Regional Governance Research Articles

Interaction mechanisms of urban ecosystem resilience based on pressure-state-response framework: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta

The unprecedented pace of urbanization has intensified environmental concerns, underscoring the critical importance of bolstering urban ecosystem resilience (UER) in contemporary cities. This study presents a Pressure–State–Response framework for evaluating the UER within the Yangtze River Delta region spanning 2012 to 2021. Utilizing spatial visualization techniques and the panel vector auto–regressive model, spatial differentiation patterns and interaction mechanisms among sub–dimensions are examined. Findings indicate an overall positive trajectory of UER, characterized by decreasing Pressure, noteworthy steady growth in State, and rising Response. Spatially, Pressure is higher in the north and lower in the south, with large cities becoming new centers of high pressure; State is higher in the southwest mountains and lower in the northeast plains; Responses center around Shanghai, expanding toward the southwest and northwest. The complex interactions between Pressure, State, and Response form a nested cycle of UER, indicating that the UER in the Yangtze River Delta is evolving towards a more rational development trend, where the tight mechanism of societal Response plays a key role. The implications underscore the urgent need for tailored regional governance strategies that leverage spatial variations, balance human impact on ecosystems, and optimize dimensional interactions for resilient city development. This research contributes a comprehensive framework for understanding and enhancing ecological resilience in the Yangtze River Delta region, offering valuable insights into regional governance and long–term urban ecological sustainability amidst global environmental challenges.

Role of Forest Conservation in Climate Regulation in Thailand

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyzing the role of forest conservation in climate regulation in Thailand. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Forest conservation in Thailand plays a vital role in climate regulation through biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, and maintenance of ecological balance. It acts as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to regional climate stability by influencing local weather patterns. Conservation efforts also protect watersheds, ensuring sustainable freshwater resources. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Biogeochemical cycles theory, ecosystem services theory & forest resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of forest conservation in climate regulation in Thailand. Implementing sustainable practices such as reduced-impact logging, reforestation, and agroforestry promotes forest health and resilience. Strengthening international agreements like the Paris Agreement and regional forest governance frameworks supports global forest conservation efforts.

Arctic environmental governance: challenges of sustainable development

The Arctic is one of the key regions in relation to global climate change, experiencing radical transformations in environmental governance as well as challenges in terms of its ecological protection. The region is witnessing a number of irreversible climatic shifts, such as melting permafrost, rising sea levels, contamination of the Global Ocean, and changes in the lives of indigenous people. The Arctic is a global hot spot in climate change where international cooperation (scientific, environmental, diplomatic, etc.) should be a priority to overcome existing ecological challenges. This article provides detailed analysis of these issues from cross-disciplinary perspectives, bringing insights from economics, history, anthropology, international relations, and political science from the perspective of literature on environmental regionalism. The article analyzes a selection of heterogeneous actors, many of whom have contradictory rules, norms, and priorities. Analysis of the Arctic through the lens of regional environmental governance aspires to contribute to understanding of the complexity of existing challenges and their potential solutions. This article offers an analysis of the major findings in this topical collection. It contributes to the development of cross-disciplinary approach to the studies of the Artic and outlines a research agenda.

The Relationship between Institutional Quality and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa Region

This article aims to examine the relationship between governance and economic growth in the MENA region (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates) over the period 2002-2019. Two main questions have been defined that this research is supposed to answer. The first focuses on institutional quality in the MENA region and its position towards the countries of the region. The second examines statistically the effect of each aspect of the governance dimension on economic growth. We use an econometric model to find the indicators that have the most impact. An in-depth analysis will be carried out in the MENA countries. Based on the empirical results as well as the theoretical literature, concrete recommendations will be provided.

Governance Strategies for Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy Development in Europe: Insights and Typologies

This study examines governance strategies that facilitate sustainable regional circular bioeconomy development, culminating in a typology which enables the classification of regional government good practices supporting circular bioeconomy deployment in diverse regions within Europe. Data on regional circular bioeconomy governance models were collected through desk research and a survey, resulting in a compilation of 61 circular bioeconomy governance models. From this compilation, 20 case studies were identified and further explored to develop a typology of regional circular bioeconomy governance strategies in the EU-27. Findings reveal a strong regional commitment to expanding bioeconomies; however, managing conflicting sustainability goals remains a challenge. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of successful governance models and practices, offering valuable insights for policymakers to support the co-development and replication of effective circular bioeconomy strategies across diverse European regions.

Promoting health research governance in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Promoting health research governance in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Study on the spatial network structure of energy carbon emission efficiency and its driving factors in Chinese cities

How to adapt to climate change while achieving sustainable economic and social growth has become a major topic of concern worldwide. With the constraints of the dual‑carbon strategy, the integration of regional environmental governance and energy carbon reduction governance is a prevalent focus. This study focuses on analyzing 282 prefecture-level cities in China. The SNA approach and modified gravitation model are utilized to estimate the energy carbon emission efficiency of Chinese cities from 2006 to 2021. The spatial correlation network and the QAP model are ultimately utilized to investigate the factors. The study presented the following findings: ① There are notable temporal and regional discrepancies in the energy carbon emission efficacy of Chinese cities. Generally, defined by high values in the east and low values in the west. ② The efficiency of energy carbon emissions in networks connecting urban areas in China is multidimensional, complex, and organic and has improved stability. ③ The developed regions in the east exert a dominant influence on the geographical network, while the central and western parts of the country, which are distant, are considered peripheral. ④ There are few connections within each segment of the geographic correlation network for energy carbon emission efficiency in Chinese cities; however, there are substantial correlations between segments, indicating the presence of a substantial spillover effect. ⑤ The formation of energy‑carbon emission efficiency correlation networks in Chinese cities is significantly influenced by disparities in economic development and government intervention. Conversely, the level of science and education exerts a significantly negative impact on this phenomenon. It is advisable to encourage the development of a spatial correlation network that connects urban energy carbon emission efficiency. This can be achieved through the implementation of specific measures, the establishment of a regional coordination mechanism, leveraging the strengths of energy-efficient regions in the east, maximizing the potential of each sector, and considering the factors that influence the outcomes. Compressing the driving factors and attributes of the spatial correlation network of energy carbon emission efficiency holds substantial practical importance for facilitating the ongoing expansion of the regional low-carbon energy network space and establishing a regional low-carbon synergistic energy governance system.

Disparitas Desentralisasi; Konsepsi Otonomi Daerah Khusus Ibukota terhadap Sistem Ketatanegaraan Indonesia

Regional autonomy and autonomous regions in Indonesia are affirmed in Article 18 of the 1945 Constitution, providing the constitutional basis for the regional governance system. Ideally, regional autonomy enables regions to independently and effectively manage their governmental affairs. However, in reality, there is a discrepancy (disparity) between theory and practice, particularly in the context of the Special Autonomous Region of the Capital City. This study is a literature-based research with a qualitative approach, employing normative juridical methodology. The study concludes that the establishment of the Special Autonomous Region of the Capital City should first comply with the provisions of Article 18 of the 1945 Constitution, and only then consider Article 18B, especially in the context of relocating the capital city to East Kalimantan. Article 18 of the 1945 Constitution emphasizes the "principle of autonomy" in regional governance, particularly for special regions like the Special Autonomous Region of the Capital City. The formation of the Special Autonomous Region of the Capital City must align with the requirements of Article 18 of the 1945 Constitution before considering Article 18B, particularly in the context of the capital relocation plan.

A manifesto for coastal landscape governance: Reframing the relationship between coastal and landscape governance

There is an urgent demand for substantial reforms in the governance of coastal regions. Recent research advocates for a transformative shift in European coastal governance system towards a landscape governance approach. This perspective, informed by a narrative literature review on coastal and landscape governance, explores the potential value of coastal landscape governance, drawing on the Council of Europe Landscape Convention. Our results, presented in the form of a manifesto, underscore the need to move beyond political administrative boundaries and address all coastal landscapes as socio-ecological systems. It emphasises the necessity for the State to recognise them as a public and common good, establishing a specific governance arena with dedicated actors and institutions. The manifesto also advocates for landscape justice through knowledge co production, urging transformative change and landscape based regional design to envision alternative futures. Additionally, it calls for regionalising coastal landscape governance and invites scholars from other transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives to contribute to this research agenda.

BORDERS AT THE MARGINS: LIVED EXPERIENCES AND GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES OF BORDER COMMUNITIES IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

This study re-envisions border studies by focussing on the lived experiences of communities in Jammu and Kashmir’s border regions, where borders transcend mere geopolitical lines and become vibrant socio-cultural landscapes. This research paper highlights the complex issues these communities face, such as security threats, economic exclusion, and restricted access to essential services like education and healthcare. These challenges are intensified by the region’s geographic isolation, intermittent military conflicts, and political volatility, which create an environment marked by instability and vulnerability. By examining historical conflicts, systemic neglect, and geopolitical tensions, the study reveals how these factors compound the hardships of border populations. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the effects of leadership measures, such as construction projects, health, schooling, and living characteristics in enhancing conditions in such deprived regions. Consequently, the analysis presented in the research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on effective and efficient policy implementation and governance in borderland regions, while questioning the dominant paradigms of development. Thus, this work contributes to the existing literature on border studies by providing a systematic understanding of borders, community resilience, and governance in their complex interrelationships.

Research on the impact of regional integration policy on carbon emissions--Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an example.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt serves as a paradigm of ecological integration and high-quality development within China. Under the constraints of the "Dual Carbon" goal, how does the integrative policy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, aimed at reinforcing inter-regional industrial cooperation, impact carbon emissions across various provinces within the region? Leveraging panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2009-2019 and treating the 2016 promulgation of the "Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Planning Outline" as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model for discerning the effects of regional integration policies on carbon emissions, intensity, and efficiency in the 11 provinces of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The research further delves into the underlying mechanisms through which policy interventions modulate provincial carbon emissions. Key findings include: (1) The policy's enactment has significantly attenuated provincial carbon emissions and intensity, albeit somewhat hampering the enhancement of carbon efficiency-conclusions robust to parallel trend and placebo tests; (2) Heterogeneity analyses reveal disparities in the policy's carbon emission effects, contingent on varying economic development levels and geographical loci; (3) Mechanistically, while the integration bolsters regional environmental governance and strengthens economic ties-thereby curtailing provincial emissions-it is evident that local governments have been somewhat inept in effectively channeling the influx of substantial short-term capital, hence stifling provincial carbon efficiency. In light of these insights, it is posited that local governments within the Yangtze River Economic Belt should ardently endeavor to refine and elevate regional industrial structures, champion the construction of an integrated regional market, intensify capital oversight and coordinated utilization, and enhance the efficiency of regional capital allocation, all in the quest to augment regional carbon emission reduction performance.

Does Environmental Regulation Affect Circular Economy Performance? Evidence from China

Environmental regulation is an important means to solve the environmental pollution challenges faced by economic development. Under the predicament of economic growth facing enormous environmental challenges, this paper aims to explore whether environmental regulation has a promoting effect on the circular economy performance, construct the mechanism through which environmental regulation impacts circular economy performance, as well as test regional heterogeneity on the impact of environmental regulation on circular economy performance under different levels of economic development. Exploring these factors is of great significance for meeting people’s demand for better living environments and promoting green and sustainable economic development. This paper takes interprovincial panel data of China from 2011 to 2022 as the sample and adopts structural equation modeling to explore the influence mechanism of environmental regulation on circular economy performance by constructing a measurement system of environmental regulation and circular economy performance. The results indicate the following: environmental regulation has a significant role in promoting circular economy performance, and there is a partial mediating effect of industrial structure upgrading within it; heterogeneity analysis shows that the promoting effect of environmental regulation on circular economy performance varies according to the different levels of regional economic development. Therefore, environmental regulation policies should be moderately adjusted to promote balanced economic and environmental development; environmental regulation policies should be enriched to promote industrial structure transformation and upgrading; regional synergistic governance should be improved to facilitate the promotion of the circular economy.

Revealing the Risks of Light Pollution and Regional Governance Strategies

Revealing the Risks of Light Pollution and Regional Governance Strategies

Progress in Digital Climate Governance in China: Statistical Measurement, Regional Differences, and Dynamic Evolution

The capacity for climate governance is crucial for sustainable advancement, with data elements being a pivotal production factor in contemporary governance. This study examines the trajectory and strategy of digital transformation in climate governance, creating a three-dimensional dataset encapsulating 11 primary and 36 secondary indicators to facilitate the assessment of digital climate governance. Employing spatiotemporal analysis and coupling coordination models, this study evaluates the digitalization levels in climate governance across 30 regions in China, examining how to progress digital integration from governmental and market perspectives. Findings reveal a consistent improvement in China’s regional digital climate governance, bolstering economic and social progress. Nonetheless, regional disparities and developmental lags persist, with convergence analysis indicating a divergence trend in provincial climate governance capabilities. Moreover, kernel density and Markov chain analyses suggest an ongoing evolution in regional digital climate governance efforts, aiming at achieving a higher development plateau. The study emphasizes the dual role of government and market dynamics in boosting digital governance levels, deducing from two-stage regression that effective government-market interplay is vital for elevating governance quality and fostering new productive forces, recommending an integrated governance mechanism for optimal synergy.

Local perspectives on marine ecotourism development in a water-insecure island region: the case of Bocas del Toro, Panama

As a dimension of a blue economy, marine ecotourism should, in theory, not only increase economic viability and environmental sustainability but, most importantly, pursue socially equitable outcomes. In tropical and sub-tropical island regions, where substantial tourism development is often coupled with widespread strains on public infrastructure and services, including water access, there exists a need to better understand the expansion of this industry is felt at the community level; more importantly by individuals who are reliant on these infrastructures and services. Through a case study of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, where water insecurity is becoming acute, we draw on and mobilize stories from local community members, alongside non-participant observations and document collection, to 1) document the experience of some community members with water insecurity and shortages, including how they perceive the roles played by the central government and marine ecotourism sector, and 2) examine how community members feel about how communities feel about policies and investment priorities of the central government regarding water insecurity, including the extent to which they view marine ecotourism development as undermining or promoting local needs. Our results underline the complex nature of marine ecotourism governance and infrastructure development outcomes in a resource-insecure island region, demonstrating that current issues are greatly impacted by historical and social underpinnings of neo-colonialism and systemic racism, misalignments of community vs. government development priorities, and eroded political trust, that shape local experiences with sustainable development and local residents’ perceptions of the ability of marine ecotourism to address issues of water insecurity. Moreover, while our focus is on the marine ecotourism industry, the significance of these findings contributes to a growing body of literature that places local experiences at the forefront of research into the implications of sustainable development in island regions.

Elucidating transport dynamics and regional division of PM2.5 and O3 in China using an advanced network model

Air pollution exhibits significant spatial spillover effects, complicating and challenging regional governance models. This study innovatively applied and optimized a statistics-based complex network method in atmospheric environmental field. The methodology was enhanced through improvements in edge weighting and threshold calculations, leading to the development of an advanced pollutant transport network model. This model integrates pollution, meteorological, and geographical data, thereby comprehensively revealing the dynamic characteristics of PM2.5 and O3 transport among various cities in China. Research findings indicated that, throughout the year, the O3 transport network surpassed the PM2.5 network in edge count, average degree, and average weighted degree, showcasing a higher network density, broader city connections, and greater transmission strength. Particularly during the warm period, these characteristics of the O3 network were more pronounced, showcasing significant transport potential. Furthermore, the model successfully identified key influential cities in different periods; it also provided detailed descriptions of the interprovincial spillover flux and pathways of PM2.5 and O3 across various time scales. It pinpointed major pollution spillover and receiving provinces, with primary spillover pathways concentrated in crucial areas such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region and its surrounding areas, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Fen-Wei Plain. Building on this, the model divided the O3, PM2.5, and synergistic pollution transmission regions in China into 6, 7, and 8 zones, respectively, based on network weights and the Girvan Newman (GN) algorithm. Such division offers novel perspectives and strategies for regional joint prevention and control. The validity of the model was further corroborated by source analysis results from the WRF-CAMx model in the BTH area. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for local and regional atmospheric pollution control strategies. Additionally, it offers a robust analytical tool for research in the field of atmospheric pollution.

Framing the cross-border commuting literature: a systematic review and bibliographic analysis

ABSTRACT Commuting, the spatial mismatch between work and residential locations, necessitates integrated urban and transport policies to mitigate its societal impacts. While cross-border commuting (CBC) is increasing and governance of border regions is on the rise beyond national borders, no systemic review of this specific commuting pattern exists. We aim to consolidate the CBC literature accumulated over the years into a coherent and synthetic framework. Our systematic review assembles an inaugural comprehensive corpus of cross-border commuting literature. It reveals three transversal key topics (transport-oriented topic, qualitative approaches versus a lack of quantitative data, and a large majority of European papers) and four sub-topics (patterns, determinants, impacts and policies). Moreover, we consolidate findings through meticulous mapping of evidence, where most links are traced between the determinants and the level of flows across borders. Finally, the discussion offers directions for future research, with an exhortation to explicitly link policies to sustainability and social concerns, and the necessity for standardised datasets for methodological comparability across cases and in alignment with general commuting research.

Research on Monitoring and Application of Ecological Restoration Engineering in Open Pit Backfilling Mines Based on Satellite Remote Sensing Data

Abstract. The restoration and management of mining ecological environment is an important component of China's ecological civilization construction. The implementation of restoration projects is to avoid the serious impact caused by the continuous deterioration of mining ecological structure, and is a key way to maintain regional ecological security and energy and mineral security. Therefore, efficient and rapid monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of mining ecological restoration is an essential and important link. With the rapid development of remote sensing technology, remote sensing monitoring has become an important means to objectively, quickly, and accurately obtaining changes in the mining environment. It can provide timely and long-term monitoring of mining and backfilling conditions in mining areas. This article uses the multi temporal stereo images of the Resource 3 satellite over four years to monitor the mining and backfilling situation of the Zhungeer open-pit coal mine area in Inner Mongolia. By reconstructing the Digital Surface Model (DSM) of the open-pit mining area, the changes and thresholds of the multi temporal DSM data are statistically analyzed to extract the mining and backfilling areas, and the earthwork volume is calculated. The results showed that from 2013 to 2016, the main large-scale mining faces in the study area of Zhungeer open-pit mining area had a total mining operation of about 563.5 million cubic meters, and a total backfilling operation of about 604.29 million cubic meters; During the period from 2016 to 2018, the main large-scale mining faces in the region had a total of approximately 721.71 million cubic meters of mining operations and a total of approximately 805.42 million cubic meters of backfilling operations. The overall operational intensity increased from 2016 to 2018. The research results show that based on satellite image data, it is convenient and efficient to obtain DSM and corresponding changes of multiple time periods in mining areas. Monitoring results can provide important support for regional environmental governance and protection, as well as safety production in mining areas.

Venezuelan migration in South America: coordinating regional responses to a transboundary reception crisis

ABSTRACT Migration is a policy field that is prone to transboundary reception crises due to the weakness of inter-state cooperation and global governance institutions’ incomplete architecture. Research suggests that the regional level is a more realistic policy arena where cooperation to coordinate responses may emerge. Our paper aims to explore and analyse the conditions under which coordinated responses to transboundary reception crises are present in (or absent from) regional migration governance. Below we develop an analytical model based on crisis management scholarship to examine coordination capacities at the regional level. Empirically, we comparatively assess the ability of old regional institutions (i.e. MERCOSUR, the South American Conference of Migration) and new ones (i.e. the Quito Process) to orchestrate responses to receive Venezuelan migrants across the region. Our findings reveal that coordination capacities remain scarce as regional institutions navigate from non-crisis to crisis times. This is largely because there was a shift in policy framing regarding immigrant reception, to self-interested national, regional and extra-regional actors promoting new regional mechanisms, and to the increasing complexity of regional migration governance as (new) competing actors emerge. Our conceptual and empirical contributions provide insights into how governance processes in South America have changed, particularly during crises.

Assembling state power through rescaling: Inter-jurisdictional development in the Beijing-Tianjin Zhongguancun Tech Town

Recent studies have applied the explanatory framework of state rescaling to interrogate China's emergent city-regional governance. Much of the extant literature has concentrated on either the centrally driven city regionalism from above or local efforts on cross-boundary cooperation from below. Rather than simply abstracting the multi-dimensional and multi-scalar dynamics in the rescaling process around one singular state project, this paper moves forward to explore the co-existence and co-functioning of variegated rescaling processes contributing to regional governance by deploying assemblage as a heuristic approach. This paper examines an inter-jurisdictional development zone – Beijing-Tianjin Zhongguancun Tech Town in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to provide a relational and processual understanding of scalar politics on the ground. Our analysis demonstrates how discrete and fragmented spaces and actors are assembled within a specific entity through various rescaling processes. The interplay of local, regional and national actors with different motivations gives rise to a new inter-scalar and inter-jurisdictional regulatory regime for regional industrial integration with relative coherence. This emergent governance regime is sustained and embedded in both topological and territorial political relations. This article furthers the understanding of China's city regional governance by analysing a situated assemblage. It provides an applicable perspective for investigating other trans-local projects and city regionalism.