Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom

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Dear Colleagues,

The goal of ecological civilization construction is to reshape the values of human social development—to position the relationship more accurately between human beings and nature. In the process of human social evolution, the premise of achieving sustainable development is to ensure the health of the population, which must deal with the temporal and spatial distribution of environmental resource utilization among human beings and other organisms, different human communities, and human generations. We should rationally treat the realistic predicament of human beings, evaluate the health of the human settlement environment, reduce morbidity and mortality, and realize the harmony between development and nature. This process not only needs to absorb ideas from the precious traditional culture in ecological wisdom but also needs to find methods and expand ways in combination with modern science and technology and health policy to create an era of sustainable development with ecological wisdom.

The ecosystem is not immutable; it is always in a delicate dynamic balance. The natural ecosystem is changing all the time. The same is true for urban and rural ecosystems. The benign succession means the improvement of "efficiency", and the optimization of ecosystem operation means higher resource, time, space, and system efficiency. In the future, urban areas, towns, villages, and nature will no longer be independent of one another but will be combined into a more complex global system based on the urban ecosystem network. As the most critical species in this evolution process, what kind of "wisdom" should human beings use to guide this complex system with science and technology? These are related to the common future of human beings as a whole and the human-centered ecosystem. This topic will integrate ecology, climatology, geography, land science, environmental science, health informatics, and other disciplines, promote urban and rural integration and regional coordinated development, accelerate the flow of urban and rural elements, improve urban and rural human settlement environments, promote high-quality development, create high-quality life, promote the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature, promote the construction of a community for the shared future of mankind, and create a new form of human civilization from the policy system, technical specifications, research practice, and other aspects.

In this topic, we will focus on and are interested in receiving manuscript contributions in one or more of the following areas:

• Urban and rural spatial planning and construction under the guidance of ecological wisdom
• Urban renewal strategy
• Interaction and coordination of urban and rural ecology
• Urban and rural ecological security pattern maintenance
• Physical space construction strategy based on "ecological wisdom"

• Urban and rural environmental system optimization under the guidance of ecological operation mechanisms
• Ecological adaptability of urban and rural human settlements
• Sustainable and organic renewal of urban and rural human settlements
• Construction of urban and rural human settlement environment mechanisms based on multi-system coordination

• Technical optimization of urban and rural planning under the guidance of the benign operation demand of urban and rural ecosystem functions
• Update of urban and rural planning theory and technology systems under the guidance of optimization of material circulation mechanisms
• Update of urban and rural planning theory and technology systems guided by the energy structure revolution and transmission technology reform
• Update of ecological city planning theory and technology systems under the guidance of information dissemination mechanism reform
• Transformation of urban and rural spatial construction modes based on technology system integration

• Urban planning spatial strategy guidance and technology system construction under the guidance of the healthy city concept
• Evaluation of "health risk", "quality", and "fairness"
• Planning integration and optimization of pollution control and resource integration
• Health impact assessment
• Healthy community planning and healthy city design

• Theoretical change and technological innovation of urban resilient governance driven by multi-source big data
• Strategic change comparison and paradigm innovation of multi-regional urban resilient governance
• Systematic assessment and improvement strategy of urban and rural social spatial resilience
• Establishment and improvement of urban emergency response mechanisms for complex disaster events
• Application strategy and integration scheme of big data in the new era of urban resilience governance

• Monitoring and coordination of urban and rural construction and sustainable development with modern technology
• High-resolution remote sensing mapping of urban and rural areas
• Remote sensing monitoring of urban renewal
• Applying GIS technology to analyze the coordinated development of urban and rural areas
• Prediction and evaluation of artificial intelligence technology in urban and rural construction
• Progress and application of health informatics and healthcare materials

Prof. Dr. Jun Yang
Prof. Dr. Bing Xue
Dr. Zhi Qiao
Prof. Dr. Wei Sun
Prof. Dr. Xiangming Xiao
Dr. Jianhong (Cecilia) Xia
Dr. Heiko Thomas
Topic Editors

Keywords

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Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400
Healthcare healthcare	2.4	3.5	2013	20.3 Days	CHF 2700
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2600
Remote Sensing remotesensing	4.2	8.3	2009	23.9 Days	CHF 2700
Systems systems	2.3	2.8	2013	19.6 Days	CHF 2400

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29 pages, 836 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy Communities as Examples of Civic and Citizen-Led Practices: A Comparative Analysis from Italy

by Monica Musolino and Domenica Farinella

Land 2025, 14(3), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030603 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 665

Abstract

The analysis focuses on the practices of Italian renewable energy communities (RECs) which fall within the so-called civic energy sector, as well as citizen-led initiatives, which are widespread, especially in several regions of Southern Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, Campania), characterized by structural socioeconomic conditions [...] Read more.

The analysis focuses on the practices of Italian renewable energy communities (RECs) which fall within the so-called civic energy sector, as well as citizen-led initiatives, which are widespread, especially in several regions of Southern Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, Campania), characterized by structural socioeconomic conditions of “lag” compared to the more economically developed North of the country. Added to these Southern areas is a richer region in the North (Trentino–Alto Adige) where, however, historical and institutional factors have allowed a wide diffusion and local rooting of collective initiatives for sharing energy from renewables. These initiatives started from the so-called historical cooperatives which still manage the production and distribution of energy derived mainly from hydroelectric plants. Our contribution intends to compare 10 case studies of RECs in relation to their organizational model through a qualitative study based on a set of in-depth interviews and socio-ethnographic observation. We used a complex theoretical lens combining different approaches, especially polycentric governance, multilevel perspective, and social acceptance theories. This framework is useful for focusing our analysis on the decentralization process related to the potential of RECs. The main results of our research concern the different effectiveness and speed of implementation in correlation with divergent structural and institutional conditions; the construction of different coalitions of actors in correspondence with socio-territorial differences, even within the same area of the country (the South); and the emergence of hybrid community energies (a mix of civic energy and citizen-led initiatives). The analysis shows that, despite a tendency towards institutional isomorphism, community energy practices are strongly influenced by local contexts. Moreover, they are significantly governed by a mutualistic and solidaristic logic, but also by strong internal mediation and guidance on the part of their promoters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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25 pages, 2361 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

How Does Rural Resilience Affect Return Migration: Evidence from Frontier Regions in China

by Yiqing Su, Meiqi Hu and Xiaoyin Zhang

Systems 2025, 13(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13020089 - 31 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 925

Abstract

An important way to realize urban–rural integration and regional coordinated development is to attract labor forces back to rural areas. Most of the existing studies consider the impact of individual factors on population migration, they lack a systematic framework to analyze the combined [...] Read more.

An important way to realize urban–rural integration and regional coordinated development is to attract labor forces back to rural areas. Most of the existing studies consider the impact of individual factors on population migration, they lack a systematic framework to analyze the combined impact of different factors on rural return migration. Furthermore, in practice, the interaction within the rural social ecosystem as an important driver of return migration is always ignored. Using data from 131 villages in 14 cities in Guangxi, China, combined with the Coupled Infrastructure System framework and the sustainable livelihoods framework, this paper analyzes the comprehensive impact of internal components of the rural social ecosystem on return migration. Qualitative comparative analysis is used to identify four condition combinations that can effectively promote return migration and five condition combinations that make return migration vulnerable. The main conclusions are as follows. First, high-level public infrastructure providers are an important driving factor for labor return to rural areas, and a substitution effect exists between them and livelihood capitals. Second, sufficient human capital and social capital are crucial for return migration, highlighting the importance of the structure of rural members and the collective atmosphere. Third, natural capital and economic capital emphasized by previous research are not key conditions for forming a high level of return migration. Fourth, the vulnerability of return migration is mainly caused by the decline of social capital, the loss of public infrastructure providers, and excessive dependence on economic or physical capital input. To attract return migration, rural areas need to pay attention to the integration and synergy of multi-dimensional capital and public infrastructure providers, and special emphasis should be placed on the cultivation of public leadership to promote the enhancement of human capital and social capital. This paper provides a more comprehensive and instrumental analytical perspective for understanding and promoting rural return migration. While deepening the understanding of the dynamic relationship between rural social ecosystem and labor mobility, it also offers policy insights for developing countries to achieve integrated urban–rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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19 pages, 5660 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring of Cropland Non-Agriculturalization Based on Google Earth Engine and Multi-Source Data

by Liuming Yang, Qian Sun, Rong Gui and Jun Hu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031474 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 935

Abstract

Cropland is fundamental to food security, and monitoring cropland non-agriculturalization through satellite enforcement can effectively manage and protect cropland. However, existing research primarily focuses on optical imagery, and there are problems such as low data processing efficiency and long updating cycles, which make [...] Read more.

Cropland is fundamental to food security, and monitoring cropland non-agriculturalization through satellite enforcement can effectively manage and protect cropland. However, existing research primarily focuses on optical imagery, and there are problems such as low data processing efficiency and long updating cycles, which make it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale rapid monitoring. To comprehensively and accurately obtain cropland change information, this paper proposes a method based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, combining optical imagery and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for quick and accurate detection of cropland non-agriculturalization. The method uses existing land-use/land cover (LULC) products to quickly update cropland mapping, employs change vector analysis (CVA) for detecting non-agricultural changes in cropland, and introduces vegetation indices to remove pseudo-changes. Using Shanwei City, Guangdong Province, as a case study, the results show that (1) the cropland map generated in this study aligns well with the actual distribution of cropland, achieving an accuracy of 90.8%; (2) compared to using optical imagery alone, the combined optical and SAR data improves monitoring accuracy by 22.7%, with an overall accuracy of 73.65%; (3) in the past five years, cropland changes in Shanwei followed a pattern of an initial increase followed by a decrease. The research in this paper can provide technical reference for the rapid monitoring of cropland non-agriculturalization on a large scale, so as to promote cropland protection and rational utilization of cropland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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20 pages, 4181 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Urban Expansion on School Quality in Compulsory Education: A Spatio-Temporal Study of Dalian, China

by Zhenchao Zhang, Weixin Luan, Chuang Tian and Min Su

Land 2025, 14(2), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020265 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 968

Abstract

With rapid urbanization, improving school quality in compulsory education is critical for optimal educational resource allocation. This study integrates a random forest machine learning model, GIS spatial analysis, and a spatial econometric model to examine the spatiotemporal differentiation of school quality in Dalian, [...] Read more.

With rapid urbanization, improving school quality in compulsory education is critical for optimal educational resource allocation. This study integrates a random forest machine learning model, GIS spatial analysis, and a spatial econometric model to examine the spatiotemporal differentiation of school quality in Dalian, China, in 2016 and 2020, as well as its relationships with the construction land development cycle, population density, and housing prices. The findings reveal a core–periphery structure, with overall school quality on the rise and basic facility configuration exerting a stronger impact than teacher strength. Among internal resources, per capita sports venue area (PCSFA) and per capita teaching equipment value (PCTRE) contribute most significantly to school quality, while high-quality clusters in traditional educational hubs, university-covered areas, and transitional zones spur improvements in surrounding schools. The population density, housing prices, and the construction land development cycle all positively correlate with school quality, highlighting the need for coordinated action among urban planners, education authorities, and housing regulators to ensure that land development, housing affordability, and school facility investments advance equitable access to quality education. These results provide a novel perspective on compulsory education quality assessment and offer a valuable foundation for guiding education policies and urban development strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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27 pages, 4747 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

From Location Advantage to Innovation: Exploring Interprovincial Co-Funding Networks in Mainland China

by Feifei Wang, Hanbai Wang, Yuxuan An, Rui Xue, Yuanke Zhang and Tianqi Hao

Systems 2025, 13(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13010058 - 19 Jan 2025

Viewed by 744

Abstract

This study examines the regional co-funding network as a novel framework for advancing high-quality fundamental research amid systemic reforms in science funding. Based on provincial joint funding data from Mainland China retrieved via the WoS-SCIE and SSCI databases (2013–2022), an interprovincial co-funding network [...] Read more.

This study examines the regional co-funding network as a novel framework for advancing high-quality fundamental research amid systemic reforms in science funding. Based on provincial joint funding data from Mainland China retrieved via the WoS-SCIE and SSCI databases (2013–2022), an interprovincial co-funding network was constructed. Social network analysis, kernel density estimation, and fixed-effects regression analysis were employed to explore the evolution of regional location advantages and their impact on technological innovation. The findings reveal that the co-funding network has become increasingly balanced over time, significantly enhancing the location-based innovation advantages of individual provinces and strengthening the network’s overall capacity to foster innovation. This improved equilibrium has positively influenced regional scientific output, demonstrating that a province’s position within the co-funding network—particularly its individual location advantage—plays a pivotal role in advancing technological progress. However, persistent disparities in regional collaboration and development remain, underscoring the need for more coordinated strategies to address uneven growth dynamics. By introducing the co-funding network as an analytical lens, this study uncovers the hidden channels of resource synergy and their influence on regional innovation. The results provide actionable insights for optimizing co-funding mechanisms and enhancing interprovincial collaboration to maximize innovation potential in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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25 pages, 13162 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Street Quality Measurement and Accessibility Analysis Based on Streetscape Data: The Case of Mingcheng District in Xi’an City

by Wenting Zhang, Jiajing Chen and Yixin Tian

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020583 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 774

Abstract

As the predominant component of public space in urban areas, streets serve as a fundamental framework of a city’s spatial form. The renewal and enhancement of urban street space are integral to the broader processes of urban regeneration and the sustainable development of [...] Read more.

As the predominant component of public space in urban areas, streets serve as a fundamental framework of a city’s spatial form. The renewal and enhancement of urban street space are integral to the broader processes of urban regeneration and the sustainable development of both urban and rural areas. This study focuses on the Mingcheng area of Xi’an, employing semantic segmentation technology to extract data and analyze the spatial characteristics of factors influencing street quality. The results of spatial network accessibility analysis are then superimposed, creating a “quality–accessibility” evaluation matrix to provide a comprehensive assessment of the streets within the study area. The findings indicate the following: (1) The spatial quality of streets in Mingcheng District ranges from 1.89 to 5.61, based on the scores ranked from highest to lowest; the streets are categorized into five quality levels: very high, high, medium, low, and very low. (2) Using a radius of 0.8 km for calculation, streets with a centrality value of 600 or above are classified as having high accessibility, whereas those below this threshold are considered to have low accessibility. (3) By constructing a “quality–accessibility” evaluation matrix, the following distribution is obtained: 21.4% of streets are classified as high-quality and high-accessibility, 27.1% as high-quality but low-accessibility, 35.3% as low-quality but high-accessibility, and 16.3% as both low-quality and low-accessibility. (4) A significant correlation exists between street quality, accessibility, and the classification of streets in Mingcheng District. Grounded in the community renewal strategy of the study area, this study investigates the practical integration of urban public space quality improvements and streetscape big data analytics. The methodology employed systematically evaluates the spatial quality of streets in Mingcheng District, offering foundational data and technical support for urban planning and renewal initiatives while contributing valuable insights to urban renewal scholarship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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29 pages, 6688 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Interaction Mechanism Between Urbanization and Ecological Resilience—The Case of Urban Agglomeration on the North Slope of Tianshan Mountain

by Yanjun Tong, Tiange Shi, Shubao Zhang, Yunjie Cheng, Jiangyan Liang and Jun Lei

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 12066; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142412066 - 23 Dec 2024

Viewed by 888

Abstract

Although it promotes national economic development, urbanization causes regional ecosystems to suffer from disturbances and impacts that cannot be completely avoided. Ecosystems urgently need to improve their resilience; however, existing studies lack an analysis of the interaction between urbanization and ecological resilience. In [...] Read more.

Although it promotes national economic development, urbanization causes regional ecosystems to suffer from disturbances and impacts that cannot be completely avoided. Ecosystems urgently need to improve their resilience; however, existing studies lack an analysis of the interaction between urbanization and ecological resilience. In this study, the interaction between urbanization and ecological resilience is investigated, taking the urban agglomeration on the north slope of Tianshan Mountain (UANST) as a study area and using the entropy value method to construct an urbanization evaluation system. Based on land use change data, an ecological resilience evaluation model is constructed using the InVSET model, the landscape pattern index, and the unit area value equivalent factor method. The degree of coupling and coordination of the interaction coupling between urbanization and ecological resilience are measured for the years 1990–2020, and their internal action mechanisms are analyzed. The results show that (1) with the development of urbanization, ecological resilience shows a decreasing and then increasing double “U”-shaped change characteristic. (2) The coupling degree of urbanization and ecological resilience in the UANST increased from 0.6888 to 0.9485, and the coordination degree increased from 0.3367 to 0.4410. (3) There are three types of coupling coordination: basic coordination, basic dysfunction, and serious dysfunction. Basic coordination is mainly distributed in the central part of the urban agglomeration, and basic dysfunction and serious dysfunction are mainly concentrated on the east and west sides; the overall trend is to shift from dysfunction to coordination. (4) Economic urbanization plays a driving role, and population urbanization, spatial urbanization, and social urbanization have an inhibitory role in the degree of coupling coordination; base quality and structural stability have a driving role in the degree of coupling coordination, while ecological services have an inhibitory role; and the population density, the proportion of built-up area to the total land area of the city, and the value of ecosystem services have a stronger influence on the level of coupling coordination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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22 pages, 5103 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of the Coupling Coordination of Urban Ecological Resilience and New Quality Productivity at the Provincial Scale in China

by Li Yang, Yue Xu, Junqi Zhu and Keyu Sun

Land 2024, 13(12), 1998; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121998 - 23 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1386

Abstract

Enhancing urban ecological resilience (UER) is important in promoting sustainable urban development, and developing new quality productivity (NQP) is an intrinsic requirement to promote industrial change and high-quality development. The coordinated development of UER and NQP can help realize the green transformation and [...] Read more.

Enhancing urban ecological resilience (UER) is important in promoting sustainable urban development, and developing new quality productivity (NQP) is an intrinsic requirement to promote industrial change and high-quality development. The coordinated development of UER and NQP can help realize the green transformation and upgrading of various industries. This study considered 30 provinces in China as research objects, quantified their UER from nature, economy, and society, and explored the essential connotation of NQP under the guidance of Marx’s productivity theory. The entropy weight-CRITIC method and TOPSIS model were used to comprehensively measure the development levels of the UER and NQP from 2011 to 2022, and their coupling coordination degree (CCD) of UER and NQP was measured by combining the coupling coordination degree model. Consequently, the Global Moran’s I index and Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were used to explore the effects of different influencing factors on the CCD from the spatiotemporal variability perspective. The results indicated the following: (1) UER and NQP improved during the study period but with large differences between the regions. (2) The overall CCD evolved from a mild imbalance to primary coordination. The average CCD values ranged from low to high in the northeastern, western, central, and eastern regions. (3) The GTWR results showed that the levels of economic development, urbanization rate, and technological innovation contributed positively to the CCD, with the urbanization rate having the strongest positive effect. Foreign investment, environmental regulations, and industrial structure generally negatively inhibit the CCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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25 pages, 26130 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Origin-Destination Spatial-Temporal Patterns of Dockless Shared Bikes Based on Shopping Activities and Its Application in Urban Planning: The Case of Nanjing

by Yufei Quan, Xiao Wu, Zijie Zhu and Congyu Liu

Systems 2024, 12(11), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12110506 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 978

Abstract

The utilization of dockless shared bikes for shopping purposes has become increasingly prevalent. This research seeks to optimize the configuration of facilities and transportation policies for shared bike travel by analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of shopping trips from the perspectives of destination (D), [...] Read more.

The utilization of dockless shared bikes for shopping purposes has become increasingly prevalent. This research seeks to optimize the configuration of facilities and transportation policies for shared bike travel by analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of shopping trips from the perspectives of destination (D), origin (O), and O-D correlation in Nanjing’s main city area. As the second-largest commercial center in East China, Nanjing offers a significant context for this research. First, we introduce the “cycling intensity” indicator to analyze the patterns of shared bicycle trips with shopping facilities as destinations at both the subdistrict and road section scales. Second, we utilize spatial autocorrelation analysis and k-means clustering to explore the outflow patterns of shared bicycle trips originating from shopping facilities. Finally, we employ grey correlation analysis to investigate the dynamic flow correlations of shared bicycle O-D trips around various grades of shopping facilities at both subdistrict and road section levels. Concurrently, we endeavored to delineate the practical transformation and application of the research findings. Our results indicate the following: (1) There is a high concentration of cycling intensity around shopping facilities on east–west and north–south roads, with community shopping facilities primarily associated with north–south roads. (2) The outflow of shared bikes from shopping areas can be categorized into four distinct modes. (3) The inflow and outflow of shopping trips exhibit significant synchronicity, particularly on the branch routes. These findings can provide valuable insights for zoning planning, construction of bicycle infrastructure, and formulation of sustainable urban transportation policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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24 pages, 19788 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Changes and Influencing Factors of the Coupled Production–Living–Ecological Functions in the Yellow River Basin, China

by Zidao Lu, Maomao Zhang, Chunguang Hu, Lianlong Ma, Enqing Chen, Cheng Zhang and Guozhen Xia

Land 2024, 13(11), 1909; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111909 - 14 Nov 2024

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1204

Abstract

The imbalance in the “production–living–ecology” function (PLEF) has become a major issue for global cities due to the rapid advancement of urbanization and industrialization worldwide. The realization of PLEF coupling and coordination is crucial for a region’s sustainable development. Existing research has defined [...] Read more.

The imbalance in the “production–living–ecology” function (PLEF) has become a major issue for global cities due to the rapid advancement of urbanization and industrialization worldwide. The realization of PLEF coupling and coordination is crucial for a region’s sustainable development. Existing research has defined the concept of PLEF from the perspective of land function and measured its coupling coordination level using relevant models. However, there is still room for improvement in the indicator system, research methods, and other aspects. This work builds a PLEF coupling coordination evaluation-index system based on the perspective of human habitat using multi-source data in order to examine the spatial differences in PLEF coupling coordination level and the influencing factors in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Using the modified coupling coordination model, the Moran index, spatial Markov chain model, and geographically weighted random forest model were introduced to analyze its spatial and temporal differentiation and influencing factors. The results found that (a) the level of PLEF coupling coordination in the YRB from 2010 to 2022 has been improving, and the number of severely imbalanced cities has been reduced from 23 to 15, but the level of downstream cities’ coupling coordination is significantly higher than that of upstream cities. The probability of cities maintaining their own level is greater than 50%, and there is basically no cross-level transfer. (b) The Moran index of the PLEF coupling coordination level has risen from 0.137 to 0.229, which shows a significant positive clustering phenomenon and is continually strengthening. The intercity polarization effect is being continually enhanced as seen in the LISA clustering diagram. (c) There is significant heterogeneity between the influencing factors in time and space. In terms of importance level, the series is per capita disposable income (0.416) > nighttime lighting index (0.370) > local general public budget expenditure (0.332) > number of beds per 1000 people (0.191) > NO₂ content in the air (0.110). This study systematically investigates the dynamic evolution of the coupled coordination level of PLEF in the YRB and its influencing mechanism, which is of great practical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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21 pages, 81331 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Driving Factors of Visible and Invisible Non-Grain Production of Cultivated Land in Hebei Province Based on GlobeLand 30 and MODIS-EVI

by Bingjie Lin, Lin Liu, Jianzhong Xi, Li Zhang, Yapeng Zhou, Li Wang, Shutao Wang and Haikui Yin

Land 2024, 13(11), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111775 - 29 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1031

Abstract

The growing problem of non-grain production of cultivated land (NGPOCL) has increased food security risk, garnering attention from China and other nations worldwide. Current research predominantly focuses on the internal planting structure of cultivated land. To more comprehensively measure the level of NGPOCL, [...] Read more.

The growing problem of non-grain production of cultivated land (NGPOCL) has increased food security risk, garnering attention from China and other nations worldwide. Current research predominantly focuses on the internal planting structure of cultivated land. To more comprehensively measure the level of NGPOCL, we categorized NGPOCL into two types: visible non-grain production of cultivated land (VNGPOCL) and invisible non-grain production of cultivated land (INGPOCL). VNGPOCL and INGPOCL scopes were extracted utilizing land use and vegetation index data, exploring their spatial–temporal characteristics and driving factors through spatial feature analysis and multiple linear regression methods. The findings are as follows: (1) The degree of VNGPOCL shifted from mild to moderate, with its rate increasing from 5.16% in 2000–2010 to 10.82% in 2010–2020. Furthermore, the spatial variation in VNGPOCL indicated a growing east–west disparity while showing a reduction in north–south differences, reflecting significant spatial agglomeration effects. (2) There was a dramatic increase in areas classified as having moderate to severe INGPOCL, with the rate rising from 14.24% in 2000 to 41.47% by 2020. The east–west and north–south disparities concerning INGPOCL diminished rapidly, also indicating strong spatial agglomeration effects. (3) The driving factors for VNGPOCL and INGPOCL differed significantly depending on developmental stages. The results contribute valuable insights into accurately characterizing the spatial–temporal features associated with NGPOCL in Hebei Province while enhancing risk management strategies related to NGPOCL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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27 pages, 6621 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatial–Temporal Analysis of Greenness and Its Relationship with Poverty in China

by Wentong Xie, Yong Ge, Nicholas A. S. Hamm, Giles M. Foody and Zhoupeng Ren

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(21), 3938; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16213938 - 23 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1682

Abstract

Ecological environmental protection and poverty alleviation are of great significance for the study of human–land relationship coordination and sustainable development, and they have also been a focus of attention in China in the past few decades. In this study, we chose 13 contiguous [...] Read more.

Ecological environmental protection and poverty alleviation are of great significance for the study of human–land relationship coordination and sustainable development, and they have also been a focus of attention in China in the past few decades. In this study, we chose 13 contiguous poverty-stricken areas in China as the study area. Using MODIS Leaf Area Index (LAI) data from 2000 to 2020, the spatial–temporal changes in greenness were obtained using the Bayesian spatial–temporal model (BYM). Spatial autocorrelation was used to identify the spatial distribution of poverty using socio-economic statistical data. Driving factors, including natural factors, poverty factors, and the Grain for Green Policy (GTGP), and their influence on greenness were analyzed by using the Geodetector model for detecting spatial differentiation and factors’ interactions. The results showed the following: (1) In 13 contiguous poverty-stricken areas (CPSAs) in China, 59% of the area presented an increasing trend of greenness. (2) In 2000, the high poverty levels with larger MPI values were widely distributed. After 20 years, the overall MPI value was lower, except in some northwest regions with increased MPI values. The spatial autocorrelation of poverty, which relates to the mutual influence of poverty in adjacent areas, also decreased. (3) In the study area, 65.24% of the regions showed strong synergistic effect between greening progress and poverty reduction in the interaction between poverty status and green development. With the improvement of greenness level, the positive correlation between poverty alleviation and ecological environment improvement has become increasingly close. (4) The impacts of interaction factors with the highest q values changed from temperature interacting with precision to regional division interacting with the Grain for Green Policy. The conclusions are that from 2000 to 2020, the impact of natural factors, geographical division, and poverty status on greenness has shown a decreasing trend; The effect of the Grain for Green Policy is gradually increasing; At the same time, the interaction and overlapping effects between the Grain for Green Policy and poverty were increasing. Taking into account the needs of ecological environment, poverty alleviation, and rural revitalization, this research provides valuable reference for formulating and implementing relevant policies based on the actual situation in different regions to promote harmonious coexistence between human-land relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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22 pages, 2712 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Pattern Analysis and Prediction of Carbon Storage Based on Land Use and Cover Change: A Case Study of Jiangsu Coastal Cities in China

by Ge Shi, Yutong Wang, Jingran Zhang, Jinghai Xu, Yu Chen, Wei Chen and Jiahang Liu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111728 - 22 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1215

Abstract

Accurate estimation of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage and the scientific formulation of ecological conservation and land use policies are essential for promoting regional low-carbon sustainable development and achieving the goal of “carbon neutrality.” In this study, the FLUS–InVEST model was used to evaluate [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage and the scientific formulation of ecological conservation and land use policies are essential for promoting regional low-carbon sustainable development and achieving the goal of “carbon neutrality.” In this study, the FLUS–InVEST model was used to evaluate the carbon stocks of the Jiangsu coastal zone in China from 1995 to 2020 and scientifically forecast the changes in carbon stocks in 2030 under three scenarios: natural exploitation, ecological protection, and economic development. The results are as follows: (1) From 1995 to 2020, carbon storage in the coastal zone initially remained stable before declining, a trend closely linked to the accelerated urbanization and economic growth of Jiangsu Province. (2) By 2030, carbon storage under the three scenarios exhibits a pattern of “S1 decrease–S2 increase–S3 decrease,” with a more significant increase in construction land under the natural development and economic development scenarios compared to the ecological protection scenario. (3) The sensitivity of carbon storage to land use changes varies across scenarios. In the natural development scenario, carbon storage is most affected by forest reduction and construction land expansion. In the ecological protection scenario, it is more responsive to increases in non-construction land. In the economic development scenario, the expansion of construction land leads to the most significant decrease in carbon storage. Therefore, when formulating future territorial spatial planning policies and urban development strategies, it is essential to consider ecological protection and economic development scenarios comprehensively, taking into account carbon sequestration capabilities. This approach will ensure effective conservation and restoration of damaged ecosystems while safeguarding the robust development of urban economies and societies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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23 pages, 15505 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Coupling between Population and Construction Land Changes in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) Region: Residential and Employment Perspectives

by Chen Chen

Systems 2024, 12(8), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12080308 - 19 Aug 2024

Viewed by 950

Abstract

To gain a deeper understanding of the human–land coupling relationship, this study analyzes the coupling relationships with the spatial distribution of construction land from two perspectives: the residential population and the employment population, exploring the similarities and differences in coupling relationships among different [...] Read more.

To gain a deeper understanding of the human–land coupling relationship, this study analyzes the coupling relationships with the spatial distribution of construction land from two perspectives: the residential population and the employment population, exploring the similarities and differences in coupling relationships among different subsystems. The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region of China is selected as the study area, covering the period from 2000 to 2020. An analytical framework is proposed, encompassing three approaches: coupling analysis based on county-level spatial units; mean center position analysis based on construction land grids; and regression fitting and residual analysis based on homogeneous grid units. The analysis results indicate: (1) the coupling between the employment population and construction land shows a significant advantage; (2) the coupling between the residential population and construction land has improved faster in recent years; (3) factors such as location, development level, and strategic opportunities have an important influence on the spatial and temporal changes in the coupling relationship. The study further discusses the trade-off relationship between different subsystems, key measures to enhance coupling degree, and the application pathways of this analytical framework at various stages of planning. Considering the limitations of industry sector differences, spatial unit precision, and construction land development intensity, this paper also outlines future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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30 pages, 12686 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Regional Urban Shrinkage Can Enhance Ecosystem Services—Evidence from China’s Rust Belt

by Ziqi Xu, Jiang Chang, Ziyi Wang, Zixuan Li, Xiaoyi Liu, Yedong Chen, Zhongyin Wei and Jingyu Sun

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(16), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16163040 - 19 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2089

Abstract

Rapid urbanization is universally acknowledged to degrade ecosystem services, posing significant threats to human well-being. However, the effects of urban shrinkage, a global phenomenon and a counterpart to urbanization, on ecosystem services (ESs) remain unclear. This study focuses on China’s Rust Belt during [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization is universally acknowledged to degrade ecosystem services, posing significant threats to human well-being. However, the effects of urban shrinkage, a global phenomenon and a counterpart to urbanization, on ecosystem services (ESs) remain unclear. This study focuses on China’s Rust Belt during the period from 2000 to 2020, constructing a comprehensive analytical framework based on long-term remote sensing data to reveal the temporal and spatial patterns of ESs and their associations with cities experiencing varying degrees of shrinkage. It employs a random forest (RF) model and a Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) model to measure and visualize the significance and thresholds of socioeconomic factors influencing changes in ESs. Our findings highlight the following: (1) Since 2010, the three provinces of Northeast China (TPNC) have begun to shrink comprehensively, with the degree of shrinkage intensifying over time. Resource-based cities have all experienced contraction. (2) Regional urban shrinkage has been found to enhance the overall provision capacity of ESs, with the most significant improvements in cities undergoing continuous shrinkage. (3) The impact of the same socioeconomic drivers varies across cities with different levels of shrinkage; increasing green-space ratios and investing more in public welfare have been identified as effective measures to enhance ESs. (4) Threshold analysis indicates that the stability of the tertiary sector’s proportion is critically important for enhancing ESs in cities undergoing intermittent shrinkage. An increase of 10% to 15% in this sector can allow continuously shrinking cities to balance urban development with ecological improvements. This research highlights the positive aspects of urban shrinkage, demonstrating its ability to enhance the provision capacity of ESs. It offers new insights into the protection and management of regional ecosystems and the urban transformation of the three eastern provinces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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25 pages, 3460 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Research on the Collaborative Governance in Urban and Rural Black-Odorous Water: A Tripartite Stochastic Evolutionary Game Perspective

by Kangjun Peng, Changqi Dong and Jianing Mi

Systems 2024, 12(8), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12080307 - 18 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

The issue of black-odorous water (BOW) represents a formidable challenge to the current aquatic ecosystems, and its governance exhibits characteristics of low efficiency, susceptibility to relapse, and fragmented management under the Central Environmental Protection Inspection, thereby emerging as a dynamically complex issue in [...] Read more.

The issue of black-odorous water (BOW) represents a formidable challenge to the current aquatic ecosystems, and its governance exhibits characteristics of low efficiency, susceptibility to relapse, and fragmented management under the Central Environmental Protection Inspection, thereby emerging as a dynamically complex issue in the ecological governance of urban and rural settings. This study introduces Gaussian white noise to simulate environmental uncertainty and design a stochastic evolutionary game model encompassing the central government, local governments, and societal forces based on evolutionary game theory and classical governance theories and concepts. Numerical simulations are conducted to explore trajectories of the strategic evolution of various subjects influenced by numerous factors. Results indicate that under the environment of random disturbances, the strategies of the game subjects show significant fluctuations, but actively cultivating the subject’s initial willingness facilitates collaboration governance in inspection. Moreover, joint construction of a “belief system” by multi-subjects, the intensity of inspection interventions, the integration of heterogeneous resources, and effective punitive measures all influence the governance of BOW, but the efficiency of resource allocation should be considered throughout the governance process. Recommendations are made finally for collaborative governance of urban and rural BOW, promoting the sustainable development of the ecological environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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16 pages, 4180 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Coordination Analysis on Rural Revitalization and Tourism High-Quality Development along the Silk Road Economic Belt, China

by Haiqiang Zhu, Junhu Tang, Xia Xie, Zhaolong Ding and Lu Gong

Land 2024, 13(8), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081173 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1235

Abstract

There is limited analysis of the role of tourism in rural revitalization (RR) from a high-quality development perspective. To address this gap, this study analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns and coupling coordination degree (CCD) of tourism high-quality development (THD) and RR in the Silk [...] Read more.

There is limited analysis of the role of tourism in rural revitalization (RR) from a high-quality development perspective. To address this gap, this study analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns and coupling coordination degree (CCD) of tourism high-quality development (THD) and RR in the Silk Road Economic Belt from 2011 to 2020 using coupling coordination and gravity models. A geographic detector is employed to quantitatively elucidate the factors influencing the CCD. The findings are as follows. (1) The comprehensive RR level increased 86% from 2011 to 2020, whereas the THD level first increased and then decreased. The southwest region outperformed the northwest in RR and THD levels. (2) The CCD between RR and THD displayed various degrees of increase, with a spatial pattern of higher levels in the southwest and lower levels in the northwest. The spatial linkage strength of the CCD first increased and then decreased, with tighter linkages among the southwestern provinces. (3) Public fiscal expenditure, per capita GDP, and science and education spending significantly affected the CCD. In conclusion, the effective coordination of THD and RR requires a focus on their spatiotemporal coupling characteristics and the joint regulation of multiple factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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23 pages, 5046 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Urban Development Scenario Simulation and Model Research Based on System Dynamics from the Perspective of Effect and Efficiency

by Liu Yang, Yuchen Ma and Kailun Lou

Systems 2024, 12(7), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12070259 - 19 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

The accurate handling of the relationships between economy, society, and environment in urban development is an important vision and goal of urban construction. Taking Xi’an as an example, this study established an urban development system dynamics model, including three subsystems (economy, society, and [...] Read more.

The accurate handling of the relationships between economy, society, and environment in urban development is an important vision and goal of urban construction. Taking Xi’an as an example, this study established an urban development system dynamics model, including three subsystems (economy, society, and environment), to propose eight different development plans, and data from 2021 to 2025 were simulated in each plan. Finally, based on the simulation data, the entropy weight method and the Epsilon-based measure (EBM) model in data envelopment analysis (DEA) were used to measure the effect and efficiency of development in the city, respectively. The results showed that, in terms of effect, the comprehensive development plan (P8) had the highest score, which was 66.88% higher than the original plan. The plan scores of the double subsystem upgrading plans were higher than those of the single subsystem upgrading plans, indicating that comprehensive development can promote the coordination between subsystems and improve the development level. In terms of efficiency, the environmental (P4), economic–social (P5), economic–environmental (P6), social–environmental (P7), and comprehensive development (P8) plans were all effective according to DEA in each year, with P8 having the highest efficiency score, 1.1129. Therefore, considering the effect and efficiency comprehensively, P8 was considered the optimal plan. This study provides a method for exploring the relationship between variables in the process of urban development and is of great significance for defining an optimal plan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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28 pages, 3626 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Heterogeneous Coordination between Urban Development Levels and the Ecological Environment in the Chinese Grassland Region (2000–2020): A Case Study of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

by Yue Wang and Yongchun Yang

Land 2024, 13(7), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070951 - 28 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1078

Abstract

Scientifically identifying the impact of urban development levels on the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions from a classification perspective is crucial for stabilizing grassland ecosystems and optimizing urban development in grassland cities. Using the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a case study, [...] Read more.

Scientifically identifying the impact of urban development levels on the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions from a classification perspective is crucial for stabilizing grassland ecosystems and optimizing urban development in grassland cities. Using the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a case study, this research constructs a conceptual analysis framework for the coordinated state between the urban development level and the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions based on the theory of dual economic structures. Employing the Granger causality test, nonlinear fitting, and coupling coordination degree model methods, the heterogeneity and coordination between urban development levels and ecological environment in China’s grassland areas from 2000 to 2020 are comprehensively analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (1) Capital-type central cities and growing resource-based cities, with high levels of development, positively nurture the grassland ecology, exhibit high labor mobility, and experience low endogenous and exogenous pressures, resulting in high coordination. (2) Pure agro-pastoral cities, with low development levels, negatively impact the grassland ecology, have low labor mobility, and face high endogenous and exogenous pressures, resulting in low coordination. (3) Regional central cities, with moderate development levels, exert a neutral counterbalance effect on the grassland ecology, with opposing endogenous and exogenous pressures, leading to moderate coordination. (4) When the impact relationship ranges from “positive-neutral-negative,” the endogenous and exogenous pressures on the grassland ecology by declining resource-based cities and developing agro-pastoral cities are determined by their specific development levels, showing variations from “large → balance → small” to “small → balance → large,” with coordination fluctuating between “high-moderate-low”. (5) Special ecological cities are less affected by urban development levels, with coordination levels determined by the ecological foundation. Analyzing the heterogeneous coordination between urban development levels and the ecological environment for different types of cities in grassland regions is significant for improving the overall quality of the grassland ecological environment and exploring distinctive urban development models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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22 pages, 14203 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Implementation of Ecological Control Line Planning (ECLP): A Case Study of Wuhan Metropolitan Development Zone

by Chun Li, Huihui Yang, Zhiyong Wang and Shuiyu Yan

Land 2024, 13(7), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070926 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1581

Abstract

China’s unprecedented rapid urbanization has encroached upon ecologically sensitive areas. Since 2013, Wuhan, a central urban hub in China, has adopted Ecological Control Line Planning (ECLP) to regulate urban growth and preserve ecological integrity. This study evaluates how ECLP is implemented in the [...] Read more.

China’s unprecedented rapid urbanization has encroached upon ecologically sensitive areas. Since 2013, Wuhan, a central urban hub in China, has adopted Ecological Control Line Planning (ECLP) to regulate urban growth and preserve ecological integrity. This study evaluates how ECLP is implemented in the Wuhan Metropolitan Development Zone (WMDZ), a critical region for harmonizing urban expansion with ecological preservation. The assessment integrates two fundamental aspects—conformity and utilization—with evaluations across spatial and ecological dimensions. This methodology builds a technical framework for rapid identification and detailed analysis of planning effects through LULC statistics and landscape connectivity index monitoring. The findings reveal that the ECLP is spatially conformable and utilizable, successfully curbing urban expansion and channeling development towards the urban growth boundary (UGB) and ecological development area (EDA). However, ECLP has not significantly mitigated the decline in ecological connectivity. Details include the following: (1) The general spatial consistency of the ECLP was 88.53%, with the EDA and ecological baseline area (EBA) achieving 85.18% and 88.98%, respectively. (2) Most of the increase in impervious land within ecological lines originated from agricultural and water areas, with only 7.02 km² of land transitioning to non-agricultural and non-ecological uses. (3) The integral index of connectivity (IIC) exhibited a more rapid deterioration post-ECLP implementation, suggesting the disruption or degradation of critical connectivity pathways or patches within the ecological network. (4) Core ecological patches experienced significant losses inside and outside the UGB, with losses within the UGB being 2.51 times greater. The findings underscore the importance of ecological connectivity in implementing ecological space protection planning and the need for the flexible governance of areas where protection and development conflicts arise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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26 pages, 17152 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Quality Improvement of Urban Public Space from the Perspective of the Flâneur

by Li Wang, Xiao Liu, Hao Zheng and Luca Caneparo

Land 2024, 13(6), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060808 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2974

Abstract

As the quality of public space has become significant for urban development, the creation of high-quality public spaces is becoming increasingly important. Since the implementation of urban renewal policies, an increasing number of buildings have emerged, creating new types of public spaces. Compared [...] Read more.

As the quality of public space has become significant for urban development, the creation of high-quality public spaces is becoming increasingly important. Since the implementation of urban renewal policies, an increasing number of buildings have emerged, creating new types of public spaces. Compared to original public spaces, new public spaces are more open, flexible, and diverse. The design of public spaces is closely related to users and the flâneur can precisely serve as a user and observer to conduct in-depth research. So, our study was conducted under the identity of the flâneur, focusing on two cases in Guangzhou. The flâneur completes the data collection through two methods. Static research involves observing and taking photos, whereas dynamic research involves interviews and questionnaires. This study analysed three aspects: the group category, behavioural diversity, and activity time and evaluated the public space using the NPS scale. The study found that the recommendation rate of new urban public spaces is higher than that of original public spaces. The study also found that original public spaces need to be improved in four ways: equipping furniture facilities, improving traffic congestion, increasing blue-green spaces, and establishing artistic spaces. New urban public spaces need to make efforts to create more interactive spaces and increase stagnation points. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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21 pages, 10576 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Spatio-Temporal Evolutionary Characteristics of Paomo Restaurants in Xi’an’s Central Urban Area through POI Data Analysis

by Dawei Yang, Ping Xu and Xiaojuan Yang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4715; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114715 - 30 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089

Abstract

This study explores the spatial and temporal evolution of Paomo restaurants in Xi’an’s central urban area from 2012 to 2023, utilizing point-of-interest (POI) data and advanced analytical techniques. Employing methods such as nearest neighbor distance, kernel density estimation, and band set statistical analysis, [...] Read more.

This study explores the spatial and temporal evolution of Paomo restaurants in Xi’an’s central urban area from 2012 to 2023, utilizing point-of-interest (POI) data and advanced analytical techniques. Employing methods such as nearest neighbor distance, kernel density estimation, and band set statistical analysis, we have systematically analyzed the shifting patterns and critical factors influencing the distribution of these restaurants. The study’s findings reveal a significant outward expansion from the city center to the periphery, marked by substantial spatial agglomeration and the emergence of multiple distinct cores. This distribution shift is largely driven by urban policy initiatives and market dynamics. Key factors identified include accessibility to transportation, residential living standards, and the availability of commercial services. These factors highlight the substantial impact of urban spatial reorganization and socioeconomic factors on the specialty catering sector. The insights from this study provide valuable implications for urban planning and policy-making, suggesting targeted strategies for the spatial arrangement of specialty catering services to enhance urban layouts and promote sustainable economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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19 pages, 7084 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Network Structure Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Urban Agglomerations in China under Impact of COVID-19

by Jinxian Wu, Lihua Xu, Yijun Shi, Zhangwei Lu and Qiwei Ma

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4368; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114368 - 22 May 2024

Viewed by 1049

Abstract

In the context of COVID-19, the efforts undertaken for epidemic control have imposed limitations on the multifaceted development of China. This manuscript utilizes Baidu migration data from 2019 to 2023 to classify the current developmental status of urban agglomerations (UAs) in China. The [...] Read more.

In the context of COVID-19, the efforts undertaken for epidemic control have imposed limitations on the multifaceted development of China. This manuscript utilizes Baidu migration data from 2019 to 2023 to classify the current developmental status of urban agglomerations (UAs) in China. The explication of network structure is achieved through the computation of metrics that capture network structural connectivity and hierarchical attributes. Additionally, an inquiry into the spatio-temporal differentiation of the UAs’ network structure is carried out, encompassing three phases: before COVID-19, the normalization stage of COVID-19, and after COVID-19. Furthermore, Quantitative Analysis of Patterns (QAP) is employed to assess the impact of diverse influencing factors. The analysis yields several key findings: ① The impact of COVID-19 on the network structure of China’s UAs manifests in two discernible stages—initial impact disruption and subsequent recovery and reconstruction. ② The exploration of pertinent influencing factors during the primary stage of UA development is impeded. ③ The growth stage and the UAs with a high level of development exhibit have a closely intertwined relationship, fostering a more rational hierarchical structure and demonstrating an enhanced capacity for swift recovery. ④ It is discerned that economic development level, medical facility standards, transportation infrastructure capacity, spatial proximity, and innovation accessibility exert a discernible influence on the network structure of UAs. Importantly, the extent of impact varies across different periods and types of UAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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24 pages, 6655 KiB  

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Coupled InVEST-PLUS Model for the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Multi-Scenario Prediction Analysis

by Yan Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao and Dongqi Sun

Land 2024, 13(4), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040509 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3128

Abstract

In investigating the spatiotemporal patterns and spatial attributes of carbon storage across terrestrial ecosystems, there is a significant focus on improving regional carbon sequestration capabilities. Such endeavors are crucial for balancing land development with ecological preservation and promoting sustainable, low-carbon urban growth. This [...] Read more.

In investigating the spatiotemporal patterns and spatial attributes of carbon storage across terrestrial ecosystems, there is a significant focus on improving regional carbon sequestration capabilities. Such endeavors are crucial for balancing land development with ecological preservation and promoting sustainable, low-carbon urban growth. This study employs the integrated InVEST-PLUS model to assess and predict changes in ecosystem carbon storage under various land use scenarios within the Chengdu urban cluster, a vital region in Central and Western China, by 2050. The results indicate the following. (1) A linkage between land use dynamics and ecosystem carbon storage changes: over two decades, a 7.5% decrease in arable land was observed alongside a 12.3% increase in urban areas, leading to an 8.2% net reduction in ecosystem carbon storage, equating to a loss of 1.6 million tons of carbon. (2) Carbon storage variations under four scenarios—natural development (NDS), urban development (UDS), farmland protection (FPS), and ecological protection (EPS)—highlight the impact of differing developmental and conservation policies on Chengdu’s carbon reserves. Projections until 2050 suggest a further 5% reduction in carbon storage under NDS without intervention, while EPS could potentially decrease carbon storage loss by 3%, emphasizing the importance of strategic land use planning and policy. This research provides a solid theoretical foundation for exploring the relationship between land use and carbon storage dynamics further. In summary, the findings highlight the necessity of incorporating ecological considerations into urban planning strategies. The InVEST-PLUS model not only sheds light on current challenges but also presents a method for forecasting and mitigating urbanization effects on ecosystem services, thus supporting sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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19 pages, 10085 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Impact of VR Rural Streetscape Enhancement on Relaxation–Arousal Responses Based on EEG

by Hongguo Ren, Yujun Wang, Jing Zhang, Ziming Zheng and Qingqin Wang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072996 - 3 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1777

Abstract

As the quality of life and the spiritual and cultural well-being of the inhabitants progress, the current rural infrastructure has challenges in adequately addressing the physical and psychological requirements of individuals. This work presents a method for evaluating rural habitats by utilizing electroencephalography [...] Read more.

As the quality of life and the spiritual and cultural well-being of the inhabitants progress, the current rural infrastructure has challenges in adequately addressing the physical and psychological requirements of individuals. This work presents a method for evaluating rural habitats by utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) signals and virtual reality (VR) technology to address the existing gap in physiological data evaluation in rural areas. We choose as experimental images the current situation (C1–C5) scenes of five rural main street nodes as well as the comparative transformation scenes (T1–T5). It then assesses the subjects’ subjective cognition and level of relaxation–arousal responses using the α/β value in the EEG data and the three subjective scale indexes of “Interest”, “Comfort”, and “Vitality”. The study’s findings demonstrated the following: 1. All three scores increased in the transformation scenarios, and subjects’ subjective assessments varied significantly across all five sets of scenes. 2. In all α/β values where significant differences existed, every electrode demonstrated a relaxation response in the transformation scenes (T1–T5) compared to the current scenes (C1–C5), whereas the T8 electrode demonstrated the only arousal response. 3. The Pz electrode in the parietal lobe area was found to be the most sensitive to the visual response to the green landscape and the form of the building façade along the street, and the T8 electrode in the right temporal lobe area was the most sensitive to the response to the overall perception of the surrounding environment, according to a comparison of the longitudinal α/β value. More options for rural streetscape design as well as fresh insights and methodologies for assessing the rural human environment in the future are anticipated from this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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24 pages, 2357 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Rural Revitalization Effect under the Interaction of Agro-Tourism Integration and Tourism-Driven Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence for China

by Debin Ma, Dongqi Sun and Ziyi Wang

Land 2024, 13(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010060 - 3 Jan 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4599

Abstract

Under the robust impetus of China’s rural revitalization strategy, agro-tourism integration and tourism-driven poverty reduction have profoundly impacted various aspects of China’s economy, society, and ecology. This has propelled coordinated urban–rural development and the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This study introduces [...] Read more.

Under the robust impetus of China’s rural revitalization strategy, agro-tourism integration and tourism-driven poverty reduction have profoundly impacted various aspects of China’s economy, society, and ecology. This has propelled coordinated urban–rural development and the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This study introduces an analytical framework encompassing tourism-driven poverty reduction, agro-tourism integration, and rural revitalization. Through PVAR and threshold models, it empirically examines the interactive effects, dynamic relationships, and threshold effects between agro-tourism integration, tourism-driven poverty reduction, and rural revitalization. The conclusions are as follows: Firstly, the indices of rural revitalization and the level of agro-tourism integration show an increasing trend across Chinese provinces, with varying trends in tourism-driven poverty reduction efficiency. Secondly, there is a significant dynamic relationship among these factors, with the explanatory power of tourism-driven poverty reduction and agro-tourism integration gradually strengthening. Agro-tourism integration is identified as the most effective means of driving rural revitalization, while tourism-driven poverty reduction has a relatively weaker direct impact. Thirdly, tourism-driven poverty reduction exhibits a positive impulse response to agro-tourism integration. The improvement in tourism-driven poverty reduction efficiency propels further development in agro-tourism integration, thereby fostering rural revitalization. The efficiency of tourism-driven poverty reduction presents a single threshold effect in the process of agro-tourism integration promoting rural revitalization. Fourthly, the development of China’s tourism industry has become an indispensable means of promoting rural revitalization and poverty reduction. However, rural revitalization is a comprehensive project influenced by various factors, requiring improvements and development across multiple aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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19 pages, 14473 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Rank–Size Pattern of Chinese Urban Settlements

by Jing Zhang, Chunlin Li, Baolei Zhang, Yuanman Hu, Hao Wang, Zhenxing Li and Qian Zhang

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16010019 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1575

Abstract

Accurate and timely urban boundaries can effectively quantify the spatial characteristics of urban evolution and are essential for understanding the impacts of urbanization processes and land-use changes on the environment and biodiversity. Currently, there is a lack of long time-series, high-resolution, nationally consistent [...] Read more.

Accurate and timely urban boundaries can effectively quantify the spatial characteristics of urban evolution and are essential for understanding the impacts of urbanization processes and land-use changes on the environment and biodiversity. Currently, there is a lack of long time-series, high-resolution, nationally consistent Chinese urban boundary data for urban research. In this study, the city clustering algorithm was used to generate urban settlement boundaries in China based on the local density, size, and spatial relationships of impervious surfaces. The results showed that both the area and the number of urban settlements in China revealed an upward trend from 1985 to 2020, with East China (EC) being much higher than other regions and South China showing the most significant growth rate. The average area ratio of urban green space in China was 41.68%, with the average area ratio in EC being higher than in other regions. Meanwhile, Zipf’s law was used to verify the universality of urban settlement rank–size; the changes in the Zipf index from 1985 to 2020 also revealed that China’s urban size tended to be concentrated, and the development of large urban settlements was relatively prominent. The urban definition method we propose in this study can divide urban boundaries efficiently and accurately, identify urban expansion hotspots, and promote research on farmland loss and ecological land degradation, further exploring the impacts of urbanization on food security, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. By coupling big data such as economy, energy, and population with urban evolution patterns, urban managers can analyze current and future problems in urban development, thereby providing scientific decision-making for urban sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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24 pages, 1312 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation Model and Application of the Implementation Effectiveness of the River Chief System (RCS)—Taking Henan Province as an Example

by Jianting Liu, Xuanyu Chen, Limin Su, Yanbin Li, Yanxue Xu and Lei Qi

Systems 2023, 11(9), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11090481 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1894

Abstract

To scientifically evaluate the implementation of the River Chief System (RCS), accelerate the overall improvement of the water ecological environment, and promote the sustainable development of river and lake functions, this study selects 26 evaluation indicators from six aspects, including the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

To scientifically evaluate the implementation of the River Chief System (RCS), accelerate the overall improvement of the water ecological environment, and promote the sustainable development of river and lake functions, this study selects 26 evaluation indicators from six aspects, including the effectiveness of organization and management, the effectiveness of water resources protection, the effectiveness of water environment management, the effectiveness of water pollution prevention and control, the effectiveness of water ecological restoration, and the effectiveness of the management of the waterside shoreline, and establishes an evaluation system for the effectiveness of the implementation of the RCS. Among the 26 indicators, data for the qualitative indicators mainly come from a series of statistical yearbooks and RCS reports, while data for the quantitative indicators are obtained through scoring by more than 20 experts and calculating the average. The CRITIC objective weighting method is improved from three aspects of comparison intensity, correlation coefficient, and degree of variation, and the subjective weighting of indicators is carried out using the AHP 1–5 scale method. The optimal linear combination of subjective and objective weighting results is obtained using the combination weighting method with game theory, which is auxiliary to the set pair analysis. Considering the “certainty” and “uncertainty” in the evaluation process, the four-element connection number model of set pair analysis is established to evaluate the implementation effect of the RCS in Henan Province from 2018 to 2021. The results show that the implementation effect of the RCS in Henan Province improves year by year and reaches excellent in 2019. The results of this study can be used as a reference for evaluating the work of the RCS in other regions and can also provide a reference for the study of evaluation problems in other fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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26 pages, 2031 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Measuring the Construction Efficiency of Zero-Waste City Clusters Based on an Undesirable Super-Efficiency Model and Kernel Density Estimation Method

by Xuhui Cong, Peikun Su, Liang Wang, Sai Wang, Zhipeng Qi, Jonas Šaparauskas, Jarosław Górecki and Miroslaw J. Skibniewski

Systems 2023, 11(9), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11090473 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

The global total amount of generated solid waste is currently on a rapid growth trend. China, as the largest developing country, promulgated its Pilot Work Plan for the Construction of Zero-Waste Cities led by the new development concept in 2018 after recognizing the [...] Read more.

The global total amount of generated solid waste is currently on a rapid growth trend. China, as the largest developing country, promulgated its Pilot Work Plan for the Construction of Zero-Waste Cities led by the new development concept in 2018 after recognizing the inadequacy and urgency of solid waste management, and the lack of valuable experience and benchmark cities for the construction of zero-waste cities. This study uses the undesirable super-efficiency model and kernel density estimation method to measure the efficiency of zero-waste city construction in 16 prefecture-level cities in Shandong Province and analyze their spatial and temporal differences. Three major problems were found, namely, low regional coordination, the rigid policies of some local governments, and the unbalanced development of scale efficiency and pure technical efficiency. Results show that the zero-waste city construction efficiency as a whole shows a declining and then fluctuating growth trend, and that low-scale efficiency is the main reason behind the decrease in construction efficiency. Suggestions are then provided considering three aspects: improving regional synergy; improving government quality and capacity, and strengthening government supervision and revitalizing the market; and introducing social capital for environmental pollution treatment. These suggestions ultimately help improve the level of zero-waste city construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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17 pages, 7509 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Gravitational Evolution of the Night Land Surface Temperature: An Empirical Study Based on Night Lights

by Qiang Fan, Yue Shi, Bwalya Mutale and Nan Cong

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(17), 4347; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15174347 - 4 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1599

Abstract

Land surface temperature (LST) is closely associated with urban and rural development. To study the spatiotemporal evolution of the LST, we used daily night light and LST data as well as the gravity model, coupling coordination model, standard deviation ellipse, and other methods. [...] Read more.

Land surface temperature (LST) is closely associated with urban and rural development. To study the spatiotemporal evolution of the LST, we used daily night light and LST data as well as the gravity model, coupling coordination model, standard deviation ellipse, and other methods. Under the analysis–coordination–gravity framework, we studied the spatiotemporal and gravitational evolution of the nighttime LST in the Henan Province in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022. Our research revealed significant differences in the high-brightness values of nighttime lighting between different years and seasons. The maximum offset distance occurred in the winters of 2013–2016 at 20,933.28 m, whereas the minimum offset distance was observed in the autumns of 2019–2022 at 1196.03 m. In addition, the spatiotemporal gravity of the LST exhibits a certain evolution pattern. Although differences in the direction of evolution and the distribution of high gravity density were found, a homogenization trend was observed for the distribution of gravity in the spring of 2016, autumn of 2019, and summer of 2022. LST shows different characteristics over changing space and seasons, and its gravity shows the characteristics of spatial aggregation. The results provide new ideas for LST studies and are of significance for the restoration of ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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21 pages, 4062 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Spatial Relationship between the Ecological Topological Network and Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Coastal Urban Ecosystems: A Case Study of Yancheng City, China

by Nanyan Zhu, Jingwen Ai, Zhen Zeng and Chunhua Zhou

Remote Sens. 2023, 15(16), 4007; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15164007 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2099

Abstract

Improving the carbon sequestration capacity (CSC) of an ecosystem by optimizing urban ecological networks is one of the effective ways to achieve the goal of “carbon neutrality” in the world. The contradiction between the irreplaceable ecological function and economic development of Yancheng City [...] Read more.

Improving the carbon sequestration capacity (CSC) of an ecosystem by optimizing urban ecological networks is one of the effective ways to achieve the goal of “carbon neutrality” in the world. The contradiction between the irreplaceable ecological function and economic development of Yancheng City is prominent. Therefore, taking Yancheng City as an example, this paper adopted the morphological spatial pattern analysis–minimum cumulative resistance (MSPA-MCR) model to establish the ecological network of Yancheng City in 2020 and combined it with complex network theory to evaluate its ecological base, network quality, and CSC. The results show that the ecological network of Yancheng City has obvious characteristics of coastal cities. There is a significant positive correlation between CSC and the clustering efficiency of ecological sources, and improving the clustering efficiency of vegetation and water ecological nodes is conducive to enhancing the CSC of ecological networks. In terms of functional restoration of ecological networks, four types of 13 ecological stepping stones and 12 ecological corridors have been designed to strengthen the connectivity and balance of the network, and the improvement of network robustness before and after optimization verifies that the optimization scheme is reasonable and effective. This study improved the optimization method of ecological networks in Yancheng City based on enhancing the CSC of ecological nodes, which provided a theoretical framework and practical reference for the realization of global strategic goals of carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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21 pages, 3398 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Intercity Network on Land Comprehensive Carrying Capacity: A Perspective of Population Flow

by Xiang Shi, Xiao Yu, Shijun Wang and Feilong Hao

Land 2023, 12(8), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081515 - 30 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1877

Abstract

The world is experiencing the largest wave of urban growth in history. Maintaining the rapid growth of cities without causing land and resource shortages is a severe problem that must be solved urgently. With the rapid development of globalization and information technology, the [...] Read more.

The world is experiencing the largest wave of urban growth in history. Maintaining the rapid growth of cities without causing land and resource shortages is a severe problem that must be solved urgently. With the rapid development of globalization and information technology, the meaning of land comprehensive carrying capacity presents new changes. It is no longer entirely dependent on local resources and is likely to benefit from intercity connections beyond urban boundaries. However, can an inter-city network be a non-local solution to sustain urban growth without increasing land pressure? To address this question, this study adopted 287 cities in China as the research object to describe the spatial carrying characteristics of land at the national level by constructing an evaluation index system for land comprehensive carrying capacity. Furthermore, we constructed a population flow network model through social network analysis to explore the influence of intercity network on land comprehensive carrying capacity. Our findings are as follows: (1) The regional differentiation characteristics of land comprehensive carrying capacity at the national scale are evident, and reveal a spatial pattern significantly related to the urban economic development level. (2) The weighted in-degree, weighted degree centrality, and betweenness centrality in the intercity network positively impact the land comprehensive carrying capacity, and land use efficiency has a partial mediating effect. (3) Land comprehensive carrying capacity can be determined by non-local factors rather than local factors. As an effective non-local channel, strengthening intercity population flow and network integration can flexibly manage urban land scarcity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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25 pages, 671 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Government Subsidy Decision and Its Impact on Sustainable Development of a Closed-Loop Supply Chain

by Yujie Gu, Menghao Xue, Mingxuan Zhao and Yufu Long

Systems 2023, 11(7), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11070378 - 23 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Government subsidies generally play an important role in the sustainable operations management of a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). This paper investigates the optimal government subsidy decision and its influence on the sustainable development of the CLSC, consisting of one manufacturer, one retailer, and [...] Read more.

Government subsidies generally play an important role in the sustainable operations management of a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). This paper investigates the optimal government subsidy decision and its influence on the sustainable development of the CLSC, consisting of one manufacturer, one retailer, and one third-party collector, from the economic, environmental, and social perspectives. Based on game analysis technology, different Stackelberg game models among the government and the CLSC members are formulated to analyze the optimal decisions under different power structures. By conducting theoretic comparative and sensitivity analyses and a case study, the effects of the government subsidy and the power structure are explored from the total profit, environmental benefit, and social welfare. Results show that the subsidy is good for sustainable development of the CLSC, which improves the total profit of the CLSC members, environmental benefit, and social welfare and the improvement effect is more prominent when the CLSC members have unequal bargaining power. Moreover, according to the growth proportion of profit, the retailer and collector benefit more from the subsidy among the CLSC members when they have different bargaining power, otherwise, the CLSC members benefit equally from the subsidy, and the subsidy is more beneficial to the environment compared with the total supply chain profit and social welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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27 pages, 19470 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Physical Environment Study on Social Housing Stock in Italian Western Alps for Healthy and Sustainable Communities

by Yuqing Zhang, Bin Li, Luca Caneparo, Qinglin Meng, Weihong Guo and Xiao Liu

Land 2023, 12(7), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071468 - 23 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2289

Abstract

Climate change has reduced the comfort of community environments, and there is an urgent need to improve the health and well-being of low-income residents through design and technical measures. Therefore, this paper conducts research in the context of an ongoing social housing renovation [...] Read more.

Climate change has reduced the comfort of community environments, and there is an urgent need to improve the health and well-being of low-income residents through design and technical measures. Therefore, this paper conducts research in the context of an ongoing social housing renovation project in Aosta, Italy, in a cold winter and hot summer Alpine environment. The study combined interviews, field measurements, and multiple software simulations to analyze the home of an older adult experiencing energy deprivation. The study found that the indoor acoustic environment quality meets the requirements of various sound-related standards. Still, the lighting and thermal environment must be designed to reduce glare and western sun exposure, and the air quality could improve. Residents’ demand for renovation is low technology, low cost, and high comfort. Therefore, suggestions for combining active and passive transformation measures and maximizing the use of climate and resources are proposed. The lighting and thermal environment are optimized based on the green wisdom of the Haylofts building of the Walser family in the Alps: increase ventilation and reduce indoor air age to improve air quality. Overall, a comprehensive assessment of extreme climatic conditions facilitates the quantitative and qualitative study and control of social housing environments, improves occupant comfort, and decarbonizes such social building stock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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26 pages, 26730 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Intergenerational Equity of Public Open Space in Old Communities: A Case Study of Caoyang New Village in Shanghai

by Zelin Zhang, Xiaomin Tang and Yun Wang

Land 2023, 12(7), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071347 - 5 Jul 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3340

Abstract

Public open space (POS) confers numerous physical and mental health benefits to people throughout life. The study applies POI and other multi-dimensional methods to examine the intergenerational equity of POS within a 15-min living circle of old communities in high-density cities. Firstly, an [...] Read more.

Public open space (POS) confers numerous physical and mental health benefits to people throughout life. The study applies POI and other multi-dimensional methods to examine the intergenerational equity of POS within a 15-min living circle of old communities in high-density cities. Firstly, an evaluation system for the comprehensive POS supply level in the community is constructed from the perspective of the quantity, quality, and spatial distribution of POS. Secondly, based on the idea of all-age sharing, the population in the community is divided into children, young and middle-aged, and elderly, and the factor “adaptation space share” is introduced to supplement the intergenerational equity evaluation system. The study takes Caoyang New Village in Shanghai as an example and the districts of the community committee as the basic evaluation units. The results show that the comprehensive supply of POS in Caoyang New Village is relatively high but there is still a mismatch between supply and demand; the intergenerational equity level is medium, and spatial alienation exists between POS supply and intergenerational equity; and the adaptation space share for children is much higher than that for the elderly, young and middle-aged people. Furthermore, young and middle-aged people are found to form a marginal group in spatial sharing and resource allocation. Finally, it is proposed that in community POS planning, attention should be focused on the differences in population age structure and on spatial cultural attributes and functional compounding on the basis of ensuring the comprehensive service of POS, so as to promote all-age sharing in community POS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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20 pages, 2311 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Agricultural Green Ecological Efficiency Evaluation Using BP Neural Network–DEA Model

by Qiang Sun and Yu-Jiao Sui

Systems 2023, 11(6), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11060291 - 5 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2565

Abstract

The evaluation of agricultural green ecological efficiency can reflect the capacity of agriculture for sustainable development and reduce the endogenous pollution caused by agricultural waste in order to alleviate the weakening of agricultural ecosystems. Taking the agricultural green economy as the research object, [...] Read more.

The evaluation of agricultural green ecological efficiency can reflect the capacity of agriculture for sustainable development and reduce the endogenous pollution caused by agricultural waste in order to alleviate the weakening of agricultural ecosystems. Taking the agricultural green economy as the research object, an evaluation index system based on the theories of green economic efficiency and economic growth for agricultural green ecological efficiency was constructed, and the impact mechanisms of specific indicators on agricultural green ecological efficiency were empirically explored. In addition, based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, the overall agricultural green ecological efficiency of China from 2002 to 2021 was evaluated and the efficiency characteristics were analyzed from multiple perspectives. Then, the indicators of policy, finance, communication, society and other aspects were added in order to construct a comprehensive evaluation model of agricultural green ecological efficiency using a combination of DEA and a BP neural network, and the feasibility of the model was verified. The results indicate that the agricultural green ecological efficiency increased from 0.7340 in 2002 to 0.8205 in 2021, an increase of 11.78%. Additionally, the technological efficiency of China’s agricultural green ecological system did not show a very obvious trend of divergence. The results of the BP neural network were consistent with those obtained using DEA, and the overall evolution trend of the calculated BP neural network and DEA were mutually verified and integrated. The effectiveness and accuracy of the BP neural network was verified via a comparison with DEA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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19 pages, 12011 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Variation Characteristics and Obstacle Factors of Resilience in Border Cities of Northeast China

by Kaiping Jiang, Kaichao Li, Nan Cong, Siyu Wu and Fei Peng

Land 2023, 12(5), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050958 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2143

Abstract

The study of border resilience is an effective means to analyze the development status of border cities. This study constructs a border city resilience assessment framework, measures the urban resilience level of 13 prefecture-level administrative regions in China’s northeastern border region from 2010 [...] Read more.

The study of border resilience is an effective means to analyze the development status of border cities. This study constructs a border city resilience assessment framework, measures the urban resilience level of 13 prefecture-level administrative regions in China’s northeastern border region from 2010 to 2019, reveals their temporal and spatial differentiation characteristics, analyzes the main obstacles, and proposes development strategies. This study reveals the following: (1) The overall resilience of the northeast border cities is at a medium level, and differences between regions and cities are large. (2) The resilience of the northeast border cities increased rapidly between 2010 and 2015, especially in the western area; the improvement effect was poor between 2015 and 2019, and except for the increased resilience of individual cities in the eastern area, the development of other cities was slow and some even declined. (3) At the city scale, the development potential, economic structure, residents’ security, and environmental governance capabilities are the main factors restricting improvement in the basic resilience of the northeast border cities. Insufficient national policy support and the poor development of neighboring countries have become obstacles to cities’ exclusive resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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16 pages, 2857 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

CiteSpace and Bibliometric Analysis of Published Research on Forest Ecosystem Services for the Period 2018–2022

by Chenxi Li, Zhihong Zong, Haichao Qie, Yingying Fang and Qiao Liu

Land 2023, 12(4), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040845 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3447

Abstract

With the development of the social economy, human demand for forest ecosystem service functions is increasing, and at the same time, higher requirements are being put forward for forest ecosystems. Therefore, a more comprehensive and scientific evaluation of forest ecosystem service functions is [...] Read more.

With the development of the social economy, human demand for forest ecosystem service functions is increasing, and at the same time, higher requirements are being put forward for forest ecosystems. Therefore, a more comprehensive and scientific evaluation of forest ecosystem service functions is needed. In order to understand the current status and trends of research on forest ecosystem service functions and value assessment, this study used bibliometric methods and CiteSpace visual analysis to organize and summarize the relevant research. The results show that current research focuses on three aspects: the formulation of forest ecosystem service assessment issues, the classification of ecosystem service functions, and ecosystem service assessment methods. The focus of future research on forest ecosystem services can be summarized as follows: refining the indicators and methods for assessment, extending the research area and scope, analyzing the spatial and temporal dynamics, conducting research on mechanisms of forest ecosystem service functions, and transforming the evaluation results. This study provides an initial insight into the study of forest ecosystem services and a reference for future scholarly research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

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