Environmental and Sustainability Indicators最新文献

{"title":"Explaining air pollution exceedance days through land use densities","authors":"Mohsen RoohaniQadikolaei ,&nbsp;Ali Soltani ,&nbsp;Sara Nikmard Namin ,&nbsp;Yaser Hatami ,&nbsp;Peyman Najafi","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Air pollution is one of the most critical sustainability and public health issues facing megacities in the Global South, and Tehran illustrates this challenge with more than 100 polluted days each year. While traffic is widely acknowledged as the leading emission source, less is known about how land use patterns jointly shape exceedance-day frequencies. This study examines the influence of urban form within a 2 km radius of Tehran's 28 monitoring stations on the number of days exceeding air quality standards. Urban form is operationalized through three spatial density dimensions: green space (area density), industrial activity (count and area density), and street networks (distance density). Using GIS-derived measures and a Generalized Spatial Two-Stage Least Squares (GS2SLS) model, the analysis accounts for both spatial dependence and endogeneity. Findings reveal that connected and proximate green patches are effective in reducing exceedance days, while larger industrial areas and clusters substantially increase them. Street networks play a dual role: higher intersection connectivity raises exceedance frequencies, whereas longer continuous street segment lengths appear to facilitate pollutant dispersion and reduce exceedances. Overall, Tehran's exceedance day burden stems from a complex interaction of “source” and “sink” land uses, with fragmented greenery and concentrated industry particularly worsening conditions in southern districts. Conceptually, the study advances a density-based source–sink modeling framework; methodologically, it integrates GIS and spatial econometrics at a detailed urban scale, and substantively, it provides actionable insights for planners. Strategies such as enhancing continuous green corridors, congestion management, and industrial relocation are essential to mitigate air pollution and promote spatial justice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101087"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938495","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}

{"title":"Remediation performance of land leveling projects on cultivated land fragmentation under micro-topographic differences","authors":"Siying Zhang ,&nbsp;Chaoxian Yang ,&nbsp;Yong Liu ,&nbsp;Rongrong Chen ,&nbsp;Pengfei Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>China's expansive mountainous and hilly regions, shaped by varied topography, have led to widespread fragmentation of cultivated land, posing challenges to mechanized and large-scale agriculture. Land Leveling Projects (LLPs) have been widely adopted to address this issue. However, their effectiveness, particularly across different micro-topographical conditions, has not been systematically evaluated. This study examines the performance of LLPs in reducing Cultivated Land Fragmentation (CLF) using 16 land consolidation projects in the mountainous and hilly areas of Chongqing as case studies. This study constructs a tripartite analytical framework of “geomorphological type - project intensity - remediation performance”. Taking typical mountainous and hilly areas of Chongqing as a case study, it selects 16 implemented LLPs under different micro-geomorphological conditions as samples to comprehensively investigate the performance of LLPs in remediating CLF. The results showed that: (1) Various types of LLPs, including Strip Field Remediation Projects (SFRP), Terrace Remediation Projects (TRP), Slope-to-Terrace Projects (STP), Slope-to-Slow Projects (SSP), Field Merging Projects (FMP), and Mesa Reconstruction Projects (MRP), can all reduce CLF to some degree. (2) Micro-topographical conditions significantly influence LLPs performance. The Gentle Hilly and Flat Dam Area (GHFDA) showed the highest remediation effectiveness, followed by the Low Hill Area (LHA), Hilly and Wide Valley Area (HWVA), and Middle-Low Hillside Area (MLHA). (3) Complex terrain increases the degree of land fragmentation and the investment required for LLPs, without corresponding improvements in remediation outcomes. (4) Given limited financial resources, priority should be given to areas with high remediation potential and adaptability, such as GHFDA and LHA. These regions are more suitable for reducing fragmentation and promoting large-scale cultivation. In contrast, large-scale LLPs are less appropriate for MLHA; instead, efforts should focus on improving field access, irrigation systems, and basic infrastructure to enhance production and living conditions. This study provides a foundation for evaluating the performance of LLPs and supports more targeted, effective land management strategies in complex terrains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101089"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925569","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}

{"title":"Asset-based millets production interventions for livelihood improvement in semi-arid Telangana: A multidimensional livelihood capital approach","authors":"Rajendra R. Chapke,&nbsp;D. Balakrishna,&nbsp;Tara Satyavathi C,&nbsp;Peddiveeti Laxmiprasanna","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Millets offer a climate-resilient and nutrition-rich alternative for enhancing rural livelihoods, yet their potential remains underutilized in semi-arid India. This study addresses the lack of empirical evidence on how millet-based interventions impact household livelihoods when aligned with farmers’ existing asset-based farming practices. The study was conducted in the Sangareddy district of Telangana under the ICAR-Farmer First Programme. It applied a capital-based framework to assess changes across five types of livelihood capitals that were natural, social, physical, financial, and human. A sample of 100 millet-farming households was selected through a stratified random sampling method. The data were collected before and after interventions using semi-structured tools and analysed using an entropy-weighted livelihood index, paired t-tests, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The overall livelihood index increased significantly from 1.80 to 3.97. Social and natural capitals recorded the highest gains, driven by improved extension access, crop diversification, and millet enterprise development. The SEM revealed that social and financial capital had the strongest influence on livelihood enhancement. Improved millet practices, including high-yielding varieties, intercropping, mechanization, and value addition, contributed to higher income, resilience, and well-being. The study concludes that combining appropriate technologies with asset-based interventions can effectively improve the livelihoods of dryland farmers. Participatory technology design, capital-based extension strategies, gender-responsive value chains, and composite livelihood monitoring tools require attention while formulating the policy framework. This study provides strong empirical evidence that millet-based interventions, aligned with the existing livelihood capitals of farmers, can serve as a powerful strategy for achieving sustainable, equitable, and resilient rural development in the semi-arid regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101088"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797874","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}

{"title":"Sustainable community-based tourism development nexus livelihood improvement in urban areas: Evidence from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","authors":"Kassegn Berhanu Melese ,&nbsp;Tsion Mohammed Ismael ,&nbsp;Shewandagne Alemayehu","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study aimed to explore the nexus between sustainable community-based urban tourism (CBUT) development and livelihood improvement for the residents of Addis Ababa. Purposive sampling was employed to select unprivileged and disadvantaged groups from the Arada sub-city's population, followed by census sampling to contact respondents. Principal component analysis was used to break down determining factors, followed by a multiple regression test to examine their impact on community-based urban tourism. The research findings indicate that community awareness about community-based urban tourism concepts is low, necessitating intensive awareness creation. However, potential tourism resources and community interest were observed. Arada sub-city is endowed with high-potential tourism resources. Moreover, social capital and empowerment, improved livelihood, and sense of place have been drawn as determining factors for successful community-based urban tourism development. It also revealed that need assessment, development works, administrative frameworks, community participation, benefit sharing, sustainability, and its value are pillars to the development of community-based urban tourism. The study has provided insight for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the government on how to concentrate on various forms of tourism that are important for the development of the tourism industry, the well-being of the populace's economy, the diversification of attractions, and the viewpoint of tourists.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101074"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748865","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}

{"title":"Nature-based health initiatives: A governance assessment tool based on indicators","authors":"Alessandra Rigo,&nbsp;Laura Secco,&nbsp;Elena Pisani","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nature-based health initiatives (NbHIs) are emerging as innovative approaches to promoting human well-being and environmental sustainability. However, a standardised method to evaluate the multi-actor, multi-level, and multi-sector governance required for their implementation is lacking. This study addresses this gap by presenting an evaluation tool empirically tested through a multi-case study involving three NbHIs at different stages of development in North-Eastern Italy. Data were collected through 20 in-depth structured interviews with experts and 27 online questionnaires completed by the initiative participants. A total of 152 governance indicators were derived and hierarchically aggregated into a composite index, designed to capture the multidimensional and context-sensitive nature of NbHI governance, based on a purpose-built conceptual framework. The findings highlight that overall governance performance does not align uniformly across all dimensions and components of the framework. This variability is shaped by governance-related and contextual factors, such as the composition of the actor network and the maturity stage of each initiative. The proposed methodology provides a practical and adaptable tool for monitoring and evaluating the governance of NbHIs, helping to identify strengths and weaknesses and offering guidance for targeted improvements. It enhances understanding of how these initiatives can generate meaningful environmental and health outcomes through stronger cross-sectoral collaboration, providing evidence to support their integration into both health and environmental policy agendas. Finally, the study illustrates the application of the tool by offering case-specific recommendations and actionable insights for practitioners involved in the design and implementation of NbHIs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101085"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797883","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}

{"title":"Asymmetric effects of environmental taxes, growth, and renewable energy on consumption-based CO2 emissions in Italy","authors":"Seyed Alireza Athari ,&nbsp;Eric Tieku Agyemang ,&nbsp;Dervis Kirikkaleli","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reduction of consumption-based carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂) is crucial to attaining sustainable development goals, protecting the ecosystem, combating global warming, and preserving biodiversity for a better future. Based on this purpose, the current study aims to investigate the impact of environmental taxes, economic growth, and renewable energy on CO₂ emissions in Italy, using the nonlinear ARDL bounds test. The findings of the study reveal that (i) CO₂ emissions, environmental taxes, economic growth, and renewable energy variables are cointegrated; (ii) a 1 % increase in environmental taxes is equivalent to about a 0.08 million metric tonnes decrease in emissions, but a negative shock insignificantly affects CO₂. (iii) There is an increase in CO₂ by 1.84 million metric tonnes for every 1 US dollar increase in GDP, but a negative shock insignificantly affects CO₂; (iv) For every 1 % increase in renewable energy, CO₂ decreases by 0.007 million metric tonnes. In line with empirical findings, Italy should strategically increase environmental taxes to consistently curb CO₂ emissions. Decouple economic growth from environmental damage by incentivizing green investment and innovation. Accelerate the renewable energy transition through subsidies and infrastructure to ensure it permanently reduces emissions, even during economic downturns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101086"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145797824","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}

{"title":"Digital rural development and the alleviation of the urban-rural digital divide: An analysis based on the theory of co-production","authors":"Wei Wang ,&nbsp;Xiang Li ,&nbsp;Manman Cheng ,&nbsp;Weikun Zhang ,&nbsp;Bin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of digital villages represents a critical pathway for dismantling the urban-rural dual structure and promoting inclusive digital development. This study moves beyond the traditional framework of technological determinism by adopting the lens of co-production theory. It constructs a three-dimensional analytical framework-“co-construction of rules-resource integration-dynamic feedback”-to reveal how digital village initiatives, under conditions of multi-actor interaction, contribute to narrowing the urban-rural digital divide. Drawing on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2013 and 2021, the study employs a global entropy method to measure the level of digital village development and utilizes dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to identify configurational paths that contribute to the reduction of the digital divide. The key findings are as follows. Digital village development significantly reduces the urban-rural digital divide through synergistic mechanisms involving institutional rule optimization, complementary resource allocation, and data-driven feedback. The core mechanism lies in the coupling effect between technological diffusion and the transformation of governance paradigms. Three distinct configurational paths are identified for alleviating the digital divide: the“Service-Space Synergistic Optimization”model centered on digitalized public services and spatial connectivity; the “Digital-Spatial Resilience Matching”model based on robust digital infrastructure and adaptable population mobility; and the“Digital-Industrial Co-evolution”model driven by the digital restructuring of industrial chains. These configurations under-score the non-linear synergy among diverse actors and the resulting amplifying effects. Regional heterogeneity reveals that in eastern regions, the“technological siphoning effect”intensifies the divide, whereas central and western regions achieve reverse convergence through institutional equity and spatial rebalancing strategies. Based on these insights, the study proposes a triadic governance framework integrating institutions, technology, and society. It emphasizes the importance of dynamically adaptive policy tools, the dual empowerment of human capital and ecological value, and the urgent need to overcome the pitfalls of“technological monism.”These findings offer both theoretical grounding and practical guidance for the advancement of digital villages and the broader goal of common prosperity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101066"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938420","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}

{"title":"Coastal sustainability responsibility model: A PLS-SEM analysis of knowledge, attitudes, decision-making, and behavior in Indonesian coastal communities","authors":"Saparuddin ,&nbsp;Hadi Suwono ,&nbsp;Sitoresmi Prabaningtyas","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coastal environmental sustainability is largely shaped by the responsibility of local communities in preserving coastal ecosystems. However, limited empirical research has examined the psychosocial mechanisms that underpin this responsibility. This study aims to examine the psychosocial factors influencing coastal sustainability responsibility, including knowledge, attitudes, decision-making, and behavior. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with data from 450 coastal community respondents in Bulukumba Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed to assess both direct and mediating effects among variables. The findings indicate that decision-making (β = 0.464; p &lt; 0.001) and behavior (β = 0.455; p &lt; 0.001) significantly shape sustainability responsibility, whereas knowledge does not directly predict behavior (β = 0.003; p = 0.882). Attitudes strongly influence decision-making (β = 0.608; p &lt; 0.001) but show no direct effect on responsibility (β = 0.012; p = 0.716), highlighting the pivotal role of psychological mediation in shaping responsibility. Mediation analysis further confirmed the indirect influence of knowledge on responsibility through attitudes, decision-making, and behavior, with significant path coefficients (β = 0.21; p &lt; 0.001). These results underscore the importance of strengthening decision-making skills and pro-environmental behaviors in coastal education and policy interventions. The novelty of this study lies in positioning responsibility as the primary outcome within the conceptual Coastal Sustainability Responsibility (CSR) model, offering both theoretical and practical contributions to the coastal sustainability literature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101083"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748864","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}

{"title":"Analysis on impact of farmers' management behavior on the growth or decline of forest resources in semi-arid regions of China","authors":"Xiaoyu Wu,&nbsp;Guiyan Liu,&nbsp;Qingfeng Bao","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The changes in forest resources are primarily influenced by natural and socio-economic factors. However, in a given region, the impacts of natural conditions remain relatively constant. Based on this assumption, this study investigates how household management behaviors affect forest resource changes in semi-arid regions. Taking the collective forest areas of Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, China, as a case study, we analyzed how farmers’ management behaviors drive the growth or decline of forest resources. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we collected questionnaire data from 562 households across 35 villages, supplemented by interview records and secondary forestry department data. A multiple linear regression model was constructed with forest stock volume per unit area as the dependent variable, while controlling for household characteristics, resource endowments, and policy factors. Key findings reveal that drought-resistant afforestation techniques, village-level information channels, and diversified management modes significantly enhance forest stock accumulation. Household size, proportion of forestry income, and moderate forest fragmentation also positively influence resource growth. The study concludes that targeted technology extension, localized information dissemination, and management mode are crucial for enhancing forest sustainability in semi-arid regions. Policy recommendations include improving drought-resistant water infrastructure, promoting cooperative forestry management, and adopting eco-economic tree species to reconcile livelihood needs with ecological conservation. By integrating micro-level behavioral analysis with macro forest resource dynamics, this research provides empirical evidence for forest management and policy optimization in semi-arid regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101081"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748866","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}

{"title":"Elevation and management-induced vegetation and soil carbon shift in Eastern Himalayan forests: Advancing nature-based sustainability solutions (NbS)","authors":"Shri Kant Tripathi,&nbsp;Rajdeep Chanda,&nbsp;Aosanen Ao,&nbsp;Basanta Moirangthem,&nbsp;Santosh Chauhan,&nbsp;Lianhmingthanga Mizo,&nbsp;Salam Suresh Singh,&nbsp;Ngangbam Somen Singh,&nbsp;Keshav Kumar Upadhyay,&nbsp;David C. Vanlalfakawma,&nbsp;Lalnunmawia","doi":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101082","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.indic.2025.101082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tropical montane forests are essential carbon sinks that significantly contribute to climate regulation; however, their biomass and carbon dynamics remain underexplored in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot of the Eastern Himalaya. With this motive, we quantified tree diversity, above- and below-ground biomass, and soil organic carbon across five forest sites in Mizoram, Northeast India, encompassing three protected areas and two community-managed forests distributed along an elevational gradient (70–1900 m amsl). A total of 192 tree species, belonging to 132 genera and 65 families, were recorded, with higher tree richness and density in community forests. Total tree carbon stock ranged from 182.9 to 297.4 Mg C ha⁻¹ and increased as a function of elevation, explaining 57 % of the variability in above-ground biomass. Sentinel-2–derived vegetation indices demonstrated strong correlations with field-measured biomass, particularly modified soil-adjusted indices such as MSAVI (R² = 0.71) and SAVI (R² = 0.70). A multivariate regression model integrating multiple indices achieved high predictive accuracy (R² = 0.87). High-elevation forests, such as Phawngpui National Park (PNP) and Hmuifang Community Forest (HCF), exhibited greater carbon storage, reflecting lower disturbance and favourable microclimatic conditions. Community-managed forests stored carbon amounts comparable to or exceeding those of protected areas, highlighting the effectiveness of participatory governance in the region. Integrating remote sensing with field-based data provides robust, scalable framework for monitoring carbon dynamics in mountainous regions. These findings emphasise that community forestry represents effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for enhancing carbon sequestration, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and advancing India's climate commitments under NDCs and REDD + frameworks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36171,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Sustainability Indicators","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101082"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748873","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}