered by procedural exclusion, environmental worry, and distrust of foreign control. Conceptually, the study contributes to energy-justice scholarship by elevating sovereignty as an additional dimension of justice and by highlighting the link between being shut out of processes and perceiving higher environmental risk. Policy implications follow directly: create robust, domestic communication channels; strengthen participatory governance so local actors have a real voice; and embed nuclear projects within regional development strategies so economic gains are durable and broadly shared. Full article

The purpose of this scoping review is to identify major social determinants of health and barriers affecting access to mental health services in pregnant and postpartum women in the United States. It will also examine the scope of existing evidence-based interventions and dissemination and implementation strategies that were developed and implemented to increase accessibility to mental health treatment in high-risk pregnant and postpartum women. The Arksey and O’Malley Framework guided the review process, along with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) recommendations for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in scoping reviews. Additionally, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-SCR) was used as a reference checklist. A total of 21 studies were used for analysis that were published between 2015 and 2025. An examination of social determinants of health (SDOH) influencing factors of mental health determined that those related to neighborhood and built environment had the highest rates. Using the socioecological model, individual barriers exhibited the highest frequency, with the most common themes to these barriers across all studies being language barriers, cultural barriers, and stigma-related challenges, followed by financial and childcare challenges and transportation challenges. Major findings included important evidence that therapeutic relationships with pregnant women who are depressed can be developed and that telehealth interventions improved access for women living in rural areas. Recommendations from this review will inform evidence-based interventions to address the gap in accessibility and affordability of mental health services in US pregnant and postpartum women residing in underserved communities. Full article