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Land
Special Issues
Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development
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Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2024 | Viewed by 5440

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Chao Ye

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Guest Editor
School of International Relations & Public Affairs, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
Interests: urbanization; rural–urban governance; sustainability science; production of space; urban and rural planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jinliao He

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Guest Editor
The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, Institute of Urban Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
Interests: urban governance; spatial planning; resilience; digital transformation; urban creativity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Uchendu Eugene Chigbu

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 999122, Namibia
Interests: land governance; land tenure; tenure responsive land use planning; urban-rural land governance; urban-rural land linkages
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Zhituan Deng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shanghai Academy of Social Science, Shanghai 200020, China
Interests: regional science and urban economics; urban innovation; industrial cluster; agglomeration economics; population economics; urban development
Prof. Dr. Liang Zhuang

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Guest Editor
School of Social Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
Interests: urbanization; rural-urban governance; man-land relationship and spatial planning; population geography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With rapid globalization and urbanization, urban and rural development are encountering unparalleled challenges, such as the uneven distribution of resources, environmental degradation, and extensive social inequalities. These challenges have led to irreversible social, economic, and ecological changes, which have had an impact on sustainable development in various contexts. Therefore, it has become imperative to implement robust governance strategies and to advance spatial planning techniques to achieve long-term rural–urban development. Sustainability is now a crucial aspect of rural–urban planning and governance. This Special Issue is devoted to exploring innovative governance modes and spatial planning methods, evaluating their efficacy in promoting sustainable development in urban and rural areas.

The goal of this Special Issue is to collect papers (original research articles and review papers) to provide insights about case studies, theoretical advancements, methodological innovations, and empirical research that highlight successful practices, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing sustainable development goals through effective governance and spatial planning.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

  • The impact of governance on sustainable urban and rural development strategies;
  • Challenges and paths for sustainable urban and rural governance;
  • Theoretical frameworks and governance mechanisms for sustainable development;
  • The integration of environmental sustainability into spatial planning processes;
  • Climate change adaptation and resilience in spatial planning;
  • The intersection of spatial planning with environmental, social, and economic sustainability;
  • The role of technology and big data in enhancing governance and spatial planning;
  • Multi-scale governance cases for sustainable development;
  • Case studies of sustainable spatial planning initiatives.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Chao Ye
Prof. Dr. Jinliao He
Prof. Dr. Uchendu Eugene Chigbu
Prof. Dr. Zhituan Deng
Prof. Dr. Liang Zhuang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development
  • sustainable theory and practice
  • sustainable governance and policy
  • sustainability strategies
  • urban and rural governance
  • cooperative governance
  • climate change adaptation
  • spatial planning
  • green infrastructure
  • technological innovations in planning

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3070 KiB  
Article
Are Medium-Sized Cities in China Shrinking from 2010 to 2020? An Empirical Analysis with a Multi-Dimensional Model
by Lei Gao, Chao Ye and Liang Zhuang
Land 2024, 13(11), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111865 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Urban shrinkage has emerged as a worldwide concern, which is increasingly prevalent in developing countries like China, particularly in medium-sized cities (MSCs). Compared to large cities and counties, MSCs find themselves in a national policy blind spot and have been neglected both in [...] Read more.
Urban shrinkage has emerged as a worldwide concern, which is increasingly prevalent in developing countries like China, particularly in medium-sized cities (MSCs). Compared to large cities and counties, MSCs find themselves in a national policy blind spot and have been neglected both in policy and research. Previous studies, based on population changes, have shown that urban shrinkage in China is not severe. However, urban shrinkage is not just about population decline, and it has not been adequately discussed from a multi-dimensional perspective. This paper adopts a multi-dimensional model, considering population, economy, and space dimensions to analyze shrinkage patterns in 164 MSCs in China from 2010 to 2020. Findings reveal that 6.1% of MSCs experienced population shrinkage, and 24.4% faced shrinkage in economic or spatial dimensions. Shrinking MSCs are spatially distributed in the Northeast as well as in the areas surrounding large cities. Industrial restructuring, job losses, and healthcare disparities contribute to urban shrinkage, and the impact of aging will be further felt. As large cities consistently attract population and resources and digitization has dramatically affected population mobility, more MSCs will shrink in the future. This paper contributes to the understanding of shrinkage of MSCs among scholars and policymakers, urging a shift towards more balanced and digital urban governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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35 pages, 6566 KiB  
Article
Construction and Empirical Research of an Evaluation System for High-Quality Development of Small Towns in Guangxi Under the New Development Concept
by Chuxin Hu, Binglin Liu, Zhiqiang Yan and Chunxiao Ma
Land 2024, 13(11), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111821 - 2 Nov 2024
Viewed by 482
Abstract
The high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi is crucial for regional economic balance and sustainable development. This research conducts an in-depth exploration and systematic construction and validation analysis of the high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi. Guided by the new development [...] Read more.
The high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi is crucial for regional economic balance and sustainable development. This research conducts an in-depth exploration and systematic construction and validation analysis of the high-quality development of small towns in Guangxi. Guided by the new development concepts of innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing, a comprehensive evaluation system is established to assess the development levels of 70 small towns from 2005 to 2022. The research findings are as follows: 1. The analysis revealed significant growth in these dimensions over the study period, highlighting the unique characteristics of different types of small towns. 2. It was observed that small towns in southeastern Guangxi generally demonstrated higher development levels, while those in the northwestern regions exhibited considerable disparities, indicating regional imbalances. 3. The overall gap in the high-quality development level of small towns is gradually narrowing, but the difference is still relatively significant. 4. The findings underscore the advantages of the evaluation system developed, which effectively captures the multidimensional nature of high-quality development and serves as a robust framework for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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18 pages, 6215 KiB  
Article
An Improved Framework of Major Function-Oriented Zoning Based on Carrying Capacity: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Region
by Qun Zhang, Lili Wang, Hanmei Wang, Yang Chen, Chunhua Tian, Yixi Shao and Tiange Liu
Land 2024, 13(11), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111732 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Major function-oriented zoning, a key spatial planning strategy in China, aims to coordinate resource endowments, socio-economic development, and subsequent planning initiatives. However, the existing framework for major function-oriented zoning relies predominantly on socio-economic statistical indicators at the regional level, often neglecting the critical [...] Read more.
Major function-oriented zoning, a key spatial planning strategy in China, aims to coordinate resource endowments, socio-economic development, and subsequent planning initiatives. However, the existing framework for major function-oriented zoning relies predominantly on socio-economic statistical indicators at the regional level, often neglecting the critical role of carrying capacity. To address this limitation, we assessed both the current state and dynamic trends of the carrying capacity to identify risk and advantageous zones for major functions, with the objective of optimizing major function-oriented zoning in the Yangtze River Delta region, China. Our findings indicate that 47 counties are experiencing significant pressure under the current carrying capacity, while 57 counties exhibit a deteriorating trend in their capacity. Over half of the counties are categorized as having an overloaded carrying capacity. Based on this analysis, 66 counties have been designated as risk zones for major functions. Consequently, the optimization of major function-oriented zoning requires adjustments in 10 counties, incorporating the identified risk and advantageous zones to enhance spatial planning efficacy. This study proposes an enhanced methodological framework for major function-oriented zoning by fully integrating carrying capacity assessments, offering substantial support for territorial spatial planning in China. We believe that these improvements contribute significantly to more resilient and sustainable regional development strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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19 pages, 4166 KiB  
Article
Assessing Uneven Regional Development Using Nighttime Light Satellite Data and Machine Learning Methods: Evidence from County-Level Improved HDI in China
by Xiping Zhang, Jianbin Xu, Saiying Zhong and Ziheng Wang
Land 2024, 13(9), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091524 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 926
Abstract
Uneven regional development has long been a focal issue for both academia and policymakers, with numerous studies over the past decades actively engaging in discussions on measuring regional development disparities. Generally, most existing studies measure the Human Development Index (HDI) using relatively simple [...] Read more.
Uneven regional development has long been a focal issue for both academia and policymakers, with numerous studies over the past decades actively engaging in discussions on measuring regional development disparities. Generally, most existing studies measure the Human Development Index (HDI) using relatively simple indicators, with a focus on national and provincial scales. As a crucial component of regional development, counties can directly reflect the regional characteristics of socio-economic progress. This study employs a multi-dimensional approach to develop an improved Human Development Index (improved HDI) system, using machine learning techniques to establish the relationship between nighttime light (NTL) data and the improved HDI. Subsequently, NTL data are utilized to infer the spatial distribution characteristics of the improved HDI across China’s county-level regions. The improved HDI for county-level areas in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was validated using a machine learning model, resulting in a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.93. The adjusted R-squared value for the linear fit was 0.86, and the residuals were relatively balanced, ensuring the accuracy of the simulations. This study reveals that 1439 county-level units, representing 50% of all county-level units in China, have development levels at or above the medium level. At the provincial and national levels, the improved HDI shows significant clustering, characterized by a multi-center pattern with declining diffusion. The spatial distribution of the improved Human Development Index remains closely associated with the natural geographic background and socio-economic development levels of the county regions. Lower HDI values are predominantly found in the inland areas of central and western China, often in ecologically sensitive areas, inter-provincial border zones, and mountainous regions of mainland China, sometimes forming contiguous distribution patterns. This underscores the need for the government and society to focus more on these specific geographic development areas, promoting continuous improvements in health, education, and living standards to achieve coordinated regional development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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22 pages, 4775 KiB  
Article
Spatial Distribution, Influencing Factors and Sustainable Development of Fishery Cultural Resources in the Yangtze River Basin
by Qin Li, Yunlong Sun, Zifei Liu, Bo Ning and Zhilong Wu
Land 2024, 13(8), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081205 - 5 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1008
Abstract
Agricultural cultural heritage is crucial in advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. The Yangtze River Basin is rich in biodiversity and abundant in fishery cultural resources. The cultural resources not only reflect the ecological wisdom of harmonious coexistence and the human–land relationship between humans and [...] Read more.
Agricultural cultural heritage is crucial in advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. The Yangtze River Basin is rich in biodiversity and abundant in fishery cultural resources. The cultural resources not only reflect the ecological wisdom of harmonious coexistence and the human–land relationship between humans and nature but also provide critical cultural support for rural revitalization and watershed sustainable development. This study investigates the spatial distribution, influencing factors, and historical evolution of fishery cultural resources in the Yangtze River Basin. The highest proportions of significant resources are found in fishery engineering and landscapes, culinary flavors, fishery customs, dances, fishery gear, and poetry. By analyzing 14 categories of fishery cultural resources and 157 national and provincial intangible cultural heritage items, this study reveals a significant geographical clustering of these resources in the mid-lower reaches, particularly around the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake Basin, Wuhan and Dongting Lake, and the lower reaches of the Taihu Lake Basin. This study underscores the role of natural geographical conditions, aquatic biodiversity, socio-economic factors, and historical–cultural backgrounds in the distribution and evolution of fishery cultural resources, with these factors interacting dynamically. By advocating for a comprehensive approach to coordinating fishery culture preservation with rural revitalization, this study outlines a multidimensional strategy for the preservation and sustainable development of fishery cultural resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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22 pages, 22089 KiB  
Article
Study on Spatial Distribution Dispersion Evaluation and Driving Forces of Rural Settlements in the Yellow River Basin
by Heying Li, Jianchen Zhang, Yamin Shan, Guangxia Wang, Qin Tian, Jiayao Wang and Huiling Ma
Land 2024, 13(8), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081181 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 878
Abstract
The spatial distribution pattern of rural settlements in the Yellow River Basin is scattered and numerous. It is of great significance to study the discrete distribution of rural settlements for achieving high-quality development and promoting rural revitalization strategy. In this paper, we propose [...] Read more.
The spatial distribution pattern of rural settlements in the Yellow River Basin is scattered and numerous. It is of great significance to study the discrete distribution of rural settlements for achieving high-quality development and promoting rural revitalization strategy. In this paper, we propose an enhanced evaluation model for assessing the spatial distribution dispersion of rural settlements, incorporating the weight of road grade (the road grade refers to the ranking of traffic capacity and importance of a particular type of road, indicating varying levels of time accessibility). We investigate the dispersion characteristics of rural settlements in the Yellow River Basin in 2020, focusing on both county and city scales. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the spatial differentiation and scale effects of dispersion evaluation outcomes and their driving forces. Our findings reveal the following insights: (1) The road grade significantly influences the dispersion evaluation. When considering road grade in the dispersion calculation, the results align more closely with the actual situation. (2) The dispersion of rural settlements in the Yellow River Basin exhibits a decreasing trend from west to east. Specifically, the dispersion is higher in the upper reaches compared to the middle and lower reaches. Both city and county scales show spatial autocorrelation in dispersion, with a positive spatial correlation observed. High dispersion values cluster in the west, while low values concentrate in the east. Notably, the agglomeration degree is more pronounced at the county scale than at the city scale, highlighting more localized patterns of agglomeration and dispersion. (3) The multiscale geographically weighted regression model emerges as the optimal model for analyzing the driving forces of dispersion. At the city scale, factors such as river density, road density, and rural economy negatively impact dispersion. However, at the county scale, average elevation and rural economy positively affect dispersion, whereas river density, road density, and rural population density have a negative influence. By incorporating the weight of road grade into our evaluation model, we provide a more nuanced understanding of the spatial distribution dispersion of rural settlements in the Yellow River Basin. Our findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and planners seeking to optimize rural settlement patterns and promote sustainable rural development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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