Search Results (83)

As a multi-ethnic border region of China, Xinjiang hosts revolutionary cultural tourism resources (RCTRs) that embody historical memory and the spirit of frontier reclamation, while also playing a strategic role in strengthening national identity and maintaining regional stability. Yet, their spatial distribution is highly uneven due to geographical, historical, and socio-economic constraints. This study analyzes 135 representative sites using a dual framework of spatial pattern analysis and driving mechanism quantification. Nearest neighbor index, imbalance index, Lorenz curve, geographic concentration index, kernel density estimation, and hotspot analysis results reveal a clustered “multi-core–peripheral attenuation” pattern with pronounced regional disparities. GIS-based overlay analysis identifies natural thresholds of moderate elevation (834–2865 m) and gentle slopes (0–8.65°), while socio-economic factors such as transportation corridors and population density amplify clustering effects. Geographic Detector results confirm road network density (q = 0.85, p < 0.01) and historical site density (q = 0.79, p < 0.01) as dominant drivers, with interactions between natural and social factors enhancing explanatory power above 0.90. These findings highlight the coupled influence of topographic suitability and socio-economic accessibility. Policy recommendations include optimizing road network layouts, adopting tiered heritage protection, and fostering cross-regional cooperation. The study provides scientific evidence for balanced development and sustainable conservation of RCTRs, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to cultural heritage, regional equity, and inclusive growth. Full article

As global copper demand continues to grow, China, being the largest copper consumer, faces increasingly complex challenges in ensuring the security of its supply chain. However, a substantive gap remains: prevailing assessments rely on static index systems and discrete scenario analyses that seldom model uncertainty-driven, continuous-time strategic interactions, leaving the conditions for self-enforcing cooperation and the attendant policy trade-offs insufficiently identified. This study models the interaction between Chinese copper importers and foreign suppliers as a continuous-time stochastic differential game, with feedback Nash equilibria derived from a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman system. The supply security utility is specified as a diffusion process perturbed by Brownian shocks, while regulatory intensity and profit-sharing are treated as structural parameters shaping its drift and volatility—thereby delineating the parameter region for self-enforcing cooperation and clarifying how sudden disturbances reconfigure equilibrium security. The research findings reveal the following: (i) the mean and variance of supply security utility progressively strengthen over time under the influence of both parties’ maintenance efforts, while stochastic disturbances causing actual fluctuations remain controllable within the contract period; (ii) spontaneous cooperation can be achieved under scenarios featuring strong regulation of domestic importers, weak regulation of foreign suppliers, and a profit distribution ratio slightly favoring foreign suppliers, thereby reducing regulatory costs; this asymmetry is beneficial because stricter oversight of domestic importers curbs the primary deviation risk, lighter oversight of foreign suppliers avoids cross-border enforcement frictions, and a modest supplier-favored profit-sharing ratio sustains participation—together expanding the self-enforcing cooperation set; (iii) sudden events exert only short-term impacts on supply security with controllable long-term effects; however, an excessively stringent regulatory environment can paradoxically reduce long-term supply security. Security effort levels demonstrate positive correlation with supply security, while regulatory intensity must be maintained within a moderate range to balance incentives and constraints. Full article

Climate change poses significant risks to both natural and urban systems, and fostering climate literacy among younger generations is increasingly recognized as a key component of resilience strategies. This paper presents the outcomes of a transnational climate education project involving high school students from Cinisello Balsamo (Italy) and Edremit (Turkey), developed under the EU-funded Town Twinning program. The project combined scientific seminars, experiential learning, and digital tools (including carbon footprint calculators and immersive virtual glacier tours) to enhance climate knowledge and civic engagement. Youth Climate Councils were established to co-develop local sustainability proposals and engage with municipal authorities. Quantitative tests and qualitative evaluations confirmed significant learning gains and high satisfaction among participants. A comparative analysis with international initiatives highlights the project’s unique integration of scientific rigor, participatory methods, and cross-border cooperation. The proposed model offers a replicable framework for embedding place-based climate education into urban governance and youth policy. Full article

The China–Russia northeast–far east transboundary region is ecologically complex and economically promising, but fragmented cross-border management poses challenges to ecological security and regional sustainable development. To scientifically reveal functional differentiation and support bilateral cooperation, this study established a comprehensive evaluation system comprising 21 indicators across five categories: natural, ecological, economic, social, and resource. Using the Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) clustering algorithm at the grid scale, eight initial clusters with distinct eco-economic characteristics across administrative boundaries were identified. Based on these results, spatial patterns were refined using expert knowledge from both China and Russia, ultimately delineating ten core eco-economic functional zones. The study finds that (1) the results of the eco-economic zoning scheme reveal clear spatial functional differentiation, with the northern part of the region focusing on ecological conservation and resource development, and the southern part on agricultural and forestry production as well as port trade; and (2) China and Russia show significant differences in natural resource endowments, infrastructure levels, and population distribution, indicating strong potential for functional complementarity and coordinated development. Further, this study breaks through traditional administrative-unit-based zoning approaches and proposes a grid-scale eco-economic zoning scheme across administrative boundaries, providing spatial support for ecological protection, resource development, and regional governance in the border areas between China and Russia. The findings may also serve as a methodological reference and practical demonstration for eco-economic zoning scheme and coordinated management in other complex transboundary regions around the world. Full article

Estimating the impacts of climate change on streamflow in the Xiaoxingkai Lake Basin is vital for ensuring sustainable water resource management and transboundary cooperation across the entire Xingkai Lake Basin, a transboundary lake system shared between China and Russia. In this study, 11 Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) were used to drive the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+) model. Streamflow projections were made for two future periods: the 2040s (2021–2060) and the 2080s (2061–2100). To correct for systematic biases in the GCM outputs, we applied the Delta Change method, which significantly reduced root mean square error (RMSE) in both precipitation and temperature by 3–35%, thereby improving the accuracy of SWAT+ simulations. To better capture inter-model variability and enhance the robustness of streamflow projections, we used the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) technique to generate a weighted ensemble, which outperformed the simple arithmetic mean by reducing uncertainty across models. Our results indicated that under SSP245, greater increases were projected in annual streamflow as well as in wet and normal-flow seasons (e.g., streamflow in normal-flow season in the 2080s increased by 13.0% under SSP245, compared to 7.0% under SSP585). However, SSP585 produced a much larger relative amplification in the dry season, with percentage changes relative to the historical baseline reaching up to +171.7% in the 2080s, although the corresponding absolute increases remained limited due to the low baseline flow. These findings quantify climate-driven hydrological changes in a cool temperate lake basin by integrating climate projections, hydrological modeling, and ensemble techniques, and highlight their implications for understanding hydrological sustainability under future climate scenarios, providing a critical scientific foundation for developing adaptive, cross-border water management strategies, and for further studies on water resource resilience in transboundary basins. Full article

Illegal wildlife trade is a major global driver of biodiversity loss, shaped by high consumer demand, transboundary networks, and uneven enforcement. In the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, factors such as high purchasing power, cultural traditions (e.g., falconry, prestige pets), and expanding digital marketplaces sustain both legal and illegal flows. We present a nine-year (2017–2025) assessment based on weekly, repeated field surveys at the Friday Market, adjacent pet shops, and private farms, complemented by systematic monitoring of online advertisements on Haraj.com.sa. We recorded 1063 individual animals across 88 species, birds (39.4%), reptiles (52.0%), and mammals (8.6%), and analyzed prices, conservation status, and venue-specific patterns. The most frequently recorded taxa included the white-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis), common slider (Trachemys scripta), and Egyptian mastigure (Uromastyx aegyptia). Mammals, though fewer in number, commanded the highest prices, particularly cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo). About 26% of species were IUCN-listed as threatened, with CITES Appendix I taxa fetching higher prices. Findings underscore the need for real-time monitoring, targeted enforcement, and cross-border collaboration to address escalating trade in rare and protected species. Full article

The Marine Pollution Control Act (MPCA) in Taiwan aims to align with international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (FUNDs), and the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM). However, Taiwan’s particular international status prevents formal participation in these treaties. This study evaluates Taiwan’s legal and institutional frameworks on ship emission control, pollution liability and compensation, and interagency coordination, identifying key gaps compared with global standards. By analyzing Japan’s and South Korea’s best practices in port management, cross-border pollution prevention, and vessel monitoring, this study proposes legal and policy reforms that are tailored to Taiwan. Recommendations include strengthening liability mechanisms, enhancing interagency collaboration, monitoring vessels, and fostering regional cooperation. Our findings suggest that these reforms will improve Taiwan’s marine environmental governance and contribute to regional and global ocean sustainability. Full article

Geospatial sensing and data-driven technologies (GSDDTs) are playing an increasingly important role in transforming (agro)forestry practices across the Western Balkans 6 region (WB6). This review critically examines the current state of GSDDT application in six WB countries (also known as the WB6 group)—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—with a focus on their contributions to sustainable (agro)forest management. The analysis explores the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), geographic information systems (GIS), and satellite imagery in (agro)forest monitoring, biodiversity assessment, landscape restoration, and the promotion of circular economy models. Drawing on 25 identified case studies across WB6—for example, ALFIS, Forest Beyond Borders, ForestConnect, Kuklica Geosite Survey, CREDIT Vibes, and Project O₂ (including drone-assisted reforestation in Kosovo*)—this review highlights both technological advancements and systemic limitations. Key barriers to effective GSDDT deployment across WB6 in the (agro)forestry sector and its cross-border cooperation initiatives include fragmented legal frameworks, limited technical expertise, weak institutional coordination, and reliance on short-term donor funding. In addition to mapping current practices, this paper offers a comparative overview of UAV regulations across the WB6 region and identifies six major challenges influencing the adoption and scaling of GSDDTs. To address these, it proposes targeted policy interventions, such as establishing national LiDAR inventories, harmonizing UAV legislation, developing national GSDDT strategies, and creating dedicated GSDDT units within forestry agencies. This review also underscores how GSDDTs contribute to compliance with seven European Union (EU) acquis chapters, how they support eight Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their sixteen targets, and how they advance several EU Green Agenda objectives. Strengthening institutional capacities, promoting legal alignment, and enabling cross-border data interoperability are essential for integrating GSDDTs into national (agro)forest policies and research agendas. This review underscores GSDDTs’ untapped potential in forest genetic monitoring and landscape restoration, advocating for their institutional integration as catalysts for evidence-based policy and ecological resilience in WB6 (agro)forestry systems. Full article

Cities serve as the primary arenas for achieving the strategic objectives of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality”. This study employed the LMDI method to systematically analyze the evolution trend of energy-related carbon emissions in Hong Kong and their influencing factors from 1980 to 2023. The main findings are as follows: (1) Hong Kong’s energy consumption structure remains dominated by coal and oil. Influenced by energy prices, significant shifts in this structure occurred across different periods. Imported electricity from mainland China, in particular, has exerted a promoting effect on the optimization of its energy consumption mix. (2) Economic output and population concentration are the primary drivers of increased carbon emissions. However, the contribution of economic growth to carbon emissions has gradually weakened in recent years due to a lack of new growth drivers. (3) Energy consumption intensity, energy consumption structure, and carbon intensity are the primary influencing factors in curbing carbon emissions. Among these, the carbon reduction impact of energy consumption intensity is the most significant. Hong Kong should continue to adopt a robust strategy for controlling total energy consumption to effectively mitigate carbon emissions. Additionally, it should remain vigilant regarding the potential implications of future energy price fluctuations. It is also essential to sustain cross-border energy cooperation, primarily based on electricity imports from the Pearl River Delta, while simultaneously expanding international and domestic supply channels for natural gas. Full article

Cross-border energy trading activity via interconnection has received much attention in Southern Asia to help the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region’s energy deficit states. This research article proposed a smart metering system to reduce energy losses and increase distribution sector efficiency. The implementation of smart metering systems in utility management plays a pivotal role in advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), i.e.; SDG (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG Climate Action. By enabling real-time monitoring, accurate measurement, and data-driven management of energy resources, smart meters promote efficient consumption, reduce losses, and encourage sustainable behaviors among consumers. The adoption of a smart metering system along with Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis, socio-economic analysis, current challenges, and future prospects was also investigated. Besides the economics of the electrical distribution system, one feeder with non-technical losses of about 16% was selected, and the cost–benefit analysis and cost–benefit ratio was estimated for the SAARC region. The import/export ratio is disturbing in various SAARC grids, and a solution in terms of community microgrids is presented from Pakistan’s perspective as a case study. The proposed work gives a guidelines for SAARC countries to reduce their losses and improve their system functionality. It gives a composite solution across multi-faceted evaluation for the betterment of a large region. Full article

This study examines the added value of territorial cooperation within the LEADER approach, a key pillar of the EU’s rural development policy. Both interterritorial and transnational cooperation projects empower Local Action Groups (LAGs) to tackle common challenges through innovative and community-driven strategies. Drawing on over 3000 projects since 1994, LEADER cooperation has proven its ability to deliver tangible results—such as joint publications, pilot projects, and shared digital platforms—alongside intangible benefits like knowledge exchange, improved governance, and stronger social capital. By facilitating experiential learning and inter-organizational collaboration, cooperation enables stakeholders to work across territorial boundaries and build networks that respond to both national and transnational development issues. The interaction among diverse actors often fosters innovative responses to local and regional problems. Using a mixed-methods approach, including case studies of Italian LAGs, this research analyses the dynamics, challenges, and impacts of cooperation, with a focus on learning processes, capacity building, and long-term sustainability. Therefore, this study focuses not only on project outcomes but also on the processes and learning dynamics that generate added value through cooperation. The findings highlight how territorial cooperation promotes inclusivity, fosters cross-border dialogue, and supports the development of context-specific solutions, ultimately enhancing rural resilience and innovation. In conclusion, LEADER cooperation contributes to a more effective, participatory, and sustainable model of rural development, offering valuable insights for the broader EU cohesion policy. Full article

As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) gradually become the common language for sustainable development of international society and international cooperation in China, it is worth discussing whether ESG practices can help Chinese enterprises shape a responsible international image, overcome the liability of foreignness (LOF) and improve the long-term performance of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). On the basis of theoretical discussion, combined with the panel data of cross-border M&As of China A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2021, this paper empirically examines that the ESG performance of acquirers has a significant positive impact on the long-term performance of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) of China A-share listed companies. Furthermore, the ESG performance of environment and governance dimensions and heavily polluting enterprises has stronger incentive effects on the long-term performance of cross-border M&As. The ESG performance of the acquirer positively affects the long-term performance of cross-border M&As of China A-share listed companies by acquiring capital market resources, product market competitiveness, regulatory legitimacy, and enhancing internal synergy. Full article

This scoping review investigates the digital transition of critical energy infrastructure (CEI) in maritime ports, which are increasingly vital as energy hubs amid global decarbonisation efforts. Recognising the growing role of ports in integrating offshore renewables, hydrogen, and LNG systems, the study examines how digital technologies (such as automation, IoT, and AI) support the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of port-based CEI. A multifaceted search strategy was implemented to identify relevant academic and grey literature. The search was performed between January 2025 and 30 April 2025. The strategy focused on databases such as Scopus. Due to limitations encountered in retrieving sufficient, directly relevant academic papers from databases alone, the search strategy was systematically expanded to include grey literature such as reports, policy documents, and technical papers from authoritative industry, governmental, and international organisations. Employing Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR (scoping review) guidelines, the review synthesises insights from 62 academic and grey literature sources to address five core research questions relating to the current state, challenges, importance, and future directions of digital CEI in ports. Literature distribution of articles varies across continents, with Europe contributing the highest number of publications (53%), Asia (24%) and North America (11%), while Africa and Oceania account for only 3% of the publications. Findings reveal significant regional disparities in digital maturity, fragmented governance structures, and underutilisation of digital systems. While smart port technologies offer operational gains and support predictive maintenance, their effectiveness is constrained by siloed strategies, resistance to collaboration, and skill gaps. The study highlights a need for holistic digital transformation frameworks, cross-border cooperation, and tailored approaches to address these challenges. The review provides a foundation for future empirical work and policy development aimed at securing and optimising maritime port energy infrastructure in line with global sustainability targets. Full article

Amid the accelerating global transition toward a low-carbon economy, collaborative innovation within the new energy vehicle industry has emerged as a critical mechanism for advancing green technology diffusion and fostering industrial ecosystem sustainability. This study explores the evolutionary features of the cooperative network and the ways in which network embedding influences innovation performance by analyzing 2808 patents pertaining to battery technologies for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, which adopted the network embedding theory. The results show that (l) the innovation performance within China’s NEV battery technology innovation cooperation network exhibits significant variation, the industry is undergoing accelerated stratification, and a trend towards head concentration is evident; (2) network size amplifies the beneficial influence of structural holes and centrality on innovation performance; and (3) the mediating role of external knowledge search between network embeddedness and innovation performance is negatively moderated by relationship intensity. By extending the social network theory to the field of new energy vehicle batteries, this study reveals the special law of network embedding in the technology-intensive industry, elucidates the mediating mechanism of external knowledge search, and innovatively proposes the “innovation paradox” of relationship strength, confirming the innovation advantage of weak relationship cross-border reorganization in this field. Full article

Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) is rapidly growing as a global trade engine. Simultaneously, its rapid expansion also poses environmental challenges and worsens supply chain sustainability. Advanced information technology (IT) significantly enhances supply chain visibility and promotes cooperation, thereby improving the efficiency and sustainability of CBEC supply chains. However, the application of IT is accompanied by an increase in service costs, necessitating a comprehensive balance for enterprises. This paper constructs a CBEC supply chain consisting of an overseas supplier and two merchants, where one merchant adopts advanced IT to provide differentiated services. A game-theoretic model is employed to analyze the IT application decisions under price and service competition in supply chain members’ cooperative and non-cooperative scenarios. The results indicate that service differentiation generated by advanced IT is influenced by consumer preferences. Merely applying advanced IT may not necessarily improve competitiveness and efficiency, and may even lead to negative utility. When the products sold are similar and the service cost coefficient is constant, those who apply advanced IT to provide higher service levels can gain competitive advantages and obtain more profits. When the service differentiation between merchants is constant, CBEC supply chains implementing centralized strategies can achieve greater profits. Full article