Land Use Allocation Research Articles

Political Economy of Land Use in Indonesia: Trap and Curse of Natural Forests

The allocation of land use in Indonesia is very inefficient, while the distribution of tenure is unequal. Half of the land for cultivation is held by forestry, and the other half is used by various other sectors. Most Indonesian farmers are small- scale farmers who do not meet economies of scale. Agrarian reforms aimed at overcoming inefficiency in land use, eliminating inequality in land tenure, and promoting rural areas’ prosperity need to involve land for cultivation allocated for forestry. This paper is written based on the author’s experience of interacting with various parties related to land issues, forest areas and agrarian reform through various forums, such as official meetings, focus group discussions, seminars, workshops, symposiums, one-on-one discussions (interviews), and interactions through social media. Agrarian reform, which has been launched since 1960, has not been able to be realized until today. The fight seems to involve two large groups, namely environmentalists and developmentalists, but this kind of grouping is likely to be misleading. Environmental issues may only be used as an instrument to obtain economic benefits as well, not for the environment itself.

Sustainable Land-Use Allocation Model at a Watershed Level under Uncertainty.

Land-use allocation models can effectively support sustainable land use. A large number of studies solve the problems of land-use planning by constructing models, such as mathematical models and spatial analysis models. However, these models fail to fully and comprehensively consider three uncertain factors of land-use systems: randomness, interval and fuzziness. 33Therefore, through the study of the watershed land-use system, this paper develops a land-use allocation model considering the regional land–society–economy–environment system under uncertain conditions. On the basis of this model, an interval fuzzy two-stage random land-use allocation model (IFTSP-LUAM) combining social, economic and ecological factors is proposed to provide sustainable development strategies at the basin level. In addition, the proposed IFTSP-LUAM takes into account the above three uncertainties and multistage, multiobjective, dynamic, systematic and complex characteristics of typical land-use planning systems. The results showed that the model considers more socioeconomic and ecological factors and can effectively reflect the quantitative relationship between the increase in economic benefits and the decrease in environmental costs of a land-use system. The model was applied to land-use planning of Nansihu River Basin in Shandong Province. The results provided a series of suitable land-use patterns and environmental emission scenarios under uncertain conditions, which can help the watershed environmental protection bureau and watershed land-use decision-makers to formulate appropriate land-use policies, so as to balance social and economic development and ecological protection. The simulation results can provide support for an in-depth analysis of land-use patterns and the trade-off between economic development and ecological environment protection.

Improving Genetic Algorithms for Optimal Land-Use Allocation

Abstract Land-use allocation (LUA) is a spatial optimization problem for urban planning in the future. The solution to this problem could be enhancing the effectiveness of optimization algorithms t...

Land Use Optimization in a Resource-Exhausted City Based on Simulation of the F-E-W Nexus

Limited land resources are used to meet the growing economic, social, and ecological needs of people in China. Food, energy, and water (F-E-W) are the basic resources for supporting human survival and the transformation of different land uses. This paper tries to construct a theoretical framework of land use and the F-E-W nexus and uses system dynamics to simulate the optimal allocation of land use in Shizuishan City, China, by comparing different scenarios that have different parameters related to F-E-W. The final results follow: (1) according to the relationship between land use and the F-E-W nexus, a three-layer nested theoretical framework is constructed. (2) Future land use under different scenarios differs. Under the scenarios of a less dependence on coal energy, a higher utilization efficiency of energy and agricultural water resources, and a lower grain self-sufficiency rate, there are less crop and urban lands but more ecological land. However, generally speaking, crop and rural construction lands tend to decrease, while urban and ecological lands tend to increase. (3) Combined with different objectives, the rapid transformation scenario is considered a better option in which to achieve a balance among the economy, society, and ecology. This paper also discusses the application of land use optimization in the delineation of three control lines in territory-space planning in China.

Assessing synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services in forest landscape management

Human induced land use changes affect the provisioning of ecosystem services and may follow some economic rationale. Allocation of limited natural resources to different land utilization forms is the ultimate management problem for sustainable development. This study attempts to analyses the current land-use allocation systems in the Zagros area of western Iran suffering from soil erosion and water yielding problems and providing crucial economic benefits for local communities. Therefore, a comprehensive study using multiple advanced methods is needed to examine the ways land-use allocation can be enhanced with respect to multiple ecosystem services. For this, we have considered four ecosystem services, namely water yield, prevention of soil erosion, carbon sequestration and marketable products (wood, food). The economic efficiency (marketable production) of four different and competing land-uses, i.e. forest, pasture, orchard, and agriculture, were calculated applying a direct market valuation. To estimate the provision of ecosystem services, natural capital project tools InVEST and MPSIAC were used to model water production and total carbon budget (aerial biomass, underground, litter and soil), respectively. A Land-Use Conflict Identification Strategy model was used to classify Synergies and Trade-offs between the ecosystem services. A map was then developed to illustrate the spatial distribution of services, their provision levels, and to better understand trade-offs and synergies among a bundle of ecosystem services. To select sample points, a systematic random network was implemented on the map of the region and 533 sample points were selected. We used these sample points to assess the provision of ecosystem services and their synergies and trade-offs. To account for decision-makers’ preferences about the ecosystem services, a non-linear programming method was used to optimize multi-objective land-use allocation by weighing multi-objective benefits from ecosystem services at the landscape level. The results showed that 75% of the studied sample points had synergies, at least between two services, and 25% of the sample points showed trade-offs between the ES. The highest synergies were achieved between water production and prevention of soil erosion. The highest maximum target function was found for a diversity of scenarios aiming for 0–100% provision of the four services. In superior options, forest area level has increased by 75% and the level of orchards has increased by 258% (Relative to the initial area before optimization). The pasture area decreased by 45% and the agricultural land-use area was 65% lower than the pre-optimal level. The erosion rate of the region was reduced about 3736 tons/ha/year relative to pre-optimized conditions (100,514 tones/ha/year) and the water yield capacity increased by 663,100 cubic meters in the whole area, which is of great value due to the importance of water availability in the region. In addition, 76,905 tons /whole area have been added to the carbon storage function. Finally, 172,597 million Rials revenue generation (80%) could be realized for the entire region of 13484 ha.

Multi-Objective Optimization of the Spatial Structure and Layout of the Protected Area Based on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Yellow River’s Headwaters Region in the Three-River-Source National Park

The optimization of the spatial structure and layout is to determine an optimal and cost-effective land-use allocation plan for protected areas. The key goal is to maximizing the value of ecosystem services. This paper establishes a framework for optimizing the spatial structure and layout of the protected area based on ecosystem services. With the objective of maximizing the value of ecosystem services, it uses the CoMOLA (Constrained Multi-objective Optimization of Land-use Allocation) model for multi-objective optimization under the constraints of area and conversion rules. Taking the Yellow River’s headwaters region in the Three-River-Source (Sanjiangyuan) National Park as the study area, this paper uses the data of the year 2015 as a benchmark, and obtains the optimization results of the study area by 2035. The results show that the total value of ecosystem services of the Yellow River’s headwaters region after optimization will reach RMB [Formula: see text], with a total increase of RMB [Formula: see text] (8.47%). The land covers that contribute most to the value of ecosystem services are rivers, lakes and wetlands (51.55%), and grasslands (40.71%). Among the various types of ecosystem services, the value of provisioning services will increase by RMB [Formula: see text], regulating services by RMB [Formula: see text], supporting services by RMB [Formula: see text], and cultural services by RMB [Formula: see text]. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the spatial optimization of protected areas and the management of national parks.

Spatio-Temporal Change of Land Use in a Coastal Reclamation Area: A Complex Network Approach

Coastal ecological protection and restoration projects aimed to restore and recover the ecological environment of coastal wetland with high-intensity human reclamation activity, while the integrity of the coastal wetland system with human reclamation activity and the ability of individual land use types to control the overall system were not fully considered. In this study, a six-stage land use conversion network was constructed by using a complex network model to analyze coastal land use dynamic changes in the coastal reclamation area located in eastern China from 1977 to 2016. The results showed that land use types had gradually transformed from being dominated by natural types to artificial types, and the speed of transformation was accelerating. The proportion of un-reclaimed area decreased from 93% in 1977 to 46% in 2007, and finally fell to 8% in 2014 and 2016. Tidal flat and halophytic vegetation were the main output land use types, while cropland, woodland and aquaculture pond were the main input land use types. Cropland had the highest value of betweenness centrality, which played a key role in land use change from 1992 to 2014. The land use system of the coastal reclamation area was the most stable in 2002–2007, followed by 1984–1992, and the most unstable in 2007–2014. The Chinese and local government should carry out some measures to improve the land use in coastal wetland ecosystems, including the allocation and integration of land use for production space, living space, and ecological space, and develop multi-functionality of land use to realize the coastal high-quality development and coastal ecological protection and restoration.

Fiscal incentives and land finance cycles of prefectures in China

AbstractLand finance has become one of the important major sources of fiscal revenue for Chinese local governments. The spatial allocation of land use constitutes a land‐leasing policy operation of local officials, contributing to local economic development and fluctuation. Applying data from 283 prefectural units from 2003 to 2012, this paper explores the existence of land finance cycles, focussing on the changes of the amount (as in ‘area’) of land‐leasing by negotiation or by auction. The empirical results suggest that land finance cycles synchronise with the PCCP (Provincial Congress of the Communist Party) cycles, in which a prefectural leader decreases the amount of land leased through negotiation and increases that of land leased through auction prior to the year of the PCCP. The findings of empirical results are consistent with the prediction of our theoretical model. Additionally, due to the existence of high uncertainty of prefectural leaders’ tenure and political turnover, the effect of prefectural leaders’ tenure on land finance cycles is more apparent in the early years of their tenure. The results indicate that Chinese leaders’ fiscal strategies are likely to be driven by career concerns for the purpose of maximising a measured economic performance and fiscal rents.

Coastal Area Management Based on Disaster Mitigation: A Case Study in Purworejo Regency, Indonesia

DOI:10.17014/ijog.8.2.147-156Indonesia is an archipelago blessed with the wealth of coastal resources, but also with the risk of natural hazards including tectonic earthquake and tsunami. This potential risk is high in the Purwodadi Subregency, Purworejo Regency, Indonesia, because of its location in an active subduction zone at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Therefore, this study was conducted in the region located on the southern coast of Java Island. The high probability of disaster in the area needs a proper coastal management strategy and mitigation measures. Hence, this study aims to establish an appropriate policy using the strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) analysis. Furthermore, the data obtained from this novel analysis include the population and social vulnerability, geological conditions, landuse allocation, and disaster strategies. Each is carefully assessed and then incorporated into the matrix to obtain the result. In addition, the alternative strategies used are the development of disaster mitigation facilities, infrastructure, and institutional strengthening.

Strategi Penataan Lahan BUMDes Puntukrejo Ngargoyoso Karanganyar, Sebuah Penerapan Konsep Agrowisata

<p><em>This paper discusses a land management strategy that applies agritourism in BUMDes land in Puntukrejo Village, Karanganyar Regency. An appropriate planning strategy is necessary to manage the village's agricultural potencies supported by topographic beauty, cool microclimate, and various well-known products. This village also has BUMDes relatively wide land assets but is not utilized properly. The agritourism applied in land assets usage is expected to increase rural tourism visits by exposing agricultural activities. The case study method is used in this process because it has suitability, especially in researching a strategy to obtain answers to the question "how" and its argument "why." The analysis process is done descriptively qualitatively. </em><em>The study identifies community activities and village potencies for determining various tourism activities and resolves land-use allocation. The result is applying agritourism that utilizes the attractiveness of agriculture by displaying the potential of fertility and natural beauty and supporting leading agricultural commodities, facilities, and harmony by equipping supporting facilities for the convenience of visitors supporting infrastructure by providing unique icons.</em><em></em></p>

Trade-Offs between Agricultural Production, GHG Emissions and Income in a Changing Climate, Technology, and Food Demand Scenario

Climate-smart agriculture targets integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies for delivering food security and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This study outlines a methodology to identify the trade-offs between food production, emissions, and income under technology and food demand-shift scenario and climate change. The methodology uses Climate Smart Agricultural Prioritization (CSAP) toolkit a multi-objective land-use allocation model, and detailed databases, characterizing the agricultural production processes at the land-unit scale. A case study has also been demonstrated for Bihar, a state in India. The quantification of trade-offs demonstrates that under different technology growth pathways alone the food self-sufficiency for Bihar cannot be achieved whilst the reduction in emission intensity targets are achievable up to 2040. However, both food self-sufficiency and reduction in emission intensity can be achieved if we relax constraints on dietary demand and focus on kilo-calories maximization targets. The district-level analysis shows that food self-sufficiency and reduction in emission intensity targets can be achieved at a local scale through efficient crop-technology portfolios.

Estimation of Bioenergy Potential in 2050 for Land-Use Change Scenarios

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) can be used to reduce emissions and simultaneously increase the energy production. It not only plays a critical role in keeping the global temperature increase well below the 2 °C target, but also leads to trade-offs between food security/biodiversity loss over land-use. The future bioenergy potential must be estimated under different socioeconomic scenarios, which are crucial determinants of future land-use. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) can be used to simulate bioenergy potentials under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs), but the results of the models vary significantly. We analyzed the factors causing these differences as well as the model characteristics and, consequently attributed them to a variety of land-use allocations and assumptions regarding bioenergy sources. In IAMs, two land-based negative emission technologies, namely, BECCS and afforestation, are applied to meet the RCP targets. We set scenarios depending on the extent of afforestation and utilize agricultural residues on cropland and dedicated bioenergy crops on potential bioenergy cropland for bioenergy generation. The results indicate that the bioenergy potential in 2050 will range from 76 to 113 EJ. This means that bioenergy accounts for less than 20% of the total energy production in 2018 (606 EJ) as estimated by IEA and would supply less than 16% of the energy demand in 2050 (696–879 EJ), as projected by World Energy Council (2013). Therefore, it can be concluded that it would be challenging for bioenergy to be a major energy source without any conflicts.

Spatial suitability evaluation of coastal zone, and zoning optimisation in ningbo, China

Coastal zones are affected by ocean–land interaction and furthermore, are areas of intense human activity. Exploitation and utilisation of coastal zones directly affect the sustainable development of coastal cities; therefore, it is necessary to conduct space suitability evaluation of such areas to facilitate the rational allocation and sustainable development of coastal resources. In this study, we selected the following factors for a relevant evaluation index, namely land and ocean natural conditions, resource and environmental bearing capacity, exploitation intensity, economic foundation, and social structure. We constructed a guidance and constraint model to evaluate the land and marine spaces of the coastal zone and, subsequently, established criteria for land–sea coordination and integration to facilitate optimum utilisation of coastal zones. Finally, we established an optimal land-use allocation model and relative deviation index to evaluate the scientificity and feasibility of our results. Taking the coastal zone of Ningbo in Zhejiang province, China, as an example, our results showed that (1) The ecological space comprises 5984 km2, accounting for 49.58% of the coastal zone in Ningbo, urban and construction space comprises 997.76 km2, accounting for 8.27%, and agriculture and fishery space comprises 5088.15 km2, accounting for 42.16%, with the ratio of the three types of space being 5:4:1. (2) Generally, the development intensity of the coastal zone in Ningbo is strong in the north and weak in the south, and the overall spatial pattern is urban exploitation in the north, industrial and port traffic areas in the east, and ecological, agricultural, and fishery areas in the south. (3) The relative deviation index of urban and construction space is 1.21, the planned land use exceeds the reasonable demand, the relative deviation indices of ecological space and agricultural and fishery spaces are 0.13 and −0.08, respectively, with the land area showing a decreasing trend. Clearly, development in the coastal zone in Ningbo is too intense. Consequently, it is necessary to strengthen the management and control of land use in this coastal zone to protect its ecological, agricultural, and fishery resources.

Combining biophysical optimization with economic preference analysis for agricultural land-use allocation

Kaim, A., B. Bartkowski, N. Lienhoop, C. Schröter-Schlaack, M. Volk, and M. Strauch. 2021. Combining biophysical optimization with economic preference analysis for agricultural land-use allocation. Ecology and Society 26(1):9. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12116-260109

Environmental Carrying Capacity Assessment—the Policy Instrument and Tool for Sustainable Spatial Management

Nowadays, we are facing a global change associated with the rapid population growth and natural resources demand, which impacts are accumulated in space and during the time. Therefore, humanity could be identified as Planet’s Ecological Bigfoot. The anthropopressure disturbed the natural Earth's regulatory capacity, which could be noticed by the unavailability of freshwater, irregularly temperatures, or interrupted biogeochemical flows. Moreover, the growth of population is expected, as well as the sprawl of urbanized areas, increasing demand for living space, food and humans Ecological Footprint. Therefore, the aim of the study was the implementation of the environmental carrying capacity (ECC) approach for more sustainable spatial management, especially in the context of developing residential areas in the city-region. The research evaluates the spatial policy established by the municipalities of the city and its surroundings and presents alternative scenarios of residential areas development. The alternative scenarios were built using excluded and restricted environmental zones to protect productive ecosystems. The impact of residential areas designed in spatial documents and scenarios has been assessed using the carbon footprint (CF) and biocapacity (BC) indicators within the environmental carrying capacity (ECC) framework. The lifestyle archetypes of the city's residents and its suburban zone were used as the main input for the assessment of CF and the natural areas required to assimilate human consumption. The comparison of CF and BC allowed verifying the consumed versus available resources and to quantify the state of the environment. First of all, the research indicated the potential areas for the future development of human settlements. Secondly, the potential number of inhabitants in residential areas was assessed. Furthermore, the impact of inhabitants was quantified using the ECC approach. Finally, the surface of natural areas required for CF assimilation was assessed. The proposed approach could be relevant for spatial management, spatial policy evaluation and modeling. It could provide a management tool and policy instrument for the sustainable development of human settlements. Moreover, it proposes implementation of environmental zones for allocation of land-use for housing purpose in a more sustainable manner, which is currently not used within the ECC assessment.

Mining the association rules between port shoreline and land utilization intensity: a case study in the coastal zone of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In this study, the spatial pattern of land use refers to the sequence of land use intensity (LUI) in the sea-land direction. To explore the correlation between the port shoreline and the order of land use intensity in the vertical direction from the port shoreline, spatial relationships were introduced into association rule mining models to establish spatial association models that reflected the relationship between the spatial pattern and allocation of land use along the sea-land gradient in the coastal zone. First, the area was divided into grids, and the value of each grid unit was quantified as the land use change rates in 1990–2000, 2000–2010 and 2010–2018. Second, a decision table that reflected the association between port shoreline growth and LUI sequence and a decision table that reflected the association between land use transfer (LUT) and LUI sequence were established in the sea-land direction. Finally, the apriori algorithm was used to set the support and confidence, and the decision tables were subjected to training and testing in MATLAB. This study constructed association rule mining models that expressed spatial relationships and discovered the impact of the growth of shipping on the spatial pattern of land use.

Modelling Land Cover Changes in Peri-Urban Areas: A Case Study of George Town Conurbation, Malaysia

Drastic growth of urban populations has caused expansion of peri-urban areas—the transitional zone between a city and its hinterland. Although urbanisation may bring economic opportunities and improve infrastructure in an area, uncontrolled urban expansion towards peri-urban areas will negatively impact the environment and the community living within the area. Malaysia, for example, has become one of the most urbanised countries in East Asia. However, cities in Malaysia are relatively small and less densely populated compared with other cities in East Asia. This indicates that urban expansion has been sprawling towards peri-urban areas, and not being controlled and properly managed. To ensure urban expansions occur sustainably, urban growth boundary (UGB) can potentially be used as a mechanism to contain and limit urban expansion, and allow urban growth to be planned to achieve sustainable development. A scientific approach is essential to determine an UGB that allows future growth to be predicted and taken into consideration. Potentially, urban spatial models have been widely used to plan and predict future urban expansions. George Town Conurbation, the second largest urban conurbation in Malaysia, has been chosen as the study area in this study. This study aims to demonstrate the application of a GIS-Cellular Automata model, known as FutureSim, which was developed to simulate land cover changes and generate a designated UGB for this area. The model was developed based on the transition rule derived from land cover changes, from 2010 to 2018, and then used to predict future land cover changes under two different planning scenarios—compact growth and urban sprawl scenarios. With the accuracy of the model exceeding 74%, FutureSim was used to predict land cover change until 2030. The model can potentially be used to assist planners and policymakers to make decisions on the allocation of sustainable land use and planning for rapidly developing regions.

Evaluation of the water resource plans in Turkey based on sustainable water management principles

With increasing water scarcity, pollution, and other water-related ecological degradation, water reservoirs and their sustainable development are getting more attention in terms of planning and management. Turkey being under threat of water scarcity has faced ecological degradations in the water basins. Over the last years, Turkey initiated a comprehensive process of planning for the watershed protections following international agreements. This article aims to evaluate the water resource planning approach and management modifications in Turkey according to sustainable development principles. Therefore, it analyzes two main planning projects related to the water resources, including the environment plan and protection plan. In this work, the implementation structures of the two plans are assessed based on the primary factors and sub-factors of sustainable water resource management. As case studies, plans of five drinking water resources were evaluated in terms of their management strategies. The results show that the aspects of environmental pollution and stream health, administrative cooperation, economic restriction, activities determination in the protected zones, and sustainable agriculture have been addressed by plans’ strategies and requirements. However, some other aspects of sustainability such as land-use assessment, finance allocation, social rights, user and academicians’ participation, life pattern studies were underestimated in the implementation plans proposed for the water resource protection in Turkey. This work empathizes on providing connectivity between water basin management as a sector with the land-use planning and socioeconomic sectors and considering a specific position for water sustainability in plans objectives of national, regional, development, and spatial plans.

Optimal land-use allocation using MCDM and SWAT for the Hablehroud Watershed, Iran

The watershed, a dynamic and integrated social, economic, and biological system, plays an important role in the growth and development of the economy. Watersheds as a basis to support natural life and human activities have been heavily damaged over the past few centuries. One of the major causes of which is the inappropriate land-use allocation. Studies on land-use allocation mostly investigate optimization methods apart from each other but combining different approaches and comparing outcomes of different methods seems to be more helpful, especially for the decision-makers in a watershed. Hablehroud watershed as an important agricultural production region in Iran has been facing different ecological and economic problems during recent decades. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the optimal land-use allocation according to the economic, social, and environmental criteria in the Hablehroud watershed using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. The optimal land-use solutions were obtained using the weighted goal programming (WGP), lexicographic goal programming (LGP), and compromise programming (CP) methods. The results indicated that after the optimization, in all the scenarios (economic, neutral and environmental), the average values of the environmental criteria decreased 66 % in WGP, 65 % in LGP and 66.6 % in CP and the social criterion increased 62 % in WGP, 82 % in LGP, and 46.3 % in CP. The values of the economic criteria (profit) increased 2% in WGP, 21 % in LGP and 6% (on average) in CP, only in the economic scenario. However, the economic scenarios showed a better results in all of the methods, based on which the recommendations were made to improve watershed management policies based on the optimal land-use patterns.

Aligning Agent-Based Modeling With Multi-Objective Land-Use Allocation: Identification of Policy Gaps and Feasible Pathways to Biophysically Optimal Landscapes

It is increasingly recognized in science and policy that landscapes need to be managed for multifunctionality. Multi-objective land-use allocation and agent-based modelling are two potent tools to explore the potential of landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services. However, in the case of the former, the real-world feasibility of the biophysically optimal land-use configurations remains unclear. Meanwhile, agent-based models are not well-suited to recognize the biophysical potential of landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services. In this paper, we propose an approach to align multi-objective optimization with agent-based modelling in order to investigate the economic, institutional and social feasibility of biophysically optimal landscapes. It especially allows to contrast biophysically optimized land-use patterns with the option space circumscribed by relevant policy frameworks. We argue that a structured comparison of biophysical optimization with an exploration of the parameter space of an agent-based model can be used to identify the real-world feasibility and the barriers to reaching multifunctional landscapes. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach by using it on a virtual landscape, which allows us to detect the importance of various economic, institutional and behavioural factors that facilitate or hamper moving the social–ecological system towards its biophysical potential. Particularly, we demonstrate the essential role of tailored policy instruments. Our approach can be useful in informing land-use policy with respect to its effectiveness and efficiency in achieving multifunctional landscapes.