Traditional Land Use Research Articles

Agricultural legacy shapes plant diversity patterns in mountain grasslands of Maramureș and Bukovina: A cross‐border perspective (Ukraine, Romania)

Abstract We investigated farming practices and grassland plant diversity patterns in the historical regions of Maramureș and Bukovina, located in the central Eastern Carpathians of Romania and Ukraine. We explored the influence of social and historical factors on recent grassland plant diversity, including changes and modifications in land use and grassland management practices. We used stratified random sampling to select 48 grassland parcels in eight villages on the Ukrainian‐Romanian borderlands. We identified the factors that affect the composition and diversity of grassland vascular plants and bryophytes at multiple spatial scales and compared the frequency and timing of historical and recent grassland management practices to distinguish between preserved and modified agricultural traditions. In most of the grassland parcels studied (83% in Romania and 78% in Ukraine), traditional land use persisted. Local plant species richness was primarily influenced by management practices, outweighing the impact of topography and soil factors. Regular mowing at appropriate intensity increased the richness of vascular plants, while grazing promoted the richness of bryophyte species. Modifications to farming systems, observed in all studied villages, were mainly due to declining population and livestock numbers. Although the timing of spring and autumn grazing in hay meadows still adhered to tradition, mowing schedules shifted earlier, especially for the first cut of two‐cut hay meadows. Traditional corralling, fertilization and hayseed application have become rare or discontinued in certain villages, while controlled burning has increased. Past use of mineral fertilizers in Ukrainian villages during the Soviet era influenced the recent diversity and composition of vascular plant species, favouring nutrient‐demanding species. Social factors and agricultural policies indirectly affect biodiversity in semi‐natural grasslands, leaving a tangible footprint even in the most remote areas of the Carpathian Mountains. We provide basic recommendations to preserve the remarkable biodiversity of the region. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

A bottom-up nationwide analysis of sectoral land use reveals spatial heterogeneity across the United States

The high degree of urbanization and economic development in the United States has intensified competition for land resources, leading to land use conflicts and environmental challenges. Addressing these issues first requires an exploration of high-resolution, sector-specific land use patterns. However, existing land classification studies rarely provide spatially explicit data on urban land use across all sectors at a national level. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing land use areas across various economic sectors in the United States, particularly focusing on urban impervious surfaces. Using a bottom-up approach, we created a full-sector land use inventory, integrating Points of Interest (POI) data, road networks, building characteristics, and geographic information processing techniques. Our primary innovation lies in the development of a spatially explicit database that details sector-specific land use areas nationwide. On this robust foundation, we further explored the heterogeneity of sectoral land use eco-efficiency (SLUEE) among different sectors and states, providing supplementary insights into spatial disparities in urban land use. Our findings reveal significant spatial heterogeneity, with service sectors dominating land use and exhibiting higher SLUEE compared to goods-producing industries. Key sectors such as Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (441064.58 ha), and Administrative and Support Services (420148.34 ha) are prominent across states according to land use area, reflecting the country's service-oriented economy. Additionally, regional disparities in SLUEE are evident, with jurisdictions like Washington D.C., New York, and California demonstrating more efficient land use. Compared with traditional land use evaluations, our model effectively offers higher spatial resolution, down to the census block level, to sectoral land use evaluation. Building on this robust database, our SLUEE analysis has uncovered notable heterogeneity between sectors and states, offering new insights into cross-sectoral and inter-state land use dynamics that can inform and promote sustainable urban planning.

Critical Analysis on Land Grabbing as an Organized Crime

Abstract: Land grabbing has emerged as a critical issue in contemporary global discourse, significantly impacting socio-economic and environmental landscapes. This research examines the phenomenon of land grabbing, defined as the large-scale acquisition of land, often by foreign entities or corporations, which displaces local communities and disrupts traditional land use practices. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study analyses case studies from various regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to uncover the underlying motivations and implications of land grabbing. The findings reveal that factors such as food security, resource scarcity, and economic development drive land acquisitions, frequently resulting in adverse effects on local populations, including loss of livelihoods and environmental degradation. Additionally, the research highlights the role of government policies and international trade agreements in facilitating land grabbing practices. The study underscores the need for robust legal frameworks and the active involvement of local communities in land governance to mitigate the negative impacts of land grabbing and promote sustainable development. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of land grabbing as a complex interplay of economic interests, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

Climate and Land Use Change Pressures on Food Production in Social-Ecological Systems: Perceptions from Farmers in Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka

Climate and land use change pressures are critical to food production in Social-Ecological Systems (SESs). This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of the pressures of climate and land use changes alongside their impacts on food production in Mhahakanumulla Village Tank Cascade System (MVTCS), a SES maintained by traditional agricultural land use systems in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. This study used both rating and ranking scale questions to quantify farmers’ perceptions. The tobit regression model was employed to evaluate how farmer perception was influenced by socio-economic factors. The results showed that most of the farmers had experienced that the climate of the MVTCS area had changed over time, and they perceived variability of rainfall patterns as the most prominent and influential climate change. The increased cost of production, wildlife damage, and land degradation were ranked by the farmers as the most impactful factors of food production due to climate change. The farmers rated deforestation and land clearing as the most influential and impactful changes in land use, while wildlife damage and land degradation ranked as the highest impacts on food production due to land use changes. Among the socio-economic determinants, training and income/profit positively influenced farmer perceptions of the severity of both climate and land use change. The level of farmer’s adaptation to climate change had a negative association with their perception of the severity of climate change. Household size negatively influenced the perceptions of the severity of climate change while positively influencing perceptions of land use change impacts. Among the spatial determinants, farm size and downstream locations of MVTCS positively influenced perceptions of the severity of both climate and land use change. Thus, the effectiveness of adaptation strategies towards climate and land use change pressures depends on how well they are understood by the farmers. The study findings provide helpful insights for formulating localized land use policies and climate change adaptation strategies in these globally important landscapes with a combination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches.

The role of wild bees and cavity-nesting wasps as ecological indicators of the last traditionally managed meadows in Eastern Europe.

The number of wild bees and cavity-nesting wasps is abundant in agricultural areas and they contribute significantly to ecosystem services. Due to their specialization in nesting sites and food sources, these groups are sensitive to habitat condition changes and they are therefore important indicators for environmental impact assessments. As semi-natural habitats are steadily declining and often understudied, their significance for research is increasingly recognized. During this research, the role of wild bee species and cavity-nesting Hymenopteran taxa as indicators was examined, along the unique combination of high nature value and traditional land use habitats in Eastern Europe, Transylvania. Transects and trap nests were used to test the diversity and abundance of wild bees and cavity-nesting Hymenopterans to identify possible differences between highly protected and less protected areas. The differences in taxonomic groups between the sites and the potential effects of landscape structure on wild bees and cavity-nesting Hymenopterans were also assessed. We detected a high diversity of wild bee species and a significant species replacement from one study year to another. Among the nest-building Hymenopteran taxa, the majority of nests was built by Trypoxylon sp. during both study years, with a stronger dominance in the second year. The different taxonomic groups of wild bees and cavity-nesting Hymenopterans showed differences in their habitat affinities. The majority of the sampled bumblebee species as well as Trypoxylon sp. had an affinity towards the study sites located within the highly protected study area. Altogether, we found different habitat preferences for different Hymenopteran groups (both wild bees and wasps) and conclude that these groups definitely have the potential to serve as indicators for differences in the intensity of land use.

The diversity of soil-dwelling arthropods is significantly influenced by land use systems with tree cover in semiarid conditions

Seasonal changes in vegetation and climate exert significant influences on soil fauna in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Additionally, evidence indicates that interactions between different plant layers promote soil fauna diversity through the variety of resources available. The objective was to assess the edaphic fauna in traditional land use systems, agroforestry systems and natural vegetation, under the influence of rainfall seasonality and plant strata in the semiarid region of Brazil. For this purpose, six types of land use were selected: agroforestry; silvopastoral; slash and burn with intensive use without fallow; slash and burn with six years of fallow; slash and burn with nine years of fallow; and a system representing the natural vegetation of the Caatinga. Edaphic fauna was collected using pitfall traps in the dry and rainy seasons. A total of 43,363 individuals of the edaphic fauna were collected and grouped into taxa, determining abundance, diversity and functional groups. The results revealed higher abundance and diversity of edaphic fauna in the rainy season across all land use systems, but significantly higher numbers in systems with tree strata. The greater the abundance, richness and diversity of trees, the higher the diversity of edaphic fauna (Shannon Index - H: 0.7 < ‾H < 1) for the seasonal effect. Agroforestry systems were intermediate in the diversity of edaphic fauna (‾H < 0.8) compared to other systems. Systems with greater heterogeneity in tree and herbaceous strata were the ones that most increased the diversity and activity of functional groups of edaphic fauna (H < 0.8; 0.5 < r < 0.9). In semiarid conditions, more attention should be given to agricultural production systems with greater tree diversity and interaction between tree and herbaceous strata to conserve the biodiversity of edaphic fauna and improve the soil health.

Haymaking complemented by moderate disturbances can sustain and restore species-rich alpine to subalpine grasslands

AbstractThe high plant diversity in alpine to subalpine grasslands is threatened by the abandonment of land use. In addition, changing environmental conditions might lead to vegetation shifts even when traditional land use is maintained, as observed in grasslands in Switzerland during the last decades. Maintaining and restoring the diversity of such grasslands might therefore require modified management methods. We conducted a six-year experiment to assess the responses of plant species richness, mean ecological indicator values, and vegetation composition to five management treatments, including scraping as additional management measure: haymaking (in autumn), haymaking complemented by scraping (i.e. manual raking) in autumn, haymaking complemented by scraping in spring, only scraping in spring, and abandonment of land use. We hypothesized that haymaking complemented by scraping in either season would remove additional biomass and increase species richness by creating open patches that can reduce inter-specific competition and promote species establishment. We found positive effects of haymaking complemented by scraping on plant species richness and habitat quality, indicated by the increased mean indicator value for light. Abandonment showed the opposite effects and increased mean indicator values for nutrients. Interestingly, haymaking combined with scraping in autumn promoted the development of the vegetation towards the composition similar to the resident vegetation type. Our findings show that extensive land use is essential to maintain species-rich alpine to subalpine grasslands. Further, they imply that modified land use can compensate for the negative developments such as reduced habitat quality and species richness caused by environmental changes and help restore the vegetation.

Entomophilous Pollen and Bees as Biomonitors and Bioindicators of the Anthropogenic Triad

The progressive increase in the concentration of harmful pollutants in the environment threatens human health. To record them, researchers use biomonitors; plant pollen and honeybees (Apis mellifera) have proven themselves well in this capacity. The peculiarity of bees is that while searching for food, they collect pollutants from the environment: air, soil and water within a radius of no more than 3 km. Not only plant pollen, but also honeybees can act as bioindicators of the anthropogenic triad: climate change and traditional land use systems and environmental pollution. In various search engines, Internet users are interested in these issues, because their point of refraction is beekeeping products, including honey. It includes almost the entire spectrum of allergenic pollen, starting from wormwood pollen — the regional allergen of the republic and ending with pollen of trees and shrubs. The problem of allergies to ornamental plants is still poorly understood. Reports of occupational flower allergies are few and usually involve gardeners, greenhouse workers, landscapers, and florists. Handling, smelling and caring for flowers can cause rhino conjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria, and contact dermatitis. When studying the pollen spectrum in the air of cities, entomophilous pollen grains of the families Malvaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae were identified. In the modern world, the concept of “One Health” has gained popularity, which recognizes the interconnectedness of the health of people, animals and ecosystems, therefore it is accepted both at the national and global levels. Within its framework, we are forming a new concept: “Entomophilous pollen and bees as biomonitors and bioindicators of the anthropogenic triad: climate change and land use systems; environmental pollution”. The purpose of the presented article is to systematize the results obtained and literature sources within the framework of the formulated concept.

The Environmental History of the Navazo Agroecosystem in Late Holocene Sand Bodies Along the Atlantic Coast of Andalusia, Spain

ABSTRACT Since the late Spanish Enlightenment, the agroecosystem of the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, through which coastal dune systems are cultivated via sunken gardens between sand berms, have attracted scholarly attention. The environmental history of these systems, known as Navazo, is the focus of this article. Through analysis of historical aerial photographs, we identify eight areas in which traditional Navazo land use was practiced. By studying landscape diversity and historical documentation we identify key aspects of the emergence and evolution of this agroecosystem. The results of this study indicate that Navazos originated through a combination of the natural properties offered by the region's coastal dune geomorphology, which was cultivated as vineyards since ancient times, as well as external cultural influences. Coinciding with the popularisation of potato consumption in the eighteenth century, earlier vineyards were, in some cases, completely replaced by Navazos. Due to transformations in traditional land use practices, created a contemporary version of the Navazo. The location and physical configuration of the Navazos, meanwhile, display strong similarities with archaeological remains of Plot-and-Berm agroecosystems from the southeastern Mediterranean dating from the Early Islamic period. This study presents evidence to better understand the function, cropping practices and irrigation of these systems. .

Pollination knowledge among local farmers in northern Tanzania and the role of traditional agroforestry practices in promoting pollinator forage plants

Pollination services by insects contribute strongly to food security and ecosystem stability. However, especially in Africa, little is known about farmer's knowledge and awareness of pollination services. Here, we first surveyed home garden farmers about their knowledge on pollination services, and their ability to recognize insect pollinators. Then we evaluated their home gardens for the availability of pollinator forage resources. We found that a majority of the farmers (89.1%) were not aware of pollination services and that awareness was higher for males and those with higher education levels. All farmers were able to recognize at least one insect species (especially, Apis mellifera) but most farmers did not know them as pollinators. We also found that 293 woody plant species from 62 families in Chagga home gardens (CHGs), provided insect pollinator forage. There was higher alpha diversity for exotic forage plants but higher gamma diversity for natives. The increase in diversity of pollinator forage plants reduced the temporal variability of flower richness. Our findings suggest that farmers should be made more aware of pollination services as well as insect pollinators specifically regarding their benefits to increase willingness to conserve them. Awareness programs should be accessible to women and those with little formal education as they exhibit the least knowledge. Also, various media tools should be used for effective dissemination to the different target audiences. Our findings also provide evidence that if managed properly some traditional agricultural land use systems can enhance pollination services by providing diverse forage resources for insect pollinators.

Mining versus Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas: Traditional Land Uses of the Anisininew in the Red Sucker Lake First Nation, Manitoba, Canada

Indigenous traditional land uses, including hunting, fishing, sacred activities, and land-based education at the Red Sucker Lake First Nation (RSLFN) in Manitoba, Canada, are impacted by mining. The Red Sucker Lake First Nation (RSLFN) people want their territories’ land and water to be protected for traditional uses, culture, and ecological integrity. Towards this goal, their Island Lake Tribal Council sought support for an Indigenous-protected and conserved area (IPCA) in their territory, outside of existing mining claims, but without success. The two-eyed seeing approach was adopted in this study. Traditional land use mapping and interviews were undertaken with 21 Indigenous people from the RSLFN, showing that many traditional land uses are concentrated on greenstone belts. The interviews revealed that mining exploration has resulted in large petroleum spills, noise distress, private property destruction, wildlife die-offs, and animal population declines. These issues negatively impact RSLFN’s traditional land use practices, ecosystem integrity, and community health. Governments need to partner with Indigenous communities to reach their biodiversity targets, particularly considering northern Canada’s peatlands, including those in the RSLFN territory, surpassing Amazon forests for carbon storage. The role of critical minerals in renewable energy and geopolitics has colonial governments undermining Indigenous rights, climate stabilization, and biodiversity to prioritize extractivism. Mining at the RSLFN has environmental impacts from exploration to decommissioning and after, as well as the massive infrastructure required that includes roads, hydro, and massive energy supplies, with a proposed multimedia national Northern Corridor to export RSLFN’s resources and other resources to six ports.

Трансформація оселищ і її вплив на зообіоту

The history of the use of the term “habitat” is considered. It is emphasized that this term refers to the habitat of a particular animal species or population and is determined by their ranges. The factors that lead to the destruction of habitats of many populations on the lowlands and in the highlands of the Ukrainian Carpathians are indicated. Attention is drawn to the degradation of mountain lakes and streams as habitats for aquatic hydrobionts. Among the factors that cause the destruction of habitats, the factors of both natural and anthropogenic origin are identified: climate change, absolute protection of territories, demutational processes, uncontrolled recreation activities, changes in traditional land use, water chemiсal composition and pollution, the appearance of invasive plants, urbanization, etc. The synergistic effect of these factors leads to rapid habitat change, and thus to the loss of adaptive capacity of individuals of different species to the changed conditions of their habi­tats. Among the objects of our study are such taxa as planktonic crustaceans (Cladocera), ants (Formicidae), lampreys (Cyclostomata), ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii), amphibians (Amphibia) and birds (Aves). It was found, in particular, that deciduous forest habitats are the most favorable for the existence of a significant diversity of ants. The mega-habitats for amphibians were identified as a complex of individual habitats that vary during the vegetation season and are connected by migration routes. The key habitat in Western Polissia, as an example, can be the Unychi wetland, which is home to a number of rare bird species. The nest-building behavior of birds under the influence of anthropogenic factors also undergoes changes - its species-specific appearance and composition of nesting materials are transformed in response to habitat pollution. In addition, the study showed that the use of invasive trees and shrubs for urban greenery has a negative impact on the diversity of urban bird fauna, as it paradoxically reduces the number of nesting and foraging habitats for birds. It is proposed to identify key habitats for the populations of rare and endangered animal species within the protected areas and on the non-protected ones, to indicate their locations and the type of management approach (protection, restoration, reconstruction, etc.).

METHOD OF ACCOUNTING SOIL-AGROCHEMICAL POTENTIAL FOR OPTIMIZING THE STRUCTURE OF LAND USE OF THE VOLOZHINSK DISTRICT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

The article discusses one of the ways to assess the condition of soil cover to improve the efficiency of land management using the example of the Volozhin region of the Republic of Belarus. A comprehensive assessment of the agrochemical and natural potential of the soil is proposed by means of typing the soil cover depending on agrochemical indicators (pHKCl, humus content, mobile compounds of phosphorus and potassium) and a quality score reflecting the natural state of the soil. Using geostatistical methods, the values of agrochemical indicators were interpolated from elementary areas into areas of soil varieties of agricultural lands and classified according to the degree of content of agrochemical elements that made up the agrochemical potential (AP). After crossing the AP with the bonitet score, 9 groups of soils were identified according to soil-agrochemical potential (SAP), of which the largest share (58,2 %) is occupied by soils with average potential (61,950 ha). Based on the results of a spatial assessment of the PAP, it was determined that sod-podzolic and sod-podzolic swampy soils developing on light loams and cohesive sandy loams have the greatest potential. It was also revealed that areas with low PAP gravitate towards the most dissected areas of the terrain with sandy and cohesive sandy soils. Based on the typification carried out, the main types of preferred land use in the Volozhin region were determined: more than half of the agricultural land can be used for intensive agricultural use for arable land (52,1 %) and meadows (12,5 %), traditional land use is possible for 29,3 % territories and only 6,2 % of lands require the use of soil protection farming systems, primarily focused on erosion-hazardous areas of the area.

Renewable energy policies and wildlife conservation: A review of potential conflicts and coexistence strategies

The global push towards renewable energy sources as a response to climate change has led to an increasing overlap between renewable energy projects and critical wildlife habitats. This review explores the potential conflicts and synergies between renewable energy policies and wildlife conservation efforts. As nations strive to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives, the unintended consequences on biodiversity and ecosystems demand careful consideration. The analysis begins by examining the conflicts arising from the development of renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind and solar farms, in ecologically sensitive areas. These conflicts include habitat disruption, altered migration patterns, and the direct threat to endangered species. The paper also delves into the social implications of renewable energy projects, such as displacement of indigenous communities and the disruption of traditional land use. However, the review doesn't solely focus on conflicts but also explores coexistence strategies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of renewable energy development on wildlife. It highlights the importance of strategic project siting, wildlife-friendly design considerations, and effective mitigation measures. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential for incorporating ecological restoration efforts within renewable energy projects to enhance habitat quality and support biodiversity. Furthermore, the review addresses the role of policy frameworks in promoting sustainable coexistence between renewable energy development and wildlife conservation. It evaluates existing policies and proposes recommendations to strike a balance between the imperative of clean energy and the preservation of biodiversity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the complex interplay between renewable energy policies and wildlife conservation, offering insights into potential conflicts and proposing coexistence strategies. Balancing the dual objectives of mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity requires a nuanced understanding of the ecological, social, and policy dimensions involved. The findings presented contribute to a holistic approach that aims to harmonize renewable energy development and wildlife conservation for a sustainable future.

UNDERSTANDING GOVERNMENT AGRARIAN PROGRAMS AND SMALLHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON FOREST COVER DYNAMICS IN MEXICO’S MESOAMERICAN BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR*

ABSTRACT Agrarian programs implemented since the 1990s in Mexico (for example, PROCAMPO, a cash transfer program to increase production) often promote agricultural intensification, permanent land use, and regulations for shifting agriculture, making broad claims that these practices improved livelihoods and supported forest conservation. Meanwhile, smallholders in Mexico’s Mesoamerican Biological Corridor interpreted and implemented federal program goals based on their own experiences of how local land use supports sustainable production and forest maintenance. This paper examines if one community’s understanding of land use, forest cover dynamics aligns with that of Mexico’s recent federal agroforestry program, Sembrando Vida (“sowing life”). Using in-depth discourse analysis of agrarian program documents and smallholder interviews, we highlight a misalignment between federal agricultural programs and smallholder perspectives over land use and forest cover dynamics. Implications include increased forest fragmentation and loss of access to regions of traditional land use, suggesting a need for meaningful and inclusive smallholder engagement throughout agrarian program development.

Abiotic factors impact on oak forest decline in Lorestan Province, Western Iran

The Zagros oak forests in Iran are facing a concerning decline due to prolonged and severe drought conditions over several decades, compounded by the simultaneous impact of temperature on oak populations. This study in oak woodlands of central Zagros forests in Lorestan province analyzed abiotic factors such as climate properties, topographic features, land use, and soil properties from 1958 to 2022. We found that higher elevation areas with steeper slopes and diverse topography show significant potential for enhancing oak tree resilience in the face of climate change. Additionally, traditional land use practices like livestock keeping and dryland farming contribute to a widespread decline in oak populations. Preserving forest biodiversity and ensuring ecological sustainability requires immediate attention. Implementing effective land-use management strategies, such as protecting and regulating human-forest interaction, and considering meteorological factors to address this issue is crucial. Collaborative efforts from stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities are essential to oppose destructive suburban sprawl and other developments. Sustainable forestry practices should be implemented to improve the living standards of local communities that rely on forests and traditional livestock keeping, offer forestry-related jobs, and ensure social security. Such efforts are necessary to promote conservation awareness and sustainable practices, safeguarding this unique and vital ecosystem for future generations.

Comparison of Land Use Act and Traditional Land Use

This study examines the land tenure system in Imilike, Udenu Local Government, South East Nigeria, with a focus on the customary land tenure system and its implications for land use, economic development, and social stability. The research reveals that the land tenure system in Imilike has undergone significant changes, including the sale of land, changes in inheritance patterns, and modifications to land pledging practices. The study also highlights the differences and similarities between the Land Use Act of 1978 and the land tenure system in Imilike, including government control, land allocation, and land registration. The findings of this study have important implications for land administration, conflict resolution, and sustainable development in Imilike and beyond. Recommendations include integrating traditional and modern institutions, recognizing customary rights, prioritizing sustainable land use, community engagement, and capacity building. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of land tenure systems in Nigeria and highlights the need for inclusive and effective land administration systems.

Transit-oriented development and bikeability: Classifying public transport station areas in Montreal, Canada

Transit-oriented development (TOD), characterized by a high and mix development around public transport stations, is gaining traction as a sustainable way to support the use of public transport for regional trips and active transport for local trips. To support integrated land use and transport planning, several TOD typologies have been developed, with a focus on land use and transport characteristics, and more recently walkability. While TOD aims to motivate the use of active modes, including cycling, assessments of bikeability have been left out of TOD typologies. To fill this gap, this study seeks to develop a bicycle-oriented TOD typology that combines indicators related to the cycling environment with traditional land use and transport indicators. Using Montreal, Canada as a case study, 14 indicators are generated to develop a TOD typology oriented on bikeability and the 114 public station areas are grouped into seven distinct clusters. The results demonstrate that the addition of bikeability criteria to the TOD typology helps discriminate the different types of stations based on their current bikeability and bikeability potential. The proposed framework enables identifying and prioritizing targeted interventions to station development. This study is of relevance to planners and researchers aiming to integrate cycling in the development of TOD.

TÜRKİYE’NİN ORTA TOROS DAĞLARI’NDA KÖKNAR-SEDİR ORMANLARINDAKİ ARALAMA KESİMLERİ VE OTLATMANIN YER BİTKİ ÖRTÜSÜNÜN FONKSİYONEL ÖZELLİKLERİNE ETKİLERİ

The forests of Cedrus libani and Abies cilicica in the middle Taurus Mountains in southern Turkiye are heavily degraded by traditional land use. Population, working in the agricultural sector migrates in summer with their cattle, sheep and goats from lowlands to highlands because the pastures there are prolific due to higher precipitation. The forests have been opened up by grazing and timber cutting. Both effects on the ground vegetation of forests with cedar and fir are examined in the study. Intensive grazing changed the plant species composition as the animals prefer tasty as food. This has led to dominance of inedible plant species, like thorny, prickly, poisonous species and those armoured species with rosettes. Although the sensitive species were reduced by intensive grazing, plant diversity increased. While the rate of hemicryptophytes, camaphytes and geophytes is generally high in the study area, the rate of therophytes is quite low. Generally, the perennial plants were favoured by grazing. On the other hand, the annual species preferred by the cattle fell back. The effect of timber use by illegal logging shows that light demanding plant species have colonised the lighter parts of the formerly closed and semi-closed forests.

Urban Proximity and Its Influence on Peri Urban Land Use Pattern: A Case of Kimilili Town, Bungoma County, Kenya

Urbanisation has caused unprecedented land use changes around urban settlements, leading to enormous socio-economic impacts on peri-urban residents. The spatial growth of urban settlements beyond designated boundaries into the urban fringes has resulted in the transformation of prime agricultural land into commercial and residential uses, effectively altering traditional land use patterns. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of proximity to urban settlements on peri-urban land use patterns. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected from both primary and secondary data sources. Data were collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions from a sample of 384 respondents randomly selected from the target population. The data was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation and simple regression analysis techniques. The study established a statistically significant relationship between distance from Kimilili town’s central business district and peri-urban land use change (t = 17.544, p&lt;0.05). This implied that a unit increase in distance from the CBD would result in a variation in land use activities by 46.9%. The study concluded that the proximity of households to Kimilili town has a profound influence on how they use their land. The findings of the study will be useful in addressing challenges associated with urban sprawl in small and medium towns and propose a framework and guide for land use planning in Kimilili’s peri-urban area and other small and medium towns in Kenya.