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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 24331

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hongbin Deng

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
Interests: regional sustainable development; resource management and sustainable development

Dr. Shuxin Mao

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Guest Editor

School of Economics and Management, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 712000, China
Interests: regional sustainable development; sustainable livelihood

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Regional ecology, an important subject in ecology subject systems, originates from the regional comprehensive scientific survey and investigations of regional environmental pollution. The primary objectives of regional ecology are to study the background of regional environmental issues, their driving forces, and seek solutions to the existing environmental issues. Considering that different regions have their own unique characteristics and face different ecological problems and development paths, and although the application of some new theories and methods has greatly promoted the development of regional ecology, there still remains a number of important issues on regional sustainability, ecosystem services, and regional ecological security to be studied and resolved. Therefore, this Special Issue of Sustainability welcomes contributions from researchers on the general theme of regional ecology and sustainability, and in particular, suggested topics for this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

evaluation of regional sustainable development;
evaluation and regulation of regional ecological security;
ecosystem services and regional sustainability;
regional water, energy and food processes and their correlations;
relationships between regional environments and resource efficiency.

Prof. Dr. Hongbin Deng
Dr. Shuxin Mao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

regional ecology
sustainable development
ecosystem services
ecological security
food–energy–water nexus
resource efficiency
regional planning

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Regional Ecology Supporting Sustainable Development

by Shuxin Mao and Hongbing Deng

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7302; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127302 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

Regional sustainable development is the primary goal of regional ecological research. Regional ecology aims to support sustainable development from an ecological perspective at the regional scale. In nearly half a century of the development of the discipline, regional ecology has developed into an essential branch of ecology. However, due to the complexity of regional ecosystems and ecological problems, regional ecology does not define clear research methods and research objects. This editorial sorts out the definition, research methods, and important research contents of regional ecology, including regional ecological security evaluation, regional sustainable development evaluation, regional resource analysis represented by water-food-energy relationship, and ecosystem service value evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

Research

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20 pages, 3288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Perspectives on Bio-Based Products and Brands—A Regional Finnish Social Study with Future Consumers

by Tiina Kymäläinen, Kaisa Vehmas, Heli Kangas, Sami Majaniemi and Tiina Vainio-Kaila

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063665 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

This article presents a Finnish social design study that focuses on consumer perspectives and future expectations related to bio-based products and brands. The qualitative regional study addresses the global concern associated with sustainability of the bioeconomy. Because a gap in research was identified from the regional consumer perspective, the article presents a case study that was held with 50 consumers in Finland. The main research method was qualitative online focus group discussions, with an objective to gain an understanding of consumer behavior, motivations, concerns, and intentions related to bio-based products and brands. The results are presented according to the sustainability framework, which was constructed around four topics: (1) consumer awareness, (2) illustrated examples and their consumer acceptance, (3) consumption habits, and (4) future consumption behavior. The main findings indicate that Finnish consumers were extremely well-informed on the bio-based concept, and they trusted domestic regional brands the most. Throughout the research, Nordic consumers highlighted the role of companies and urged sensible science-based communication on the sustainability aspects. Finally, the results led to consider how the value-sensitive consumer insights may be utilized by proposing prominent impact assessment methods for decision-making in both the business and consumer sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 5578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-temporal Differentiation of Coupling Coordination between Ecological Footprint and Ecosystem Service Functions in the Aksu Region, Xinjiang, China

by Huan Xu, Jianjun Yang, Guozhu Xia and Tao Lin

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3483; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063483 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2219

Abstract

The ecological footprint and ecosystem service functions in the northwest arid region of China have their unique characteristics and are limited by natural resources. The coordination level between the pressure of human activities on the ecosystem and the ecosystem service capacity can be objectively reflected on by exploring the coupling coordination relationship between these two aspects. This work used the ecological footprint and Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs models to quantitatively analyze the spatial and temporal variations of the ecological footprint and ecosystem service functions in the Aksu region in Xinjiang. A coupling coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to assess the coupling coordination level and spatial agglomeration characteristics of the regional ecological footprint and ecosystem service functions. The results showed that the ecological footprint of the Aksu region has been high in the northeast and low in the southwest, with noticeable spatial heterogeneity, from 2005 to 2018. Carbon (66.17%) and cropland (26.64%) are the main contributing factors to the regional ecological footprint. The biocapacity is dominated by cropland, built-up land, and forest land. The ecological footprint and biocapacity showed an increasing trend, ranging from an ecological surplus to an ecological deficit, with a continued ecological deficit. The level of ecosystem service functions in the Aksu region was low, with significant spatial variability. The high values were concentrated in the northern part of the region and the Tarim and Hotan River Basins. The coupling coordination level of the ecological footprint and ecosystem service functions in the Aksu area was high in the north and low in the south. The aforementioned coupling coordination level was dominated by the spatial pattern of the ecosystem service functions and had noticeable spatial agglomeration characteristics. The coupling coordination degree of the ecological footprint and water supply function showed an upward trend. By contrast, the coupling coordination degree of the ecological footprint with soil conservation and biodiversity maintenance functions showed a downward trend. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 5436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Relationship of Urban Development and the Eco-Environment in Guanzhong Region, China

by Jian Wang, Mudan Zhao, Wei Zhong, Jianbo Li and Chunyan Zheng

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2969; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052969 - 3 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1825

Abstract

Since the 21st century, China’s rapid urban development has had profound impacts on the regional eco-environment and posed severe threats to regional sustainable development. In order to scientifically evaluate the coupling relationship between urban development and the eco-environment in the Guanzhong region, in this paper, by combining nighttime lighting data and MODIS data in 2001, 2010 and 2018, we applied an overall coupling model and a coordination model to discuss the spatial–temporal coupling and coordination relationship between urban development and the eco-environment. The results showed the following: (1) From 2001 to 2018, the urbanization development in the Guanzhong region significantly improved and the links between cities were continuously strengthened, but the degree of contact still needed to be improved. (2) The eco-environment quality in the Guanzhong region slightly increased, but the overall level was low. The structure of the eco-environment quality grade changed greatly, and “Good” grades changed to “Very Good”. (3) During 2001–2018, the overall coupling situation between urban development and the eco-environment strengthened and the degree of coordination increased. The coupling coordinator subtype gradually transformed from system balanced development into system balanced development, the ecology lag type, and the urban development lag type coexisting phenomenon. The results of the study suggest that future urban development planning and ecological protection policies need to take the coordinated coupling between urban development and the eco-environment into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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12 pages, 2267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Features and Spatial Distribution of Fifty-Eight Ethnic Groups in Southwest China

by Yuan Shen, Danyin Wang, Jiahui Wu, Tianshu Yu, Tao Li and Siyuan Li

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413570 - 8 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

Eco-environmental variability was the basis of ethnic diversity with a persistent influence on the regional development. The unique geographic conditions and multi-ethnic characteristics in southwest China were valuable for exploring sustainable development of ethnic regions. In this study, the regional features of distribution areas of ethnic groups in southwest China were analysed, and it was found that average altitude, slope, water coverage and water form ratio of each ethnic group differed apparently. Additionally, regional features of southern minorities were relatively stable, while those of northern minorities changed evidently from 1990 to 2010. Furthermore, taking the spatial coordinates and regional features as parameters, fifty-eight ethnic groups were clustered into six categories via spatial cluster analysis. Moreover, based on the county-level population data, the ethnic similarities in southwest China were identified by correlation analysis, and the results were in accordance with those of spatial cluster analysis but more detailed. In addition, the eco-environmental adaptability of various ethnic groups was discussed in terms of living and production as well as regional sustainable development. This research was of referential meaning for population settlement, natural resources utilization and biodiversity conservation in multi-ethnic regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 8407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Policy Effect, Spatial Heterogeneity, and Spillover Effect of Land System Pilots

by Haiyang Shang, Ying Kou, Fang Su, Nini Song and Shuxin Mao

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111818 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1714

Abstract

As an important way to innovate the pattern of land reform, the land system pilots serve as the crucial driving force in promoting rural economic development under the background of rural revitalization. Based on the panel data of 10 pilots along the Yellow River basin, this paper chose 111 near and distant neighboring regions from 2009 to 2018. This paper tested the spillover effects and regional heterogeneity characteristics of the land system pilots using the propensity score matching-difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) method and regression discontinuity design (RDD). The results are as follows: first, the land system pilots have a significant and general impact on regional economic development; second, the establishment of the land system pilots has different impacts on the economic development of near and distant neighboring regions, which shows obvious policy-effect spillovers; and third, the land system pilots have the strongest stimulating effect on the economic development of the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin, as well as the weakest stimulating effect on upstream regional economic development, which shows the significant spatial heterogeneity of policy effects. The results of the research study are of great significance for the exploration of regionally differentiated system-supply pilots under the background of rural revitalization. Additionally, this study has important implications for further land system improvements and rural economic developments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Outward Foreign Direct Investment on Carbon Emission toward China’s Sustainable Development

by Feifei Tan, Hao Wan, Xiangjun Jiang and Zhiyuan Niu

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11605; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111605 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2410

Abstract

It is of practical significance to evaluate whether enhancing outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) can promote carbon mitigation under the new urbanization background toward China’s sustainable development and carbon neutrality. The impact of OFDI on carbon emissions is investigated from the dual perspectives of the urbanization threshold and the mediating path by using panel data from China’s 30 provinces during the period of 2003–2015 and considering both population and land. The results show that there is a significant impact from interprovincial OFDI on CO₂ emissions with the double threshold effect of urbanization, and that OFDI expansion will increase CO₂ emissions with urbanization; however, the different stages of urbanization show inverted U-shaped characteristics that first rise and then fall. The optimization of industrial structures has not passed the mediating effects test during the sample period, while the rationalization of the industrial structure provides a mediating effect in the primary stage of urbanization and a suppressing effect in the high level stage of urbanization. Import dependence only shows a masking effect in the intermediate stage of urbanization, while the technical level shows an intermediary effect in the primary stage of urbanization and a masking effect in the intermediate stage. The intensification of OFDI has brought different effects on economic and social production in various regions of China under urbanization, which has further affected regional carbon emissions. Discussing these effects would help to provide constructive suggestions for the regional coordination of development, new urbanization construction and urban low carbon transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

18 pages, 3663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies in Ulansuhai Basin

by Lina Wang, Enyi Yu, Shuang Li, Xiao Fu and Gang Wu

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9839; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179839 - 1 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2595

Abstract

As an important grain production base and ecological barrier zone in China, Ulansuhai Basin provides a variety of important ecosystem services and ensures human well-being, and it is essential to maintain the sustainable development of the regional ecology–economy–society. Therefore, in order to explore the trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services in Ulansuhai Basin, we first evaluated the spatio-temporal characteristics of five ecosystem services in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2018 based on the InVEST model, including soil conservation, carbon storage, water production, water purification, and food supply. We then further analyzed the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services in Ulansuhai Basin and in different functional areas through using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The results show that different ecosystem services had obvious regional differences due to different land-use types in Ulansuhai Basin. Soil conservation, carbon storage, and water production were higher in the eastern region and lower in the central and western regions, while water purification and food supply were higher in the central region and lower in the eastern and western regions. Ecosystem services showed an overall increasing trend from 2000 to 2018. Moreover, trade-off was the dominant relationship between different ecosystem services, and trade-offs and synergies showed strengthening trends to a certain extent. The trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services in different functional areas were obviously different. Our study aimed to clarify the trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services and to propose ecological protection and management countermeasures and suggestions, which can provide decision-making reference for regional ecological protection and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 8815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decoupling Analysis between Economic Growth and Air Pollution in Key Regions of Air Pollution Control in China

by Jing Li, Lipeng Hou, Lin Wang and Lina Tang

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6600; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126600 - 9 Jun 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3796

Abstract

The Chinese government has implemented a number of environmental policies to promote the continuous improvement of air quality while considering economic development. Scientific assessment of the impact of environmental policies on the relationship between air pollution and economic growth can provide a scientific basis for promoting the coordinated development of these two factors. This paper uses the Tapio decoupling theory to analyze the relationship between regional economic growth and air pollution in key regions of air pollution control in China—namely, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and surrounding areas (BTHS), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), and the Pearl River Delta (PRD)—based on data of GDP and the concentrations of SO₂, PM₁₀, and NO₂ for 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2019. The results show that the SO₂, PM₁₀, and NO₂ pollution in the key regions show strong and weak decoupling. The findings additionally indicate that government policies have played a significant role in improving the decoupling between air pollution and economic development. The decoupling between economic growth and SO₂ and PM₁₀ pollution in the BTHS, YRD, and PRD is better than that in other regions, while the decoupling between economic growth and NO₂ pollution has not improved significantly in these regions. To improve the relationship between economic growth and air pollution, we suggest that the governments of China and other developing countries should further optimize and adjust the structure of industry, energy, and transportation; apply more stringent targets and measures in areas of serious air pollution; and strengthen mobile vehicle pollution control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Ecology and Sustainability)

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