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A simplified visualization of the key guiding principle in trade-offs between provisioning and non-provisioning ecosystem services.
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Land provides a host of ecosystem services, of which the provisioning services are often considered paramount. As the demand for agricultural products multiplies, other ecosystem services are being degraded or lost entirely. Finding a sustainable trade-off between food production and one or more of other ecosystem services, given the variety of sta...
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Citations
... The environmental challenges posed by land use changes, particularly the expansion of urban and industrial areas at the expense of ecological lands, highlight a global issue: the struggle to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability [51,52]. These changes are exacerbated by increasing populations and industrialization, both of which place heavy demands on natural ecosystems. ...
... This challenge is particularly pressing in regions where economic growth is seen as the primary means of improving living standards. Yet, the prioritization of short-term economic gains at the expense of environmental integrity leads to long-term consequences that are far more difficult-and costly-to reverse [52]. Ecosystem degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the reduction of essential ecosystem services all contribute to a decline in quality of life and increase vulnerability to climate change impacts. ...
The rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization has reshaped land use patterns globally, particularly within the interconnected domains of ‘production, living, and ecological spaces’ (PLES). Understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of these spaces is crucial for guiding sustainable development. Although a number of previous studies have explored aspects of their dynamics and driving factors, further investigation is needed to fully understand their long-term spatiotemporal evolution and the broader influences of socio-economic and environmental forces. This study aims to fill that important gap by leveraging advanced remote sensing techniques to analyze PLES transformations over a 30-year period. Using Henan Province, China, as a testbed, this study applies high-resolution Landsat data, land use transition matrices, dynamic degree analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and multiple linear regressions to uncover trends and underlying drivers. The results reveal a substantial reduction in production spaces by 3394.62 km² steady growth in living spaces by 4459.41 km² and complex, non-linear changes in ecological spaces, which decreased by 1067.43 km². Key driving forces, such as economic growth, urbanization, and fiscal policies are identified and discussed. These insights provide a robust framework for sustainable land use planning, with broader implications for rapidly urbanizing regions worldwide.
... This will in turn lead to an increase in TP, TN, and total suspended solids (TSS) in the watershed [85][86][87][88]. Conversely, the degradation of urban land can alter the nutrient cycling processes in the original soil layers, potentially reducing the output of N and P to some extent [89][90][91]. Therefore, preserving open space and reducing high-intensity developed areas may positively affect minimizing N and P output. ...
Adverse environmental impacts in the watershed are driven by urbanization, which is reflected by land use and land cover (LULC) transitions, such as increased impervious surfaces, industrial land expansion, and green space reduction. Some adverse impacts on the water environment include urban flooding and water quality degradation. Our study area, the Rouge River Watershed, has been susceptible to accelerated urbanization and degradation of ecosystems. Employing the Land Change Modeler (LCM), we designed four alternative urban development scenarios for 2023. Subsequently, leveraging the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), we utilized two models—Nutrient Delivery Ratio (NDR) and Flood Risk Mitigation (UFRM)—to evaluate and compare the performance of these scenarios, as well as the situation in 2019, in terms of nutrient export and urban flooding. After simulating these scenarios, we determined that prioritizing the medium- and high-intensity development scenario to protect open space outperforms other scenarios in nutrient export. However, the four scenarios could not exhibit significant differences in urban flooding mitigation. Thus, we propose balanced and integrative strategies, such as planning green infrastructure and compact development, to foster ecological and economic growth, and enhance the Rouge River Watershed’s resilience against natural disasters for a sustainable future.
... The analysis also shows a significant positive relationship between water resources management strategies and environmental conservation. Water management strategies such as integrated water resources management (IWRM), ecosystem-based approaches, and water quality monitoring have a substantial impact on environmental conservation [22,79]. This result is consistent with the literature, which highlights the importance of sustainable water resources management for ecosystem health. ...
... In order to maintain the sustainable use of water resources, it aims to balance opposing needs. IWRM can provide a framework for decision making in the context of land use planning that takes into consideration the water demands of various sectors, ecological requirements, and the general well-being of communities [22,54,79]. ...
Water resources management is a critical component of environmental conservation and sustainable development. This study examines the integration of water resources management strategies into land use planning and its impact on environmental conservation, with a focus on the case of Greece. This study employed a quantitative research methodology using a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population consisted of environmental experts in Greece, and a sample of 278 participants was selected based on the Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire, and the statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23. The relationships between the study variables were examined through regression analysis. The findings support the hypotheses, demonstrating the importance of integrating water resources management strategies into land use planning to achieve both sustainable development and environmental conservation. This paper discusses various strategies and approaches that can be adopted to effectively manage water resources while considering the impacts of land use decisions on the environment. Better public awareness and better enforcement of water conservation rules result from this integration, which makes it possible for land use authorities and water management agencies to collaborate more effectively. This study acknowledges the need for strategic planning and cooperation between water management and land use authorities to address the growing challenges of water resources management and environmental protection. Emphasizing stakeholder participation, adaptive management, and continuous monitoring can lead to successful outcomes and a more resilient and sustainable future.
... In Mexico, digital technologies have improved access to clean water in rural communities. The implementation of digital monitoring systems has enabled communities to monitor water quality and access, helping to ensure that they have a reliable and safe water source for their daily needs (de Oliveira & de Paula, 2017;Gudynas, 2017;Rodríguez & Núñez, 2015). ...
This study examines the role of digital technologies in building resilient communities, focusing on data collected during the pandemic. This research aims to explore the impact of digital technologies on community development, assess their effectiveness in enhancing community resilience, and identify key success factors. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative data collected through interviews and focus groups, a review of existing literature and case studies. Preliminary findings indicate that digital technologies have been crucial in supporting community resilience, enabling virtual communication, remote access to resources, and community engagement. However, disparities in digital access and literacy have influenced their effectiveness. Addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access is crucial while providing ongoing support, capacity building, and community engagement. Digital technologies have demonstrated their potential to build resilient communities, particularly in times of crisis.
... Multifunctional analysis is also commonly used to assess potential conflicts of land-use functions (de Groot, 2006). These studies have distinguished the economic, ecological, and cultural values of land to people and society, and analyzed the trade-offs between them (Deininger & Castagnini, 2006;Fan et al., 2018;Vlek et al., 2017;Zou et al., 2021). In addition, several studies have focused on the land-use conflicts caused by irrational landscape structures (Fernandes et al., 2021;Zhao et al., 2020;Zhou et al., 2018). ...
Rapid urbanization in China led to widespread land-use conflicts (LUCs), requiring understanding the spatio-temporal patterns and mechanisms to support the high-quality development (HQD). This study evaluated the evolution and association mechanisms of LUCs and HQD in Chinese counties from 2000 to 2020 by developing a theoretical framework comprising of land-use structural conflict (SC), functional conflict (FC), HQD, and their relationship, based on the geographically weighted regression models, a coupling relationship matrix, and change scoring methods. Results show that the average HQD improved (12.85% change rate) and LUCs reduced (− 3.63%) simultaneously, mainly contributed by FC reconciliation (− 9.33%). SC was correlated with FC (average R 2 = 0.13, p < 0.05), which directly and significantly affected HQD (average R 2 = − 0.16, p < 0.05). Furthermore, comprehensive land-use conflict had significant positive and negative effects on HQD in the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins, respectively (p < 0.1). Additionally, coupling relationships between LUCs and HQD would affect subsequent changes, particularly from 2000 to 2010, counties with low-middle FC and HQD tended to shift to low-high. Finally, four geographic area types (i.e., urban agglomeration, high-intensity agricultural , ecological functional, and ecologically fragile areas) with unique LUCs affecting HQD mechanisms were identified. Our findings can provide targeted optimization suggestions for land-use policies under diverse regional contexts.
... Emissions of GHG from cropping systems in Africa are predominantly caused by increasing demographic pressure and the predominance of low-input systems that drive area expansion and conversion of natural woodlands and forests with higher C stocks to cropping and grazing systems with low C stocks. Agricultural land presents a trade-off because the same land used for providing essential food and other products stores large amounts of C in soils and biomass in its natural state, thus mitigating climate change (Vlek et al., 2017). Therefore, sustainable management of agricultural systems and improved soil health are critical for climate change adaptation and GHG emission mitigation. ...
https://hub.ifdc.org/handle/20.500.14297/2085
... Numerous ecological concerns have resulted from the constant growth of human civilization, which forces natural ecosystems in most parts of the globe to endure pressure and coercion from human activities (Cui et al., 2018). Vlek et al. (2017) said that land after coming under degradation become so creeping that land users cannot maintain or counter the balance measures. In addition, the pace of "erosion", resilience, sensitivity and susceptibility to stress, and the possibility of irreparable harm are all affected by climate change (Watson et al., 1998). ...
Climate change has an effect on ecosystems and people all around the globe and causes land degradation. A long‐term decline in biological output, loss of ecological integrity, and a fall in the economic worth of the land are all signs of “land degradation”, a downbeat trend in land condition. In the red lateritic zone of the tropical area, where “climate change” and “land degradation” are related, they impact one another. On the other hand, due to the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which slow the rate of carbon absorption, and the extent of various existing land degradation processes, which are worsened in pace and magnitude by “climate change”. The world's expanding population poses a challenge to supplying the rising demand for food in recent decades. The need for additional land for farming, feed, and other forms of production is fuelled by poverty and the destruction of the environment. In tropical regions, “soil erosion” caused by “water and wind, salinization and alkalinity, acidity, losses of organic carbon, nutrient imbalance, pollution/contamination by toxic substances, and soil sealing and capping” all call for immediate action to stop the land degradation process and sustainably restore productivity for environmental security and food security for the world's expanding population. After fulfilling the requirement systematic knowledge about soil, scientific use of natural resources (water, land, minerals, vegetation, air and biodiversity) will present a healthy planet with a healthy ecological system for future generations. Land degradation is a result of climate change, which also affects ecosystems and people worldwide. “Land degradation” refers to a general downward trend in land condition and is characterized by a long‐term drop in biological production, loss of ecological integrity, and a decline in the value of the land.
... Temperate forest soils hold approximately 63% of the total forest carbon stock in this biome (Vlek et al. 2017). Research on the relationship between CSS and soil type in forests is conflicting and limited, however, the consensus is that soil type does affect CSS potential. ...
Increasing ecosystem service provision is a key strategy of the UK’s ongoing agricultural and environmental policy reforms. Enhancing forest cover by 4%, particularly on the least productive agricultural land, aims to maximise carbon sequestration and achieve net zero by 2050. Multiple factors affect the sequestration potential of afforestation schemes and landowner participation in them, highlighting the need for spatially explicit research. We used the InVEST Carbon Model to investigate the Loddon Catchment, southeast England as a study area. We assessed the carbon sequestration potential and economic feasibility of three broadleaved woodland planting scenarios; arable, pasture, and stakeholder-approved (SA) scenario. We found that over a 50-year time horizon, woodland planting on arable land has the greatest sequestration potential (4.02 tC ha ⁻¹ yr−1), compared to planting on pasture land (3.75 tC ha ⁻¹ yr−1). When monetising carbon sequestration at current market rates, woodland planting on agricultural land incurs a loss across all farm types. However, when including the value of unpaid labour, lowland pasture farms presently incur a greater loss (−€285.14 ha ⁻¹ yr−1) than forestry (−€273.16 ha ⁻¹ yr−1), making forestry a more economical land use. Subsidising up to the social value of carbon (€342.23 tC ⁻¹ ) significantly reduces this loss and may make afforestation of pasture land more appealing to farmers. Woodland planting on lowland pasture land would increase forest cover by up to 3.62%. However, due to the influence of farmer attitudes on participation, it is more realistic for afforestation to occur on lowland pasture land in the SA scenario, equating to a 0.74% increase.
... This is because the decline in soil fertility resulting from erosion has been the major factor exacerbating the already low fertility levels of the severely weathered soils in the semi-humid and humid forest regions. Similarly, Vlek et al. (2017) have found that more than 40% of farmlands in Africa is experiencing annual nutrient losses of approximately 30 kg ha -1 , and thus the vicious trend could be reversed by restoring soil fertility through the adoption of good agronomic practices, controlling soil erosion, and improving the water retention capacity of the soils. Soils in these regions, including Ghana, have been subjected to severe water erosion and depletion of organic matter and nutrients through continued cropping as well as inappropriate agronomic practices (Ramos et al. 2011;Amoako and Ampadu 2015;Sekyi-Annan et al. 2021). ...
... Most of the old agricultural practices in Ghana including slash-and-burn, deforestation, poor soil fertility management, increased dependence on agro-chemicals still persist and could best describe the cropping systems as "exploitative" rather than "balance" or "generative agriculture (Ofori 1995;Amoako and Ampadu 2015;Bashagaluke, et al. 2018). This challenge if not addressed, and with continual loss of vegetative cover due to farming and other land uses, soil erosion would continue to threaten food security by reducing soil quality as a result of nutrient depletion and destruction of soil structure (Vlek et al. 2017;Pimentel and Burges, 2013). Farmers can mask the effect of soil erosion depending on their present and future access to soil conservation practices such as tree/ cover crop intercropping, crop rotation and tillage methods (Blaikie 2016;Sekyi-Annan et al. 2021). ...
An experiment was conducted in 2014 and 2015 in the forest zone of Ghana to evaluate the effects of tillage, maize-cowpea rotation, and residue management on runoff, soil erosion and maize grain yield. Four treatments consisting of full tillage with continuous maize cropping and removal of crop residue (T1), full tillage with maize-cowpea rotation with incorporation of plant residues (T2), minimum tillage with maize-cowpea rotation and plant residues applied as mulch (T3), and minimum tillage with continuous maize cropping with residue mulch (T4) were imposed on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed a very high runoff coefficient (15.53%) for T1, while runoff was significantly lower for T2 followed by T3 and T4. This translated into very high total suspended sediments (5.7 t ha-1) and subsequently higher (p = 0.007) total eroded soil (9.2 t ha-1). There seem to be a synergy between the presence of plant cover/mulch and residue incorporation resulting in the lowest runoff for T2, as the combined effect probably improved infiltration and soil permeability. In 2014, maize grain yield was lowest in the T1 (2.3 t ha-1) which was similar to T4 (2.4 t ha-1). Grain yields for T3 (4.2 t ha-1) and T2 (4.1 t ha-1) were also similar but higher than the other two treatments. In 2015, however, maize grain yields were significantly different among the various practices in the following order: T1 (1.2 t ha-1) < T4 (2.2 t ha-1) < T3 (3.4 t ha-1) < T2 (4.0 t ha-1). The inclusion of a legume in T2 and T3 probably enhanced the soil fertility status resulting in higher grain yields. Hence, tillage practices including cereal-legume rotation systems, coupled with effective management of crop residue is a promising strategy to address soil and nutrient loss to water erosion and increase crop yield.
... Increasing pressure on land can manifest into decisions about land use trade-offs (e.g., the allocation of land for agricultural production at the expense of flood regulation). Land degradation, particularly deforestation, erosion, and industrial pollution, can negatively impact the delivery of other ecosystem services from UGI (Vlek et al., 2017). Habitat loss and fragmentation can lead to biodiversity loss by reducing the size of wildlife populations. ...
Despite a growing recognition of the importance of designing, rehabilitating, and maintaining green infrastructure to provide essential ecosystem services and adapt to climate change, many decision makers in sub-Saharan Africa continue to favour engineered solutions and short term economic growth at the expense of natural landscapes and longer term sustainability agendas. Existing green infrastructure is typically maintained in more affluent suburbs, inadvertently perpetuating historic inequalities. This is in part because there remains a lack of fine-grained, comparative evidence on the barriers and enablers to mainstreaming green infrastructure in peri-urban areas. Here, we developed an analytical framework based on a review of 155 studies, screened to include 29 studies in 24 countries. Results suggest eight overarching categories of interconnected barriers to green infrastructure in peri-urban areas. Using a combinatorial mixed method approach, we then surveyed households in nine settlements in drought-prone Windhoek (n=330) and seven settlements in flood-prone Dar es Salaam (n=502) and conducted key informant interviews (n=118). Peri-urban residents in Windhoek and Dar es Salaam indicated 18 forms of green infrastructure and 47 derived ecosystem services. The most frequently reported barriers were financial (40.8%), legal and institutional barriers (35.8%) followed by land use change and spatial trade-offs (33%) and finally ecosystem disservices (30.6%). The most significant barriers in Dar es Salaam were legal and institutional (22.7%) and in Windhoek were land use change and spatial trade-offs (24.4%). At the household level, the principal barrier was financial; at community and municipal levels the main barriers were related to design, performance, and maintenance; while at the national level, the main barriers were legal and institutional. Embracing institutional cultures of adaptive policymaking, equitable partnerships, co-designing futures, integrated landscape management and experimental innovation have potential to scale long term maintenance for urban green infrastructure and foster agency, creativity and more transformative relationships and outcomes.
