Sustainable Socio-economic Development Research Articles

A Complex of Management Tools to Overcome Differentiation of Region’s Spatial Development

A key direction of the state regional policy is sustainable socio-economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation. However, the solution of this issue is significantly complicated by a number of problems associated with the spatial heterogeneity of the country and further inequality in the level of socio-economic development of Russian regions. The relevance of this study is determined by the necessity to solve the problem of systematization of theoretical approaches to the description of mechanisms of socio-economic development of the subjects of the Russian Federation, aimed to overcome the spatial differentiation of territories by basic indicators. The object of the study is the regions of the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts. The aim of the study is to develop the principles of systematization of tools for spatial development of the subjects of the Russian Federation depending on the level of differentiation of regions by basic principles. To achieve the aim, the authors used the following research methods: comparative analysis, empirical analysis, synthesis, statistical method, graphic research methods. Based on the comparative analysis of the existing causes of differentiation of spatial development of the subjects of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts, the objective and subjective factors of regional inequality were identified. The analysis of existing mechanisms of spatial development of the regions of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts revealed their insufficient efficiency in solving the problem of smoothing regional socio-economic inequality. The author’s approach to the formation of a set of management tools to overcome the differentiation of spatial development of regions on the example of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts on the basis of grouping the subjects according to the studied groups of basic indicators is proposed. The paper proposes the definition of individual characteristics of each subject of the Russian Federation as a basis for the formation of tools for spatial development of the region.

Стратегические приоритеты развития локальных рынков строительной продукции Центрального Черноземья

Local markets boost domestic production, encourage regional businesses, improve the local economy, and structure the local economy. They are responsible for property relations, interregional economic links, and distribution of goods and services, which is especially relevant under the current foreign sanctions. This article describes a number of socio-economic indicators that affect local markets in general and construction products in particular. The study sample included local markets for construction products in Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, and Tambov, i.e., the major cities in the Chernozem macroregion, also known as the Black Earth Region. Using the theory and methodology of strategizing, the authors analyzed data from the Federal State Statistics Service and revealed that construction work increased per capita in 2017–2021, which indicates a dynamic development of the local markets. The local markets in Belgorod, Voronezh, Lipetsk, and Kursk specialize in construction products and services. Their main strategic priorities include a prospective expansion of the range and quality of goods in order to meet the demand and satisfy the local communities and business. These local markets strive to overcome infrastructural constraints and increase the availability and quality of market infrastructure in different sectors. They level interregional differentiation, accelerate sustainable socio-economic development, and achieve local provision security. The research results contribute to urban and regional strategizing, as well as the construction industry.

Spatial Network Analysis of Coupling Coordination between Digital Financial Inclusion and Common Prosperity in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration

Digital financial inclusion and common prosperity are pivotal elements in promoting the sustainable socioeconomic development of China. This study introduces a novel Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method to evaluate the Common Prosperity Index (CPI). Using this index, alongside the Digital Financial Inclusion Index (DFII) released by Peking University, it examines the evolution of the coupling coordination relationship between digital financial inclusion and common prosperity within the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration from 2011 to 2021. By integrating gravity models and social network analysis, in this paper, we thoroughly investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the spatial network of this coupling coordination relationship. The results indicate that both the DFII and CPI generally exhibit an upward trend, but the decline in the coupling degree reflects a weakened interaction strength between them. Specifically, Anhui significantly lags behind Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai in the development of digital financial inclusion and common prosperity, indicating regional development imbalances. Furthermore, the strength of spatial connections in city coupling coordination has significantly increased, with Nanjing’s siphon effect on cities in Anhui becoming markedly stronger, and the number of core cities in the network increasing, which demonstrates a geographical proximity feature in network development. Additionally, the overall network characteristics are transitioning towards higher density and “small-world” properties, suggesting a trend toward network stabilization. The disparity in centrality among cities has decreased, with an overall enhancement in centrality, where the spatial spillover effects from core areas such as Hangzhou-Ningbo, Nanjing-Changzhou, and Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuxi significantly promote the development of peripheral cities. Based on these findings, this paper proposes policy recommendations for the sustainable development of digital financial inclusion and common prosperity in the YRD region.

Breaking the poverty trap in an ecologically fragile region through ecological engineering: A close-up look at long-term changes in ecosystem services

Ecological vulnerability and poverty are interrelated and must be addressed together. The resolution of this issue will help us to meet the challenges during the process of implementing concrete actions for realizing the 2030 UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Ecological restoration projects (ERPs) can enhance ecosystem services (ESs) while providing policy support for improving people's livelihoods. However, processes and mechanisms of ERPs on the ecological environment and socioeconomic development in poverty-stricken and ecologically fragile areas have rarely been studied. To address these issues, we conducted a comparative analysis on the changes of land use and land cover (LULC), ecosystem services (ESs), and socioeconomic development in Bijie City, a karst rocky desertification area in southwest China, before and after the implementation of ERPs in 2000, as well as the complex relationship between these factors. ERPs have affected LULCs, ESs, socioeconomics, and poverty reduction significantly since 2000. Specifically, the total ecosystem service value (ESV) in the study area has increased by more than 3 times in the past 30 years, with the ESV of tourism services and carbon storage increasing the most, from CNY 0.001 and 337.07 billion in 1990 to CNY 11.07 and 108.97 billion in 2019, respectively. The correlation between ESs is mainly synergistic, while the tradeoff between carbon storage and water yield is in a fluctuating upward trend. LULC conversion of cropland to green, and cropland to water, wetland and shrubs has positive effects on carbon storage and water yield, respectively. During study period, GDP, urbanization increased by over 70 times, 5 times, respectively, whereas poverty population, poverty incidence, and employment rate of various sectors (i.e., agriculture, forest, animal, and fishery, or AFAF) decreased by 96.4%, 97.7%, and 18.24%, respectively. Our findings emphasized that ERPs can effectively help poor and ecologically fragile areas to get out of the poverty trap and achieve the “win-win” goals of ecological and socio-economic sustainable development. These results have profound environmental management references to China and other developing countries around the world in realizing ecological restoration, poverty reduction, and the SDGs.

Policies and Regulations for Desertification Prevention and Control in Mongolia

Desertification is a transnational, cross-regional, and global eco-environmental problem that seriously restricts sustainable socioeconomic development. As Mongolia is a typical arid and semi-arid region, the evolution of desertification in the country is closely related to major global issues such as climate change, global carbon cycling, and biodiversity. In this article, we analyze the background, development process, limitations, and other aspects of Mongolia’s desertification prevention and control policies and regulations and conclude that Mongolia needs to formulate a “Desertification Prevention and Control Law.” In particular, it needs to clarify the responsibility subjects, beneficiaries, interest compensation subjects, and illegal punishment subjects for prevention and control, as well as the responsibilities and obligations of relevant legal subjects. The research results show that it is important to form a solution mechanism in legal research on the joint prevention and control of desertification between Mongolia and China. We propose a concept of best future practice, highlighting the urgent need to establish a framework for the joint prevention and control of desertification via a cooperative mechanism between Mongolia and China and for the two countries to jointly promote global cooperation in combating this important environmental issue.

Development of composition, technology and determination of quality indicators of medicinal films with etoricoxib

According to the Strategy for the Development of the Pharmaceutical industry until 2030, the development of new domestic medicines is one of the urgent tasks to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of the Russian Federation. In this regard, we have developed the composition and technology of a drug in the dosage form of a “Film”, dispersed in the oral cavity, with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent of selective action – etoricoxib. The choice of this dosage form is due to its advantages over other dosage forms, such as high bioavailability, no need to wash down the films with water and swallow, the prevention of the development of undesirable adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.
 The purpose of the study was to verify the compliance of the manufactured model samples of films with etoricoxib with the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the current edition. The article presents data on the development of the optimal composition of films and the method of selecting the concentration of preservative, the technology for producing films, as well as describes the processes and results of tests conducted to assess the quality of films according to some regulated indicators in accordance with the GPA “Films”, such as description, film dimensions, pH of the solution, uniformity of mass, microbiological purity.
 The results of the scientific work showed that the developed drug with etoricoxib meets the requirements of the General Pharmacopoeia Monograph “Films” for the quality indicators studied.

Evaluation of the coordinated development level in the coastal eco-environmental complex system: A case study of Jiaozhou Bay, China

Given the exponential population growth and remarkable socio-economic advancements, coastal areas face increasingly complex challenges in eco-environmental management due to anthropogenic pressures. With the current emphasis on high-quality economic development, there is an urgent need to establish and evaluate a comprehensive indicator system to ensure the sustainable development of the coastal eco-environment and to meet evolving management demands. Research on the coordinated development level of coastal eco-environmental complex system, based on the concept of land-sea coordination, plays a pivotal role in promoting the resolution of eco-environmental issues in coastal areas, achieving sustainable socio-economic development in these regions. In this study, we construct an indicator system for the eco-environmental complex system in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) coastal zone, China, comprising six sub-systems and thirty indicators. The comprehensive development level and coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) are employed in this study to analyze the indicator system in 1980–2020, aiming to elucidate the processes involved in the improvements in this complex system. The findings indicate: (i) the system's comprehensive development level evaluation and coupling coordination degree (CCD) exhibit a two-stage pattern: a declining trend in 1980–2005, followed by a rising trend in 2005–2020. (ii) despite improvements, the comprehensive development level and the CCD of the system in 2020 still hold potential for further enhancement compared to 1980; and (iii) policymaking and changes in anthropogenic pressures in coastal areas are the primary factors influencing the performance of the system. In the future, policymaking can reduce anthropogenic pressures on the coastal eco-environment, improve the comprehensive development level and CCD of the complex system, and encourage a commitment to sustainable development.

Коррупция как системная угроза экономической безопасности России

At the present stage of Russia's historical development, taking into account scientific and technological progress, the results of which are used not only for the benefit of society and the country, the issues of countering the commission of economic crimes do not lose their relevance. Corruption as a type of economic crimes is a factor hindering sustainable socio-economic development, preventing an increase in the level of well-being of the population and the structural restructuring of the economy. The growth of the shadow economy is directly proportional to the growth of corruption. The shadow economy is dangerous for society, it undermines the financial stability of the state, reduces the amount of tax revenues to the budget of the country and the subjects of the Russian Federation, and contributes to the development of injustice in society. The article examines the main causes of corruption, the relationship between corruption and the shadow economy, and substantiates the need to develop and improve tools to counter corruption crimes in order to increase the level of economic and, accordingly, national security of Russia.

Animal Manure as an Alternative Bioenergy Resource in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa: Present Insights, Challenges, and Prospects for Future Advancements

Energy availability is a pivotal driver in fostering sustainable socio-economic development. However, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) grapples with paradoxes headlined by abundant energy resources but with the world’s lowest access to clean energy index per capita. Faced with a lack of access to clean energy sources like electricity, rural areas in the majority of SSA countries almost exclusively depend on biomass-fuels, mostly fuelwood, leading to heightened respiratory health risks as well as environmental degradation and accelerated climate change. As an alternative, this review investigates the potential of animal manure as a sustainable energy resource for rural SSA households, emphasising its utilisation as a feedstock for biogas production using anaerobic digestor technology. Results show that despite the abundance of literature that reports on successes in lab-scale bioreactor optimisation, as well as successes in the initial rollout of biogas biodigester technology in SSA with the help of international collaborators, the actual uptake of biogas bioreactor technology by rural communities remains low, while installed bioreactors are experiencing high failure rates. Resultantly, rural SSA still lags significantly behind in the adoption of sustainable clean energy systems in comparison to rural communities in other regions. Among some of the hurdles identified as driving low technology assimilation are onerous policy requirements, low-level government involvement, high bioreactor-instalment costs, the lack of training and awareness, and water scarcity. Prospects for success lie in innovative technologies like the low-cost portable FlexiBiogas system and private–public partnerships, as well as flexible energy policy frameworks. Bridging the knowledge-implementation gap requires a holistic approach considering cultural, technological, and policy aspects.

Future changes in society and climate may strongly shape wild large-herbivore faunas across Europe.

Restoring wild communities of large herbivores is critical for the conservation of biodiverse ecosystems, but environmental changes in the twenty-first century could drastically affect the availability of habitats. We projected future habitat dynamics for 18 wild large herbivores in Europe and the relative future potential patterns of species richness and assemblage mean body weight considering four alternative scenarios of socioeconomic development in human society and greenhouse gas emissions(SSP1-RCP2.6, SSP2-RCP4.5, SSP3-RCP7.0, SSP5-RCP8.5). Under SSP1-RCP2.6, corresponding to a transition towards sustainable development, we found stable habitat suitability for most species and overall stable assemblage mean body weight compared to the present, withan average increase in species richness (in 2100: 3.03 ± 1.55 compared to today's 2.25 ± 1.31 species/area). The other scenarios are generally unfavourable for the conservation of wild large herbivores, although under theSSP5-RCP8.5 scenario there would be increase in species richness and assemblage mean body weight in some southern regions (e.g. + 62.86 kg mean body weight in Balkans/Greece). Our results suggest that a shift towards a sustainable socioeconomic development would overallprovide the best prospect of our maintaining or even increasing the diversity of wild herbivore assemblages in Europe, thereby promoting trophic complexity and the potential to restore functioning and self-regulating ecosystems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'.

Indices and methods for evaluating gross ecosystem product in sea areas: a case study in Changdao County, China

IntroductionCoastal nations heavily rely on their sea areas to achieve sustainable socioeconomic development. Sea areas offer abundant marine ecosystem products and services that are difficult to substitute with industrial goods. Although considerable research has been performed to evaluate the contribution offrom the marine ecosystems to human well-being, systematic and measurable indices are lacking.MethodsTo address this knowledge gap, ecosystem service theory was used to establish a framework for assessing the gross ecosystem product (GEP) of a sea area, which represents the total monetary value of final ecosystem products directly and indirectly used by people within a specific administrative jurisdiction in one year. To evaluate marine GEP, three primary indices, i.e., material products, regulating products, and cultural products, were employed, and they consist of eight secondary indices. Material products in the sea area include aquatic products and oxygen products; regulating products include carbon sequestration, climate regulation, waste treatment, and coastal protection; and cultural products include leisure and recreation, and seascape-added value. The marine GEP was calculated for the administrative sea areas of Changdao County, which is located in the Yellow Sea-Bohai Sea transitional zone.Results and discussionOur analysis indicated that from 2017 to 2019, the marine GEP in Changdao ranged between 32.59 and 33.35 billion Chinese yuan (CNY). Regulating products contributed two-thirds of this total value. However, over the three-year period, the marine GEP underwent a 5.64% decrease in Changdao. Specifically, the value of material products increased by 38.85% while that of regulating and cultural products decreased by 9.16% and 15.87%, respectively. Notably, the spatial distribution of ecosystem product values in Changdao displayed two prominent trends: (1) higher values along the coastal sea areas of islands and lower values in offshore sea areas; and (2) higher values in coastal areas of southern islands and lower values in coastal areas of northern islands. Marine GEP may serve as a comprehensive indicator for assessing the sustainability of marine ecosystem. Combining the assessment of both marine and terrestrial GEP facilitates an understanding of how marine and terrestrial ecosystems interact in coastal regions. Furthermore, the combined use of marine GEP and GDP helps better evaluate and sort the level of green development of coastal nations and regions.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СХЕМ ТРУДОВОЇ МІГРАЦІЇ ТА ЇЇ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНИХ НАСЛІДКІВ В УЗБЕКИСТАНІ

Formulation of the problem. Labor migration has emerged as a significant socioeconomic phenomenon in Uzbekistan, impacting both the sending regions within the country and the receiving countries abroad. This research paper aims to analyze the patterns of labor migration within Uzbekistan and to other countries, while also assessing its socioeconomic implications. The purpose of the article is to analyze and evaluate the schemes of labor migration in Uzbekistan, taking into account their socio-economic consequences, as well as studying the volume of labor migration, the main directions and motivations of migrants, determining the impact of this phenomenon on the economy, the labor market, the social sphere and other aspects of public life in Uzbekistan. The object of the study is labor migration schemes and their socio-economic consequences in the context of Uzbekistan. The methodological basis and information base of the research are current scientific and applied research, statistical information. The article uses a number of methods, including analysis, synthesis, comparison and generalization. The main hypothesis of the study is that the analysis of labor migration schemes and their consequences will reveal the key factors that influence this process and its impact on the economy, the labor market, the social sphere and other aspects of public life in Uzbekistan. We assume that such an analysis will allow us to develop effective strategies and policies to optimize labor migration in order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of the country. Presenting main material. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of labor migration data and qualitative interviews with migrants and relevant stakeholders. By understanding the drivers and consequences of labor migration, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers to design effective strategies that maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges associated with labor mobility. The originality and practical significance of the study lies in a comprehensive approach to the analysis of labor migration schemes and its socio-economic consequences in the context of Uzbekistan, new insights into the relationship between labor migration and the country's development, revealing the peculiarities of this phenomenon in the Uzbek context. The practical significance of this article is that it can serve as a basis for the development of effective strategies and policies for the management of labor migration in Uzbekistan. Conclusions of the study can be useful for governmental and non-governmental organizations dealing with issues of migration and socio-economic development. The findings of the study indicate the need to develop comprehensive programs to support migrants, as well as the need to reform the labor migration management system in Uzbekistan in order to ensure sustainable development of the country and improve the quality of life of migrants and their families.

The impact of foreign investment in financing sustainable development in Sub‑Saharan African countries

This study outlines the features of financing investment development in Sub-Saharan African countries. Using the financial determinants of GDP, a model was developed based on the method of least squares employing data covering 2004–2018. It was revealed that a positive correlation exists between economic growth and bank loans as well as official development assistance. The results of the model indicate that bank loans and remittances significantly increase economic growth. However, both foreign direct investment and official development assistance (ODA) were found to be ineffective in promoting development, and this is attributable to its investment model (resource-seeking) and the conditions under ODA financing, respectively, in the region. Bank loans were found to be the most influential in promoting sustainable growth in the region. Hence, it is instructive that the reforms are needed and incentives are to be developed to improve the level of the region’s financial and banking sector development and facilitate the sustainable socioeconomic development of these economies.

Scientific substantiation of conceptual directions of development of the system of donation and transplantation

the article is devoted to the substantiation of the conceptual directions for the development of the system of organ donation and transplantation in the regions of Ukraine. The main principles of development are revealed. The basis for the formation of a modern conceptual model of the regional system of organ donation and transplantation has been laid. Materials and methods. To achieve the goals, the work used general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation of scientific data, as well as systemic and structural-functional approaches. Results. Presents the conceptual directions for the development of the regional system of organ donation and transplantation, in the form of a set of principles (from Latin principium - beginning, basis) underlying the development of the system under consideration. The implementation of conceptual directions in modeling a modern conceptual model of the regional system of organ donation and transplantation will provide a model for the formation of strategic management mechanisms, will be the key to the development of regional transplant practice, the provision of affordable highly qualified transplant care to the population, sustainable socio-economic development of the system in the long term. Conclusions. The developed conceptual directions for the development of the system of organ donation and transplantation in the regions of Ukraine are a priority basis for the formation of a modern conceptual model of the regional system of organ donation and transplantation. The system of organ donation and transplantation in the regions of Ukraine is at the beginning of its formation and needs optimization of many organizational processes, which should be carried out systematically, comprehensively and purposefully on the basis of scientifically based principles, legislatively for the benefit of the population of the region.

ПАРТНЕРСТВО МЕЖДУ БИЗНЕСОМ И ГОСУДАРСТВОМ В СФЕРЕ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ ЗАКУПОК: МЕХАНИЗМЫ СОДЕЙСТВИЯ РАЗВИТИЮ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ РЫНКОВ И УЛУЧШЕНИЮ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ

The relevance of the topic of partnership between business and the state in the field of public procurement is due to the need for effective development of regional markets and improvement of infrastructure. The author explores the mechanisms of cooperation between the private sector and government agencies in the context of public procurement, identifying their impact on the economic development of regions.
 The analysis of the experience of various countries is carried out and practical recommendations are offered to strengthen the partnership between business and the state. Special attention is paid to mechanisms to stimulate the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in public procurement, as well as ways to improve transparency and efficiency of procurement procedures.
 The paper also discusses the importance of interaction between business and the state to create a favorable investment environment, stimulate innovation and infrastructure development. The proposed assistance mechanisms include the establishment of partnerships, the development of special support programs, as well as the improvement of legislation and control mechanisms.
 In conclusion, the article emphasizes that a successful partnership between business and the state in the field of public procurement contributes not only to the development of regional markets, but also to improving the quality of public services provided, which ultimately contributes to the sustainable socio-economic development of society.

Main directions for rational use of water resources in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The article identifies the main directions of the rational use of water resources in the Republic of Kazakhstan, specifically, the South Kazakhstan region. Rational water use is the process of efficient use of water resources, which guarantees the preservation and protection of water bodies from negative and excessive anthropogenic impact and at the same time provides the population and sectors of the national economy with water resources of adequate quality and in the amount that can guarantee not only satisfaction of needs, but also development of industry, energy, water transport and agriculture at the rates that are necessary for sustainable socio-economic development of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a whole. The analysis of the foundations of rational water use was carried out; the main economic instruments affecting the process of water use in Kazakhstan are considered, an overview of the structure of water resources management in the South Kazakhstan region is made. Currently, it is necessary to ensure the rational use of natural resources, their protection from pollution and degradation, as well as skillfully restore, multiply and control them for the benefit of human society. Water resources as an object of management are a complex phenomenon and require a special approach for the formation of governing bodies with a clear division of their sphere of influence and responsibility.

Coupling mutual information into ecological networks to analyze the sustainability of water-energy nexus: A case study of Yangtze River Economic Belt

Efficient utilization and sustainability of water and energy resources are crucial for promoting socio-economic sustainable development. This study constructed a hybrid network using input-output tables and integrated the theory of mutual information into the ecological network analysis method to analyze the cycling efficiency, robustness, symbiotic relationships, and synergistic development of water-energy networks. The results of case study indicate that the cycling efficiency of the water-energy networks in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) exceeds 50%, and their robustness is at a certain distance from the equilibrium point, with some provinces (cities) facing the risk of development stagnation. The water and energy networks primarily exhibit a moderate symbiotic relationship, wherein mutual development coexists with certain competition. In conclusion, water and energy are interdependent and require coordinated development. Finally, recommendations for achieving synergy between water and energy are proposed from the perspectives of industry sectors.

Exploring the Driving Forces of Vegetation Greening on the Loess Plateau at the County Scale

China has implemented several ecological projects in the Loess Plateau region to address severe land degradation and soil erosion. Accurately assessing ecological restoration and its driving factors remains challenging. Previous studies in this area concentrated on driving factors have mainly focused on natural factors at the regional or watershed scale, with limited consideration of socioeconomic factors at the county scale. In this study conducted in Huanglong County on the Loess Plateau, the focus was to fill the gaps in previous research and provide insights into the socioeconomic driving forces behind vegetation greening. Remote sensing image data (NDVI) from 1999 to 2019 were used to analyze vegetation greenness dynamics in the region. Five socioeconomic variables were considered, including afforestation intensity, deforestation intensity, agricultural intensity, village intensity, and road intensity layers, to characterize the impact of afforestation, agriculture, and urbanization policies. The RESTREND (residual trends) method was employed to assess the relative importance of climate and human activities on vegetation dynamics. This study found that temperature–NDVI relationships are more suitable for building RESTREND models than precipitation–NDVI relationships. Human activity was the main driver of vegetation dynamics, contributing 62% compared to 38% from climate change. Agricultural practices and afforestation were found to have a positive impact on ecological restoration, while deforestation and urbanization had no significant impact. These findings highlight a conceptual framework for understanding the intricate relationship between ecological restoration, climatic factors, and human activity on the Loess Plateau. This study suggests that significant progress has been made in ecological restoration through human efforts in combating land degradation. However, it emphasizes the need to strengthen natural conservation efforts and gradually transition toward restoration processes driven by natural forces for sustainable socioeconomic development. The methodology used in this study can be applied to explore the driving forces of ecological restoration in other regions facing human-driven land degradation.

How does regional economic integration affect carbon emission efficiency? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta, China.

Rapid urbanization and industrialization promote economic growth as well as bring carbon emissions, which seriously threaten the eco-environment and socioeconomic sustainable development. Facing increasing resource constraints, improving carbon emissions efficiency (CEE) is conducive to promote coordinated development of economy and environmental protection. In recent years, regional economic integration (REI) has rapidly developed. It can not only promote factors flow between regions but also achieve industrial and economic agglomeration. However, few studies have been reported in the literature about the relationship between the REI and CEE. In this study, we first illustrate how the REI influences CEE in theory, then take the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) as a case study to conduct empirical research. The results show that (1) the overall CEE value in the YRD has exhibited an upward trend from 2000 to 2020, and its spatial distribution has revealed a significant auto-correlation pattern. (2) On the whole, the REI act a noteworthy positive impact on CEE. When considering types of cities, it is found to have significant positive impacts for the CEE in economically developed cities, while it exhibits a negative impact in the less-developed ones. (3) Upgrading industrial structure and increasing per capita GDP can promote the CEE, but hinder its growth in surrounding areas. Our findings suggest that the government should formulate a unified overall plan to facilitate REI development and establish a modern industrial system of clean and low-carbon to promote regional sustainable development.

Photovoltaic systems promote grassland restoration by coordinating water and nutrient uptake, transport and utilization

The extensive use of fossil fuels puts ecological and economic coordinated development at risk. Photovoltaic systems relieve the pressure of resource extraction and energy generation on climate change, and their installation and module operation affect vegetation productivity and grassland restoration by changing the microenvironment and ecosystem processes. However, it is still unclear whether plants adapt to these changes in photovoltaic systems to sustain their growth. Here, combined stable isotope techniques with plant traits, plant adaptations to photovoltaic systems at different scales were analyzed from the perspectives of water and nutrient sources, uptake, transport, and utilization. The results showed that photovoltaic systems increased water uptake by the dominant species Leymus chinensis from the top 10 cm of the soil and the aboveground biomass. This was associated with strong plasticity of roots and conduction tissues, which improved resource uptake from the fertile surface soil and transport within the plant, and promoted photosynthesis and leaf water loss by inducing stomatal opening. Different from fixed photovoltaic systems, tracking photovoltaic systems improved ecosystem water use efficiency and surface soil nutrient availability by reducing soil temperature. Tilting tracking photovoltaic systems especially promoted biomass accumulation and grassland restoration. The study suggested that photovoltaic systems promoted vegetation restoration of grassland ecosystem in semi-arid region through the water and nutrient coordination and the carbon-water coupling, and provides a solution for reasonable planning of photovoltaic industry and sustainable socio-economic development.