Pub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100228
LIU Bingsheng , YIN Yimeng , MA Li
Poverty remains one of the most pressing global challenges of this era, affecting millions of people across both developing and developed countries. The poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) is a policy with Chinese characteristics for eradicating poverty. By integrating the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, this study developed a theoretical framework to analyze the factors influencing the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants (PAMs). A telephone survey conducted between July and August 2022 in Hubei Province, Guizhou Province, Shaanxi Province, and Chongqing Municipality of China yielded 259 valid questionnaires. Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), this study revealed that financial accessibility, health level, living conditions, and social networks significantly enhanced the well-being of PAMs, with living conditions having the strongest impact on the well-being of PAMs. Furthermore, the factors affecting well-being varied across age groups. Social networks played a more significant role in the elderly group, whereas health level had a greater impact on the young and middle-aged group. These findings deepen the understanding of the PAR and its effects on the well-being of PAMs, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and practitioners to refine poverty alleviation strategies and enhance social welfare.
{"title":"Would resettlement be better? Understanding how poverty alleviation resettlement influences the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants in China","authors":"LIU Bingsheng , YIN Yimeng , MA Li","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poverty remains one of the most pressing global challenges of this era, affecting millions of people across both developing and developed countries. The poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) is a policy with Chinese characteristics for eradicating poverty. By integrating the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, this study developed a theoretical framework to analyze the factors influencing the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants (PAMs). A telephone survey conducted between July and August 2022 in Hubei Province, Guizhou Province, Shaanxi Province, and Chongqing Municipality of China yielded 259 valid questionnaires. Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), this study revealed that financial accessibility, health level, living conditions, and social networks significantly enhanced the well-being of PAMs, with living conditions having the strongest impact on the well-being of PAMs. Furthermore, the factors affecting well-being varied across age groups. Social networks played a more significant role in the elderly group, whereas health level had a greater impact on the young and middle-aged group. These findings deepen the understanding of the PAR and its effects on the well-being of PAMs, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and practitioners to refine poverty alleviation strategies and enhance social welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 3","pages":"Article 100228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100214
Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri , Hassnian Ali , Atta UL. Mustafa
As the world grapples with increasing environmental challenges, innovative technologies are essential for promoting sustainability and accountability. This study examined the impact of environmental performance indices (EPIs) on the growth and investment trends of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies in 15 countries (Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States) from Europe and America during 2010–2022. This study used the negative binomial regression model to assess the relationship between EPIs and blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies based on the data from the CrunchBase and EarthData. Results indicated that in ecosystem vitality, national terrestrial biome protection efforts were negatively correlated the formation of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies, while global terrestrial biome protection efforts and marine protected areas had a positive impact on the formation of these companies and the number of funding rounds. In environmental health, PM2.5 exposure had a positive impact on the number of funding rounds. Conversely, pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ocean plastics deterred the formation of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies and reduced the number of funding rounds. In climate change performance, adjusted emission growth rate for carbon dioxide (CO2), adjusted emission growth rate for F-gases, and adjusted emission growth rate for black carbon had a significantly positive impact on the formation of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies. Conversely, adjusted emission growth rate for Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 negatively affected the formation of these companies. These findings highlight the dual role of EPIs as driving factors and barriers in the development and investment of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies in countries from Europe and America.
{"title":"Relationship between environmental performance indices and blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies: Evidence from countries in Europe and America","authors":"Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri , Hassnian Ali , Atta UL. Mustafa","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the world grapples with increasing environmental challenges, innovative technologies are essential for promoting sustainability and accountability. This study examined the impact of environmental performance indices (EPIs) on the growth and investment trends of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies in 15 countries (Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States) from Europe and America during 2010–2022. This study used the negative binomial regression model to assess the relationship between EPIs and blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies based on the data from the CrunchBase and EarthData. Results indicated that in ecosystem vitality, national terrestrial biome protection efforts were negatively correlated the formation of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies, while global terrestrial biome protection efforts and marine protected areas had a positive impact on the formation of these companies and the number of funding rounds. In environmental health, PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure had a positive impact on the number of funding rounds. Conversely, pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>) and ocean plastics deterred the formation of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies and reduced the number of funding rounds. In climate change performance, adjusted emission growth rate for carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), adjusted emission growth rate for F-gases, and adjusted emission growth rate for black carbon had a significantly positive impact on the formation of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies. Conversely, adjusted emission growth rate for Nitrous Oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) and projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 negatively affected the formation of these companies. These findings highlight the dual role of EPIs as driving factors and barriers in the development and investment of blockchain-based sustainability-focused companies in countries from Europe and America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100214"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100213
Abdul Malik , Muhammad Ichsan Ali , Abdul Rasyid Jalil , Abdul Mannan , Rahma Musyawarah
Mangrove ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastal areas, and provide sustainable livelihoods. However, they face significant threats from deforestation and unsustainable land use practices. This study examines the viability of the payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs in promoting sustainable mangrove tourism in Tongke-Tongke Village, Sinjai District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. We collected data through household surveys, semi-structured stakeholder interviews, and tourist questionnaires to evaluate the economic value of mangrove tourism and tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for conservation. Analytical methods included quantitative descriptive analysis, thematic analysis, travel cost analysis, and contingent valuation method. The results indicated strong community support, with 70.00% of respondents acknowledging sustainable mangrove tourism’s economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Economic estimates revealed that mangrove tourism generated 943.00 USD/(hm2•a), while tourists’ WTP for conservation ranged from 0.21 to 0.56 USD/(person⋅month), contributing approximately 11.39 USD/(hm2•a). Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and land privatization, this study advocates for integrating the PES programs, enhancing governance frameworks, and fostering local community engagement to ensure equitable benefit distribution and maximize the potential of mangrove tourism. These strategies aim to bolster conservation efforts, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience of mangrove ecosystems.
{"title":"Promoting sustainable mangrove tourism through payments for ecosystem services: Insights from Tongke-Tongke Village, South Sulawesi, Indonesia","authors":"Abdul Malik , Muhammad Ichsan Ali , Abdul Rasyid Jalil , Abdul Mannan , Rahma Musyawarah","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mangrove ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastal areas, and provide sustainable livelihoods. However, they face significant threats from deforestation and unsustainable land use practices. This study examines the viability of the payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs in promoting sustainable mangrove tourism in Tongke-Tongke Village, Sinjai District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. We collected data through household surveys, semi-structured stakeholder interviews, and tourist questionnaires to evaluate the economic value of mangrove tourism and tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for conservation. Analytical methods included quantitative descriptive analysis, thematic analysis, travel cost analysis, and contingent valuation method. The results indicated strong community support, with 70.00% of respondents acknowledging sustainable mangrove tourism’s economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Economic estimates revealed that mangrove tourism generated 943.00 USD/(hm<sup>2</sup>•a), while tourists’ WTP for conservation ranged from 0.21 to 0.56 USD/(person⋅month), contributing approximately 11.39 USD/(hm<sup>2</sup>•a). Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and land privatization, this study advocates for integrating the PES programs, enhancing governance frameworks, and fostering local community engagement to ensure equitable benefit distribution and maximize the potential of mangrove tourism. These strategies aim to bolster conservation efforts, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience of mangrove ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100209
Saul Ngarava , Alois Aldridge Mugadza
The use of renewable energy is an important way to achieve sustainable agricultural and economic development. However, there are differences in access to renewable energy between the Global North and Global South. This study utilised an autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model and the data spanning from 1991 to 2021 to comparatively analyse the dynamic relationship among renewable energy consumption, the value of agricultural production, gross domestic product (GDP), economic diversification index, urban population, the total water extraction for agricultural withdrawal, and trade balance in the Netherlands and South Africa. In the short run, renewable energy consumption was increased by the value of agricultural production but decreased by GDP in South Africa. In the long run, renewable energy consumption and GDP increased the value of agricultural production, while the value of agricultural production also increased GDP in South Africa. However, in the Netherlands, there was no short- and long-run relationship between renewable energy consumption and agricultural and economic development. The results revealed that there was a short- and long-run relationship in South Africa. Moreover, in the Netherlands, the adjustment speed was –1.46 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.68 a (8.22 months). In South Africa, the adjustment speed was –1.28 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.78 a (9.38 months). Therefore, compared to South Africa, renewable energy consumption in the Netherlands takes less time to return to balance after a shock. These findings signify different trajectories on sectoral and economic transition initiatives spurred using renewable energy between the Netherlands and South Africa. Policy relating to initiatives such as “agro-energy communities” in Global South countries such as South Africa should be emphasised to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.
{"title":"Renewable energy and its impact on agricultural and economic development in the Netherlands and South Africa","authors":"Saul Ngarava , Alois Aldridge Mugadza","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of renewable energy is an important way to achieve sustainable agricultural and economic development. However, there are differences in access to renewable energy between the Global North and Global South. This study utilised an autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model and the data spanning from 1991 to 2021 to comparatively analyse the dynamic relationship among renewable energy consumption, the value of agricultural production, gross domestic product (GDP), economic diversification index, urban population, the total water extraction for agricultural withdrawal, and trade balance in the Netherlands and South Africa. In the short run, renewable energy consumption was increased by the value of agricultural production but decreased by GDP in South Africa. In the long run, renewable energy consumption and GDP increased the value of agricultural production, while the value of agricultural production also increased GDP in South Africa. However, in the Netherlands, there was no short- and long-run relationship between renewable energy consumption and agricultural and economic development. The results revealed that there was a short- and long-run relationship in South Africa. Moreover, in the Netherlands, the adjustment speed was –1.46 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.68 a (8.22 months). In South Africa, the adjustment speed was –1.28 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.78 a (9.38 months). Therefore, compared to South Africa, renewable energy consumption in the Netherlands takes less time to return to balance after a shock. These findings signify different trajectories on sectoral and economic transition initiatives spurred using renewable energy between the Netherlands and South Africa. Policy relating to initiatives such as “agro-energy communities” in Global South countries such as South Africa should be emphasised to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100210
Funda Kaya , Badsha Mia , Most. Asikha Aktar , Md. Shaddam Hossain , Md Mahedi Hassan , Muhammad Abdur Rahaman , Liton Chandra Voumik
The intersection of economic development, energy dynamics, environmental policy, and environmental sustainability presents complex challenges for European Union (EU) countries. This study investigated the impact of environmental taxes, hydroelectricity consumption, economic globalization, and gross domestic product (GDP) on the load capacity factor (LCF) in the 10 EU member countries (including Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden) using data from 1995 to 2020. To ensure the reliability and validity of the data, this study applied several advanced econometric tests, including the Pesaran and Yamagata slope heterogeneity test, Pesaran cross-sectional dependence (CSD) test, second-generation unit root test, and Westerlund cointegration test. The data showed important statistical issues such as slope heterogeneity across panels, CSD, mixed-order unit root structures, and long-run associations between variables. To address these issues, we applied an augmented mean group (AMG) model as the main regression approach, and used the pooled mean group-autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) method to check the robustness. Specifically, the AMG results indicate that a 1.000% rise in hydroelectricity consumption results in a 0.048% rise in the LCF, while a 1.000% increase in environmental taxes leads to a 0.175% increase in the LCF. Contrary to this, a 1.000% increase in economic globalization results in a 0.370% decrease in the LCF, and a 1.000% increase in GDP leads to a 0.850% decrease in the LCF. Environmental taxes have a more beneficial impact on the environment, and GDP has the most detrimental effect. The findings provide empirical evidence on the role of environmental taxes, hydroelectricity consumption, economic globalization, and GDP in driving the LCF. Additionally, the findings provide valuable information to policy-makers, academicians, and stakeholders shaping energy and environmental policies in the 10 EU member countries.
{"title":"Impact of environmental taxes, hydroelectricity consumption, economic globalization, and gross domestic product (GDP) on the load capacity factor in the selected European Union (EU) member countries","authors":"Funda Kaya , Badsha Mia , Most. Asikha Aktar , Md. Shaddam Hossain , Md Mahedi Hassan , Muhammad Abdur Rahaman , Liton Chandra Voumik","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intersection of economic development, energy dynamics, environmental policy, and environmental sustainability presents complex challenges for European Union (EU) countries. This study investigated the impact of environmental taxes, hydroelectricity consumption, economic globalization, and gross domestic product (GDP) on the load capacity factor (LCF) in the 10 EU member countries (including Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden) using data from 1995 to 2020. To ensure the reliability and validity of the data, this study applied several advanced econometric tests, including the Pesaran and Yamagata slope heterogeneity test, Pesaran cross-sectional dependence (CSD) test, second-generation unit root test, and Westerlund cointegration test. The data showed important statistical issues such as slope heterogeneity across panels, CSD, mixed-order unit root structures, and long-run associations between variables. To address these issues, we applied an augmented mean group (AMG) model as the main regression approach, and used the pooled mean group-autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) method to check the robustness. Specifically, the AMG results indicate that a 1.000% rise in hydroelectricity consumption results in a 0.048% rise in the LCF, while a 1.000% increase in environmental taxes leads to a 0.175% increase in the LCF. Contrary to this, a 1.000% increase in economic globalization results in a 0.370% decrease in the LCF, and a 1.000% increase in GDP leads to a 0.850% decrease in the LCF. Environmental taxes have a more beneficial impact on the environment, and GDP has the most detrimental effect. The findings provide empirical evidence on the role of environmental taxes, hydroelectricity consumption, economic globalization, and GDP in driving the LCF. Additionally, the findings provide valuable information to policy-makers, academicians, and stakeholders shaping energy and environmental policies in the 10 EU member countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100215
Ivette Gnitedem Keubeng , George Achu Muluh , Vatis Christian Kemezang
Motivated by a significant impact of price volatility on food security and economic stability in Cameroon, this study aims to understand the factors influencing agricultural product price volatility (APPV) and formulate effective policies for mitigating its negative impact and promoting sustainable economic growth. Specifically, this research used the autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model (ARDL-ECM) to analyse the impact of agricultural productivity, agricultural product imports, population, temperature variation, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and government expenditure on APPV based on the annual data from 2000 to 2021. The ARDL-ECM estimation results revealed that agricultural productivity (β=4.901), agricultural product imports (β=1.012), population (β=13.635), and GDP per capita (β=2.794) were positively related to APPV, while temperature variation (β= –0.990) and government expenditure (β= –8.585) were negatively related to APPV in the long term. However, temperature variation had a positive relationship with APPV in the short term. Moreover, the Granger causality test showed that there were bidirectional causality of APPV with agricultural productivity and agricultural product imports, and unidirectional causality of APPV with population, temperature variation, GDP per capita, and government expenditure. The findings highlight the importance of public policies in stabilizing agricultural product prices by investing in agricultural research, improving access to agricultural inputs, strengthening farmer capacities, implementing climate adaptation measures, and enhancing rural infrastructure. These policies can reduce APPV, improve food security, and promote inclusive economic growth in Cameroon.
{"title":"Controlling agricultural product price volatility: An empirical analysis from Cameroon","authors":"Ivette Gnitedem Keubeng , George Achu Muluh , Vatis Christian Kemezang","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100215","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Motivated by a significant impact of price volatility on food security and economic stability in Cameroon, this study aims to understand the factors influencing agricultural product price volatility (APPV) and formulate effective policies for mitigating its negative impact and promoting sustainable economic growth. Specifically, this research used the autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model (ARDL-ECM) to analyse the impact of agricultural productivity, agricultural product imports, population, temperature variation, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and government expenditure on APPV based on the annual data from 2000 to 2021. The ARDL-ECM estimation results revealed that agricultural productivity (<em>β</em>=4.901), agricultural product imports (<em>β</em>=1.012), population (<em>β</em>=13.635), and GDP per capita (<em>β</em>=2.794) were positively related to APPV, while temperature variation (<em>β</em>= –0.990) and government expenditure (<em>β</em>= –8.585) were negatively related to APPV in the long term. However, temperature variation had a positive relationship with APPV in the short term. Moreover, the Granger causality test showed that there were bidirectional causality of APPV with agricultural productivity and agricultural product imports, and unidirectional causality of APPV with population, temperature variation, GDP per capita, and government expenditure. The findings highlight the importance of public policies in stabilizing agricultural product prices by investing in agricultural research, improving access to agricultural inputs, strengthening farmer capacities, implementing climate adaptation measures, and enhancing rural infrastructure. These policies can reduce APPV, improve food security, and promote inclusive economic growth in Cameroon.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100215"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100211
Rizal Imana , Andrea Emma Pravitasari , Didit Okta Pribadi
Urbanization in small- and medium-sized cities has often been overlooked in urban studies. Research on urbanization has predominantly focused on large metropolitan cities; however, urbanization in small- and medium-sized cities also contributes to the acceleration of urban sprawl. Urban growth boundary (UGB) is an ecological approach designed to limit urban development. This study aimed to analyze environmental protection priority zones by combining ecological quality and sensitivity indices to identify the areas suitable for UGB implementation. Tegal City and its surrounding areas (including Tegal and Brebes regencies) of Indonesia were selected as the study area. The ecological quality index was calculated using the normalized difference vegetation index, humidity index, land surface temperature, and normalized difference bare soil index. These indices were subsequently subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to extract orthogonal factors, which were summed to derive the final index value. In parallel, we mapped and evaluated ecological sensitivity based on spatial planning policies and regulations. The results revealed that ecological quality in Tegal and Brebes regencies was predominantly categorized as good and very good ecological quality, whereas Tegal City exhibited moderate and poor ecological quality. Additionally, over 45.00% of the area in Tegal and Brebes regencies demonstrated very high ecological sensitivity. Consequently, more than 50.00% of the area in Tegal and Brebes regencies, along with 27.00% of Tegal City, were classified as ecological constraint zone, making them potential regions for UGB development. The UGB is expected to curtail urban expansion, promote compact city planning, and preserve ecosystem services to achieve urban sustainability. This study implies that planning small- and medium-sized cities is important to prevent urban sprawl and maintain environmental health. Designing UGB to limit urban expansion should be enhanced by better knowledge about its ecological functions in supporting urban sustainability.
{"title":"Analysis of environmental protection priority zones and their impacts on urban planning in small- and medium-sized cities of Indonesia","authors":"Rizal Imana , Andrea Emma Pravitasari , Didit Okta Pribadi","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100211","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urbanization in small- and medium-sized cities has often been overlooked in urban studies. Research on urbanization has predominantly focused on large metropolitan cities; however, urbanization in small- and medium-sized cities also contributes to the acceleration of urban sprawl. Urban growth boundary (UGB) is an ecological approach designed to limit urban development. This study aimed to analyze environmental protection priority zones by combining ecological quality and sensitivity indices to identify the areas suitable for UGB implementation. Tegal City and its surrounding areas (including Tegal and Brebes regencies) of Indonesia were selected as the study area. The ecological quality index was calculated using the normalized difference vegetation index, humidity index, land surface temperature, and normalized difference bare soil index. These indices were subsequently subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to extract orthogonal factors, which were summed to derive the final index value. In parallel, we mapped and evaluated ecological sensitivity based on spatial planning policies and regulations. The results revealed that ecological quality in Tegal and Brebes regencies was predominantly categorized as good and very good ecological quality, whereas Tegal City exhibited moderate and poor ecological quality. Additionally, over 45.00% of the area in Tegal and Brebes regencies demonstrated very high ecological sensitivity. Consequently, more than 50.00% of the area in Tegal and Brebes regencies, along with 27.00% of Tegal City, were classified as ecological constraint zone, making them potential regions for UGB development. The UGB is expected to curtail urban expansion, promote compact city planning, and preserve ecosystem services to achieve urban sustainability. This study implies that planning small- and medium-sized cities is important to prevent urban sprawl and maintain environmental health. Designing UGB to limit urban expansion should be enhanced by better knowledge about its ecological functions in supporting urban sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100212
ZHANG Tianyang, LI Linna
As urbanization accelerates, rural regions in China are experiencing transformative changes. This study examines the transformation mechanism of modern agricultural villages in the loess hilly and gully regions, using Zhaojiawa Village in Shannxi Province of China as a case study. In this study, we explored the village’s evolution amid China’s rural revitalization efforts, highlighting the transition from a traditional agricultural village to a modern agricultural village in the context of rapid urbanization. This study employed actor-network theory (ANT) to investigate the complex interactions among diverse actors that drive rural transformation. ANT interlinks spatial relationships with intricate social networks. We utilized Google Earth remote sensing images in 2015 and 2021 and interview data to construct ANT. Three key dimensions of rural transformation are identified: economic structure transformation, social relationship reorganization, and spatial layout reconstruction. The transformation mechanism in Zhaojiawa Village is underpinned by a network of diverse actors, both human and non-human, aligned around two pivotal stages of agricultural village development (i.e., construction stage and development stage). In the initial construction stage, the Suide County government led a complex actor network to enhance rural living and production spaces. In the development stage, the village committee emerged as a central actor, with increased participation from villagers and external enterprises, facilitating the creation of a multifunctional space. The evolving goals and roles of these key actors contributed to the reconfiguration of the actor network, promoting rural transformation. These insights are applicable to other ecologically vulnerable and economically challenged rural areas in the loess hilly and gully regions, suggesting that collaboration among stakeholders can effectively facilitate the transition to specialized and integrated industries, thereby fostering rural revitalization.
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Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100198
Sang Thanh Le , Nhu Huynh Mao , Paul Kristiansen , Michael Coleman
Agricultural production (especially intensive rice production) is a primary income source for over 2.0×107 people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta. However, adverse climate change impacts, socio-economic change, and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems. Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice. We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics, as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies (baby corn and honeydew melon) in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces, Vietnam. Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts. Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings, and the results were validated with local government staff. The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand (including value-addition) and better vertical coordination (e.g., written contracts and financial support). The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination. There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification, value-addition, and accessing high-value domestic and export markets. However, farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors. Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation. Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment, economic growth, and community development. Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models. These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally.
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Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100194
Gloria Fayomi , Ednah Onyari , Onyeka Nkwonta
Water resources are vital for all living beings and should be managed properly to ensure the safety and well-being of humankind. Surface water bodies are constantly faced with serious contamination risks generated primarily by human activities and urbanization. The problem of waste littering and dumping in developing countries like Nigeria is increasingly affecting environmental resources such as air and water. Several studies have revealed alarming levels of heavy metals that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Plastic waste represents a substantial portion of litter, affecting water quality. Pollution results in the depletion of aquatic ecosystems and an increase in water-related diseases. This review aims to assess the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria. In this review, the findings of various studies on surface water bodies in Nigeria, particularly those under the influence of urbanization and waste disposal, were compiled. This review compared numerous physical and chemical parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metals, and microbiological properties such as total coliforms. The water quality index (WQI) was also computed in these studies to ascertain the suitability of the water samples for human consumption. Review results showed that numerous water bodies in Nigeria have significantly diverse water quality levels, with some samples meeting or exceeding the WHO guidelines for microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics. Notably, levels of heavy metals, turbidity, and pH frequently exceeded permissible limits, pointing to contamination from agricultural and industrial sources. The WQI results for multiple locations revealed that the majority of surface water sources were classified as “bad” to “very bad”, meaning they were unfit for human consumption. The results emphasized the critical need for immediate action to prevent further harm and deterioration of surface water bodies in Nigeria. Recommendations include strengthening waste management policies, promoting recycling initiatives, fostering collaborations among stakeholders, developing littering penalties and enforcing fines to curb the challenge, and raising educational awareness from the primary level. This review emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect the environment and surface water quality in Nigeria.
{"title":"Qualitative assessment of the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria","authors":"Gloria Fayomi , Ednah Onyari , Onyeka Nkwonta","doi":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100194","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100194","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water resources are vital for all living beings and should be managed properly to ensure the safety and well-being of humankind. Surface water bodies are constantly faced with serious contamination risks generated primarily by human activities and urbanization. The problem of waste littering and dumping in developing countries like Nigeria is increasingly affecting environmental resources such as air and water. Several studies have revealed alarming levels of heavy metals that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Plastic waste represents a substantial portion of litter, affecting water quality. Pollution results in the depletion of aquatic ecosystems and an increase in water-related diseases. This review aims to assess the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria. In this review, the findings of various studies on surface water bodies in Nigeria, particularly those under the influence of urbanization and waste disposal, were compiled. This review compared numerous physical and chemical parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metals, and microbiological properties such as total coliforms. The water quality index (WQI) was also computed in these studies to ascertain the suitability of the water samples for human consumption. Review results showed that numerous water bodies in Nigeria have significantly diverse water quality levels, with some samples meeting or exceeding the WHO guidelines for microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics. Notably, levels of heavy metals, turbidity, and pH frequently exceeded permissible limits, pointing to contamination from agricultural and industrial sources. The WQI results for multiple locations revealed that the majority of surface water sources were classified as “bad” to “very bad”, meaning they were unfit for human consumption. The results emphasized the critical need for immediate action to prevent further harm and deterioration of surface water bodies in Nigeria. Recommendations include strengthening waste management policies, promoting recycling initiatives, fostering collaborations among stakeholders, developing littering penalties and enforcing fines to curb the challenge, and raising educational awareness from the primary level. This review emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect the environment and surface water quality in Nigeria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34395,"journal":{"name":"Regional Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100194"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143706437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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