Regional Sustainable Development Research Articles

Sustainable Food Systems and Regional Development: Analyzing Food Security in Medan City's Underprivileged Areas, Indonesia

Sustainable Food Systems and Regional Development: Analyzing Food Security in Medan City's Underprivileged Areas, Indonesia

Urban growth simulation and scenario projection for the arid regions using heuristic cellular automata

Arid regions tend to form compact urban patterns that have significant implications on urban growth and future urban patterns. Spatial simulation and projection using cellular automata (CA)-based models are important for achieving sustainable urban development in arid regions. In response to this need, we developed a new CA model (GSA-CA) using the gravitational search algorithm (GSA) to capture and project urban growth patterns in arid regions. We calibrated the GSA-CA model for the arid city of Urumqi in Northwest China from 2000 to 2010, and validated the model from 2010 to 2020, and then applied to project urban growth in 2040. The results indicated that the optimal performance of the model was achieved when the fraction of the population was 0.5. GSA-CA achieved an overall accuracy of 98.42% and a figure of merit (FOM) of 43.03% for the year 2010, and an overall accuracy of 98.52% with FOM of 37.64% for 2020. The results of the study help to adjust urban planning and development policies. The developed model has the potential to be employed in simulating urban growth and future scenarios in arid regions globally, including Northwest China and Africa.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Ecosystem Water Yield Services and Responses to Future Land Use Scenarios in Henan Province, China

Water yield (WY) service is the cornerstone of ecosystem functionality. Predicting and assessing the impact of land use/land cover (LULC) changes on WY is imperative for a nation’s food security, regional economic development, and ecological environmental protection. This study aimed to evaluate the water yield (WY) service in Henan Province, China, using high-resolution (30 m) remote sensing land use monitoring data from four study years: 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. It also utilized the PLUS model to predict the characteristics of LULC evolution and the future trends of WY service under four different development scenarios (for 2030 and 2050). The study’s results indicated the following: (1) From 1990 to 2020, the Henan Province’s WY first increased and then decreased, ranging from 398.56 × 108 m3 to 482.95 × 108 m3. The southern and southeastern parts of Henan Province were high-value WY areas, while most of its other regions were deemed low-value WY areas. (2) The different land use types were ranked in terms of their WY capacity, from strongest to weakest, as follows: unused land, cultivated land, grassland, construction land, woodland, and water. (3) The four abovementioned scenarios were ranked, from highest to lowest, based on the Henan’s total WY (in 2050) in each of them: high-quality development scenario (HDS), business-as-usual scenario (BAU), cultivated land protection scenario (CPS), and ecological protection scenario (ES). This study contributes to the advancement of ecosystem services research. Its results can provide scientific support for water resource management, sustainable regional development, and comprehensive land-use planning in Henan Province.

Long-term monitoring of water quality and phytoplankton community structure of Lake Manzala, Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

Coastal wetlands play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing valuable ecosystem services, and contributing to the resilience of coastal ecosystems, making the preservation and restoration of these wetlands essential for sustainable development in coastal regions. This study focuses on Lake Manzala, a coastal wetland located on the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt, highlighting the significance of conserving and managing this unique environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the water quality and phytoplankton structure of Lake Manzala and establish an updated long-term ecological database for the region, specifically evaluating the effectiveness of development plans that were carried out in 2017. Surface water samples were collected seasonally at eleven sites between 2010 to 2022. The findings revealed that prior to the development plans, the phytoplankton abundance in Lake Manzala exhibited high levels of eutrophication, characterized by increased abundance and species richness. The dominant phytoplankton classes in Lake Manzala were Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. Prior to development plans, they accounted for 46.5% and 45.0% respectively. Post-development, Bacillariophyceae increased to 62.8%, while Chlorophyceae decreased to 25.1%. Dinophyceae increased from 1.3% to 9.04%, while Cyanophyceae decreased from 6.1% to 1.6%. Based on the Trophic State Index for chlorophyll a, Lake Manzala underwent a shift from predominantly hypertrophic to eutrophic conditions. The study explored the relationship between biological factors and environmental conditions using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and the modified water quality index (WQI). The results indicated positive signs of improvement in Lake Manzala during the post-development phase, as it transitioned from a poor to a moderate state. This research emphasizes the need for integrated land and water management approaches. By informing policy direction and development, this research underscores the importance of preserving and restoring ecosystems for the long-term well-being of both local communities and the global environment.

Spatiotemporal evolution in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in 2000–2020

Assessing the sustainable development level of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is of great significance for China’s sustainable development. With rich natural resources, a fragile ecological environment, and a relatively low level of economic development, the QTP is typical of regions in China where conflict between socio-economic development and environmental protection is prominent. However, there is a lack of assessment of spatiotemporal progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the QTP. To address this gap in knowledge, cluster analysis was used to quantitatively assess spatiotemporal changes in SDG indicators and sustainable development levels in different counties of the QTP from 2000 to 2020. The results show that the sustainable development level of the QTP is increasing; the growth rate of the sustainable development in 2010–2020 was three times that of 2000–2010. The level of sustainable development in the eastern region is significantly higher than that in the western region. However, while the level of sustainable environmental development is high, the levels of sustainable social and economic development remain low. Certain factors, including precipitation, slope, population density, and cultivated area, are strongly positively correlated with the sustainable development of the QTP. The findings of our study can serve as a valuable reference for other jurisdictions seeking to evaluate their evolution towards the SDGs.

A Proposed Vision for Achieving Competitive Advantage for Urban Development Programs and Sustainable Humanity Through Charities

The main objective of this study is to formulate a proposed vision to achieve competitive advantage for sustainable urban and human development programs in charitable societies, by determining the reality of competitive advantage, identifying the difficulties facing achieving competitive advantage for sustainable urban and human development programs in charitable societies, and identifying the most important proposals to achieve competitive advantage for those. Programs, and this study belongs to the style of analytical descriptive studies, as the study population is members of charitable societies working in the field of sustainable human urban development in the Riyadh region. The study sample consisted of (65) members, who were selected using a simple random sampling method, and these societies were identified in (the Association Al-Nahda, Al-Wafa Women’s Charitable Society, Al-Ghat Charitable Society, Dharma Charitable Society). The results of the study confirmed that the reality of the competitive advantage of sustainable urban and human development programs in charitable organizations may be represented in: providing the highest possible quality, relying on modern technology in its design, touching reality and spreading the needs of the population, focusing on social innovation in its design, providing it at the lowest possible cost, Community residents participate in its design, community residents participate in its evaluation, and the difficulties facing achieving competitive advantage for sustainable urban and human development programs in charitable organizations have been represented in: the small number of specialized experts in the association, weak resources and technological capabilities, and a weak culture of teamwork among the association’s employees. The weak confidence of the community residents in those in charge of the association, the weakness of the enablers of institutional excellence in the association, and that the proposals to achieve a competitive advantage for sustainable urban and human development programs in charitable societies were represented in: overcoming the organizational conflict between the employees of the association, developing the enablers of institutional excellence in the association, developing resources and capabilities. Technology, developing the comprehensive quality system in managing the association, relying on strategic planning in the association, increasing the confidence of community residents in those in charge of the association.

Advancing Food Security in the Cryolithozone and Exploring Organic and Mineral Fertilizer Strategies for Enhanced Crop Yields

The Cryolithozone, characterized by its frozen soil and harsh climatic conditions, presents unique challenges to agricultural productivity and food security. As global temperatures rise, the thawing of permafrost in the Cryolithozone offers opportunities for agricultural expansion but also raises concerns about soil degradation and nutrient loss. In this article, we explore innovative approaches to enhance crop yields and food security in the Cryolithozone, focusing on the integration of organic and mineral fertilizer strategies. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges of utilizing organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, to improve soil fertility and mitigate nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, we examine the role of mineral fertilizers in supplying essential nutrients to crops in nutrient-deficient Cryolithozone soils. By synthesizing current research and best practices, we propose holistic fertilizer management strategies tailored to the unique environmental conditions of the Cryolithozone. These strategies aim to optimize nutrient utilization efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and promote sustainable agricultural development in cold regions.

The Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on the Sustainable Growth of Income of Herdsmen in China’s Pastoral Areas

The sustainable growth of income for farming households in pastoral areas represents a crucial challenge not only for China but also for other developing nations in the process of transition to ecologically friendly models. The scarcity of assets available for collateral, along with vulnerable production conditions and developmental shortcomings, pose significant barriers to the consistent expansion of herdsmen’s income. This paper analyzes the impact of digital financial inclusion on the income of herdsmen in ethnic minority regions using panel data models from nine major pastoral provinces in China from 2011 to 2022. Through a fixed-effects model approach, the analysis delves into the influence of digital financial inclusion and subjects it to multi-dimensional and robustness tests to ensure the reliability of the findings. Furthermore, the research explores the underlying mechanisms through which digital financial inclusion contributes to income enhancement for herdsmen in these areas, employing mediation effect techniques to provide deeper insights into the relationship between digital financial services and economic upliftment in remote ethnic communities. The research findings indicate that digital financial inclusion has a positive impact on the income of herdsmen in ethnic minority regions. The breadth of coverage, depth of usage, and level of digitalization of digital financial inclusion all play a significant role in enhancing the income levels of herdsmen. In terms of the degree of influence, the impact of digital finance on the income of ethnic minorities follows this order: depth of usage > degree of digitalization > breadth of coverage. Notably, through financial backing that catalyzes a shift in herdsmen’s production methodologies and propels industrial upgrading, there is a profound potential to increase herdsmen’s output efficiency. This, in turn, alleviates the ecological strain on China’s environmentally delicate zones. Moreover, financial backing can condense the breeding periods for herdsmen, thereby ameliorating the ecological degradation associated with excessive grazing in pastoral regions. A mediating-effect analysis reveals that digital financial inclusion can boost economic development in ethnic minority regions by increasing wage income, raising per capita GDP levels, and promoting industrial structure upgrading. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in the income of herdsmen in these regions. This is particularly pertinent in China, where the eco-fragility of pastoral regions coincides with the modest income of herdsmen, underscoring the critical importance of herdsmen’s finance. To foster sustainable progress in these regions, financial backing is imperative to elevate herdsmen’s income and to induce a transformative shift in production approaches and industrial layout, paving the way for the sustainable development of these pastoral regions.

PROPOSAL FOR AN EMBRYONIC MODEL TO PROMOTE SMART CITIES, IMPLEMENTED IN A BOTTOM-UP FORMAT, APPLIED TO THE AMAZON REGION

Environmental changes, many of which result from human negligence, have driven managers to adopt sustainable practices that adhere to the concept of Smart Cities, a concept that is becoming popular among administrators of Brazilian metropolises. This movement has been corroborated by ABNT standards and the federal government. However, in less developed regions such as Northern Brazil, where challenges are greater and resources are limited, traditional top-down urban development strategies such as BRTs have proven inefficient as initial solutions. This article investigates the feasibility of implementing projects for Smart Cities in the Amazon region given the scarcity of resources. It proposes an alternative bottom-up model titled Smart Launch, which is shown to be more viable for sustainable development in regions with these characteristics. The model recommends starting with smaller and more manageable projects that can be easily implemented without extensive bureaucracy or significant investments. Once established, the model can be quickly replicated and adapted in other locations. The case of the UsiPaz (Peace Plants) in Pará exemplifies the success of this approach and has been taken as a case study, showing significant reduction in violence rates and an increase in the sense of community belonging, as evidenced by qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with managers from three plants in different neighborhoods of the metropolitan region of Belém.

Quantifying the biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes of karst ecological restoration: A meta-analysis of South China Karst

Decades of restoration efforts have greened South China Karst, the largest and most concentrated karst area in the world. However, it is unknown whether and how the observed increase in vegetation coverage could enhance biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services (ES). In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of 108 studies with 6505 observations to quantify the influence of karst ecological restoration on biodiversity and ES provision and to uncover key factors that may influence restoration outcomes. We found that restored karst lands on average provided 29 % and 18 % higher biodiversity and ES than degraded karst lands, respectively, but 14 % and 29 % lower than intact reference karst lands. However, the outcomes of karst ecological restoration were mediated by restoration strategy, vegetation type, and restoration age. Natural restoration actions often had more positive effects on biodiversity and ES than reconstructive restoration actions. Karst restoration outcomes also increased with the progress of vegetation succession and increasing restoration age. Furthermore, ES outcomes were positively correlated with biodiversity outcomes, demonstrating the importance of incorporating the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship into karst restoration actions. Overall, our study suggests that karst ecological restoration has substantial potential to improve biodiversity and the provision of ES, but restoration outcomes are context-dependent. These findings may inform evidence-based decision making for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in karst regions, especially with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030 underway.

Preservation of the seed collection during the Great Patriotic War

The article examines the historically significant period of N.I. Vavilov’s activities and his team in conducting 108 expeditions and collecting plant seeds in more than 1000 countries worldwide. By 1940, the collection was the largest in the world. Vavilov’s research aimed to study the genetic potential of seeds, establish centers of origin for wild and cultivated plants, their role in human practical activities, and the formation and replenishment of the collection initiated before the revolution by the founders of applied botany. Additionally, the article analyzes the challenging periods experienced by the collection, such as the formation of Soviet Russia, the Siege of Leningrad, and participation in the restoration of the devastated agriculture after Victory in World War II. Special attention is paid to the involvement of employees of the Federal Research Center “N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources” (VIR) in preserving the collection during the Siege of Leningrad. The practical application of the research results lies in understanding the importance of preserving plant genetic resources for food security and sustainable development of rural regions. The publication emphasizes not only the historical value of the seed collection but also its contemporary significance as an important resource for scientific research and practical use in agriculture. The scientific article also highlights the heroic efforts of VIR employees, who endured the harsh conditions of the Siege of Leningrad but continued to carefully preserve plant seeds, contributing to the survival and revival of agriculture in our homeland. The dedication and professionalism of the employees to the cause are underscored. Thus, the article reveals the historical and practical significance of the VIR seed collection, an important national genetic resource that continues to serve the goals of agricultural science and practice.

Ecological impacts and supply demand evolution of the Yangtze to Huaihe water transfer project in Anhui section

Human activities have profound impacts on land use and the supply–demand balance of ecosystem services (ESs). Various activities, such as urban construction, urban and rural planning, and inter-basin water transfer projects, continuously reshape land use patterns. This is a case study of the Anhui section of the Yangtze-Huaihe Water Diversion Project. Data from 2000, 2010, and 2020 is analyzed. Additionally, the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model is utilized to quantify the specific impacts of the water diversion project construction on the supply and demand of ESs. The results indicate that the comprehensive dynamic attitude of land use during the project construction period significantly increased, rising from 0.16 to 13.79%, and mainly affected forest, water areas, construction land, and unused land. Specifically, the construction of the project led to significant changes in water purification, biodiversity, and, especially, hydrological regulation services. Additionally, the migration of residents significantly impacted the demand for ESs. The study also found a significant correlation between land use changes and the balance of ES supply and demand: the proportion of cultivated land and construction land is positively correlated with the balance, while the proportion of forest, grassland, and water areas is negatively correlated. This study provides empirical data for understanding the environmental and socio-economic impacts of large-scale water diversion projects and offers a scientific basis for local mitigation and control of adverse impacts. Through quantitative analysis and model prediction, this research effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing important references for sustainable regional development.

The Impacts on Regional Development and “Resource Curse” by Energy Substitution Policy: Verification from China

With the increasing “resource curse” phenomena relating to energy resources in China, research concerning energy substitution policies has become more meaningful. In this paper, a dynamic CGE model was built to evaluate the impacts of energy substitution policies on regional growth and the “resource curse”. The results show the following: (1) Compared to other regions, an energy substitution policy exerts a more considerable influence on economic growth in regions with high “resource curse”. (2) The changes in carbon emissions in regions with no or low “resource curse” are modest. The primary factor contributing to the rapid decline might be energy structure adjustments. As the intensity of substitution varies, the regional disparities in marginal emission reduction costs are expected to increase. (3) Energy substitution policies reduce the severity of high “resource curse” regions. As the intensity of energy substitution increases, the extent of “resource curse” regions decreases accordingly. Some suggestions are given as follows: (1) Further promote energy substitution and speed up the transformation of energy production and consumption modes in China. (2) Accelerate the energy transformation in “resource curse” regions to promote regional sustainable development. (3) Improve energy substitution policies in transportation, industry and other fields.

Construction of Wetland Ecological Security Pattern in Wuhan Metropolitan Core Area Considering Wetland Ecological Risk

Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Preserving the ecological security of wetlands is critically important for regional environmental protection and sustainable development. However, in the core area of the Wuhan metropolitan circle, which is rapidly urbanizing, its wetlands are more susceptible to external natural environmental risks, such as changes in temperature and rainfall, as well as risks to human activity, such as social and economic activities, urban expansion, land use changes, and population growth. Meanwhile, the internal vulnerability of wetlands in terms of their spatial extent, structure, and functions also exacerbates ecological risks. These factors collectively influence the formation and development of wetland ecological risks. This study aims to comprehensively assess wetland ecological risks in the core area of the Wuhan metropolitan circle by combining external hazards and internal vulnerabilities and to construct and optimize the wetlands’ ecological security pattern. We used the MSPA method to identify potential ecological sources. Additionally, the MCR model was employed to integrate ecological risk assessment results into the resistance surface, identify potential ecological corridors and nodes, construct the wetland ecological security pattern for the urban circle, and propose specific optimization strategies. In total, 31 primary and 106 secondary ecological sources were selected, along with 20 primary and 42 secondary ecological nodes. Furthermore, 10 major ecological corridors were constructed. Considering the landscape characteristics of the wetlands in the core area of the Wuhan metropolitan circle, the southern Yangtze River region will center around the Liangzi Lake group to establish a crucial corridor network, promoting overall wetland restoration and connectivity. Meanwhile, the northern Yangtze River region will form a chain-like distribution along the river, creating diverse ecosystems. This study provides a theoretical foundation for constructing and optimizing the ecological security pattern of wetlands, laying a solid groundwork for promoting regional wetland conservation and sustainable development.

ESG-трансформация российских регионов: теоретические аспекты

The paper considers the theoretical aspects of sustainable development and ESG transformation of Russian regions. The research substantiates a systematic approach to the balanced development of regions as socio-ecological and economic systems. The concept of sustainable development and regional ESG transformation correlates to the concept of regional economic security, economic growth, human and social capital development. In our opinion, a systematic reproductive approach is the most productive in solving many problems of regional socio-economic development. Moreover, it could consider the following issues of regional ESG transformation: a six-stage scheme of social reproduction: «science – production – distribution – exchange – consumption – utilization»; natural-economic-institutional-social reproduction chain. One of the aspects of the reproductive approach is the concept of sustainable development and the ESG agenda. However, in terms of economic theory and philosophy, four types of «transformational connections» can be distinguished: interaction, relationships, institutions, and management decisions. The regional sustainable development, the achievement of high indicators of its socio-economic development is presented as a balanced interaction of three components: economy, social sphere, and ecology. Russian scientists consider regional ESG transformation in terms of economic security, regional economic growth, and increasing its attractiveness, development of technological potential, improvement of the institutional environment, and competencies of managers at all levels in the field of sustainable development and ESG.

What are the underlying causes and dynamics of land use conflicts in metropolitan junction areas? A case study of the central Chengdu– Chongqing region in China

Land use conflicts (LUCs), as a spatial manifestation of the conflicts in the human-land relationships, have a profound impact on regional sustainable development. For China’s metropolitan junction areas (MJAs), the existence of “administrative district economies” has made the issue of LUCs more prominent. Based on a case study of the central Chengdu–Chongqing region, we conducted an exploratory spatial data analysis of the evolutionary process of regional LUCs. Furthermore, structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze the dynamic mechanism of LUCs in MJAs, with a particular emphasis on exploring the influences of administrative boundary. The results showed that from 2010 to 2020, LUCs in the central Chengdu–Chongqing region continued to worsen, and the spatial process conflict and spatial structure conflict indices increased by more than 30.0%. The intensification of LUCs in the central Chengdu–Chongqing region from 2010 to 2020 was mainly the result of the deterioration of conflicts in evaluation units with low conflict levels. LUCs in China’s metropolitan areas generally presented a circular gradient distribution, weakening from the core to the periphery, but there were some strong isolated conflict zones in the outer regions. LUCs in China’s MJAs were the result of interactions among multiple factors, e.g., natural environment, socio-economic development, policy and institutional processes, and administrative boundary effects. Administrative boundary affected the flow of socio-economic elements, changing the supply-and-demand competition of stakeholders for land resources, consequently exerting an indirect influence on LUCs. This study advances the theory of the dynamic mechanism of LUCs, and provides theoretical support for the governance of these conflicts in transboundary areas.

Decoupling Analysis between Socio-Economic Growth and Air Pollution in Key Regions of China

The coordinated development of atmospheric pollution and socio-economic growth plays a core role in the sustainable development of cities and regions. The relationship between socio-economic growth and air pollution can be described using decoupling analysis. The seven key regions of China (168 cities), including Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and its surrounding areas (BTHSR), the Yangtze River Delta region (YRDR), the Fen-Wei Plain (FWP), the Chengdu–Chongqing region (CCR), the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR), the Pearl River Delta region (PRDR), and other provincial capitals and municipalities with specialized plans (OPCCSP) were taken as targets to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of AQI values and PM2.5 concentrations from 2014 to 2022. Then, the decoupling relationship between the AQI/PM2.5 and the socio-economic growth index (SEGI) in these key regions was deeply researched by the Tapio decoupling model. The main results were as follows: (1) Although the continuous improvement in air quality was observed in these seven key regions in China, the PM2.5 concentration in the BTHSR and FWP was still higher than 35 μg·m−3. The AQI showed a spatial pattern of high in the north and low in the south, and the distribution of PM2.5 in China was high in the east and low in the west. (2) The decoupling degree between air pollution and socio-economic growth was relatively high in the PRDR and YRDR. In contrast, the degree of decoupling was poor in the FWP and OPCCSP. The decoupling states were primarily influenced by industrial structure, energy consumption, and urbanization. (3) The decoupling of air pollution from socio-economic growth was in a strong decoupling state throughout the majority of the study period, achieving a comparatively ideal decoupling state in 2018. However, the overall decoupling states of the seven regions were not sustainable, and the decoupling stability was relatively poor. During the research period, the decoupling state between socio-economic growth and air pollution changed and was unstable.

Exploring Critical Success Factors in Agritourism: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Agritourism is an alternative approach to distributing economic and social advantages and fostering sustainable development in rural regions. This research aims to identify critical success factors of agritourism to comprehend the obstacles and problems associated with Thailand and examine the essential factors of achieving success. The research adopts a mixed-method approach to collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative aspects. The data was collected by reviewing documents, conducting in-depth interviews, conducting questionnaires, making onsite observations, and conducting focus group discussions. The questionnaires were sent to a panel of experts from educational institutions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the tour operators. The data analysis involved paired t-tests and factor analysis to provide a comprehensive analytical output. The findings revealed four critical success factors in the Thai agritourism industry: geographical location, the entrepreneurial mindset of the farm operators, the quality of products and stories, and social media and publicity strategies. Agritourism sites in famous areas were found to have more potential for success, and an entrepreneurial mindset allows farmers to create attractions and diversify products. Therefore, knowing how to use new communication channels helps farmers deal with customers and better understand customer needs. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-03-08 Full Text: PDF

Enabling Sustainable Energy Communities in ASEAN: A Systematic Approach to P2P Energy Transactions on Matakus Island Using IoT and Blockchain

Abstract This paper addresses the need for energy diversification and sustainable development in the ASEAN region by proposing a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading system. PowerChain, a peer-to-peer energy trading platform, is tailored as the designated medium for implementation. PowerChain harnesses the capabilities of blockchain technology and utilizes MQTT and HTTP protocols to ensure security, transparency, and user-IoT interaction. A case study was conducted on Matakus Island, a rural area in Indonesia with high solar power generation potential and a suitable demographic for the study. Currently reliant on diesel-based power generation, the island serves as an ideal location to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to a RE-based P2P energy trading system. Based on simulations using 2 types of load and generation from peer providers, it was found that unused energy for type 1 was 815.9 kWh/year and for type 2 was 821.05 kWh/year. So the total unused energy from 10 peer providers on Matakus Island that can be transacted on the Powerchain platform is 1,636.95 kWh/year. This energy can meet the needs of Matakus Island for 93.7 days.In the platform simulation, three experiments were carried out, namely, single type transactions, multiple type transactions, and rejection of energy requests. From these three experiments, Powerchain was able to perform well, where the seller was successfully selected based on the closest distance, and if the closest selection could not be fulfilled, the seller would come from several nearby buyers. And when a selected peer is rejected, the existing algorithm can search for and select a replacement peer.The integrated approach presented in this study demonstrates the viability of using IoT and blockchain technologies to transform the energy market structure and accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems in ASEAN.

Characteristics of Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Carbon Emissions from Land Use and Analysis of Influencing Factors in Hubao-Eyu Urban Agglomerations, China

Exploring the dynamic relationship between land use change and carbon emissions is of great significance in promoting regional low-carbon sustainable development and “dual-carbon”. We reveal the characteristics of the evolution of spatial temporal patterns of land use carbon emissions at the county scale in resource-based urban agglomerations over the past 20 years and the analysis of influencing factors. The research results show that: (1) In terms of spatial and temporal characteristics, from 2000 to 2020, net carbon emissions from land use showed an overall upward trend, with construction land being the main source of increased carbon emissions; the spatial distribution pattern of carbon emissions shows a trend of further clustering of centers in the northeast-southwest direction, which mainly occurs in areas rich in coal resources; the economy-contributive coefficient is increasing, but ecological support coefficients are decreasing; (2) In the analysis of influencing factors, land use structure is the most significant factor contributing to the increase of carbon emissions, followed by economic level, while land use intensity per unit of GDP is the most significant factor inhibiting the increase of carbon emissions. The results of the study provide a useful reference for resource-based urban agglomerations to formulate regionally appropriate emission reduction strategies and realize low-carbon sustainable development.