Intensive Development Research Articles

Research on the Development Path and Digital Transformation of Specialized, Refined, Unique and New "Little Giant" Enterprises

As China's economy gradually moves towards a stage of high-quality development, the traditional extensive development model is no longer suitable for this transformation demand, and there is an urgent need to shift towards a more intensive, efficient, and sustainable development mode. Innovation is not only the driving force for high-quality development but also the main means of balancing economic and social development. The development of specialized, refined, and innovative "little giant" enterprises can effectively promote technological self-reliance and support the inherent needs and practical paths for the high-quality development of the Chinese economy. Meanwhile, digital transformation is a necessary path for enterprises to adapt to market changes, improve operational efficiency, and innovate business models. Based on this, this article mainly analyzes the development path and digital transformation path design research of specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises. After analysis, this article believes that the development of small and medium-sized enterprises can be divided into three stages: growth start-up, specialization and innovation, and the "little giant" stage. The three elements of efficiency change, innovation drive, and value co-creation are coordinated, and digital transformation is promoted in three stages. Suggestions are also made for the development of specialized, refined, and innovative "little giant" enterprises.

Can new quality productive forces promote inclusive green growth: evidence from China

Inclusive green growth (hereafter “IGG”), as a green and intensive development mode that considers both fairness and efficiency, environmental protection and development, is crucial for achieving sustainable development. New quality productive forces (hereafter “NQPFs”) have become a novel and significant factor in promoting IGG. This study aims to examine the connection between NQPFs and IGG. Based on the data from 283 Chinese cities between 2010 and 2021, the “CRITIC-entropy value” objective combination weighting method is adopted to establish comprehensive indicator system of NQPFs and IGG in this paper. The spatiotemporal characteristics, mutual relationship and influencing mechanism of NQPFs and IGG are evaluated based on kernel density function, panel fixed effect model and spatial Durbin model. The results show that both NQPFs and IGG in China have shown a steady upward trend. NQPFs can significantly promote IGG, and economic agglomeration and technological innovation are important approaches to their interaction. In the period of high Internet penetration and in developed cities, the role of NQPFs in promoting IGG is more obvious. There is also a double threshold effect of financial development in this promotion process. With financial development improving, this promotion effect is significantly enhanced. Our research advocates promoting IGG by enhancing NQPFs, thereby protecting the earth’s ecological environment and attaining long-term sustainability of human society.

Thermodynamic and energy characteristics of carbonate soil-forming rocks and soils of the Western Ukrainian Region

The current stage of development of soil science is characterized by the intensive development of the energy-thermodynamic approach and the solution of theoretical and methodological issues that are directly related to the problem of assessing the energetics of soil formation. The article analyzes the influence of components of the geographical environment as factors of soil formation potential, highlights the features of the formation of various types of energy costs and energy balance during soil formation, and presents the energy and thermodynamic characteristics of carbonate soil-forming rocks and soils of the Western region of Ukraine. Based on energy and thermodynamic indicators (crystal lattice energy, Gibbs free energy and entropy), the ability to intensive soil formation and the suitability for biological development is determined by the characteristics of the studied soil-forming rocks, such as: eluvium of Turonian-Senonian deposits of writing chalk, eluvium of Turonian-Senonian deposits of chalk marls, eluvium of lithothamnian limestones of the Upper Badenian, eluvium of chemogenic limestones of the Upper Badenian, eluvium of clotted limestones of the Upper Badenian. The highest values of crystal lattice energy are characterized by short-profile and full-profile Rendzinas on eluvium of clotted limestones of the Upper Badenian within the Roztochchya-Opilya Upland Region. Significant reserves of internal energy in these soils are due primarily to the highest values of the energy of the crystal lattice of the soil-forming rocks on which they were formed. The lowest values of thermodynamic characteristics are observed in poorly developed and short-profile Rendzinas (Rendzic Leptosols, WRB) within the Voronyaky natural district of the Western Podilsky upland region, formed on the eluvium of Turonian-Senonian deposits of Cretaceous marl. Therefore, significant variability of internal energy in rendzins is due to the influence of various carbonate soil-forming rocks. The proposed results of the study of soil-forming energetics are extremely relevant, as they contribute to a scientifically substantiated solution to one of the most important problems of modern soil science, optimization of the level of soil safety management and reproduction of their potential fertility. Key words: energy-thermodynamic approach; soil formation potential; carbonate soil-forming rocks and soils; potential fertility.

Coupled Hydrodynamic and Biogeochemical Modeling in the Galician Rías Baixas (NW Iberian Peninsula) Using Delft3D: Model Validation and Performance

Estuaries are dynamic and resource-rich ecosystems renowned for their high productivity and ecological significance. The Rías Baixas, located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, consist of four highly productive estuaries that support the region’s economy through key fisheries and aquaculture activities. Numerical modeling of biogeochemical processes in the rias is essential to address environmental and anthropogenic pressures, particularly in areas facing intense human development. This study presents a high-resolution water quality model developed using Delft3D 4 software, integrating the hydrodynamic (Delft3D-FLOW) and water quality (Delft3D-WAQ) modules. Calibration and validation demonstrate the robust performance and reliability of the model in simulating critical biogeochemical processes, such as nutrient cycling and phytoplankton dynamics. The model effectively captures seasonal and spatial variations in water quality parameters, including water temperature, salinity, inorganic nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a. Of the variables studied, the model performed best for dissolved oxygen, followed by nitrates, phosphates, ammonium, silicate, and chlorophyll-a. While some discrepancies were observed in the inner zones and deeper layers of the rias, the overall performance metrics aligned closely with the observed data, enhancing confidence in the model’s utility for future research and resource management. These results highlight the model’s value as a tool for research and managing water and marine resources in the Rías Baixas.

Features of building a successful logistics business in the USA

The very intensive development of e-commerce and changing consumer behavior in the United States have provoked an unprecedented increase in freight traffic. This trend is increasing every year. Existing logistics models sometimes demonstrate the inability to effectively cope with the increased workload, which necessitates a rethink of traditional approaches to business organization in the area under consideration.There is no common position in the scientific community regarding optimal scaling strategies for logistics companies in the context of digital transformations. A number of researchers advocate the priority of technological modernization, while others focus on strengthening regional partner networks. The indicated contradiction is aggravated by the lack of knowledge of synergetic effects when integrating various options for action.The purpose of the study is to identify key success factors in building and scaling a logistics business in the United States through the prism of technological transformation of the industry and changes in market conditions.It is noted that companies integrating elements of classical logistics with digital platform solutions demonstrate an increase in the profitability of operations. At the same time, the critical success factor is not the volume of investments in technological modernization, but the ability to create effective synergy between various parts of the entrepreneurial model. The author’s view on the options for the development and scaling of logistics entrepreneurship in the United States is proposed.The article is of value to the heads of logistics companies, investors considering the possibility of entering this sector in the United States, as well as researchers dealing with the digital transformation of the analyzed industry.

A Critical Look at the Evolution of Flow Analysis

The inception of flow analysis (FA) is closely related to the need for a better understanding of chemical reactions. At the beginning of the last century, these reactions were intensively investigated, and the main involved parameters were the reactant amounts and the available reaction time.¹ It was soon realized that solution mixing and detection were often time-dependent, so they were better accomplished on a fluidic basis.² This stimulated the development of simple flow-based instruments³ that allowed chemical reactions to be more efficiently investigated. The availability of commercial colorimetric detectors in the 1930s4 increased the demand for chemical analysis and, thus, the laboratory workload. This motivated the proposal of the AutoAnalyzer®, the first commercial air-segmented flow analyzer.5 It was intensively used for large-scale assays, persisted for several decades, and involved only a few manufacturing companies. As the implementation of official, recommended, or tentative methods was preferred, the AutoAnalyzer underwent a relatively slow evolution yet an amazing worldwide acceptance. Later on, flow analyzers without segmentation were proposed.6 An example is the flow injection analyzer, which involves precise sample insertion, controlled dispersion, and reproducible timing. Exploitation of these features improved the simplicity, versatility, and flexibility of the analyzer. Further evolution led to the emergence of the sequential injection analyzer and derived ones, which occasionally involved segmented and unsegmented streams. Nowadays, flow analysis is approaching maturity, as evidenced by the number of applications, books, book chapters, tutorials, thesis, academic courses, workshops, scientific articles, events, seminars, commercially available instruments (some of them specially designed for educational purposes), patents, etc. Intensive development of expert flow systems,7 usually exploiting manifold programming,8 is underway. Micro-flow analyzers are also being proposed, especially for large-scale assays under laboratory, in-situ and in-vivo conditions. Compliance with the principles of Green9 and White10 Analytical Chemistry has always been a positive factor for FA development. For a FA healthy evolution, inertia or setback should be avoided, and synergy rather than divergence should be ensured. To this end, flashback and consensus are relevant. Flashback permits the evaluation a particular situation in the past, whereas consensus is more related to future developments.

Pengaruh Inventory Intensity, Thin Capitalization, Capital Intensity, Research and Development dan Multinationality Terhadap Tax Aggressiveness pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) Periode 2020-2022

Thisi study aims to examined and analyzed the effect of Inventory Intensity, Thin Capitalization, Capital Intensity, Research and Development and Multinationality on Tax aggressiveness of manufacturing companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The population of this research iis manufacturing companies ilisted in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the years 2020-2022. Samples are included in the criteria of thisi study were 335 companies using purposive samplingi method. This research datai analysis methods iusing thei multiple linear regressioni analysis. The results of the study indicate that the Thin Capitalization and Multinationality variable has a positive effect on Tax Aggressiveness. While Inventory Intensity, Capital Intensity and Research and Development do not affect Tax Aggressiveness.

Assessing the Effect of Bias Correction Methods on the Development of Intensity–Duration–Frequency Curves Based on Projections from the CORDEX Central America GCM-RCM Multimodel-Ensemble

This work aims to examine the effect of bias correction (BC) methods on the development of Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves under climate change at multiple temporal scales. Daily outputs from a 9-member CORDEX-CA GCM-RCM multi-model ensemble (MME) under RCP 8.5 were used to represent future precipitation. Two stationary BC methods, empirical quantile mapping (EQM) and gamma-pareto quantile mapping (GPM), along with three non-stationary BC methods, detrended quantile mapping (DQM), quantile delta mapping (QDM), and robust quantile mapping (RQM), were selected to adjust daily biases between MME members and observations from the SJO weather station located in Costa Rica. The equidistant quantile-matching (EDQM) temporal disaggregation method was applied to obtain future sub-daily annual maximum precipitation series (AMPs) based on daily projections from the bias-corrected ensemble members. Both historical and future IDF curves were developed based on 5 min temporal resolution AMP series using the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. The results indicate that projected future precipitation intensities (2020–2100) vary significantly from historical IDF curves (1970–2020), depending on individual GCM-RCMs, BC methods, durations, and return periods. Regardless of stationarity, the ensemble spread increases steadily with the return period, as uncertainties are further amplified with increasing return periods. Stationary BC methods show a wide variety of trends depending on individual GCM-RCM models, many of which are unrealistic and physically improbable. In contrast, non-stationary BC methods generally show a tendency towards higher precipitation intensities as the return period increases for individual GCM-RCMs, despite differences in the magnitude of changes. Precipitation intensities based on ensemble means are found to increase with the change factor (CF), ranging between 2 and 25% depending on the temporal scale, return period, and non-stationary BC method, with moderately smaller increases for short-durations and long-durations, and slightly higher for mid-durations. In summary, it can be concluded that stationary BC methods underperform compared to non-stationary BC methods. DQM and RQM are the most suitable BC methods for generating future IDF curves, recommending the use of ensemble means over ensemble medians or individual GCM-RCM outcomes.

USING GENAI TO TRANSFORM DIGITAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITAL SALES IN THE BANKING SECTOR

The article examines the problems and strategic applications of using Generative Artificial Intellegence (GenAI) in order to transform the development of digital products and digital sales in the banking sector. The intensive development of GenAI creates unprecedented opportunities for the transformation of this sector. The relevance of the research is due to the need to rethink traditional approaches in the context of digitalization. There are contradictions regarding the optimal pace of GenAI implementation: a number of researchers call for aggressive digital innovations, while others point to the need for a gradual transition based on financial institutions’ readiness and the maturity of the technologies themselves. The aim is to analyze the key areas of application of GenAI in the characterized area. The article systematizes the elements of the conceptual framework and the advantages of using generative artificial intelligence. The study proposes a novel strategic framework for assessing GenAI's impact and applications across key areas within the banking sector. Special attention is given to how GenAI affects the process of digital product development of financial products and its potential applications in digital sales, particularly through customer engagement, hyper-personalized communication, and chatbots. As a result of the study, it was found that the introduction of GenAI in the banking sector can significantly reduce the time to bring new products to market, enhance personalization in customer interactions, and drive revenue growth through innovative cross-selling strategies. The articles’ materials are of practical value for the heads of commercial and retail banks, specialists in digital transformation, and researchers in the field of financial technologies.

Models for plastic flow: people, places, concepts and techniques

Fred Kocks’ professional life spanned a period of intense development in the understanding of the micromechanics of plastic flow. Continuum plasticity theory and the concepts of crystal plasticity with defined slip planes and directions were well established in 1959 when Fred graduated from the University of Göttingen. The concept of dislocations, discrete carriers of deformation, and their interactions, had initiated a wave of activity across Europe and the US, offering the potential for micro-mechanical models for plastic flow and its dependence on composition, temperature, time (strain-rate) and prior mechanical history. Fred became one of the principal players in the field, starting with his 1958 study of the deformation of polycrystals [1]. To understand his approach and his subsequent contributions it helps to have a picture of the intellectual climate of Göttingen and the excitement of generated by dislocation-plasticity at that time. This brief paper describes this context in which Fred’s work should be viewed.

Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminosilicate Catalysts from Volcano Mud for Biofuel Production with Different Feedstocks

The increasing awareness of sustainable development goals has led to the intensive development of biofuel as a substitute for fossil fuels. This study investigates the potency of volcano mud (VM) as the precursor in synthesizing aluminosilicate catalysts for biofuel production. Three catalysts were synthesized, A3, A3T, and A5, in a manner to investigate the effect of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) addition and hydrothermal time on the crystallinity, Si/Al ratio, and textural properties of the catalysts. The catalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts was evaluated in two different qualities of feedstock, i.e., oleic acid (OA) and waste cooking oil (WCO). It is found that A5 which is synthesized with longer hydrothermal of 5 h has desirable properties, a high mesoporous surface area of 159 m2/g, and a high acidity of 0.263 mmol/g. Catalyst A5 is proven to have similarly high catalytic activity in both WCO and OA feedstock, achieving a liquid yield of 93% with FAME selectivity of 95% for WCO and 95% liquid yield and FAME selectivity of 99% for OA feedstock. These results suggest that A5 is a versatile catalyst in biofuel production from either high or low-quality feedstocks.

Theoretic Trends in Private-Public Partnership Research: Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract This paper conducted detailed research on publication activity in the public-private partnership (PPP) field based on bibliometric analysis. The main aim was to research the different literature materials and systematize trends and priority fields of PPP research. Scopus tools were used to determine the dynamics of the number of indexed publications, research belonging to the country and journals, and the branch structure of publication activity on the research topic, highlighting academics’ contributions in the PPP research field by the number of citations and published papers. The search for the most relevant publications used the key concept of “private-public partnership” in titles, abstracts, and keywords in the bibliometric database Scopus for 1952 - 2022. VOSviewer software is used to build network maps of keyword compatibility, collaborate with authors by country, and measure the research time. Based on the results of the literature review, conclusions are drawn about the growing dynamics of the number of publications in the PPP field; 3 stages of scientific interest in PPP research are identified; the multidisciplinary nature of the concept under study is confirmed; the PPP term is clarified; 7 clusters that characterize the main areas of research in the field of PPP are identified; the leading countries and the most cited authors are identified by their affiliation to a particular country; it is established that the intensive development of scientific research in PPP in the countries of the world took place in the period 2010-2014; the development of PPP in CEE and Ukraine is characterized.

Urban Morphology and Surface Urban Heat Island Relationship During Heat Waves: A Study of Milan and Lecce (Italy)

The urban heat island (UHI) effect, marked by higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural ones, is a key indicator of human-driven environmental changes. This study aims to identify the key morphological parameters that primarily contribute to the development of surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) and investigates the relationship between SUHII and urban morphology using land surface temperature (LST) data from the Sentinel-3 satellite. The research focuses on Milan and Lecce, analyzing how urban geometry affects SUHII. Factors such as building height, aspect ratio, sky visibility, and surface cover are examined using approximately 1000 satellite images from 2022 and 2023. The study highlights seasonal and diurnal variations in SUHII, with particular emphasis on HW periods. Through multicollinearity and multiple regression analyses, the study identifies the main morphological drivers influencing SUHII in the two cities, specifically the Impervious Surface Fraction (ISF) and Mean Building Height (HM). Milan consistently exhibits higher SUHII, particularly during HWs, while Lecce experiences a negative SUHII, especially during the summer, due to lower urban density, more vegetation, and the low soil moisture around the urban area. Both cities show positive SUHII values at night, which are slightly elevated during HWs. The heat wave analysis reveals the areas most susceptible to overheating, typically characterized by high urban density, with ISF and HM values in some cases above the 90th percentile (0.8 and 13.0 m, respectively) compared to the overall distribution, particularly for Milan. The research emphasizes the importance of urban morphology in influencing SUHII, suggesting that detailed morphological analysis is crucial for developing climate adaptation and urban planning strategies to reduce urban overheating and improve urban resilience to climate change.

The effect of icky shuffle training on 30 meter running speed in intensive development high school futsal players in Surabaya

Abstract Speed ​​is one of the fitness elements that might help in playing futsal. The ability to perform a task quickly or travel a long distance in the shortest time is called speed. This study aims to determine the potential impact of Icky shuffle training on 30 meter operating speed among futsal participants at Taruna Pembangunan Intensive High School Surabaya, as well as the efficacy of certain types of Icky shuffle training on increasing 30 meter running speed. running speed. This research uses quantitative research methods with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The following data results show these findings: comparison of pretest and posttest scores obtained from the 30 meter running test. The two-sided sig p value is 0.023, which is less than (<0.05), as can be observed. As a result, the 30 meter running speed of the Surabaya Taruna Pembangunan Intensive High School futsal players was affected by the unpleasant shuffle training. Keywords: Icky shuffle, sprint, futsal.

Spin photo detector by using a CoFeB magnetic tunnel junction

Abstract Ultra-fast photoelectric conversion devices are a crucial element in photonics applications and are the subject of intense research and development. In conventional high-speed photo detectors, photoelectric charge generation in semiconductors is rooted in a mechanism that directly outputs current. Owing to the dilemma of the amount of generated charge and high-speed output, it is being faced with fundamental difficult to achieve a higher response. Spin order, rather than charge generation, also exists as a phenomenon that enables ultrafast photoresponses, and magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) are well-known high-speed electrical detection elements for magnetic states. In this study, we experimentally confirmed the magnetic switching of photoresponsive MTJ using a practical single CoFeB free layer with a high MR ratio of 80% by irradiation with laser light. Furthermore, we experimentally confirmed the operation of the reversible photo detector, and its rise time reached an ultrafast speed of 20 ps. We named it spin photo detector and it has huge potential applications that require ultrafast photo detection.

The Impact of Rural E‑Commerce Development on Farmers’Income: A Multi‑Dimensional Empirical Study

This study investigates the impact of rural e-commerce adoption on farmers' income in China, employing a multi-dimensional empirical approach. Utilizing data from 2,000 rural households across five Chinese provinces, we examine the direct effects of e-commerce adoption on income and explore the moderating roles of participation intensity and regional economic development. Our findings reveal a significant positive association between e-commerce adoption and farmers' income, with an elasticity of 0.237 (p < 0.001). Notably, smallholder farmers exhibit the highest income elasticity (0.312, p<0.001), suggesting e-commerce's potential as an equalizing force in rural economies. The study uncovers a non-linear relationship between e-commerce participation intensity and income gains, indicating an optimal level of digital market involvement. Furthermore, regional economic development significantly moderates the e-commerce-income relationship, highlighting the importance of local economic contexts. These results, robust to various econometric specifications, provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in promoting digital agriculture and rural development. The study contributes to the growing literature on digital transformation in rural areas, offering empirical evidence on the heterogeneous effects of e-commerce across different farmer typologies and regional contexts, and emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in fostering inclusive rural e-commerce development.

Chinese investments in Russia in the context of China’s foreign economic strategy

The article analyzes the problem of Chinese investments in the Russian economy. Despite the intensive development of Russian-Chinese trade and economic relations, which is especially characteristic of the last two years, the development of investment cooperation between the countries lags significantly behind other areas of interaction. The problem of the low level of investment by Chinese companies in the Russian economy is considered in the context of the PRC’s foreign economic strategy; it is shown that the Russian economy mainly attracts Chinese investors seeking natural resources. However, there is a reason to assume a change in the existing paradigm in the perception of the Russian economy.

Insights into the nutritional value of honeybee drone larvae (Apis mellifera) through proteomic profiling

There is a growing interest and demand for insect-based foods. Edible insects are rich in protein and other nutrients, making them valuable in the daily diet. However, their composition is not yet fully characterised. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse for the first time the qualitative proteome of honeybee (Apis mellifera) drone larvae using sophisticated sample preparation techniques and mass spectrometry. A total of 109 proteins were identified in the larvae. Of these, the largest plurality (38%) were enzymes. In addition, we identified proteins considered to be allergens - the cause of potentially dangerous effects after insect consumption. The results of the analyses may suggest that honeybee larvae are a protein-rich product, with over 100 unique proteins identified based on 1080 peptides. Enzymes indicate intensive development of the larvae. However, as well as nutritious compounds, honeybee larvae contain dangerous allergens. The composition of bee larvae needs to be further tested to make them safe for consumption.

Patterns of exposure of coyotes to anticoagulant rodenticides in California, USA

AbstractSecondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) causes the death of mammalian predators and scavengers directly and indirectly through sublethal effects that reduce fitness. Poisoning by ARs has been proposed to be a significant source of mortality for coyotes (Canis latrans), a medium‐sized canid that thrives at the urban–wildland interface and may prey upon species targeted by pest control efforts. However, only 1 study, with a relatively small sample size, documented the prevalence of AR exposure in a free‐roaming coyote population. We quantified AR exposure in carcasses of 365 urban and suburban coyotes in southern California, USA, and compared AR prevalence and hepatic residue concentrations to those of 120 rural coyotes collected elsewhere in the state. For urban coyotes, we also examined demographic (sex, age, body mass, cause of death) and environmental factors (season, degree of urbanization, diet) that could influence the number of AR compounds and residue concentrations. Nearly all urban coyotes (98.1%) were exposed to at least 1 AR, compared to 41.7% of rural coyotes, and most individuals had residues of both first‐generation (FGAR) and the more potent second‐generation (SGAR) compounds, often at concentrations exceeding thresholds considered lethal in other mammals. Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of urban coyotes did not vary by sex or season, but the number of compounds detected increased with mass, and adults tended to have residues of more compounds and at higher concentrations than juveniles, suggesting repeated and chronic exposure. Livers of road‐killed coyotes had higher SGAR concentrations than those euthanized as nuisance animals, which had lower SGAR concentrations in intensively urbanized areas. Concentrations of SGAR and FGAR residues were highest in suburban areas with natural open space and lower intensity development, and stable isotope values suggested that these coyotes were exposed to ARs by consuming commensal rodents and possibly mesocarnivores. In contrast, coyotes from urbanized areas had lower AR concentrations possibly because less AR is applied in these settings or because coyotes consumed foods with less AR, such as domestic cats and anthropogenic resources. Although some coyotes showed evidence of internal bleeding consistent with AR toxicosis and were in poorer body condition, there was no clear relationship between the extent of hemorrhaging and AR exposure. Despite statewide legislation to restrict their use and mitigate non‐target impacts, AR exposure remains ubiquitous in southern California and represents another stressor of urban life to which coyotes have successfully adjusted, making them a potential sentinel of environmental contamination.

Green Infrastructure Mapping in Almeria Province (Spain) Using Geographical Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Evaluation

Green infrastructure (GI) is increasingly prioritised in landscape policy and planning due to its potential to benefit ecosystems and enhance wildlife conservation. However, due to the uneven distribution of protected areas (PAs) and the fragmentation of habitats more generally, multi-level policy strategies are needed to create an integrated GI network bridging national, regional and local scales. In the province of Almeria, southeastern Spain, protected areas are mainly threatened by two land use/land cover changes. On the one hand, there is the advance of intensive greenhouse agriculture, which, between 1984 and 2007, increased in surface area by more than 58%. On the other hand, there is the growth of artificial surfaces, including urban areas (+64%), construction sites (+194%) and road infrastructures (+135%). To address this challenge, we present a proposal for green infrastructure deployment in the province of Almeria. We combine Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques to identify and evaluate suitability for key elements to be included in GI in two key ways. First, we identify the most suitable areas to form part of the GI in order to address vulnerability to degradation and fragmentation. Second, we propose 15 ecological corridors connecting the 35 protected areas of the province that act as core areas. The proposed GI network would extend along the western coast of the province and occupy the valleys of the main rivers. The river Almanzora plays a leading role. Due to its remoteness from the coast and its climatic conditions, it has not attracted intensive greenhouse agriculture and urban development, the main drivers of the transformation and fragmentation of traditional land uses. Around 50% of the area occupied by the proposed corridors would be located in places of medium and high suitability for the movement of species between core areas.