Land | Editor’s choice Articles

25 pages, 19458 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Urban Green Space Inequity to Promote Distributional Justice in Portland, Oregon

by Evan Elderbrock, Kory Russel, Yekang Ko, Elizabeth Budd, Lilah Gonen and Chris Enright

Land 2024, 13(6), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060720 - 21 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2125

Access and exposure to urban green space—the combination of parks and vegetative cover in cities—are associated with various health benefits. As urban green space is often unequally distributed throughout cities, understanding how it is allocated across socio-demographic populations can help city planners and [...] Read more.

Access and exposure to urban green space—the combination of parks and vegetative cover in cities—are associated with various health benefits. As urban green space is often unequally distributed throughout cities, understanding how it is allocated across socio-demographic populations can help city planners and policy makers identify and address urban environmental justice and health equity issues. To our knowledge, no studies have yet combined assessments of park quality, park availability, and green cover to inform equitable urban green space planning. To this end, we developed a comprehensive methodology to identify urban green space inequities at the city scale and applied it in Portland, OR, USA. After auditing all public parks in Portland and gathering green cover data from publicly accessible repositories, we used a suite of statistical tests to evaluate distribution of parks and green cover across Census block groups, comprising race, ethnicity, income, and educational attainment characteristics. Right-of-way tree canopy cover was the most significant urban green space inequity identified in bivariate analysis (r_s = −0.73). Spatial autoregressive models identified that right-of-way, private, and overall tree canopy cover (Nagelkerke pseudo-R² = 0.66, 0.77, and 0.67, respectively) significantly decreased with the proportion of minoritized racial population and increased with median income. The results were then used to identify priority locations for specific urban green space investments. This research establishes a process to assess intra-urban green space inequities, as well as identify data-informed and spatially explicit planning priorities to promote health equity and environmental justice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Greenspace Planning, Design and Management)

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24 pages, 3035 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Transformative Impact of Technology in Landscape Architecture on Landscape Research: Trends, Concepts and Roles

by Xiwei Shen, Mary G. Padua and Niall G. Kirkwood

Land 2024, 13(5), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050630 - 8 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2524

Abstract

The role of technology in landscape architecture (TLA) has significantly evolved since the 19th century, increasingly integrating with digital tools and technologies in the 21st century. Despite its growing importance, there is a notable deficiency in the scholarly literature regarding the progression of [...] Read more.

The role of technology in landscape architecture (TLA) has significantly evolved since the 19th century, increasingly integrating with digital tools and technologies in the 21st century. Despite its growing importance, there is a notable deficiency in the scholarly literature regarding the progression of TLA trends and their interplay with the core domains and research themes within landscape research. The influence of TLA on landscape research remains ambiguous, especially concerning its ability to generate new knowledge and impact design and sustainability practices. Furthermore, there is a critical need to delineate how TLA differs from allied general digital technology tools and to identify specific specializations that are emerging within the TLA field. To explore the above gaps, this study utilized a mixed methods approach involving secondary data from peer-reviewed publications, primary data from the archival research of winning projects, and expert interviews based on the two major research types of “Research through Design (RTD)” and “Research for Design (RFD)” to explore the TLA’s contribution. This research is significant as it: (1) identified the trend of TLA; (2) conceptualized the TLA, and (3) identified its role in relation to the core domains and research themes of landscape research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Design, Evaluation and Management Created by Novel Technologies)

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15 pages, 2220 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Consequences of Land Use Changes on Native Forest and Agricultural Areas in Central-Southern Chile during the Last Fifty Years

by Alejandro del Pozo, Giordano Catenacci-Aguilera and Belén Acosta-Gallo

Land 2024, 13(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050610 - 1 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2419

Abstract

Chile’s central-south region has experienced significant land use changes in the past fifty years, affecting native forests, agriculture, and urbanization. This article examines these changes and assesses their impact on native forest cover and agricultural land. Agricultural data for Chile (1980–2020) were obtained [...] Read more.

Chile’s central-south region has experienced significant land use changes in the past fifty years, affecting native forests, agriculture, and urbanization. This article examines these changes and assesses their impact on native forest cover and agricultural land. Agricultural data for Chile (1980–2020) were obtained from public Chilean institutions (INE and ODEPA). Data on land use changes in central and south Chile (1975–2018), analysed from satellite images, were obtained from indexed papers. Urban area expansion in Chile between 1993 and 2020 was examined using publicly available data from MINVIU, Chile. Additionally, photovoltaic park data was sourced from SEA, Chile. Field crop coverage, primarily in central and southern Chile, decreased from 1,080,000 ha in 1980 to 667,000 ha in 2020, with notable decreases observed in cereal and legume crops. Conversely, the coverage of export-oriented orchards and vineyards increased from 194,947 ha to 492,587 ha. Forest plantations expanded significantly, ranging from 18% per decade in northern central Chile to 246% in the Maule and Biobío regions. This was accompanied by a 12.7–27.0% reduction per 10 years in native forest. Urban areas have experienced significant growth of 91% in the last 27 years, concentrated in the Mediterranean climate region. Solar photovoltaic parks have begun to increasingly replace thorn scrub (Espinal) and agricultural land, mirroring transformations seen in other Mediterranean nations like Spain and Portugal. Full article

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16 pages, 3794 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring Urban Service Location Suitability: Mapping Social Behavior Dynamics with Space Syntax Theory

by Saleh Qanazi, Ihab H. Hijazi, Isam Shahrour and Rani El Meouche

Land 2024, 13(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050609 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2752

Abstract

Assessing urban service locations is a key issue within city planning, integral to promoting the well-being of citizens, and ensuring effective urban development. However, many current approaches emphasize spatial analysis focused solely on physical attributes, neglecting the equally vital social dimensions essential for [...] Read more.

Assessing urban service locations is a key issue within city planning, integral to promoting the well-being of citizens, and ensuring effective urban development. However, many current approaches emphasize spatial analysis focused solely on physical attributes, neglecting the equally vital social dimensions essential for enhancing inhabitants’ comfort and quality of life. When social factors are considered, they tend to operate at smaller scales. This paper addresses this gap by prioritizing integrating social factors alongside spatial analysis at the community level. By employing space syntax theory, this study investigates urban service suitability in Hajjah, a Palestinian urban community, presenting a novel approach in the literature. The research identifies good spots for essential governmental facilities like health clinics and fire stations using axial map analysis. It also suggests reallocation for some schools. Additionally, it shows ways to improve the placement of community amenities, finding ideal park locations but suboptimal mosque placements. Commercial services also exhibit areas for enhancement including gas stations and shops. The insights from this research can offer policymakers and planners insights to create more efficient, equitable, and accessible cities. The research approach incorporates social behavior dynamics into spatial analysis, promoting inclusive urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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31 pages, 25016 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Natural Climate Protection through Peatland Rewetting: A Future for the Rathsbruch Peatland in Germany

by Petra Schneider, Tino Fauk, Florin-Constantin Mihai, Harald Junker, Bernd Ettmer and Volker Lüderitz

Land 2024, 13(5), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050581 - 27 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

Draining peatlands to create agricultural land has been the norm in Europe, but in the context of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, these rich ecosystems may reactivate their functions as greenhouse gas sinks and retreat spaces for animals and plants. Against [...] Read more.

Draining peatlands to create agricultural land has been the norm in Europe, but in the context of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, these rich ecosystems may reactivate their functions as greenhouse gas sinks and retreat spaces for animals and plants. Against this background, the National Moor Rewetting Strategy was put into effect in Germany in 2023, together with the Natural Climate Protection Action Plan. This article examines the methodology of peatland rewetting from scientific, administrative, social, and technical perspectives. The article focuses on an example of moor rewetting in central Germany: the Rathsbruch moor near the municipality of Zerbst, Saxony-Anhalt. To illustrate the importance of rewetting projects for degraded peatlands, five scenarios with different target soil water levels were considered, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions were calculated for a period of five years. For the planning solution, an estimate of the medium-to-long-term development of the habitat types was made based on current use and the dynamics typical of the habitat. The results for the Rathsbruch moor area showed that increasing the water level in steps of 1, 0.8, or 0.5 m has no significant influence on reducing the CO₂ emissions situation, while a depth of 0.3 m has a slight influence. When the water was raised to 0.1 m below the surface (Scenario 5), a significant CO₂ reduction was observed. The calculated avoided CO₂ costs due to environmental damage show that the environmental benefits multiply with every decimeter of water level increase. The rising groundwater levels and extensification favor the establishment of local biotopes. This means that two of the biggest man-made problems (extinction of species and climate change) can be reduced. Therefore, this research is applicable to the development and planning of recultivation work at municipal and regional levels in Germany and beyond within the framework of EU restoration policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Simulation of Wetland Ecological Processes)

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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 7 | Viewed by 2049

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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27 pages, 3129 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bridging Sustainable Development Goals and Land Administration: The Role of the ISO 19152 Land Administration Domain Model in SDG Indicator Formalization

by Mengying Chen, Peter Van Oosterom, Eftychia Kalogianni, Paula Dijkstra and Christiaan Lemmen

Land 2024, 13(4), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040491 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2380

Abstract

This study illustrates the linkages between the ISO’s Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of the LADM in promoting effective land administration suitable for efficient computation of land/water (space)-related SDG indicators. The main contribution [...] Read more.

This study illustrates the linkages between the ISO’s Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of the LADM in promoting effective land administration suitable for efficient computation of land/water (space)-related SDG indicators. The main contribution of this study is the formalization of SDG indicators by using the ISO standard LADM. This paper proposes several SDG-indicator-related extensions to the multi-part LADM standard that is currently under revision. These extensions encompass the introduction of new procedures for calculating indicators, the integration of blueprints for external classes to fulfil additional information needs and the design of interface classes for presenting indicator values across specific countries and reporting years. In an innovative approach, this paper introduces the Four-Step Method—a powerful framework designed to formalize SDG indicators within the LADM framework. Detailed attention is devoted to specific indicators, including 1.4.2 (secure land rights), 5.a.1 (women’s agricultural land rights), 14.5.1 (protected marine areas) and 11.5.2 (valuation as a basis for direct economic loss). In short, the Four-Step Method is pivotal in eliminating ambiguities, enhancing the efficiency of indicator computation and securing more accurate indicator values that more truly reflect the progress towards SDG realization. This approach is also expected to work with other (ISO) standards for other SDG indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and Sustainable Development)

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30 pages, 5944 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Multi-Scenario Simulation and Dynamic Assessment of the Ecosystem Service Values in Key Ecological Functional Areas: A Case Study of the Sichuan Province, China

by Wei Li, Xi Chen, Jianghua Zheng, Feifei Zhang, Yang Yan, Wenyue Hai, Chuqiao Han and Liang Liu

Land 2024, 13(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040468 - 6 Apr 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1915

Abstract

The ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important basis for measuring an ecological environment’s quality and the efficient management of ecosystems. It is particularly necessary to explore a proven methodology for assessing and predicting ESV dynamics coupled with policy-oriented scenarios that can provide [...] Read more.

The ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important basis for measuring an ecological environment’s quality and the efficient management of ecosystems. It is particularly necessary to explore a proven methodology for assessing and predicting ESV dynamics coupled with policy-oriented scenarios that can provide a theoretical groundwork for macro decision, particularly in the context of implementing ecological protection and restoration projects. This study selected the land cover (LC) of Sichuan Province at five periods and the spatiotemporal dynamic equivalent factor method to assess the ESVs from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, the study coupled the Markov chain and GeoSOS-FLUS model, and predicted the future pattern of ESVs under four future development scenarios. The results show that (a) the areas of forests, shrubs, waters, wastelands, wetlands, and impervious areas showed a continuous increase from 2000 to 2020, with the most frequent interchanges occurring among croplands, forests, and grasslands. (b) The implementation of ecological protection and restoration projects led to a 13,083.32 × 10⁸ yuan increase in ESV, and barycenter of the ESVs is located in the northeastern part of Ya’an and exhibits a tendency to move towards the northeast. (c) The ESV aggregation pattern of each city has remained unchanged, with Ganzi being the only city with a high aggregation. Overall, there are more conflict cities than coordination cities between economic development and the ecological environment. (d) The total ESV in 2025 will continue to increase under all development scenarios, reaching a maximum of 50,903.37 × 10⁸ yuan under the EP scenario. This study can provide insights for ecological planning decisions and sustainable regional socio-economic development. Full article

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18 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Land Fragmentation and Heirs Property: Current Issues and Policy Responses

by Kurt Smith and Frederick Cubbage

Land 2024, 13(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040459 - 5 Apr 2024

Viewed by 2194

Abstract

Land fragmentation continues to be a challenge throughout the world, the United States, and particularly in the rapidly growing Southeast, as well as every state with a metropolitan area that abuts rural lands. With a United States population expected to grow to more [...] Read more.

Land fragmentation continues to be a challenge throughout the world, the United States, and particularly in the rapidly growing Southeast, as well as every state with a metropolitan area that abuts rural lands. With a United States population expected to grow to more than 500 million by 2060, it will present exceptional challenges for planners and policy makers to preserve important agricultural lands for farms and forests to provide both food and fiber, as well as to provide a host of ecosystem services and enhance the quality of life for our growing population. These issues of fragmentation are extremely substantial for African American, other minority, and limited-income landowners in the U.S. South, who often lack wills and have lands that are broken up into small parcels, or have divided ownership rights in one parcel, when passed on to heirs. Existing efforts can be expanded to provide tools and incentives for the owners of hiers property and other working lands to preserve them, and state and municipal planners will need to promote development plans and practices thoughtfully and strategically in order to prevent the projected loss of nearly 18 million acres of working lands by the year 2040. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Socio-Ecological Transformations and Implications for Land Use Change)

22 pages, 8966 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Land Administration Data Exchange and Interoperability Framework for Kenya and Its Significance to the Sustainable Development Goals

by Clifford Okembo, Javier Morales, Christiaan Lemmen, Jaap Zevenbergen and David Kuria

Land 2024, 13(4), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040435 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2953

Abstract

Sharing land data from one department to the other is a continuous process. A solid structure and a set of guidelines on how to share them is to be put in place as a foundation for the development of a land administration data [...] Read more.

Sharing land data from one department to the other is a continuous process. A solid structure and a set of guidelines on how to share them is to be put in place as a foundation for the development of a land administration data exchange and interoperability framework in support of data acquisition, land transactions and distribution of land data. In this research, the application of the ISO Framework for Enterprise Interoperability (FEI) as a standard is the starting point. Utilising the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) profile for Kenya as a base, an interoperability framework in support of land administration in Kenya is developed that addresses concerns, removes barriers and selects the approach for implementation. Due to the critical nature of land, it fits into the United Nations 2030 sustainability agenda. During the development of the Kenyan profile, four country-specific issues in the context of people-to-land relationships have been identified and modeled. The mapping of those issues relevant to the sustainable development goals supports the achievement of those goals so that all related targets and indicators can be attained. Using GIS tools, the implementing and testing of the new LADM profile for Kenya is not a difficult task. By using existing land data combined with newly collected data in the LADM-compliant database, a complete and accurate workflow is assured. Integration with external databases is useful for improving efficiency and eliminating duplication. Data collection with all stakeholders and validation through public inspection are recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) and Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 6600 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing a Wilderness Quality Index for Continental Europe

by Iurii Strus and Stephen Carver

Land 2024, 13(4), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040428 - 27 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1962

Abstract

This paper presents an updated wilderness quality map, WQI 2.0, for Europe, which extends the existing map (WQI 1.0) to include non-EU states in Eastern Europe. The analysis utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and incorporates contemporary datasets to assess wilderness [...] Read more.

This paper presents an updated wilderness quality map, WQI 2.0, for Europe, which extends the existing map (WQI 1.0) to include non-EU states in Eastern Europe. The analysis utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and incorporates contemporary datasets to assess wilderness quality across the continent. WQI 2.0 is compared to the previous version from the EU Wilderness register and global data from the WCS Human Influence Index (HII). Results indicate a high level of consistency between the versions, validating the robustness of the approach and the value of up-to-date datasets. WQI 2.0 serves as a valuable tool for developing a coordinated European policy on wilderness protection, encompassing both EU and non-EU states. By identifying areas outside current protected boundaries, the map helps to identify regions at risk of degradation and loss, due to resource exploitation. While small changes are seen between WQI 1.0 and WQI 2.0, expanding the coverage over the whole of continental Europe provides a foundation for the longer-term monitoring and evaluation of conservation targets. The findings contribute to meeting international commitments, such as the COP15 Kunming–Montreal Agreement and CBD targets, by highlighting the importance of preserving intact wilderness areas and increasing protected areas through restoration and rewilding efforts. Future iterations, such as WQI 3.0+, can track trends and potential threats to wilderness areas, while also identifying opportunities for ecosystem recovery through restoration and rewilding. To ensure comprehensive coverage, there is a need to update the existing Wilderness Register 1.0 and expand its scope to include non-EU states. This can be facilitated through collaboration with national WQI mapping programs, building on the experiences of countries such as Scotland, France, Iceland, and Germany, which have well-established national mapping initiatives. Overall, WQI 2.0 and the proposed updates provide valuable tools for informed decision-making in wilderness conservation and restoration efforts across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Google Earth Engine Applications for Monitoring Natural Ecosystems and Land Use)

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20 pages, 1417 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Potential Interactions between Climate Change and Land Use for Forest Issues in the Eastern United States

by Brice B. Hanberry, Marc D. Abrams and Gregory J. Nowacki

Land 2024, 13(3), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030398 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

Applying an interaction framework, we examined whether climate change and combined land use and disturbance changes were synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral for forest issues of wildfires, tree growth, tree species distributions, species invasions and outbreaks, and deer herbivory, focused on the eastern United [...] Read more.

Applying an interaction framework, we examined whether climate change and combined land use and disturbance changes were synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral for forest issues of wildfires, tree growth, tree species distributions, species invasions and outbreaks, and deer herbivory, focused on the eastern United States generally since the 1800s and the development of instrumental records (1895). Climate largely has not warmed during 1981–2020 compared to 1895–1980, but precipitation has increased. Increased precipitation and land use (encompassing fire exclusion and forestation, with coarse fuel accumulation due to increased tree densities) have interacted synergistically to dampen wildfire frequency in the humid eastern U.S. For overall tree growth, increased precipitation, carbon fertilization, and land use (i.e., young, fast-growing dense stands) likely have been positive, generating a synergistic interaction. Human activities created conditions for expanding native tree species distributions, non-native species invasions, and damaging native species outbreaks. No strong evidence appears to exist for recent climate change or land use influences on deer populations and associated herbivory levels. In the future, a warmer and effectively drier climate may reverse synergistic and neutral interactions with land use, although effects of climate interactions with land use will vary by species. Management can help correct non-climate stressors due to land use and support resilient structures and species against climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use/Land Cover and Natural Hazards: Interactions, Changes, and Impacts II)

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20 pages, 24193 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring Sensitivity of Phenology to Seasonal Climate Differences in Temperate Grasslands of China Based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

by Xiaoshuai Wei, Mingze Xu, Hongxian Zhao, Xinyue Liu, Zifan Guo, Xinhao Li and Tianshan Zha

Land 2024, 13(3), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030399 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

The affiliation between vegetation phenology and seasonal climate (start and end times of the growing season, or SOS and EOS) provides a basis for acquiring insight into the dynamic response of terrestrial ecosystems to the effects of climate change. Although climate warming is [...] Read more.

The affiliation between vegetation phenology and seasonal climate (start and end times of the growing season, or SOS and EOS) provides a basis for acquiring insight into the dynamic response of terrestrial ecosystems to the effects of climate change. Although climate warming is an important factor affecting the advancement or delay of plant phenology, understanding the sensitivity of phenology to seasonal variation in climate factors (e.g., local air temperature, precipitation) is generally lacking under different climate backgrounds. In this study, we investigated the interannual variability of grassland phenology and its spatial variation in temperate regions of China based on satellite-derived products for the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and weather data acquired from 2001 to 2020. We found that due to differences in local climate conditions, the effects of seasonal warming and precipitation on phenology were divergent or even opposite during the 20 years. The sensitivities of the start of growing season (SOS) to both spring temperature and last-winter precipitation was controlled by mean annual precipitation in terms of spatial variation. The SOS in the semi-humid (200–400 mm) region was most sensitive to spring temperature, advancing 5.24 days for each 1 °C rise in the average spring temperature (p < 0.05), while it was most sensitive to last-winter precipitation in arid regions (<200 mm), with SOS advancing up to 2.23 days for every 1 mm increase in the last-winter precipitation (p < 0.05). The end of growing season (EOS) was sensitive to autumn temperature, being delayed 10.13 days for each 1 °C rise in the average autumn temperature in regions with temperatures between −10 °C and −5 °C (p < 0.05). The uncertainty in the determination of the EOS could conceivably be greater than the determination of the SOS due to the dual effects of pre-autumn climate and growth constraints induced by declining fall temperatures. The effect of atmospheric warming on grassland phenology was lessened with increased atmospheric and soil aridity, suggesting that the interaction of regional drought and climate warming is an important source for local-to-regional differences and uncertainties in grass phenological response. Full article

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28 pages, 6438 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Your Favourite Park Is Not My Favourite Park: A Participatory Geographic Information System Approach to Improving Urban Green and Blue Spaces—A Case Study in Edinburgh, Scotland

by Charlotte Wendelboe-Nelson, Yiyun Wang, Simon Bell, Craig W. McDougall and Catharine Ward Thompson

Land 2024, 13(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030395 - 20 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2199

Abstract

Access to urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs) has been associated with positive effects on health and wellbeing; however, the past decades have seen a decline in quality and user satisfaction with UGBSs. This reflects the mounting challenges that many UK cities face [...] Read more.

Access to urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs) has been associated with positive effects on health and wellbeing; however, the past decades have seen a decline in quality and user satisfaction with UGBSs. This reflects the mounting challenges that many UK cities face in providing appropriate public facilities, alongside issues such as health inequalities, an ageing population, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. At present, little is known about the preferences of different population subgroups and, specifically, the UGBSs they visit and the spaces they avoid. Using a public participatory geographic information system (PPGIS), the overall aim of the research presented here was to investigate the preferences of different population subgroups in urban areas, and the UGBSs they visit, using Edinburgh, Scotland as a case study. We created a baseline visitor demographic profile for UGBS use, and highlighted how visitors perceive, physically access, use, and engage with UGBSs. The results revealed considerable variation in UGBS preference: one person’s favourite UGBS may be one that someone else dislikes and avoids. It is clear that adapting UGBSs to suit local communities should not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The conflicting views and preferences of different groups of respondents point to the importance of developing policies and park management plans that can accommodate a variety of uses and experiential qualities within individual parks. PPGIS approaches, such as those utilised in this study, offer opportunities to address this issue and provide evidence to increase equitable UGBS usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services)

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24 pages, 3335 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Seminatural Grasslands: An Emblematic Challenge for Nature Conservation in Protected Areas

by Daniela Gigante, Simone Angelucci, Federica Bonini, Federico Caruso, Valter Di Cecco, Domizia Donnini, Luciano Morbidini, Mariano Pauselli, Bernardo Valenti, Andrea Tassi, Marco Vizzari and Luciano Di Martino

Land 2024, 13(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030386 - 18 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Seminatural grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in Europe and worldwide, mainly due to changes in/abandonment of their traditional extensive use by grazing animals. This study aimed to develop an innovative model that integrates plant biodiversity, animal husbandry, and geo-informatics to manage [...] Read more.

Seminatural grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in Europe and worldwide, mainly due to changes in/abandonment of their traditional extensive use by grazing animals. This study aimed to develop an innovative model that integrates plant biodiversity, animal husbandry, and geo-informatics to manage and preserve seminatural grasslands in protected areas. With this objective, an integrated study was conducted on the seminatural grasslands in the hilly, montane, and (to a minimum extent) subalpine belts of the Maiella National Park, one of Europe’s most biodiversity-rich protected sites. Plant biodiversity was investigated through 141 phytosociological relevés in homogeneous areas; the pastoral value was calculated, and grasslands’ productivity was measured together with the main nutritional parameters. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the main grassland vegetation types, their indicator species and ecological–environmental characteristics, and their pastoral and nutritional values’ variability and differences. A total of 17 grassland types, most of which correspond to habitat types listed in Annex I to the 92/43/EEC Directive, were identified and characterised in terms of their biodiversity and potential animal load. To allow for near-real-time analysis of grasslands, an NDVI-based web interface running on Google Earth Engine was implemented. This integrated approach can provide decision-making support for protected-area managers seeking to develop and implement sustainable grassland management practices that ensure the long-term maintenance of their biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Altitude Grasslands: Biodiversity Conservation, Management, and Habitat Preference)

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22 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Systematic Review on Digital Soil Mapping Approaches in Lowland Areas

by Odunayo David Adeniyi, Hauwa Bature and Michael Mearker

Land 2024, 13(3), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030379 - 17 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3244

Abstract

Digital soil mapping (DSM) around the world is mostly conducted in areas with a certain relief characterized by significant heterogeneities in soil-forming factors. However, lowland areas (e.g., plains, low-relief areas), prevalently used for agricultural purposes, might also show a certain variability in soil [...] Read more.

Digital soil mapping (DSM) around the world is mostly conducted in areas with a certain relief characterized by significant heterogeneities in soil-forming factors. However, lowland areas (e.g., plains, low-relief areas), prevalently used for agricultural purposes, might also show a certain variability in soil characteristics. To assess the spatial distribution of soil properties and classes, accurate soil datasets are a prerequisite to facilitate the effective management of agricultural areas. This systematic review explores the DSM approaches in lowland areas by compiling and analysing published articles from 2008 to mid-2023. A total of 67 relevant articles were identified from Web of Science and Scopus. The study reveals a rising trend in publications, particularly in recent years, indicative of the growing recognition of DSM’s pivotal role in comprehending soil properties in lowland ecosystems. Noteworthy knowledge gaps are identified, emphasizing the need for nuanced exploration of specific environmental variables influencing soil heterogeneity. This review underscores the dominance of agricultural cropland as a focus, reflecting the intricate relationship between soil attributes and agricultural productivity in lowlands. Vegetation-related covariates, relief-related factors, and statistical machine learning models, with random forest at the forefront, emerge prominently. The study concludes by outlining future research directions, highlighting the urgency of understanding the intricacies of lowland soil mapping for improved land management, heightened agricultural productivity, and effective environmental conservation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Soil Mapping, Decision Support Tools and Soil Monitoring Systems in the Mediterranean)

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21 pages, 11576 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sample Size Optimization for Digital Soil Mapping: An Empirical Example

by Daniel D. Saurette, Richard J. Heck, Adam W. Gillespie, Aaron A. Berg and Asim Biswas

Land 2024, 13(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030365 - 14 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2093

Abstract

In the evolving field of digital soil mapping (DSM), the determination of sample size remains a pivotal challenge, particularly for large-scale regional projects. We introduced the Jensen-Shannon Divergence (D_JS), a novel tool recently applied to DSM, to determine optimal sample sizes [...] Read more.

In the evolving field of digital soil mapping (DSM), the determination of sample size remains a pivotal challenge, particularly for large-scale regional projects. We introduced the Jensen-Shannon Divergence (D_JS), a novel tool recently applied to DSM, to determine optimal sample sizes for a 2790 km² area in Ontario, Canada. Utilizing 1791 observations, we generated maps for cation exchange capacity (CEC), clay content, pH, and soil organic carbon (SOC). We then assessed sample sets ranging from 50 to 4000 through conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS), feature space coverage sampling (FSCS), and simple random sampling (SRS) to calibrate random forest models, analyzing performance via concordance correlation coefficient and root mean square error. Findings reveal D_JS as a robust estimator for optimal sample sizes—865 for cLHS, 874 for FSCS, and 869 for SRS, with property-specific optimal sizes indicating the potential for enhanced DSM accuracy. This methodology facilitates a strategic approach to sample size determination, significantly improving the precision of large-scale soil mapping. Conclusively, our research validates the utility of D_JS in DSM, offering a scalable solution. This advancement holds considerable promise for improving soil management and sustainability practices, underpinning the critical role of precise soil data in agricultural productivity and environmental conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Predictive Soil Mapping Contributing to Sustainable Soil Management)

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24 pages, 5821 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Identifying the Climatic and Anthropogenic Impact on Vegetation Surrounding the Natural Springs of the Arava Valley Using Remote Sensing Methods

by Ariel Mordechai Meroz, Avshalom Babad and Noam Levin

Land 2024, 13(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030361 - 12 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1195

Abstract

Natural springs, recognized as biodiversity hotspots and keystone ecosystems, exert positive ecological influences beyond their immediate extent, particularly in dryland environments. The water feeding these springs, largely governed by natural climatic conditions, is susceptible to anthropogenic impacts. The objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Natural springs, recognized as biodiversity hotspots and keystone ecosystems, exert positive ecological influences beyond their immediate extent, particularly in dryland environments. The water feeding these springs, largely governed by natural climatic conditions, is susceptible to anthropogenic impacts. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that cause fluctuations in water availability to springs of the hyper-arid Arava Valley (Israel/Jordan). Using the Standard Precipitation Index, we statistically classified the historical record of yearly rainfall for the past four decades into clusters of dry and wet sub-periods. We assessed changes in vegetation cover around the springs using the Landsat-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for each sub-period. To assess the anthropogenic effects, we examined the correlations between vegetation cover, water extraction from the aquifer, and the status of adjacent agricultural plots that share a hydrological connection with the springs. Our findings revealed fluctuations between wet and dry sub-periods over the last four decades. We observed high responsiveness of vegetation cover around the springs to these fluctuating sub-periods. Of the 25 studied springs, 12 were directly influenced by anthropogenic factors—7 experienced a decline in vegetation, which we attributed to water extraction from the aquifers, while vegetation increase in 5 springs was attributed to water seepage from agricultural areas upstream. In conclusion, addressing vital habitats such as natural springs in arid drylands requires a holistic approach that integrates long-term climatic, ecological, and anthropogenic observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Vulnerability and Habitat Loss II)

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14 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modeling Landscape Influence on Stream Baseflows for Watershed Conservation

by Timothy O. Randhir and Kimberly B. Klosterman

Land 2024, 13(3), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030324 - 3 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1400

Abstract

Instream flows are vital to the ecology of riverine and riparian systems. The influence of watershed characteristics on these systems is helpful in developing landscape policies to maintain these flows. Watershed characteristics like precipitation, forest cover, impervious cover, soil drainage, and slope affect [...] Read more.

Instream flows are vital to the ecology of riverine and riparian systems. The influence of watershed characteristics on these systems is helpful in developing landscape policies to maintain these flows. Watershed characteristics like precipitation, forest cover, impervious cover, soil drainage, and slope affect baseflows. Spatial analysis using GIS and nonlinear regression analysis is used to analyze spatial and temporal information from gauged watersheds in Massachusetts to quantify the relationship between baseflows and watershed metrics. The marginal functions of landscape factors that reflect changes in baseflow are quantified. This information is then applied to watershed policy toward improving base flows. The interactions of three fixed attributes, soil drainage, rainfall incidence, and slope, are analyzed for the manageable landscape attributes of impervious and forest cover. Developing watershed policy to protect baseflows involves evaluating the complex interactions and functional relationships between these landscape factors and their use in watershed conservation planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydro-Sedimentological Modeling for Simulating LULC)

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22 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Counteract Soil Consumption through Ecosystem Services and Landscape Restoration for an Efficient Urban Regeneration

by Celestina Fazia, Kh Md Nahiduzzaman, Baqer Al-Ramadan, Adel Aldosary and Francesca Moraci

Land 2024, 13(3), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030323 - 2 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

Soil consumption, marked by the expansion of artificial land cover for residential, productive, and infrastructural purposes, is a concerning trend in Italy, as revealed by the Copernicus land monitoring program. The issue is exacerbated by agricultural intensification and urbanization, particularly affecting regions like [...] Read more.

Soil consumption, marked by the expansion of artificial land cover for residential, productive, and infrastructural purposes, is a concerning trend in Italy, as revealed by the Copernicus land monitoring program. The issue is exacerbated by agricultural intensification and urbanization, particularly affecting regions like Lombardia and Piemonte. However, Sicilia, Abruzzo, and Lazio experience notable increases in processes of abandonment and re-naturalization. Data from Ispra highlights the need for in-depth study, especially in regions like Sicilia, where contrasting phenomena occur. This study utilizes Ispra data to monitor and formulate strategies for mitigating soil consumption and safeguarding ecosystem services. The research aligns with objectives related to combating climate change and facilitating the ecological transition of territories. The complexity of land consumption, influenced by interdependent factors, is evident in the achieved results. Effective strategies for containment and re-naturalization involve the implementation of town planning regulations and multi-level behavioral pathways. This study aims to identify contextual actions that can reduce land consumption, promote de-impermeabilization, and encourage re-naturalization, focusing on enhancing ecosystem services in land use activities. Thus, it focuses on understanding the contributions of ecosystem services, landscape restoration and green infrastructure on climate mitigation, and a reduction in land consumption in urban regeneration processes. As well, through open-source systems, it is important to monitor in real time the trend of the quantity of factors and variables and the state of the environment, and the reasons to intervene with systemic strategies and actions constitutes another lens of focus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Regeneration: Challenges and Opportunities for the Landscape)

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16 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Inequalities and Injustices of Urban Green Regeneration: Applying the Conflict Analysis Perspective

by Annegret Haase

Land 2024, 13(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030296 - 27 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

Green regeneration has become one of the most powerful strategies for improving the quality of life in cities, supporting climate change adaptation, and reducing the carbon footprints of cities. While it is the ambition of most green regeneration projects to create benefits for [...] Read more.

Green regeneration has become one of the most powerful strategies for improving the quality of life in cities, supporting climate change adaptation, and reducing the carbon footprints of cities. While it is the ambition of most green regeneration projects to create benefits for residents and users, reality shows that green regeneration also reinforces existing or even shapes new ‘green inequalities’. These can result from green gentrification and displacement, procedural injustices, and exclusion from participation or barriers to the access and use of newly created urban green spaces. Set against this background, the paper uses a conflict analysis perspective to look at the inequalities and injustices that evolve within the context of green regeneration. Applying social conflict theory, it seeks to understand (1) why and how green regeneration may lead to inequality and justice conflicts and (2) how conflict analysis helps to understand the nature and implications of green regeneration conflicts in more depth. As for its empirical foundation, the paper reanalyses empirical evidence that was examined in earlier projects on a residential area in the city of Leipzig, Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Spaces: Socioeconomic Challenges)

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23 pages, 10717 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Scenario Analysis of Green Infrastructure to Adapt Medium-Size Cities to Climate Change: The Case of Zaragoza, Spain

by Elie Hanna, María R. Felipe-Lucia and Francisco A. Comín

Land 2024, 13(3), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030280 - 23 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1425

Abstract

Planning a well-structured urban green infrastructure (UGI) is essential for cities to counteract the impacts of climate change. Soil carbon and air temperature differences between open and plant-covered sites were used as proxies of carbon sequestration (CS) and temperature regulation (TR) to evaluate [...] Read more.

Planning a well-structured urban green infrastructure (UGI) is essential for cities to counteract the impacts of climate change. Soil carbon and air temperature differences between open and plant-covered sites were used as proxies of carbon sequestration (CS) and temperature regulation (TR) to evaluate the current conditions of UGI in Zaragoza, a medium-sized city in northeastern Spain. Alternative scenarios were constructed, after a stakeholder consultation, at both city and municipal (city plus peri-urban zone) scales, extrapolating the highest values of CS and TR to two groups of UGI types grouped based on the state of their ecological functioning. We employed analysis of variance to compare mean values of CS and TR across diverse scenarios at both city and municipality scales. Statistically significant differences were found in city-scale and municipality-scale scenarios for both CS and TR. Multiplying CS by area did not show significant variation in city scale. Significant differences were found when multiplying TR by area at both scales, with exceptions in certain scenario combinations. These results suggest favoring the restoration of UGI sites in peri-urban zones (such as forests and steppe zones) to increase CS and those in densely urbanized zones (such as urban parks) to provide TR benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Spaces: An Effective Tool to Regulate Urban Climate and Biodiversity)

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24 pages, 5300 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Land Use Carbon Emissions or Sink: Research Characteristics, Hotspots and Future Perspectives

by Lina Liu, Jiansheng Qu, Feng Gao, Tek Narayan Maraseni, Shaojian Wang, Suman Aryal, Zhenhua Zhang and Rong Wu

Land 2024, 13(3), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030279 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3214

Abstract

The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector, as a source and a sink of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is critical for achieving carbon neutrality. Many academic journals have published papers on land use carbon emission or sink (LUCES), but LUCES reviews [...] Read more.

The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector, as a source and a sink of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is critical for achieving carbon neutrality. Many academic journals have published papers on land use carbon emission or sink (LUCES), but LUCES reviews are relatively rare, which poses great challenges in accurately understanding the research progress and future prospects. This work analyzes the research characteristics, hotspots and future perspectives of LUCES research by using a bibliometric analysis (such as DDA, VOSviewer, CiteSpace software) and a review based on the data (6115 scientific papers) during 1991–2023 from the Web of Science (WoS) platform. We found that (1) over the past 33 years, it first presented a steady growth, then fluctuating growth, and finally a rapid growth trend in the yearly number of publications in LUCES research. The USA (17.31%), China (14.96%), and the UK (7.37%) occupy a dominant position in this research field. (2) The related LUCES research is interdisciplinary, which mainly cover science and technology, meteorology and atmospheric sciences, geology, and environmental sciences and ecology disciplines. (3) The research hotspot analysis on LUCES shows that these articles mostly covered the follow three aspects: ecosystem services, climate change, and carbon neutrality. (4) A review of the past LUCES literature suggests that it is mainly focused on exploring the forefront issues in terms of the definition and boundaries, evaluation method and influencing factors, etc. This work suggests that further research could explore the main scientific problems on quantification of land-based carbon neutrality, quantitative analysis of the impact mechanisms, as well as interdisciplinary research and collaborative governance needed for carbon neutrality. Full article

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23 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integration of Climate Change Strategies into Policy and Planning for Regional Development: A Case Study of Greece

by Stavros Kalogiannidis, Dimitrios Kalfas, Olympia Papaevangelou, Fotios Chatzitheodoridis, Katerina-Navsika Katsetsiadou and Efthymios Lekkas

Land 2024, 13(3), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030268 - 21 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3111

Abstract

Climate change presents a pressing challenge to regional development, impacting economies, environments, and societies across the globe. Europe, with its diverse regions and commitment to sustainability, serves as a unique case study for exploring the integration of climate change strategies into regional policy [...] Read more.

Climate change presents a pressing challenge to regional development, impacting economies, environments, and societies across the globe. Europe, with its diverse regions and commitment to sustainability, serves as a unique case study for exploring the integration of climate change strategies into regional policy and planning. The purpose of this study is to analyze the integration of climate change strategies into policy and planning for regional development in Europe, especially in Greece. Data was collected from 270 environmental experts across Greece using a questionnaire. The results highlight the significance of regional economic growth (gross regional product), infrastructure quality, educational attainment, and a conducive business environment as key measures of regional development. Opportunities arising from climate change strategy integration are explored, revealing economic benefits, environmental opportunities, social enhancements, and technological advancements. These opportunities not only mitigate climate change’s adverse impacts but also foster innovation, economic growth, and community resilience. Successful integration can position regions as global leaders in sustainability and innovation. Correlation and regression analyses reveal that opportunities for integration and common climate change strategies positively influence regional development, while barriers exhibit a counterintuitive positive relationship. However, several barriers hinder integration efforts, including institutional fragmentation, resource constraints, conflicting political and economic priorities, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between climate change, policy integration, and regional development in Greece. It supports the potential for regions to drive sustainability and innovation while navigating the challenges of climate change, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and prosperous future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Local and Regional Planning for Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 50514 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Soil Loss Estimation by Water Erosion in Agricultural Areas Introducing Artificial Intelligence Geospatial Layers into the RUSLE Model

by Nikiforos Samarinas, Nikolaos L. Tsakiridis, Eleni Kalopesa and George C. Zalidis

Land 2024, 13(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020174 - 1 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3229

Abstract

The existing digital soil maps are mainly characterized by coarse spatial resolution and are not up to date; thus, they are unable to support the physical process-based models for improved predictions. The overarching objective of this work is oriented toward a data-driven approach [...] Read more.

The existing digital soil maps are mainly characterized by coarse spatial resolution and are not up to date; thus, they are unable to support the physical process-based models for improved predictions. The overarching objective of this work is oriented toward a data-driven approach and datacube-based tools (Soil Data Cube), leveraging Sentinel-2 imagery data, open access databases, ground truth soil data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) architectures to provide enhanced geospatial layers into the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, improving both the reliability and the spatial resolution of the final map. The proposed methodology was implemented in the agricultural area of the Imathia Regional Unit (northern Greece), which consists of both mountainous areas and lowlands. Enhanced soil maps of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and soil texture were generated at 10 m resolution through a time-series analysis of satellite data and an XGBoost (eXtrene Gradinent Boosting) model. The model was trained by 84 ground truth soil samples (collected from agricultural fields) taking into account also additional environmental covariates (including the digital elevation model and climatic data) and following a Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) approach. The enhanced layers were introduced into the RUSLE’s soil erodibility factor (K-factor), producing a soil erosion layer with high spatial resolution. Notable prediction accuracy was achieved by the AI model with

R^{2}

0.61 for SOC and 0.73, 0.67 and 0.63 for clay, sand, and silt, respectively. The average annual soil loss of the unit was found to be 1.76 ton/ha/yr with 6% of the total agricultural area suffering from severe erosion (>11 ton/ha/yr), which was mainly found in the mountainous border regions, showing the strong influence of the mountains in the agricultural fields. The overall methodology could strongly support regional decision making and planning and environmental policies such as the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Change in Mediterranean Regions: Potential Impact of Climate Drift and Land Use on Soil Erosion and Land Degradation)

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26 pages, 38536 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integrating Landscape Character Assessment with Community Values in a Scenic Evaluation Methodology for Regional Landscape Planning

by Ata Tara, Gillian Lawson, Wendy Davies, Alan Chenoweth and Georgina Pratten

Land 2024, 13(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020169 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2088

Abstract

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) method from the UK has proven effective in identifying landscape values and characteristics through a comprehensive mapping process. However, it is predominantly expert-led and lacks an evaluation of scenery, hindering the inclusion of the broader community’s preferences and [...] Read more.

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) method from the UK has proven effective in identifying landscape values and characteristics through a comprehensive mapping process. However, it is predominantly expert-led and lacks an evaluation of scenery, hindering the inclusion of the broader community’s preferences and visual attachment to their landscape. In Australia, the application of the Scenic Amenity Methodology (SAM) using Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping has engaged communities but has often overlooked the importance of landscape character. To overcome these limitations, this study presents an innovative scenic assessment methodology, referred to as modified Scenic Amenity Methodology (modified SAM). The methodology establishes landscape character types (LCTs) to map scenic preference ratings derived from community photo surveys. Simultaneously, it incorporates the visual exposure of the landscape from publicly accessible viewpoints, modelled using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The combination of scenic preferences and visual exposure enables mapping of the scenic amenity values held by the community. This methodology was first trialled in Bundaberg, then Cairns, the Whitsunday Islands, and, most recently, Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia. This paper presents the results of the Toowoomba study and reports on the challenges and limitations of informing landscape character type (LCT) values through a public photo survey, developing a scenic preference map from ratings of photos across a region, a map of the visual exposure of landscape elements from key public viewing locations, and, ultimately, a map of scenic amenity values across the Toowoomba Region. It indicates that integrating previous LCA approaches with public participation through community preferences is indeed feasible for regional landscape planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Landscape Visual Quality Assessment in the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration)

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21 pages, 7042 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhancing Sustainability and Yield in Maritime Pine Forests: Evaluating Silvicultural Models for Natural Regeneration

by André Sandim, Maria Emília Silva, Paulo Fernandes and Teresa Fonseca

Land 2024, 13(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020170 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

The maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) forest is an essential element of the Portuguese forest landscape due to its social, economic, and environmental importance. The sustainability of these forests in the Mediterranean region faces challenges due to recurrent forest fires and the [...] Read more.

The maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) forest is an essential element of the Portuguese forest landscape due to its social, economic, and environmental importance. The sustainability of these forests in the Mediterranean region faces challenges due to recurrent forest fires and the absence of or delayed management. The species has a high capacity for regeneration, but the perpetuation of pine forests in sustainable conditions depends on adequate management to achieve high biomass production and assure fire resilience. This study aimed to analyse four management scenarios (C1 to C4) for the natural regeneration of maritime pine in six areas with stand ages ranging from 6 to 16 years and densities varying from 15,000 to circa 93,000 trees per ha. The same four scenarios were implemented in each of the six areas. The scenarios considered the evolution of forest growth according to different management prescriptions and were simulated using Modispinaster and PiroPinus models. Scenario C1 considered no intervention, with only the final cut. Scenario C2 considered a thinning schedule to maintain the stand within the 50–60% range of the Stand Density Index (SDI). Scenario C3 followed the area’s Forest Management Plan (PGF), which typically includes two or three thinning operations throughout the cycle. Scenario C4 was adapted from the MS1 silvicultural model of the National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests—ICNF, which involves opening strips at earlier ages (3 and 6 years), with the selection of trees to remain in the wooded area carried out between 4 and 10 years of age and performing thinning whenever the Wilson Spacing Factor (FW) reaches 0.21. The final cutting age was assumed to be 45 years but could be lowered to 35 years in Scenario 3 if defined in the plan. Based on the indicators generated by the simulators, the results showed variations in the total volume of timber produced at the time of harvest depending on the silvicultural guidelines. Scenario C4 was the most effective in generating the highest individual tree volume at the end of the cycle and the total volume of timber collected throughout the cycle. The ability of the forest to resist fire was evaluated before and after the first treatment for density reduction. The treatments performed did not decrease the resistance to fire control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystems: Protection and Restoration II)

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19 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Key Drivers of Land Use Changes in the Rural Area of Gargano (South Italy) and Their Implications for the Local Sustainable Development

by Nazgul Esengulova, Pasquale Balena, Caterina De Lucia, Antonio Lopolito and Pasquale Pazienza

Land 2024, 13(2), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020166 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2329

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of land use and land cover change (LULCC) in the Gargano area (Southern Italy) to reveal crucial insights into the socio-economic and environmental impacts on its unique natural and cultural resources. This analysis was conducted using a mixed [...] Read more.

This study examines the dynamics of land use and land cover change (LULCC) in the Gargano area (Southern Italy) to reveal crucial insights into the socio-economic and environmental impacts on its unique natural and cultural resources. This analysis was conducted using a mixed approach of GIS data and expert interviews to investigate significant changes in the Gargano area, from 2000 to 2018, and their drivers. Artificial surfaces gained 22% of their original surfaces, while heterogeneous areas and pastures lost 25% and 78%, respectively. Urbanization and deforestation emerged as major concerns, reflecting heightened sensitivity to these transformative processes. Agricultural intensification and support policies were perceived as potential pressure sources on specific natural components. Conversely, these drivers counteracted land abandonment. Drivers such as education level and agricultural extensification were seen as levers for a more desirable land cover dynamic. Identified actions include providing targeted support for agriculture within environmental constraints, addressing land ownership fragmentation, supporting agricultural extensification, and promoting environmental awareness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Scenarios of Land Use and Land Cover Change)

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20 pages, 11957 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Study of Regional Spatial and Temporal Changes of Net Ecosystem Productivity of Crops from Remotely Sensed Data

by Peng Wang, Yong Xue, Zhigang Yan, Wenping Yin, Botao He and Pei Li

Land 2024, 13(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020155 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1302

Abstract

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is a crucial indicator of the carbon balance and health of an ecosystem. Until now, few studies have estimated the NEP of crops and analyzed it in space and time. The study of NEP in crops is crucial for [...] Read more.

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is a crucial indicator of the carbon balance and health of an ecosystem. Until now, few studies have estimated the NEP of crops and analyzed it in space and time. The study of NEP in crops is crucial for comprehending the carbon cycle of agroecosystems and determining the status of carbon sources and sinks in farmland at the regional scale. In this study, we calculated the net primary productivity (NPP) and NEP of agricultural crops in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2001 to 2022 by using remote sensing data, land cover data and meteorological data. The modified Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model was employed to estimate the NPP, and the soil heterotrophic respiration model was used to calculate the soil heterotrophic respiration (R_h). Then, the availability of the NPP was evaluated. On this basis, the NEP was obtained by calculating the difference between the NPP and R_h. We explored the spatial and temporal changes in the NEP of crops and analyzed the correlation between the NEP and crop cultivation activities and climatic factors under the context of agricultural production information using the NEP datasets of agricultural crops. The study indicated that (1) the NEP of crops in Jiangsu Province showed a north-to-south pattern, being higher in the north and lower in the south. Over the course of 22 years, the average NEP of the crops in Jiangsu Province stands at 163.4 gC/m², highlighting a positive carbon sink performance. Nonetheless, up to 88.04% of the crops exhibited declining NEP trends. (2) The monthly fluctuations in the NEP of crops in Jiangsu Province exhibited a bimodal pattern, with peaks occurring during spring and summer. The changes in the NEP of the crops were significantly associated with various agricultural production activities. (3) Significant regional differences were observed in the NEP of the crop response to temperature and precipitation, both of which directly impacted the annual performance of the NEP. This study could serve as a reference for research on the carbon cycle in agriculture and the development of policies aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sinks in local farmland. Full article

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25 pages, 4304 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Predicting Soil Properties for Agricultural Land in the Caucasus Mountains Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy

by Elton Mammadov, Michael Denk, Amrakh I. Mamedov and Cornelia Glaesser

Land 2024, 13(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020154 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1511

Abstract

Visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy are increasingly being used for the fast determination of soil properties. The aim of this study was (i) to test the use of MIR spectra (Agilent 4300 FTIR Handheld spectrometer) for the prediction of soil properties [...] Read more.

Visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy are increasingly being used for the fast determination of soil properties. The aim of this study was (i) to test the use of MIR spectra (Agilent 4300 FTIR Handheld spectrometer) for the prediction of soil properties and (ii) to compare the prediction performances of MIR spectra and Vis-NIR (ASD FieldSpecPro) spectra; the Vis-NIR data were adopted from a previous study. Both the MIR and Vis-NIR spectra were coupled with partial least squares regression, different pre-processing techniques, and the same 114 soil samples, collected from the agricultural land located between boreal forests and semi-arid steppe belts (Kastanozems). The prediction accuracy (R² = 0.70–0.99) of both techniques was similar for most of the soil properties assessed. However, (i) the MIR spectra were superior for estimating CaCO₃, pH, SOC, sand, Ca, Mg, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Pb. (ii) The Vis-NIR spectra provided better results for silt, clay, and K, and (iii) the hygroscopic water content, Cu, P, and Zn were poorly predicted by both methods. The importance of the applied pre-processing techniques was evident, and among others, the first derivative spectra produced more reliable predictions for 11 of the 17 soil properties analyzed. The spectrally active CaCO₃ had a dominant contribution in the MIR predictions of spectrally inactive soil properties, followed by SOC and Fe, whereas particle sizes and hygroscopic water content appeared as confounding factors. The estimation of spectrally inactive soil properties was carried out by considering their secondary correlation with carbonates, clay minerals, and organic matter. The soil information covered by the MIR spectra was more meaningful than that covered by the Vis-NIR spectra, while both displayed similar capturing mechanisms. Both the MIR and Vis-NIR spectra seized the same soil information, which may appear as a limiting factor for combining both spectral ranges. The interpretation of MIR spectra allowed us to differentiate non-carbonated and carbonated samples corresponding to carbonate leaching and accumulation zones associated with topography and land use. The prediction capability of the MIR spectra and the content of nutrient elements was highly related to soil-forming factors in the study area, which highlights the importance of local (site-specific) prediction models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soils for the Future)

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25 pages, 7367 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Policy Evaluation and Monitoring of Agricultural Expansion in Forests in Myanmar: An Integrated Approach of Remote Sensing Techniques and Social Surveys

by Su Mon San, Navneet Kumar, Lisa Biber-Freudenberger and Christine B. Schmitt

Land 2024, 13(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020150 - 27 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Agricultural expansion is the main driver of deforestation in Myanmar. We analyzed the effectiveness of a national policy intervention on agricultural encroachment in state forests in Taungoo District in Myanmar from 2010 to 2020. The policy aims to stop agricultural encroachment and reforest [...] Read more.

Agricultural expansion is the main driver of deforestation in Myanmar. We analyzed the effectiveness of a national policy intervention on agricultural encroachment in state forests in Taungoo District in Myanmar from 2010 to 2020. The policy aims to stop agricultural encroachment and reforest encroached areas through farmers’ participation in an agroforestry community forestry. We applied an integrated approach that involved a land cover change analysis together with a household survey about encroachment behavior. The remote sensing analysis for the years 2010, 2015 and 2020 showed the land cover change pattern and an increase in agricultural encroachment from 9.5% to 18.5%, while forests declined from 62.8% to 51.9%. The survey showed that most farmers (91%) believed that the policy intervention did not lead to a change in their encroachment behavior or farm size. The main reasons that incentivized encroachment were stated to be livelihood needs, immigration due to marriage and increased accessibility due to road construction. The main reason for reducing encroachment was plantation establishment, leading to a loss of land for encroaching farmers. In conclusion, the integrated approach showed that the policy intervention did not decrease encroachment, whereas other factors influenced encroachment behavior. We recommend solving interministerial conflicts of interest related to encroachment in Myanmar and using an integrated approach for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forests in the Landscape: Threats and Opportunities)

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16 pages, 5053 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Proofing Cities by Navigating Nature-Based Solutions in a Multi-Scale, Social–Ecological Urban Planning Context: A Case Study of Flood Protection in the City of Gothenburg, Sweden

by Colin Hultgren Egegård, Maja Lindborg, Åsa Gren, Lars Marcus, Meta Berghauser Pont and Johan Colding

Land 2024, 13(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020143 - 26 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2459

Abstract

Due to unsustainable land management and climate change, floods have become more frequent and severe over the past few decades and the problem is exacerbated in urban environments. In the context of climate-proofing cities, the importance of nature-based solutions (NBSs), obtaining relevant outcomes [...] Read more.

Due to unsustainable land management and climate change, floods have become more frequent and severe over the past few decades and the problem is exacerbated in urban environments. In the context of climate-proofing cities, the importance of nature-based solutions (NBSs), obtaining relevant outcomes in the form of ecosystem services, has been highlighted. Although the role of ecosystem services in building resilience against negative climate change effects is widely recognized and there is an identified need to better integrate ecosystem services into urban planning and design, this has proven difficult to operationalize. A critical limitation is that modeling is a time-consuming and costly exercise. The purpose is to roughly estimate the ecosystem service of water run-off mitigation through simplified, cost-effective, and user-friendly modelling at three nested biophysical scales, under four climate change scenarios. Using the Swedish city of Gothenburg as an example, we propose an approach for navigating NBS-oriented flooding adaptation strategies, by quantifying the ecosystem service of water run-off mitigation at three nested biophysical scales, under four climate change scenarios, hence, proposing an approach for how to navigate nature-based solutions in a multi-scale, social–ecological urban planning context against present and future flooding events. Our findings validate the effectiveness of employing an ecosystem service approach to better comprehend the significant climate change issue of flooding through user-friendly and cost-efficient modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Spaces: An Effective Tool to Regulate Urban Climate and Biodiversity)

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30 pages, 5004 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Vegetation Structure and Timber Harvesting on Ground Beetle (Col.: Carabidae) and Arachnid Communities (Arach.: Araneae, Opiliones) in Short-Rotation Coppices

by Jessika Konrad, Ralph Platen and Michael Glemnitz

Land 2024, 13(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020145 - 26 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1335

Abstract

Landscape complexity is a crucial factor for insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. Short-rotation coppices (SRCs) are characterised by high habitat heterogeneity. The impact of vegetation structure on the composition and diversity of ground beetle and arachnid communities was therefore investigated in four SRCs [...] Read more.

Landscape complexity is a crucial factor for insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. Short-rotation coppices (SRCs) are characterised by high habitat heterogeneity. The impact of vegetation structure on the composition and diversity of ground beetle and arachnid communities was therefore investigated in four SRCs and six reference plots. The study site was located in Hesse, Germany. The invertebrates were surveyed from 2011 to 2014 using pitfall traps, and the vegetation structure was quantified by estimating the percentage cover of 10 structural variables. The impact of the selected structural variables on community composition was analysed during grove growth as well as after a timber harvest. We found correlations between the cover percentages of structural variables and the quantitative and qualitative species composition in both animal groups (p ≤ 0.05). The share of individuals of forest species increased with rising shading and litter cover, while those of open land decreased. The opposite trends were found the year after the timber harvest. The SRCs showed a higher structural diversity compared to the reference biotopes (p ≤ 0.05). This was positively correlated (p ≤ 0.001) with species diversity and the variety of habitat preference groups in both animal groups. The high diversity within the habitat preference groups indicated a functional redundancy among species for both animal groups and, consequently, a high level of resilience within these communities. Little is known about the functional aspects of ground beetles and spiders in ecosystems, and detailed studies are urgently needed. We conclude that SRCs can contribute to the diversification of agricultural landscapes as an alternative to traditional crop cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land Consolidation and Land Ecology)

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29 pages, 5124 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Vulnerability of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants to Climate and Land-Use Changes in a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot

by Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Maria Tsakiri, Ioannis P. Kokkoris, Panayiotis Trigas, Gregoris Iatrou, Fotini N. Lamari, Dimitris Tzanoudakis, Eleni Koumoutsou, Panayotis Dimopoulos, Arne Strid and Maria Panitsa

Land 2024, 13(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020133 - 24 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2718

Abstract

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) play a critical role in providing ecosystem services through their provision of herbal remedies, food and natural skin care products, their integration into local economies, and maintaining pollinators’ diversity and populations and ecosystem functioning. Mountainous regions, such as [...] Read more.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) play a critical role in providing ecosystem services through their provision of herbal remedies, food and natural skin care products, their integration into local economies, and maintaining pollinators’ diversity and populations and ecosystem functioning. Mountainous regions, such as Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park (CVNP), represent unique reservoirs of endemic MAP diversity that require conservation prioritisation. This study aims to provide insights into the sustainable management of MAPs, contributing to efforts to protect Mediterranean biodiversity amid the dual challenges of climate and land-use change, using a suite of macroecological modelling techniques. Following a Species Distribution Modelling framework, we investigated the vulnerability of endemic and non-endemic MAPs to climate and land-use changes. We examined the potential shifts in MAP diversity, distribution, and conservation hotspots within the CVNP. Our results revealed species-specific responses, with endemic taxa facing severe range contractions and non-endemic taxa initially expanding but eventually declining, particularly under land-use change scenarios. Local biodiversity hotspots are projected to shift altitudinally, with considerable area losses in the coming decades and elevated species turnover predicted throughout the CVNP, leading to biotic homogenization. Climate and land-use changes jointly threaten MAP diversity, calling for adaptive conservation strategies, thus highlighting the importance of proactive measures, such as awareness raising, establishing plant micro-reserves, assisted translocation, and promoting sustainable harvesting to protect these species within the CVNP. Our study offers vital insights for managing biodiversity hotspots amid global change pressures, stressing the need to integrate ecological and socioeconomic factors. Full article

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18 pages, 3167 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Proposed Typology of Farming Systems for Assessing Sustainable Livelihood Development Pathways in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

by Azamat Azarov, Roy C. Sidle, Dietrich Darr, Vladimir Verner and Zbynek Polesny

Land 2024, 13(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020126 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1468

Abstract

In Kyrgyzstan, most farming systems focus on animal husbandry, which depends on mixtures of crops and pastures around settlements and higher-elevation summer pastures. These farms face the problems of insufficient fodder production and pasture degradation due to overgrazing, resulting in low productivity of [...] Read more.

In Kyrgyzstan, most farming systems focus on animal husbandry, which depends on mixtures of crops and pastures around settlements and higher-elevation summer pastures. These farms face the problems of insufficient fodder production and pasture degradation due to overgrazing, resulting in low productivity of livestock and reduced household incomes. The spatial diversity of farms often hampers the development of interventions aimed at improving crop and animal productivity, as well as sustainable grassland management, while the absence of a comprehensive and systematic classification system that effectively encompasses the diverse range of livelihood strategies within farming systems presents a significant obstacle to the advancement of initiatives promoting sustainable livelihoods. This study aimed to develop a consistent typology of smallholder farms in the Tien Shan using multivariate analysis. By analyzing data from 235 farm-households and evaluating key classification variables, we identified two distinct farming systems, upper mountain farms and lower mountain farms, based on socioeconomic and agro-ecological characteristics. Our typology considers elevation, grazing period, cultivated area, and off-farm income and better captures the diversity of farming activities and household income compared to current classification models. These findings will inform and tailor policies and interventions suitable for enhancing sustainable livelihoods in Kyrgyzstan’s mountain farming systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grassland Ecosystem Services: Research Advances and Future Directions for Sustainability II)

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16 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Proposed Methodology for Determining the Economically Optimal Number of Sample Points for Carbon Stock Estimation in the Canadian Prairies

by Preston Thomas Sorenson, Jeremy Kiss and Angela Bedard-Haughn

Land 2024, 13(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010114 - 20 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1278

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration assessment requires accurate and effective tools for measuring baseline SOC stocks. An emerging technique for estimating baseline SOC stocks is predictive soil mapping (PSM). A key challenge for PSM is determining sampling density requirements, specifically, determining the economically [...] Read more.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration assessment requires accurate and effective tools for measuring baseline SOC stocks. An emerging technique for estimating baseline SOC stocks is predictive soil mapping (PSM). A key challenge for PSM is determining sampling density requirements, specifically, determining the economically optimal number of samples for predictive soil mapping for SOC stocks. In an attempt to answer this question, data were used from 3861 soil organic carbon samples collected as part of routine agronomic soil testing from a 4702 ha farming operation in Saskatchewan, Canada. A predictive soil map was built using all the soil data to calculate the total carbon stock for the entire study area. The dataset was then subset using conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS), both conventional and stratified by slope position, to determine the total carbon stocks with the following sampling densities (points per ha): 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8. A nonlinear error function was then fit to the data, and the optimal number of samples was determined based on the number of samples that minimized soil data costs and the value of the soil carbon stock prediction error. The stratified cLHS required fewer samples to achieve the same level of accuracy compared to conventional cLHS, and the optimal number of samples was more sensitive to carbon price than sampling costs. Overall, the optimal sampling density ranged from 0.025 to 0.075 samples per hectare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Innovations – Data and Machine Learning)

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20 pages, 6625 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Geospatial Decision Support System for Supporting the Assessment of Land Degradation in Europe

by Piero Manna, Antonietta Agrillo, Marialaura Bancheri, Marco Di Leginio, Giuliano Ferraro, Giuliano Langella, Florindo Antonio Mileti, Nicola Riitano and Michele Munafò

Land 2024, 13(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010089 - 12 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Nowadays, Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is on the political agenda as one of the main objectives in order to respond to the increasing degradation processes affecting soils and territories. Nevertheless, proper implementation of environmental policies is very difficult due to a lack of [...] Read more.

Nowadays, Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is on the political agenda as one of the main objectives in order to respond to the increasing degradation processes affecting soils and territories. Nevertheless, proper implementation of environmental policies is very difficult due to a lack of the operational, reliable and easily usable tools necessary to support political decisions when identifying problems, defining the causes of degradation and helping to find possible solutions. It is within this framework that this paper attempts to demonstrate a new valuable web-based operational LDN tool as a component of an already running Spatial Decision Support System (S-DSS) developed on a Geospatial Cyberinfrastructure (GCI). The tool could be offered to EU administrative units (e.g., municipalities) so that they may better evaluate the state and the impact of land degradation in their territories. The S-DSS supports the acquisition, management and processing of both static and dynamic data, together with data visualization and on-the-fly computing, in order to perform modelling, all of which is potentially accessible via the Web. The land degradation data utilized to develop the LDN tool refer to the SDG 15.3.1 indicator and were obtained from a platform named Trends.Earth, designed to monitor land change by using earth observations, and post-processed to correct some of the major artefacts relating to urban areas. The tool is designed to support land planning and management by producing data, statistics, reports and maps for any EU area of interest. The tool will be demonstrated through a short selection of practical case studies, where data, tables and stats are provided to challenge land degradation at different spatial extents. Currently, there are WEBGIS systems to visualize land degradation maps but—to our knowledge—this is the first S-DSS tool enabling customized LDN reporting at any NUTS (nomenclature of territorial units for statistics) level for the entire EU territory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)

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24 pages, 25057 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Participatory Design of Urban Green Spaces to Improve Residents’ Health

by Bram Oosterbroek, Joop de Kraker, Sandra Akkermans, Paola Esser and Pim Martens

Land 2024, 13(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010088 - 11 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3307

Abstract

Urban green space (UGS) has important impacts on human health, but an integrated participatory approach to UGS design for improved residents’ health has been lacking to date. The aim of our study was to develop and evaluate such a novel approach to address [...] Read more.

Urban green space (UGS) has important impacts on human health, but an integrated participatory approach to UGS design for improved residents’ health has been lacking to date. The aim of our study was to develop and evaluate such a novel approach to address this gap. The approach was developed following guiding principles from the literature and tested with groups of children and elderly as participants in two neighborhoods of Maastricht (The Netherlands) with a low score in economic and health indicators. The novel aspects of the approach are the inclusion of both positive and negative health effects, the combination of resident self-assessment and model-based assessment of the health effects of UGS designs, and the use of maps to visualize UGS designs and health effects. The participant-generated UGS designs resulted in a considerable (up to fourfold) self-assessed increase in the use of the UGSs for meeting, stress reduction, and leisure-based physical activity as compared to the current situation. The model-assessed positive and negative health effects of the participant-generated UGS designs were limited: heat stress slightly decreased (by 0.1 °C), active transport slightly increased (by 30 m per day), and the perceived unsafety slightly increased (8%). The effects on unattractive views, air pollution, tick bite risk, and traffic unsafety were negligible. The major strength of this approach is that it combines active participation of residents in UGS (re)design with assessment of the health effects of these UGS designs. While in other participatory approaches to UGS design, it often remains unclear whether the resulting designs represent an improvement in terms of health, our combination of computer model-based assessment and a participatory process produced clear outcomes regarding the health benefits and use of UGS designs. A major recommendation for improvement is to involve decision makers already in the initial steps of the approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Greenspace Planning, Design and Management)

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23 pages, 16271 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Heat Island and Reduced Habitat Complexity Explain Spider Community Composition by Excluding Large and Heat-Sensitive Species

by Valentin Cabon, Hervé Quénol, Vincent Dubreuil, Aurélien Ridel and Benjamin Bergerot

Land 2024, 13(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010083 - 11 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2263

Abstract

Along with worldwide urbanization, upheavals in habitat and temperature are major threats for biodiversity. However, due to their interdependence, their relative roles as drivers of animal community composition remain entangled. Here, we investigated how taxonomic and functional compositions of arthropod communities were related [...] Read more.

Along with worldwide urbanization, upheavals in habitat and temperature are major threats for biodiversity. However, due to their interdependence, their relative roles as drivers of animal community composition remain entangled. Here, we investigated how taxonomic and functional compositions of arthropod communities were related to uncorrelated habitat and temperature gradients, and compared landscape (i.e., urbanization, Urban Heat Island (UHI)) to local variables (i.e., vegetation height and cover, near-ground temperature). We sampled 20,499 spiders (137 species) on 36 grasslands in Rennes (northwestern France). Unlike rural areas, urban sites were characterized by short vegetation and intense UHI, hosted species-poor communities, and were composed of small thermophilic species. UHI intensification and local loss of habitat complexity (short and dense vegetation) were associated with declining large and heat-sensitive species. These results highlight the prevalent role of urban warming, rather than land cover change, as an urban filter. Further, we show that landscape-scale UHI, not local temperature, filters species according to their functional attributes. UHI can therefore be considered as a thermal barrier, filtering species according to their physiological capacity to cope with urban thermal conditions. Finally, to counterbalance biotic homogenization, we argue for the importance of implementing complex habitat structures at the local scale within urban green infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Spaces: An Effective Tool to Regulate Urban Climate and Biodiversity)

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17 pages, 2089 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Research on the Spatial Disparities and Convergence of Guangdong’s Urban Economy Based on Industrial Agglomeration and Industrial Proximity

by Xiaojin Huang, Renzhong Guo, Weixi Wang, Xiaoming Li and Yong Fan

Land 2024, 13(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010073 - 8 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1564

Abstract

Understanding the spatial differences and evolutionary characteristics of urban economy and exploring the impact of industrial agglomeration and industrial proximity on urban economic convergence are the bases for scientifically formulating policies for coordinated regional economic development. This study used QGIS 3.10.10 software and [...] Read more.

Understanding the spatial differences and evolutionary characteristics of urban economy and exploring the impact of industrial agglomeration and industrial proximity on urban economic convergence are the bases for scientifically formulating policies for coordinated regional economic development. This study used QGIS 3.10.10 software and the Theil index to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and regional disparities of urban economy. Then, a spatial econometric model was constructed to analyze the convergence and influencing factors of Guangdong’s urban economy. The results indicate that from 2006 to 2020, Guangdong’s urban economy grew rapidly and the degree of economic agglomeration gradually weakened, but its economic pattern always maintained the “Core-Edge” structural feature. The interval disparities between the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration (PRD) and the edge area have always been greater than the intra-regional disparities, so they are main source of disparities in Guangdong. In Guangdong’s urban economy, σ-convergence and β-convergence coexist. The conditional β-convergence rate is 0.96~1.53%, and the half-life cycle is 45.4~72.36 years. Compared to the PRD, the economic disparities in the edge area are smaller but the convergence speed is faster and the half-life cycle is shorter. Both industrial agglomeration and industrial proximity have a significant impact on the economic convergence of Guangdong’s cities. Among them, industrial agglomeration has a positive impact, while industrial proximity has a negative impact. There is spatial heterogeneity in the impact of industries on economic development. Industrial agglomeration has a positive impact on the overall economic development of Guangdong, but it is not significant within the regions. Industrial proximity has significant negative externalities in the PRD region, and its impact is not significant in the edge area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for 'Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues' Section)

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16 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism Operators, Trail Experience and Land Use Management in British Columbia’s Backcountry

by Courtney W. Mason and Pate Neumann

Land 2024, 13(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010069 - 7 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

Climate change, natural resource industries, and an expanding outdoor tourism sector have recently increased access to sensitive backcountry environments in Western Canada. Trail managers are struggling to manage trail conditions with the mounting effects of smoke, dust, fire, flood, area closures, and beetle [...] Read more.

Climate change, natural resource industries, and an expanding outdoor tourism sector have recently increased access to sensitive backcountry environments in Western Canada. Trail managers are struggling to manage trail conditions with the mounting effects of smoke, dust, fire, flood, area closures, and beetle outbreaks in their regions. Outdoor recreation trail managers are linking these events and are thinking critically about the history and interconnectedness of land use management decisions in the province of British Columbia (BC). As the effects of climate change continue to challenge both trail managers and sport recreationists, guides and trail associations have been identified as key education facilitators in the development and dissemination of environmental consciousness. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, this study used personal interviews with trail managers across the province to highlight how a connection with local ecosystems can develop a more robust land ethic for recreational trail user communities in BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change on Human Wellbeing and Cultural Ecosystem Services)

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23 pages, 8381 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Forest Tales? Unravelling Divergent Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC) Maps and State Narratives in Vietnam’s Northern Uplands

by Thinh An Nguyen, Hung Le, Patrick Slack, Margaret Kalacska and Sarah Turner

Land 2024, 13(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010071 - 7 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2142

Abstract

The Vietnamese state has advocated for the sedentarization and market integration of upland northern farmers over the past thirty years, leading to both agrarian and forest transitions. This article presents a comprehensive land use and land cover change (LULCC) analysis of two adjacent [...] Read more.

The Vietnamese state has advocated for the sedentarization and market integration of upland northern farmers over the past thirty years, leading to both agrarian and forest transitions. This article presents a comprehensive land use and land cover change (LULCC) analysis of two adjacent upland borderland districts, Phong Thổ and Bát Xát, in northern Vietnam, spanning two neighboring inland provinces, Lai Châu and Lào Cai. These districts are primarily home to ethnic minority farmers who are encouraged by Vietnamese state officials to not only protect forests but to also transition toward cash crop cultivation from less intensive semi-subsistence agriculture. Our LULCC maps, covering the period from 1990 to 2020, revealed a reduction in the speed by which closed-canopy forests were disappearing. During interviews, state officials were confident that this was due to a range of state policies and state-sponsored initiatives, including the promotion of tree crops and payments for forest environmental services. Our own fieldwork in the region suggests other factors are also supporting this decline in deforestation rates, rooted in ethnic minority farmer livelihood decision making. Some state officials were also able to point to factors hindering a more positive result regarding forest cover, including population pressure and new infrastructure. Interestingly, despite our positive findings on Land use and land cover change (LULCC) related to forest cover, one-third of state officials, upon reviewing our LULCC maps, firmly maintained that errors had occurred. Some even proposed that there was an actual rise in forest cover. Our study shows that these discrepancies raise compelling questions about officials’ political motivations and ongoing pressures to uphold the central state’s reforestation and agrarian transition discourses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role Played by Agriculture in Inland Areas)

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24 pages, 6419 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of Land Suitability for Maize Production under Climate Change and Its Mitigation Potential through Crop Residue Management

by Nikolaos Karapetsas, Anne Gobin, George Bilas, Thomas M. Koutsos, Vasileios Pavlidis, Eleni Katragkou and Thomas K. Alexandridis

Land 2024, 13(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010063 - 4 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2603

Abstract

Land Suitability Analysis (LSA), under the impact of climate change, is a fundamental approach to the design of appropriate land management strategies for sustainable crop production and food security. In this study, the FAO framework was used to assess the impact of climate [...] Read more.

Land Suitability Analysis (LSA), under the impact of climate change, is a fundamental approach to the design of appropriate land management strategies for sustainable crop production and food security. In this study, the FAO framework was used to assess the impact of climate change on land suitability for maize in Flanders, Belgium. The current LSA revealed the marginal suitability for maize cultivation, characterizing most of the agricultural land in Flanders and identifying precipitation as the most limiting factor for maize suitability. The LSA, under two climate change scenarios, was based on climate projections from several CMIP5 Global Circulation Models, transformed into future land suitability projections and assembled into a multi-model ensemble (MME) of projected suitability changes. The results indicate an average reduction in projected suitability of approximately 7% by 2099 under the high-emission scenario. The potential of the Soil-Improving Cropping System (SICS) to mitigate the impacts of climate change on land suitability was statistically significant under both low- and high-emission scenarios. This research provides valuable insights into the MME modeling of climate change impacts on land suitability and its associated uncertainty, with the application of SICS as a potential long-term mitigation measure to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Land Suitability Assessment)

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17 pages, 5935 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Toward Evidence-Based Local Food Policy: An Agroecological Assessment of Urban Agriculture in Rome

by Davide Marino, Francesca Curcio, Francesca Benedetta Felici and Giampiero Mazzocchi

Land 2024, 13(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010030 - 26 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3215

Abstract

Recent crises have highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and, consequently, a profound need for food system transformation. In this scenario, local food policy and agroecology arise as two different but converging paradigms capable of fostering an inclusive and sustainable transition of [...] Read more.

Recent crises have highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and, consequently, a profound need for food system transformation. In this scenario, local food policy and agroecology arise as two different but converging paradigms capable of fostering an inclusive and sustainable transition of the food systems, especially in urban contexts. The purpose of this paper is to strengthen the relationship between these two paradigms by proposing agroecological assessment as a tool for formulating evidence-based local food policies. Considering the city-region food system of Rome (Italy) as a reference context, the paper proposes an adaptation of the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) model on a sample of 20 farms to analyse urban agriculture and understand the extent to which it contributes to the transformation of the food system. Data processing shows that, in the city-region context of Rome, agroecological principles are not fully adopted by the majority of farms considered. In addition, farms with the highest agroecological level are those driven mainly by social factors and have a lower propensity for innovation. This could be read as a constraining aspect because it hinders and slows down the transformation process of food systems. However, these data turn out to be essential to the implementation of local food policy and in identifying pathways toward sustainability. Full article

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21 pages, 5440 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Urban Green Infrastructure: Does Species’ Origin Impair Ecosystem Services Provision?

by Mónica Andrade, Cláudia Fernandes, António Coutinho and Albano Figueiredo

Land 2024, 13(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010023 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2192

Abstract

The adverse effects of urbanized areas’ growth might be mitigated by the multiple ecosystem services that urban green infrastructure provides. However, the design and composition of such infrastructure is still a hotly debated issue, mainly considering the challenges associated with the use of [...] Read more.

The adverse effects of urbanized areas’ growth might be mitigated by the multiple ecosystem services that urban green infrastructure provides. However, the design and composition of such infrastructure is still a hotly debated issue, mainly considering the challenges associated with the use of exotic plant species. To assess if there is a clear association between the species’ origin and ecosystem services or ecosystem disservices, an in-depth systematic literature review was carried out based on a bibliometric approach to assess the panorama of the scientific perspective. Based on the results, a detailed analysis was performed for the urban green infrastructure of five European Mediterranean cities, where management and expansion of the urban green infrastructure might act as tools to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. Urban green infrastructure benefits to urban areas and its composition must consider the balance between services and disservices provided by plant species. Data analysis shows that disservices are not exclusively related to exotic species, revealing that plant species selection based on their origin represents a biased approach, as it often disregards the higher capacity of some exotic species to thrive under continuous pressure and disturbance, along with relevant and highly valued cultural services provided. Since exotic species are commonly used, ecosystems formed can be seen as experiments to support decisions, allowing new approaches to planning, designing, and maintaining urban green infrastructure. Full article

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24 pages, 5264 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

How Can Drones Uncover Land Degradation Hotspots and Restoration Hopespots? An Integrated Approach in the Mount Elgon Region with Community Perceptions

by Hosea Opedes, Shafiq Nedala, Caspar A. Mücher, Jantiene E. M. Baartman and Frank Mugagga

Land 2024, 13(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13010001 - 19 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3093

Abstract

Human-induced land degradation in biodiverse regions like Mount Elgon threatens vital ecosystems. This study employs drone mapping and community insights to assess land use changes, degradation, and restoration in Mount Elgon, Uganda. Drone monitoring (2020–2023) covered six sites, complemented by household surveys ( [...] Read more.

Human-induced land degradation in biodiverse regions like Mount Elgon threatens vital ecosystems. This study employs drone mapping and community insights to assess land use changes, degradation, and restoration in Mount Elgon, Uganda. Drone monitoring (2020–2023) covered six sites, complemented by household surveys (n = 499), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and interviews. Drone imagery shows agriculture and planted forest as dominant land use types, gradually replacing tropical high forest, bushland, and grassland. Drone image results showed that smallholder subsistence farming is leading to and enhancing degradation. Landslides and encroachment into the park were detected in three of the six sites. Trenches were the most adopted Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measure. The trench adoption varied by location and crop type, creating restoration potential, notably in Elgon, Nabyoko, and Shiteka. Interviews and FGDs revealed adoption of trenches, grass strips, and afforestation as remedies to land degradation. Complex interactions exists among land use, degradation, and SWC measures in the upper Manafwa watershed, underscoring the urgency of addressing landslides and encroachment into the forest. Community-based initiatives are vital for hands-on SWC training, emphasizing long-term benefits. Collaboration among government, local communities, and NGOs is crucial to enforce conservation and restore Mt. Elgon National Park, while encouraging diversified income sources can reduce land dependency and mitigate degradation risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geographic Information Technologies and the New Challenges of Globalization in a Changing Environment)

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22 pages, 3728 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Micromobility in Urban Trail Paths: Expanding and Strengthening the Planning of 15-Minute Cities

by Chrysa Vizmpa, George Botzoris, Panagiotis Lemonakis and Athanasios Galanis

Land 2023, 12(12), 2181; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122181 - 18 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2699

Abstract

Contemporary urban planning models include urban trail paths. These are paths that create active transportation corridors within a city’s built environment, providing more sustainable travel, especially for short trips. The benefits of their use are plentiful, including improvements in commuters’ health, reductions in [...] Read more.

Contemporary urban planning models include urban trail paths. These are paths that create active transportation corridors within a city’s built environment, providing more sustainable travel, especially for short trips. The benefits of their use are plentiful, including improvements in commuters’ health, reductions in energy footprint, and socio-economic benefits for the entire society. In modern urban planning approaches such as the “15-minute city”, urban trail paths serve as connectors, facilitating access to amenities beyond the close-proximity concept of a “neighborhood”. They act as a way of connecting residents to other 15-minute cities/neighborhoods via safe routes, reducing extensive car use. Micromobility constitutes a novel approach to short trips with proven results. This paper explores the possibility of introducing micromobility as a means of connecting 15-minute cities/neighborhoods through urban trail paths. Through a literature review, an analysis is conducted of the opportunities arising from the introduction of micromobility, as well as on the factors influencing its sustained use in urban mobility and the public realm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions)

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35 pages, 3583 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mapping Firescapes for Wild and Prescribed Fire Management: A Landscape Classification Approach

by Nicholas P. Gould, Lars Y. Pomara, Sandhya Nepal, Scott L. Goodrick and Danny C. Lee

Land 2023, 12(12), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122180 - 17 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

Risks associated with severe wildfire are growing in forest landscapes due to interactions among climate change, fuel accumulation from fire suppression, an expanding wildland–urban interface, and additional factors. People, infrastructure, ecosystem services, and forest health all face varying degrees of risk. The spatial [...] Read more.

Risks associated with severe wildfire are growing in forest landscapes due to interactions among climate change, fuel accumulation from fire suppression, an expanding wildland–urban interface, and additional factors. People, infrastructure, ecosystem services, and forest health all face varying degrees of risk. The spatial distributions of the many social and ecological factors that influence wildfire, its impacts, and management responses are an important landscape-level context for managing risks and fostering resilient lands and communities. Decision-support tools that integrate these varied distributions can provide a holistic and readily interpreted characterization of landscapes, helping fire management decision making be appropriate, efficient, and effective. Firescapes—landscape types defined in relation to fire, its drivers, and its effects as a socioecological system—fill this role, providing a way to organize and interpret spatial variation along multiple relevant dimensions. We describe a quantitative approach for classifying and mapping firescapes for decision support, using the southeastern United States as a case study. We worked with regional partners to compile relevant large-scale datasets and identify 73 variables for analysis. We used factor analysis to reduce the data to eight factors with intuitive interpretations relevant to fire dynamics, fire history, forest characteristics, climate, conservation and ecosystem service values, social and ecological landscape properties, and social vulnerabilities. We then used cluster analysis on the factors to generate quantitative landscape classes, which we interpreted as nine distinctive firescape classes. The firescapes provide a broad-scale socioecological information context for wildfire risk management and planning. The analytical approach can accommodate different data types at a variety of scales, incorporate new monitoring data as they are available, and can be used under data-driven scenarios to assess possible consequences of future change. The resulting firescape maps can provide decision support to forest managers, planners, and other stakeholders, informing appropriate strategies to manage fire and associated risks, build community and forest resilience to fire, and improve conservation outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Support Tools for Land Management)

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25 pages, 8947 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Wildfire Risk Assessment for Strategic Forest Management in the Southern United States: A Bayesian Network Modeling Approach

by Sandhya Nepal, Lars Y. Pomara, Nicholas P. Gould and Danny C. Lee

Land 2023, 12(12), 2172; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122172 - 16 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2136

Abstract

Wildfire occurrences have increased and are projected to continue increasing globally. Strategic, evidence-based planning with diverse stakeholders, making use of diverse ecological and social data, is crucial for confronting and mitigating the associated risks. Prescribed fire, when planned and executed carefully, is a [...] Read more.

Wildfire occurrences have increased and are projected to continue increasing globally. Strategic, evidence-based planning with diverse stakeholders, making use of diverse ecological and social data, is crucial for confronting and mitigating the associated risks. Prescribed fire, when planned and executed carefully, is a key management tool in this effort. Assessing where prescribed fire can be a particularly effective forest management tool can help prioritize efforts, reduce wildfire risk, and support fire-resilient lands and communities. We collaborated with expert stakeholders to develop a Bayesian network model that integrated a large variety of biophysical, socioecological, and socioeconomic spatial information for the Southeastern United States to quantify where risk is high and where prescribed fire would be efficient in mitigating risk. The model first estimated wildfire risk based on landscape-scale interactions among the likelihoods of fire occurrence and severity and the people and resources potentially exposed—accounting for socioeconomic vulnerabilities as well as key ecosystem services. The model then quantified the potential for risk reduction through prescribed fire, given the existing fuel load, climate, and other landscape conditions. The resulting expected risk estimates show high risk concentrated in the coastal plain and interior highland subregions of the Southern US, but there was considerable variation among risks to different ecosystem services and populations, including potential exposure to smoke emissions. The capacity to reduce risk through fuel reductions was spatially correlated with risk; where these diverged, the difference was largely explained by fuel load. We suggest that both risk and the capacity for risk reduction are important in identifying priorities for management interventions. The model serves as a decision support tool for stakeholders to coordinate large-landscape adaptive management initiatives in the Southern US. The model is flexible with regard to both empirical and expert-driven parameterizations and can be updated as new knowledge and data emerge. The resulting spatial information can help connect active management options to forest management goals and make management more efficient through targeted investments in priority landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Support Tools for Land Management)

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22 pages, 25598 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Multifaceted Approach to Developing an Australian National Map of Protected Cropping Structures

by Andrew Clark, Craig Shephard, Andrew Robson, Joel McKechnie, R. Blake Morrison and Abbie Rankin

Land 2023, 12(12), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122168 - 14 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1972

Abstract

As the global population rises, there is an ever-increasing demand for food, in terms of volume, quality and sustainable production. Protected Cropping Structures (PCS) provide controlled farming environments that support the optimum use of crop inputs for plant growth, faster production cycles, multiple [...] Read more.

As the global population rises, there is an ever-increasing demand for food, in terms of volume, quality and sustainable production. Protected Cropping Structures (PCS) provide controlled farming environments that support the optimum use of crop inputs for plant growth, faster production cycles, multiple growing seasons per annum and increased yield, while offering greater control of pests, disease and adverse weather. Globally, there has been a rapid increase in the adoption of PCS. However, there remains a concerning knowledge gap in the availability of accurate and up-to-date spatial information that defines the extent (location and area) of PCS. This data is fundamental for providing metrics that inform decision making around forward selling, labour, processing and infrastructure requirements, traceability, biosecurity and natural disaster preparedness and response. This project addresses this need, by developing a national map of PCS for Australia using remotely sensed imagery and deep learning analytics, ancillary data, field validation and industry engagement. The resulting map presents the location and extent of all commercial glasshouses, polyhouses, polytunnels, shadehouses and permanent nets with an area of >0.2 ha. The outcomes of the project revealed deep learning techniques can accurately map PCS with models achieving F-Scores > 0.9 and accelerate the mapping where suitable imagery is available. Location-based tools supported by web mapping applications were critical for the validation of PCS locations and for building industry awareness and engagement. The final national PCS map is publicly available through an online dashboard which summarises the area of PCS structures at a range of scales including state/territory, local government area and individual structure. The outcomes of this project have set a global standard on how this level of mapping can be achieved through a collaborative, multifaceted approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land Use and Land Cover Mapping)

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