Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Certain types of regions, such as ecologically sensitive areas and social fringe zones, are confronted with significant challenges to sustainable development, including economic underdevelopment, residents’ well-being, ecosystem threats, social inequality, and agricultural production issues. This requires the adoption of a complex system approach involving the economy, society and ecology to propose a framework, path, and plan for sustainable development. The geographical isolation, ecological sensitivity, socioeconomic constraints, infrastructure deficits, and heightened vulnerability to climate change of these areas create complex barriers to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This necessitates contributions from various disciplines of management, economics, environmental science, sociology, and more, with a focus on providing insights for specific types of regions to address sustainability challenges. Key themes include food supply, agricultural technology, ecological protection, inclusive growth, developing resilient livelihoods, and green economies. This encourages case studies that focus on spotlighting innovative, context-specific, and integrative solutions emerging within and for specific types of regions, but which must be representative and yield general insights. It also encourages empirical analysis of specific types of regions in terms of their sustainable practices, using public data and author survey data. However, bibliometric articles are not encouraged in this Topic. By bringing together interdisciplinary research based on case studies and empirical analysis, this Topic aims to advance our understanding and provide actionable pathways for building equitable, resilient, and sustainable futures in the world's most vulnerable and vital landscapes.

Dr. Huwei Wen
Dr. Congxian He
Dr. Changsong Wang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.6	6.3	2011	18.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Businesses businesses	-	-	2021	24.4 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Land land	3.2	5.9	2012	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Urban Science urbansci	2.9	3.7	2017	21.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Earth earth	3.4	5.9	2020	21.3 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Economies economies	2.1	4.7	2013	23.1 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
World world	1.9	-	2020	24.7 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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15 pages, 1474 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Disaster Declarations and Wheat Crops in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, Mexico

by José P. Vega-Camarena, Luis Brito-Castillo, Jaime Edzael Mendivil-Mendoza, Alejandro García-Ramírez, Martina Hilda Gracia-Valenzuela and Felipe de Jesús Reynaga-Franco

World 2026, 7(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/world7020020 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

Sonora state in Mexico, leads the nation in wheat production affected by various hydrometeorological phenomena, which can result in considerable economic losses. This research evaluates the potential relationship between emergency or disaster declarations associated with hydrometeorological events and wheat production from 2000 to [...] Read more.

Sonora state in Mexico, leads the nation in wheat production affected by various hydrometeorological phenomena, which can result in considerable economic losses. This research evaluates the potential relationship between emergency or disaster declarations associated with hydrometeorological events and wheat production from 2000 to 2024 in the Yaqui Valley aquifer in Sonora. This region alone contributed 51.6% of the total production value of Sonora in 2024. The results indicate that the issuance of declarations is consistent with losses and decreased wheat yields, resulting in a significant negative correlation (between r = 0.13 and r = 0.58) between the two variables. A total of 101 declarations were reported, with heavy rains being the primary cause at 44.6%. The municipality most affected was Guaymas, with 33 declarations from a total of 85. Additionally, 972 hectares were damaged in areas where declarations were issued, compared to 174 hectares damaged in areas where no declaration was made. These results provide a quantitative basis for the disaster risk diagnosis of wheat production in the Yaqui Valley, suggesting that the lack of records and timely information on hydrometeorological contingencies may result in a lack of awareness of the disruptive phenomenon, causing inconsistency between the failure to issue a disaster declaration and damaged areas, thereby increasing the vulnerability of the affected areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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14 pages, 2524 KB  

Open AccessArticle

From Practice to Territory: Experiences of Participatory Agroecology in the AgrEcoMed Project

by Lucia Briamonte, Domenica Ricciardi, Michela Ascani and Maria Assunta D’Oronzio

World 2026, 7(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/world7020019 - 26 Jan 2026

Viewed by 435

Abstract

The environmental and social crises affecting global agri-food systems highlight the need for a profound transformation of production models and their territorial relations. In this context, agroecology, understood as science, practice, and movement, has emerged as a paradigm capable of integrating ecological sustainability, [...] Read more.

The environmental and social crises affecting global agri-food systems highlight the need for a profound transformation of production models and their territorial relations. In this context, agroecology, understood as science, practice, and movement, has emerged as a paradigm capable of integrating ecological sustainability, social equity, and community participation. Within this framework, the work carried out by CREA in the AgrEcoMed project (new agroecological approach for soil fertility and biodiversity restoration to improve economic and social resilience of Mediterranean farming systems), funded by the PRIMA programme, investigates agroecology as a social and political process of territorial regeneration. This process is grounded in co-design with local stakeholders, collective learning, and the construction of multi-actor networks for agroecology in the Mediterranean. The Manifesto functions as a tool for participatory governance and value convergence, aiming to consolidate a shared vision for the Mediterranean agroecological transition. The article examines, through an analysis of the existing literature, the role of agroecological networks and empirically examines the function of the collective co-creation of the Manifesto as a tool for social innovation. The methodology is based on a participatory action-research approach that used local focus groups, World Café, and thematic analysis to identify the needs of the companies involved. The results highlight the formation of a multi-actor network currently comprising around 90 members and confirm the effectiveness of the Manifesto as a boundary object for horizontal governance. This demonstrates how sustainability can emerge from dialogue, cooperation, and the co-production of knowledge among local actors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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24 pages, 3150 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Can Digital Literacy Alleviate the Multi-Dimensional Inequalities Among Rural Residents? Evidence from China

by Shanqing Liu, Yanhua Li, Huwei Wen and Ying Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18021069 - 21 Jan 2026

Viewed by 165

Abstract

Multi-dimensional inequality among rural residents has become a major obstacle hindering the achievement of global poverty alleviation goals. This study utilized household sample data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) over four periods from 2014 to 2020 and applied them to a [...] Read more.

Multi-dimensional inequality among rural residents has become a major obstacle hindering the achievement of global poverty alleviation goals. This study utilized household sample data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) over four periods from 2014 to 2020 and applied them to a high-dimensional fixed effects model to estimate the impact of digital literacy on multi-dimensional inequality among rural residents. The results show that digital literacy can effectively alleviate the multi-dimensional inequality of rural residents. From the perspective of a mediating effect, digital literacy alleviates the multi-dimensional inequality of rural residents by improving the level of social capital and promoting social harmony. Moreover, the alleviation of multi-dimensional inequality among rural residents by digital literacy varies among different groups. The impact of digital literacy on the multi-dimensional inequality of agricultural workers and rural residents in western regions is relatively greater than that of non-agricultural workers and rural residents in other regions. Information processing literacy in digital literacy has the most significant impact on the multi-dimensional inequality of rural residents. This paper enriches the mechanism paths of digital literacy in alleviating the multi-dimensional inequality among rural residents in terms of both material and spiritual aspects, and provides a certain reference value for achieving the all-round development of rural residents and contributing to rural production practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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35 pages, 14790 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Interpretation Center for Conservation and Environmental Education in Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Tumbes Mangrove, Peru, 2025

by Doris Esenarro, Miller Garcia, Yerika Calampa, Patricia Vasquez, Duilio Aguilar Vizcarra, Carlos Vargas, Vicenta Irene Tafur Anzualdo, Jesica Vilchez Cairo and Pablo Cobeñas

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010057 - 16 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 336

Abstract

The continuous degradation of mangrove ecosystems, considered among the most vulnerable worldwide, reveals multiple threats driven by human activities and climate change. In the Peruvian context, particularly in the Tumbes Mangrove ecosystem, these pressures are intensified by the absence of integrated spatial and [...] Read more.

The continuous degradation of mangrove ecosystems, considered among the most vulnerable worldwide, reveals multiple threats driven by human activities and climate change. In the Peruvian context, particularly in the Tumbes Mangrove ecosystem, these pressures are intensified by the absence of integrated spatial and educational infrastructures capable of supporting conservation efforts while engaging local communities. In response, this research proposes a Sustainable Interpretation Center for Conservation and Environmental Education in Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Tumbes Mangrove, Peru. The methodology includes climate data analysis, identification of local flora and fauna, and site topography characterization, supported by digital tools such as Google Earth, AutoCAD 2025, Revit 2025, and 3D Sun Path. The results are reflected in an architectural proposal that incorporates sustainable materials compatible with sensitive ecosystems, including eco-friendly structural solutions based on algarrobo timber, together with resilient strategies addressing climatic variability, such as lightweight structures, elevated platforms, and passive environmental solutions that minimize impact on the mangrove. Furthermore, the proposal integrates a photovoltaic energy system consisting of 12 solar panels with a unit capacity of 450 W, providing a total installed capacity of 5.4 kWp, complemented by a 48 V LiFePO₄ battery storage system designed to ensure energy autonomy during periods of low solar availability. In conclusion, the proposal adheres to principles of sustainability and energy efficiency and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, 12, 14, and 15, reinforcing the use of clean energy, responsible tourism, sustainable resource management, and the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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24 pages, 4397 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Vegetation and Climate Impacts on Market Gardening Systems: Insights from NDVI and Participatory Data in Grand Nokoué, Benin

by Vidjinnagni Vinasse Ametooyona Azagoun, Kossi Komi, Djigbo Félicien Badou, Expédit Wilfrid Vissin and Komi Selom Klassou

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010031 - 4 Jan 2026

Viewed by 809

Abstract

The degradation of vegetation cover and the vulnerability of urban market gardening systems to climate risks are a major challenge for food security in peri-urban areas. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal dynamics of vegetation using the NDVI and assesses its correspondence with producers’ [...] Read more.

The degradation of vegetation cover and the vulnerability of urban market gardening systems to climate risks are a major challenge for food security in peri-urban areas. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal dynamics of vegetation using the NDVI and assesses its correspondence with producers’ perceptions of hydroclimatic impacts. NDVIs were extracted from the MODIS MOD13Q1v6.1 product via Google Earth Engine, with a spatial resolution of 250 m × 250 m and a temporal resolution of 16 days, then processed in Python v3.14.0 using the xarray library. Additionally, 369 producers in Grand Nokoué were surveyed about the risks of flooding, drought, and heat waves, as well as the adaptation strategies they implement. The results reveal a decline in areas with a moderate to high NDVI (between 0.41 and 0.81) and an expansion of areas with a low or very low NDVI (below 0.41), reflecting increased fragmentation and degradation of vegetation cover. Producers’ perceptions confirm this vulnerability and reveal different strategies depending on the type of crop and risk, including irrigation, temporary abandonment of plots, agroforestry, and the adoption of resilient crops. These observations highlight the need to implement targeted policies and appropriate agroecological practices in order to strengthen the resilience of urban market gardening systems to extreme climate risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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22 pages, 2827 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Resilience Trilemma in Grain Supply Chain: Unpacking Spatiotemporal Trade-Offs Across Production–Consumption Zones from the Case of China

by Congxian He, Lulu Yu and Xiang Su

Agriculture 2025, 15(24), 2531; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15242531 - 6 Dec 2025

Viewed by 630

Abstract

This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of China’s grain supply chain resilience and regional disparities from 2012 to 2022, employing provincial data and a multidimensional framework encompassing resistance capacity, adaptive adjustment capacity, and innovation-driven transition capacity, and utilizing entropy weight method, kernel density [...] Read more.

This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of China’s grain supply chain resilience and regional disparities from 2012 to 2022, employing provincial data and a multidimensional framework encompassing resistance capacity, adaptive adjustment capacity, and innovation-driven transition capacity, and utilizing entropy weight method, kernel density estimation, convergence models and barrier factor analysis with GIS (v10.8,2) visualization. The results reveal a fluctuating upward trajectory in the composite resilience index. However, spatial heterogeneity persists as Major Grain-Producing Areas demonstrate high resistance capacity but lag in transformation due to path dependency, Major Grain-Consuming Areas excel in innovation yet face vulnerability from import dependence, and Grain Self-Sufficient Areas display rapid adaptive capacity growth but spatial polarization intensifies. Theil index decomposition confirmed that inter-regional disparities dominated, reflecting uneven technological diffusion and institutional priorities. Key drivers include natural endowments, infrastructure investments, and digitalization, though threshold effects in policy regulation and path dependency paradoxes constrain convergence. This study advances a dynamic governance framework to balance resilience trade-offs and align supply chain modernization with sustainable food security goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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