Urban Pressure Research Articles

Flood Vulnerability Assessment in Paradip Coastal Area Using Weighted Overlay Index

Paradip, a prominent coastal city on India's eastern seaboard, presents a unique combination of environmental challenges and urban pressures. It has the largest tidal range among major regional tidal gauge stations, including Vishakhapatnam and Chennai. The city experiences an annual sea level rise of 2.33 mm, with projections indicating an increase of 0.183 feet by 2047 and 0.76 feet over the next century. The city's unique environmental and urban issues are exacerbated by its placement within the Mahanadi River's deltaic deposits, floodplains, and coastal marine deposits along the Bay of Bengal. The shoreline of Paradip is topographically uniform, with ground elevations ranging from 3.6 to 5.7 meters. According to India's Wind and Cyclone Hazard Map, Paradip is in the "Very High Damage Risk Zone," indicating the presence of significant wind speeds along the coast. The paper digs into these vulnerabilities and their possible influence on the coastal community, emphasizing the city's need to strike a balance between urban growth and ecological preservation. One of the main problems is flooding. Rainwater enters government buildings and impoverished areas because of encroachments on natural drainage systems. Dryland capable of residential, agricultural, and other economic activities is submerged by overflowing water which causes loss of life, property, and infrastructure. This study evaluates flood vulnerabilities in Paradip, a coastal city, using GIS and a weighted overlay index. By integrating satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEM), and historical data on rainfall and soil types, we developed a detailed flood vulnerability map that categorises areas into high, moderate, and low risk. ArcGIS Pro 2.7.3 software and a weighted overlay index were utilized for the collection, processing, and display of spatial and attribute data. spatial analysis was the process used to produce the flood vulnerability map. The results provide essential insights for urban planning and flood mitigation strategies, with direct implications for improving disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The flood vulnerability map was then compared to the masterplan of Paradip which was proposed for 2030, to know the actual vulnerable area and to defy some major which were proposed by Paradip development authority. The study illustrates how remote sensing and GIS techniques can be effectively utilized to generate flood vulnerability data essential for informed decision-making.

Wetland Landscape Dynamics and Multi-Functional Assessment of Wuhan City, China

Under the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and intensifying global climate change, China has proposed governance policies aimed at promoting ecological urban construction. Wetland landscapes play a key role in sustaining human and social well-being. As a significant city in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Wuhan’s wetland resources play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the regional ecological balance and promoting sustainable economic and social development. However, urbanization poses a severe challenge to the ecological service functions of wetlands. Consequently, in this study, we analyzed the spatial–temporal evolution patterns of the sub-functional systems of carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water yield, and water purification in five wetland types in Wuhan City from 2000 to 2020 by using the CASA model and InVEST model. Then, a wetland multi-functional assessment framework was constructed to quantify the comprehensive multi-function score. It is imperative to unravel the underlying mechanisms driving the changes in wetland functions and to explore the equilibrium point between wetland conservation and urban sustainable development. Our results show that the wetland area of Wuhan City decreased from 5077.33 km2 in 2000 to 4696.60 km2 in 2020, and the wetland multi-functions exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity from 2000 to 2020. Wetland carbon sequestration increased from 0.94 Tg in 2000 to 1.11 Tg in 2020. The wetland habitat quality declined from 0.13 in 2000 to 0.11 in 2020. The water production of the wetlands increased from 5.43 × 109 t in 2000 to 22.59 × 109 t in 2020. The wetland N loss decreased from 55,850.58 t in 2000 to 49,209.93 t in 2020. The highest multi-function score was in paddy fields, which increased from 0.41 ± 0.12 to 0.51 ± 0.12, followed by tidal flats, which increased from 0.39 ± 0.14 to 0.50 ± 0.16, and the lowest was rivers, which also increased from 0.33 ± 0.12 to 0.41 ± 0.14. The multi-function score was closely related to the wetland type and urban development direction over the past two decades, and it was negatively correlated with production and living density, providing new ideas for wetland ecological protection and construction in Wuhan City.

IoT Sensor Based Cross-Basin Natural Ecological Environment QualityMonitoring and Modeling Simulation with Artificial Intelligence RemoteSensing and GIS

This study presents an integrated approach for monitoring and modelling the quality of crossbasin natural ecological environments using advanced techniques such as Markov Random Field Clustering Classification (MRF-CC), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Hidden Markov Models (HMM), and remote sensing. With key ecological parameters including water quality, biodiversity, habitat suitability, and land cover types across various scenarios and locations within a study area. The simulation results from MRF-CC revealed the significant impacts of different environmental scenarios and management actions, with restoration efforts showing improvements in ecological quality, while pollution mitigation and urbanization pressures led to declines. The simulation results from MRF-CC revealed the significant impacts of different environmental scenarios and management actions. For example, restoration efforts (Scenario 1) improved water quality (pH 7.5), biodiversity index (0.88), and habitat suitability (0.78) compared to the baseline values (pH 7.2, biodiversity index 0.85, habitat suitability 0.75). Conversely, pollution mitigation (Scenario 2) and urbanization pressure (Scenario 8) resulted in declines, with water quality dropping to pH 7.0 and 6.9, biodiversity indices to 0.82 and 0.81, and habitat suitability to 0.72 and 0.71, respectively. GIS estimation provided spatial insights into ecological parameters, revealing variability across different locations. For instance, Point A (forest) exhibited a water quality index of 0.78, while Point D (urban) showed a lower index of 0.54. The integration of HMM offered probabilistic predictions of land cover dynamics, with probabilities ranging from 0.85 for forest at Point A to 0.45 for urban land cover at Point D.

Unveiling the Diversity and Ecological Roles of Macrofungi in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia

The biodiversity of macrofungi in remaining lowland dipterocarp forest in highly urbanization pressures is infrequently studied, even though their significant impact on the ecosystem of forested and non-forested habitats. Therefore, this research endeavours to unravel the diversity of macrofungi from different substrates in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve located in Selangor, Malaysia. Through a combination of field surveys, the study seeks to contribute valuable insights into the complex relationships between macrofungi and the surrounding habitats where macrofungal community structure was mainly influenced by substrate richness and microclimates. Sporocarps of macrofungi were collected from selected sites using opportunistic sampling methods. A total of 333 sporocarps were obtained and identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. Basidiomycota prevailed in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve where 27 species belonging to 14 families were successfully identified. Saprophytic fungi (22 species, 81.5%) dominated the areas, and a small number of mycorrhizal (1 species, 3.7%) and parasitic (4 species, 14.8%) fungi were found. Based on species diversity, order Polyporales is the highest occurrence species in the sampling areas with a Shannon-Weiner Index value of 2.103 and Simpson Index value of 0.954, Evenness Index value of 0.601, making it the most abundant order containing Microporus species, The findings are expected to enhance our knowledge of the biodiversity of macrofungi from different substrates in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, which can lead to conservation efforts and promote the ecological significance of macrofungi in tropical forest ecosystems.

Ruderal Plant Diversity as a Driver for Urban Green Space Sustainability

Urban development in south-eastern Europe has significant ecological consequences, such as a reduction in native plant diversity, the introduction of non-native species, and increased maintenance costs of urban green spaces. Achieving sustainable urban development requires a thorough understanding of the inventory of native plant species to better manage and conserve these areas. This study analyzed 806 vegetation surveys conducted in rural and urban areas over a 30-year period, identifying 450 plant species from 39 distinct plant communities. Our findings revealed generally low dominance index values in all communities, while Shannon diversity index values were particularly high, indicating rich species diversity despite urbanization pressures. Equality index values varied slightly, reflecting differences in species distributions. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified a substantial group of species with low abundance, which is essential for understanding and managing urban biodiversity. These findings have significant implications for urban planning and plant species conservation. Low dominance and high diversity suggest opportunities to improve urban green spaces by integrating diverse native species. In addition, the ecological and practical value of ruderal species, plants that thrive in disturbed environments, was emphasized, as well as their potential in medicine, phytoremediation, green roof design, and pollination services. Through directly correlating biodiversity indices with urban sustainability goals, our study provides useful insights for urban biodiversity management and the strategic integration of native plant species into urban landscapes.

Cross‐administrative solutions for sustainable development: The case of the Watertown Hub

AbstractWater‐abundant regions face challenges due to urbanization and development, which pose threats to local water networks and the environment. Fragmented water network management and administrative boundaries hinder cross‐administrative collaboration and ecological conservation. This study presents a framework centered around the “Watertown Hub” concept, which focuses on integrated ecological and green development, fostering multifunctional, shared spaces for coordinated management in the Watertown region of the Yangtze River Delta, China. By leveraging landscape infrastructure and ecological sensitivity assessment, shared spaces are established beyond administrative boundaries, promoting cross‐administrative coordination, management, and resource integration. The approach effectively balances the protection of basin ecology and economic development, mitigates water system fragmentation, and addresses environmental concerns. It enhances regional communication, connectivity, and sustainability. Although the focus is on China's Jiangnan region, this research provides insights applicable to other water‐rich areas in South Asia and beyond, fostering cross‐administrative ecological coordination and sustainable development amidst urbanization pressures.

Enhancing bird habitat networks in metropolitan areas: Resilience assessment and improvement strategies – A case study from Shanghai

Constructing bird habitat networks (BHNs) is crucial for maintaining the health and service equilibrium of urban ecosystems, especially in large metropolitan areas where the pressure of urbanization is intense. However, most existing BHNs fail to account for the dynamic changes and unique requirements of local species, leading to homogenized construction outcomes and ecological corridor objectives. This study employs a comprehensive approach to identify bird habitat patches using multiple high-quality sources, then utilize circuit theory and complex network theory to construct and assess the resilience of BHN. Our key findings showed: (1)93 bird habitat sources were identified, predominantly situated in the continuous green spaces of southern and southeastern Shanghai, whereas habitat sources in the city center and other densely built-up areas are more dispersed, highlighting them as prime targets for future ecological restoration efforts. (2) The distribution of bird habitat corridors exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity, with primary corridors predominantly spanning the southwestern and eastern parts of the study area, while secondary corridors are more abundant in the western and northern parts, forming a denser network, whereas the central area shows fewer and more isolated corridors. (3) The decline in structural and functional resilience was notably more rapid under targeted attacks than under random attacks, underscoring the need to prioritize crucial bird habitat sources on the city's periphery, especially near highly urbanized areas, in urban planning and biodiversity conservation efforts to sustain ecological balance and biodiversity. These insights provide a crucial scientific basis for urban planners, emphasizing the integration of biodiversity conservation into urban development strategies by optimizing ecological sources and corridors to balance development with ecological preservation.

The relationship between maternal environmental temperature exposure and preterm birth: A Risk prediction based on machine learning

Global warming and the risk of preterm birth are both major factors that impact population health. This study investigated the impact of environmental temperature during different stages of pregnancy on the probability of preterm birth (PTB) in Wuhan, China through 2014 to 2016. The results revealed that temperature exposure throughout the entire pregnancy exhibited a U-shaped relationship with the risk of PTB; when temperature exposure during the entire pregnancy was below 14 °C or above 20 °C, the risk of PTB increased. Early pregnancy exposure to temperatures below 7 °C or above 22 °C, and late pregnancy exposure to temperatures below 7 °C or above 26 °C, were associated with an increased risk of PTB. Additionally, elevated PM2.5 exposure increased PTB risk, while O3 exposure exhibited a U-shaped relationship with preterm birth. Compared to non-high-risk pregnancies, high-risk pregnancies exhibited a higher risk of preterm birth across all stages of pregnancy. Notably, when late pregnancy temperature exposure exceeded 28 °C, the risk of PTB rapidly increased for non-high-risk pregnancies. This research has significant implications for improving maternal and new-born health by future sustainable city planning and the optimization of temperature forecast warning systems, particularly under the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and climate change.

Assessment of water quality and identification of priority areas for intervention in Guanabara Bay basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using nonparametric and multivariate statistical methods.

The Guanabara Bay hydrographic region (GBHR) has served as a central hub for human settlement and resource utilization throughout Brazil's history. However, the region's high population density and intense industrial activity have come at a cost, leading to a significant decline in water quality. This work aimed to identify homogeneous regions in GBHR according to water quality parameters in dry and rainy periods. The following water quality monitoring variables were monitored at 49 gauge stations: total phosphorus (TP), nitrate (NO3-), dissolved oxygen (DO), hydrogenionic potential (pH), turbidity (Turb), thermotolerant coliforms (TCol), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), water temperature (Tw), and air temperature (Ta). The statistical analysis consisted of determining principal components, cluster analysis, seasonal differences, and Spearman's correlation. The water quality parameter correlations were not expressively influenced by seasonality, but there are differences in the concentrations of these parameters in the dry and rainy periods. In the dry period, urban pressure on water quality is mainly due to fecal coliforms. The resulting clusters delimited areas under urban, agricultural, and forestry influence. Clusters located in areas with high demographic density showed high concentrations of TCol and TP, while clusters influenced by forestry and agriculture had better water quality. In the rainy season, clusters with urban influence showed problems with TCol and TP, in addition to some characteristics in each group, such as high TDS, NO3-, and BOD. Forested areas showed high DO, and clusters under agricultural influence had higher concentrations of TCol, BOD, and NO3- concerning forested regions. The troubling state of sanitation in GBHR occurs in metropolitan regions due to lack of a formal sanitation system.

Sustainable Urban Planning: A Comparative Study of Green City Initiatives Around the Worldqq

Sustainable urban planning has become increasingly imperative in addressing environmental challenges and promoting resilient, livable cities globally. a comparative study of green city initiatives across different regions, examining strategies, successes, and challenges in integrating sustainability principles into urban development. Key focus areas include sustainable infrastructure, green spaces, energy efficiency, waste management, and community engagement. By analyzing case studies and current practices, this study aims to identify best practices and lessons learned from leading green cities, highlighting innovative approaches that enhance urban sustainability and quality of life for residents. Ultimately, the research underscores the importance of holistic planning approaches and collaborative governance in achieving sustainable urban futures amidst urbanization pressures and climate change impacts.

From inactive prehispanic archaeological monument to urban scene generator of self-sustainable communities

The pre-Hispanic archaeological monuments on the Peruvian coast, known as huacas, have pyramidal geomorphological characteristics and represent a valuable monumental heritage. The presentation focuses on thehuacaof thePuebloJoven SantaRosa inthecityofLambayeque, Peru, with thepurposeof (re)activatingit as a way of protection from urban pressure, for which they propose mechanisms and strategies for integration intothecity.Thedevelopmentisdividedintothreephases:first,thehuacainitscurrentsocialandurbancontext. Then,contemporaryurbanstrategiesforactioninthehuacaarepresentedandfinally,prospectivescenariosare proposed. Four interconnected elements were considered: individual, society andcommunity; disciplinarycorpus; projectproductionandevaluation.Theresultsrevealthepotentialofthesearchaeologicalspacesintheterritory andtheirimpactontheenvironment.Opportunitiesarealsoidentifiedtotransformthesurroundingenvironment, promoting the reactivation of these cultural vestiges and the development of sustainable communities in Lambayeque, Peru.

Cultural Tourism Potential and its Development Challenges in Harari Region, Ethiopia

The Harari Region offers a rich cultural experience, including well-known historical sites, vibrant festivals, traditional arts, and unique culinary offerings, attracting tourists worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess cultural tourism potential and development challenges in Harari Region. A descriptive research design employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to describe the existing phenomena. The study employed probability and non-probability sampling techniques to obtain a representative sample and targeted groups. The respondents to this study were culture and tourism office experts, tourist guides, Museum Staff guides, Souvenir Shop sellers, and local communities. Qualitative data is collected through semi-structured interviews and observation, while quantitative data is collected through questionnaires. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 using frequency, percentage, and charts, using both primary and secondary data sources. The study finding reveals that despite the region’s rich cultural heritage, there are development challenges like inadequate infrastructure, insufficient promotional efforts, lack of awareness, poor handling systems, limited documentation, financial constraints, and urban pressures. The findings suggest that stakeholders should utilize cultural tourism properly while avoiding development challenges to support the Harari region and Ethiopia’s development efforts.

In Search of Marginalized Womens Tragedy in Urbanization: A Brief Analysis of Supporting Role Narrative in Li Yus Lost in Beijing

Post-millennium Beijing experienced rapid economic growth as a result of Chinas reform policies, fostering burgeoning urbanization and intensifying materialism and societal stratification. Witnessing this metropolitan backdrop, Chinese auteur Li Yu adopted a documentary style in her cinematic narrative in the feature film Pingguo (Lost in Beijing, 2007), which premiered in the same year. Under the influence of Western feminist filmmakers, Lis notable call for social attention to marginalized female workers in the film demonstrated her distinctive ways of amplifying womens voices in Chinese cinema. Through an intertextual analysis of masseuse Xiao Mei, a "Northern Drifter" who tragically descends into a sexualized worker, this thesis would argue how by portraying the gradual psychic and physical alienation of Xiao Mei under the pressure of urbanization and economic competition, Li condenses the existential and spiritual dilemmas of contemporary underclass women into a supporting figure. While advocating for metropolises like Beijing to consider these "neglected majorities" in their development, this endeavor contributes to the study of productions from the late period of China's reform and opening up, as well as to the examination of contemporary Chinese feminist cinema.

Analysis of agricultural development in Ngringo Village, Kecamatan Jaten, Karanganyar District

Background: Agricultural development is crucial for rural economic growth and food security. This study analyzes agricultural development in Ngringo Village, Indonesia, examining potentials, challenges, structural and institutional transformations, technology transfer, and appropriate development models. Previous research has focused on broader regional agricultural trends, while this study provides an in-depth analysis of a specific village undergoing rapid change. Method: The study employed purposive sampling to select Ngringo Village. Data collection involved observations, structured interviews with key informants, and document analysis. Both primary data from village officials and secondary data from government sources were utilized. Findings: Ngringo Village exhibits both physical potential (strategic location, affordable land) and non-physical potential (socio-cultural life, efficient administration). Challenges include limited farmer knowledge of marketing and post-harvest processing. Structural transformation is evident in the shift from agriculture to industrial and service sectors due to urbanization pressures. Institutional transformation has led to the establishment of farmer groups and associations. Technology transfer is occurring, with the adoption of mechanized farming equipment, though digital technologies are not yet fully embraced. Conclusion: The agricultural development model in Ngringo Village aligns with the location model, influenced by its proximity to urban areas. Ngringo Village is undergoing significant agricultural transformations driven by urbanization and industrialization. While facing challenges in land conversion and marketing, the village demonstrates resilience through institutional adaptations and selective technology adoption. Future agricultural development strategies should focus on enhancing digital marketing skills, strengthening farmer institutions, and balancing agricultural preservation with urban expansion. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study proposes an integrated digital platform for sustainable agricultural development. The platform connects farmers to markets, provides online training, and facilitates stakeholder collaboration, adaptable to different peri-urban contexts across the country.

Impact of Urbanization, Development Level, and Openness on Institutions in Bangladesh: An ARDL Investigation Using Two Measures of Institutional Quality

Future development policies require a better understanding of the various factors that affect the quality of institutions in Bangladesh. In this paper, we estimate empirical ARDL models to investigate the roles of urbanization, openness, and the level of development as determinants of institutional quality. We use two measures of institutional quality, both derived from the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs). The first proxy, INQ, is a composite index developed from the six WGIs using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The second indicator, AvgINQ, is the average of the six WGIs. For each indicator of institutional quality, three models were estimated, resulting in six models in total. The impact of urbanization on institutional quality is consistent in terms of sign and significance across all six models, a claim that cannot be made for the other variables in the model. The error correction term reflects dampening convergence to equilibrium for the first proxy for institutional quality but regular convergence when the second proxy is used. In terms of ARDL diagnostics, models with AvgINQ as the dependent variable perform better. The Johansen cointegration test confirms the existence of a long-term relationship among the variables in all the models. Pairwise Granger causality tests are also conducted. The findings emphasize the importance of managing urbanization pressure for better institutional quality.

Measuring solar radiation and spatio-temporal distribution in different street network direction through solar trajectories and street view images

Under the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and global warming, the management of solar radiation has become an urgent issue to address. In this context, the potential regulatory role of urban street networks on solar radiation has garnered widespread attention. However, existing research lacks an understanding of the impact of street direction. By utilising street view data and solar trajectory simulation technology, it becomes possible to facilitate the revelation of spatiotemporal differences in solar radiation across streets with different direction. The results show that solar radiation is generally lower on north–south streets than on east–west streets. In terms of spatial differences, the average solar radiation in the fifth ring of Beijing is 25.38% higher than that in the second ring. Temporally, the average solar radiation in August, the highest month, is 15.98% greater than in October, the lowest month. Additionally, solar radiation on east–west street direction shows more intense variations in summer. A periodic variation in solar radiation was also discovered in relation to street angles, with different frequencies and amplitudes at 30° and 180°. This study is the first to focus on the directional attributes of roads at an urban scale. By utilising 100,000 street view images, it calculates and analyses the spatiotemporal distribution of solar radiation in Beijing during summer across different direction. The findings provide new insights into the relationship between the distribution of solar radiation and the morphology of urban roads.

Evaluating Deterioration Causes and Defect Patterns in Heritage Buildings: A Comprehensive Analytical Approach

ABSTRACT The cultural heritage of the city of Erbil faces the threat of rapid urbanization and other challenges. As the city strives to accommodate its exponential growth, the urgency of the need to safeguard its historical landmarks is becoming more apparent. This study examines the deterioration of Erbil’s heritage structures, pointing to environmental adversity, neglect, and urban pressures as prime culprits. Applying the Heritage Building Assessment Tool, infrared imaging, and humidity data, coupled with advanced multivariate analysis, the study identifies pinpointed conservation strategies. It delves into the nuanced relationships between building typology and levels of decay, paving the way for specialized approaches to conservation. Beyond strengthening Erbil’s commitment to heritage preservation, this work can help reinvigorate tourism and provide pivotal insights for the formulation of local policy. Integrating heritage conservation with sustainable urban planning, this study sets forth a versatile blueprint for other historic cities that are navigating similar challenges.

Contrasting patterns of spatial genetic structure in endangered southern damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale) populations facing habitat fragmentation and urbanisation

AbstractAimHuman‐induced environmental changes result in habitat loss and fragmentation, impacting wildlife population genetic structure and evolution. Urbanised and geographically peripheral areas often represent unfavourable environments, reducing connectivity among populations and causing higher population genetic differentiation and lower intra‐population genetic diversity. We examined how geographic peripherality and anthropogenic pressures affect genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in the protected southern damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale, Odonata), which has low dispersal capabilities and specific habitat requirements and whose populations are declining.LocationWe studied two areas: one in semi‐natural habitats at the periphery of the species geographic range (northern France) and the other more central to the species' range, in an urbanised area surrounding the city of Strasbourg (Alsace, eastern France).MethodsWe genotyped 2743 individuals from 128 populations using 11 microsatellite loci. We analysed the spatial distribution of neutral genetic diversity (allelic richness, heterozygosity, levels of inbreeding and genetic relatedness), the extent of genetic differentiation and population affiliations (sPCAs) within the two areas. We also examined fine‐scale patterns of gene flow in the urbanised area of Alsace by investigating patterns of isolation by distance and estimating effective migration surfaces (EEMS) method.ResultsNorthern peripheral populations showed lower levels of genetic diversity and higher levels of genetic differentiation than central Alsacian populations. Although located in anthropised habitats, geographically central Alsacian populations showed high levels of gene flow, with dispersal events mainly occurring overland and not restricted to watercourses. However, the highly urbanised city of Strasbourg negatively impacted nearby populations by reducing levels of genetic diversity and increasing population genetic differentiation.Main ConclusionsThese results showed the need for management action by restoring breeding sites and creating migratory corridors for peripheral southern damselfly populations. However, our results also highlighted the resilience of southern damselfly in central range populations facing strong urbanisation pressures.

Urbanization pressure and farmers’ attitudes: implications for agricultural sustainability

Urbanization pressure and farmers’ attitudes: implications for agricultural sustainability

Dynamic Evolution of Multi-Scale Ecosystem Services and Their Driving Factors: Rural Planning Analysis and Optimisation

Rural areas provide ecosystem services (ESs) to urban metropolitan regions. These services are threatened by the constant pressure of urbanisation and new interest in rural development. This has heightened the conflict between environmental concerns and developmental needs, thereby presenting significant land management and rural planning challenges. Employing a quantitative measurement and optimisation framework, we investigate six representative ES variables to assess planning strategies that can address this contradiction. We used a suburban rural area around Nanjing, China, as our study area. We collected spatial data from 2005 to 2020 at two scales (village level and 500 m grid) to map ESs, quantify interactions (trade-offs and synergies among ES bundles), and identify the social, ecological, and landscape drivers of rural change. Based on this, rural planning strategies for optimising ESs at different scales have been proposed. Our findings include (1) spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of ESs, (2) the identification of seven synergistic and eight trade-off pairs among ESs, (3) a spatial scale effect in suburban rural areas, and (4) the spatial trade-offs/synergies of ESs exhibiting a ‘Matthew effect’. The identification of key trade-offs and synergistic ES pairs and the categorisation of ES bundles form the basis for a multi-scale hierarchical management approach for ESs in the region. By examining the commonalities and variations in drivers across diverse scales, we established connections and focal points for spatial planning. We use these findings to propose spatial planning and landscape policy recommendations for rural suburban areas on multiple scales. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed spatial optimisation strategy for rural areas that can help contribute to their revitalisation.