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Sustainable smart city and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A review Z. R. M. Abdullah KAISER, Apu DEB Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100193-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100193 Abstract （66）   HTML （6）    PDF （3150KB）（159）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid urbanization and increasing challenges are faced by cities globally, including climate change, population growth, and resource constraints. Sustainable smart city (also referred to as “smart sustainable city”) can offer innovative solutions by integrating advanced technologies to build smarter, greener, and more livable urban environments with significant benefits. Using the Web of Science (WoS) database, this study examined: (i) the mainstream approaches and current research trends in the literature of sustainable smart city; (ii) the extent to which the research of sustainable smart city aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); (iii) the current topics and collaboration patterns in sustainable smart city research; and (iv) the potential opportunities for future research on the sustainable smart city field. The findings indicated that research on sustainable smart city began in 2010 and gained significant momentum in 2013, with China leading, followed by Italy and Spain. Moreover, 59.00% of the selected publications on the research of sustainable smart city focus on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Bibliometric analysis outcome revealed that artificial intelligence (AI), big data, machine learning, and deep learning are emerging research fields. The terms smart city, smart cities, and sustainability emerged as the top three co-occurring keywords with the highest link strength, followed by frequently co-occurring keywords such as AI, innovation, big data, urban governance, resilience, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT). The clustering results indicated that current studies explored the theoretical foundation, challenges, and future prospects of sustainable smart city, with an emphasis on sustainability. To further support urban sustainability and the attainment of SDGs, the future research of sustainable smart city should explore the application and implications of AI and big data on urban development including cybersecurity and governance challenges. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Relationship between drought and soil erosion based on the normalized differential water index (NDWI) and revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model Muhammad RENDANA, Wan Mohd Razi IDRIS, Febrinasti ALIA, Supli Effendi RAHIM, Muhammad YAMIN, Muhammad IZZUDIN Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100183-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100183 Abstract （62）   HTML （7）    PDF （1408KB）（20）       Knowledge map    Save The Langat River Basin in Malaysia is vulnerable to soil erosion risks because of its exposure to intensive land use activities and its topography, which primarily consists of steep slopes and mountainous areas. Furthermore, climate change frequently exposes this basin to drought, which negatively affects soil and water conservation. However, recent studies have rarely shown how soil reacts to drought, such as soil erosion. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between drought and soil erosion in the Langat River Basin. We analyzed drought indices using Landsat 8 satellite images in November 2021, and created the normalized differential water index (NDWI) via Landsat 8 data to produce a drought map. We used the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model to predict soil erosion. We verified an association between the NDWI and soil erosion data using a correlation analysis. The results revealed that the southern and northern regions of the study area experienced drought events. We predicted an average annual soil erosion of approximately 58.11 t/(hm2•a). Analysis of the association between the NDWI and soil erosion revealed a strong positive correlation, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.86. We assumed that the slope length and steepness factor was the primary contributor to soil erosion in the study area. As a result, these findings can help authorities plan effective measures to reduce the impacts of drought and soil erosion in the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Cost and benefit analysis of Climate-Smart Agriculture interventions in the dryland farming systems of northern Ghana Felix KPENEKUU, Philip ANTWI-AGYEI, Fred NIMOH, Andrew DOUGILL, Albert BANUNLE, Jonathan ATTA-AIDOO, Frank BAFFOUR-ATA, Thomas Peprah AGYEKUM, Godfred ADDAI, Lawrence GUODAAR Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100196-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100196 Abstract （56）   HTML （11）    PDF （611KB）（11）       Knowledge map    Save There is a need for more focus in understanding the economic benefits of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) interventions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where extreme climate events are significantly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. This study used the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and payback period to evaluate the economic viability of the adopted CSA interventions in the three villages (Doggoh, Jeffiri, and Wulling) of the dryland farming systems of northern Ghana, where CSA interventions were mostly practiced. Data were collected from 161 farm households by the questionnaire survey. The results showed that CSA interventions including livestock-crop integration, mixed cropping, crop rotation, nutrient integration, and tie ridging enhanced crop yield and the household income of smallholder farmers. The five CSA interventions selected by smallholders were in the following order of priority: livestock-crop integration (BCR=2.87), mixed cropping (BCR=2.54), crop rotation (BCR=2.24), nutrient integration (BCR=1.98), and tie ridging (BCR=1.42). Results further showed that livestock-crop integration was the most profitable CSA intervention even under a pessimistic assumption with a long payback period of 5.00 a. Moreover, this study indicated that the implementation of CSA interventions, on average, was relatively profitable and had a nominal financial risk for smallholder farmers. Understanding the economic viability of CSA interventions will help in decision-making process toward selecting the right CSA interventions for resilience development. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Green hydrogen production from wind energy in Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD), the Russian Federation Mihail DEMIDIONOV Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100199-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100199 Abstract （51）   HTML （4）    PDF （1184KB）（5）       Knowledge map    Save There is a gradual increase in the proportion of renewable energy sources. Green hydrogen has the potential to become one of the major energy carriers in the future. The Russian Federation, in partnership with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and especially China, has the potential to play a significant role in green hydrogen market. This study assessed the potential of developing green hydrogen energy based on wind power in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) of the Russian Federation. Empirical wind speed data were collected from 20 meteorological stations in 4 regions (Sakhalinskaya Oblast’, Primorskiy Krai, Khabarovskiy Krai, and Amurskaya Oblast’) of the FEFD. The Weibull distribution was used to predict the potential of green hydrogen production. Five different methods (Empirical Method of Justus (EMJ), Empirical Method of Lysen (EML), Maximum Likelihood Method (MLE), Power Density Method (PDM), and Median and Quartiles Method (MQM)) were used to determine the parameters (scape factor and scale factor) of the Weibull distribution. We calculated the total electricity generation potential based on the technical specifications of the three wind turbines: Senvion 6150 onshore, H165-4.0 MW, and Vestas V150-4.2 MW. The results showed that Vladivostok, Pogibi, Ilyinskiy, Yuzhno-Kuril’sk, Severo-Kuril’sk, Kholmsk, and Okha stations had the higher potential of green hydrogen production, of which Vladivostok exhibited the highest potential of green hydrogen production using the wind turbine of H165-4.0 MW, up to 2.56×105 kg/a. In terms of economic analysis, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) values of lower than 4.00 USD/kg were obtained at Yuzhno-Kuril’sk, Ilyinskiy, Pogibi, and Vladivostok stations using the wind turbine of H165-4.0 MW, with the values of 3.54, 3.50, 3.24, and 2.55 USD/kg, respectively. This study concluded that the FEFD possesses significant potential in the production of green hydrogen and, with appropriate investment, has the potential to become a significant hub for green hydrogen trading in the Asia-Pacific region. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Encouraging circular economy and sustainable environmental practices by addressing waste management and biomass energy production Nazim Forid ISLAM, Bhoirob GOGOI, Rimon SAIKIA, Balal YOUSAF, Mahesh NARAYAN, Hemen SARMA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100174-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100174 Abstract （51）   HTML （6）    PDF （942KB）（5）       Knowledge map    Save The current linear economy assumes abundant, easily accessible, and cost-effective natural resources. However, this assumption is unsustainable, especially considering the world’s current trajectory exceeding the Earth’s ecological limits. In contrast, circular economy (CE) reduces wastes and improves resource efficiency, making them a more sustainable alternative to the dominant linear model. Biomass energy generated from agricultural leftovers, forestry wastes, and municipal trash provides a renewable substitute for fossil fuels. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves energy security. Proper waste management, including trash reduction, recycling, and innovative waste-to-energy technology, reduces the burden on landfills and incineration and creates renewable energy from materials that would otherwise go to waste. Although integrating these techniques is consistent with the CE’s resource efficiency and waste minimization principles, it requires addressing environmental, technical, and socioeconomic challenges. Given the pressing global issues, transitioning to a CE and implementing sustainable environmental practices are crucial to mitigate the current waste management crisis. The aim of this study is to emphasize the viability of biomass as a source of sustainable energy, the necessity of comprehensive strategies that prioritize ecological sustainability, community involvement, and innovation to achieve a circular principle based future, and the potential obstacles to the implementation of sustainable environmental practices. This study will aid in implementing CE practices to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill loads. Beyond environmental benefits, it can also bring economic, social, and health improvements. Furthermore, this study will assist societies in addressing global issues, such as resource scarcity, pollution, and climate change, as well as transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Evolutionary characteristics of export trade network in the Arctic region MA Xing, QIANG Wenli, WANG Shijin, LIU Jiayi, Arunima MALIK, LI Mengyu, WANG Xiang Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100176-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100176 Abstract （46）   HTML （3）    PDF （2262KB）（4）       Knowledge map    Save The economic potential induced by environmental changes in the Arctic region garnered substantial interest, which positions Arctic trade as a crucial indicator in forecasting the impacts of climate change on the global economy. Nevertheless, attention devoted to the evolving dynamics of trade in the Arctic region remains scarce. In this study, we constructed export trade network in the Arctic region (including Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, the Canadian Arctic, the Russian Arctic, Alaska State of the USA, and Greenland) from 1990 to 2019 and analyzed its topology and evolutionary characteristics through complex network theory. We used a structural entropy index based on the distribution of the number of trading partners and the degree of trade concentration to assess export diversity, while we also utilized a revealed comparative advantage index to evaluate product export competitiveness using the share of trade volume of each type of product. The results indicate that the total export trade in the Arctic region increased by 53.4% during 1990-2019, with the most significant growth observed in the exports of chemical products and mineral fuels. The increasing complexity of trade network in the Arctic region resulted in the region’s export destinations no longer being concentrated on a few major countries and regions. The proportion of exports from the Arctic region to Europe decreased by 13.5%, while the proportion of exports from the Arctic region to Asia and North America increased by 6.8% and 3.1%, respectively. The Arctic region exhibited clear distinctions in the range of flows of different products, and its export trade was becoming increasingly diversified. Although differences in comparative advantages between products within individual countries or regions have narrowed, substantial gaps persist. The findings of this study can enhance the comprehensive understanding of the significance and function of Arctic trade activities within the global economy, providing a scientific basis for addressing the associated challenges and opportunities in the context of climate change. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Impact of geopolitical risk, GDP, inflation, interest rate, and trade openness on foreign direct investment: Evidence from five Southeast Asian countries Md. Shaddam HOSSAIN, Liton Chandra VOUMIK, Tahsin Tabassum AHMED, Mehnaz Binta ALAM, Zabin TASMIM Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100177-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100177 Abstract （46）   HTML （3）    PDF （524KB）（58）       Knowledge map    Save Historically, geopolitical risk (GPR) has posed significant challenges to international economic, social, and political frameworks. This study investigated how internal GPR in the selected five Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand) influences foreign direct investment (FDI) during 1996-2019. The stationarity of the data was assessed using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, which shows that the data became stationary after the first difference. The Kao, Pedroni, and Westerlund cointegration tests were employed to examine long-term cointegration among the selected variables (FDI, GPR index (GPRI), gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, interest rate, and trade openness (TOP)). The results indicated that these variables have a long-term cointegration. Consequently, regression analysis using the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, fixed effect, random effect, Arellano-Bond dynamic panel-data estimation, and system generalized moment method (GMM) revealed that GPRI and TOP negatively impacted FDI in the selected five Southeast Asian countries. At the same time, GDP, inflation, and interest rate positively influenced FDI in these countries. Because FDI is crucial to shaping a country’s macroeconomic structure, this study recommends that governments and central banks of the selected five Southeast Asian countries should implement policies and strategies to encourage foreign investments. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Qualitative assessment of the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria Gloria FAYOMI, Ednah ONYARI, Onyeka NKWONTA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100194-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100194 Abstract （45）   HTML （5）    PDF （824KB）（71）       Knowledge map    Save Water resources are vital for all living beings and should be managed properly to ensure the safety and well-being of humankind. Surface water bodies are constantly faced with serious contamination risks generated primarily by human activities and urbanization. The problem of waste littering and dumping in developing countries like Nigeria is increasingly affecting environmental resources such as air and water. Several studies have revealed alarming levels of heavy metals that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Plastic waste represents a substantial portion of litter, affecting water quality. Pollution results in the depletion of aquatic ecosystems and an increase in water-related diseases. This review aims to assess the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria. In this review, the findings of various studies on surface water bodies in Nigeria, particularly those under the influence of urbanization and waste disposal, were compiled. This review compared numerous physical and chemical parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metals, and microbiological properties such as total coliforms. The water quality index (WQI) was also computed in these studies to ascertain the suitability of the water samples for human consumption. Review results showed that numerous water bodies in Nigeria have significantly diverse water quality levels, with some samples meeting or exceeding the WHO guidelines for microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics. Notably, levels of heavy metals, turbidity, and pH frequently exceeded permissible limits, pointing to contamination from agricultural and industrial sources. The WQI results for multiple locations revealed that the majority of surface water sources were classified as “bad” to “very bad”, meaning they were unfit for human consumption. The results emphasized the critical need for immediate action to prevent further harm and deterioration of surface water bodies in Nigeria. Recommendations include strengthening waste management policies, promoting recycling initiatives, fostering collaborations among stakeholders, developing littering penalties and enforcing fines to curb the challenge, and raising educational awareness from the primary level. This review emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect the environment and surface water quality in Nigeria. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Driving factors of CO2 emissions in South American countries: An application of Seemingly Unrelated Regression model Gadir BAYRAMLI, Turan KARIMLI Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100182-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100182 Abstract （40）   HTML （2）    PDF （795KB）（50）       Knowledge map    Save Carbon emissions have become a critical concern in the global effort to combat climate change, with each country or region contributing differently based on its economic structures, energy sources, and industrial activities. The factors influencing carbon emissions vary across countries and sectors. This study examined the factors influencing CO2 emissions in the 7 South American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. We used the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model to analyse the relationship of CO2 emissions with gross domestic product (GDP), renewable energy use, urbanization, industrialization, international tourism, agricultural productivity, and forest area based on data from 2000 to 2022. According to the SUR model, we found that GDP and industrialization had a moderate positive effect on CO2 emissions, whereas renewable energy use had a moderate negative effect on CO2 emissions. International tourism generally had a positive impact on CO2 emissions, while forest area tended to decrease CO2 emissions. Different variables had different effects on CO2 emissions in the 7 South American countries. In Argentina and Venezuela, GDP, international tourism, and agricultural productivity significantly affected CO2 emissions. In Colombia, GDP and international tourism had a negative impact on CO2 emissions. In Brazil, CO2 emissions were primarily driven by GDP, while in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, international tourism had a negative effect on CO2 emissions. Overall, this study highlights the importance of country-specific strategies for reducing CO2 emissions and emphasizes the varying roles of these driving factors in shaping environmental quality in the 7 South American countries. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Residents’ attitudes and behaviours on private green spaces in the suburban areas of Central European countries Tamás HARDI, Ádám PÁTHY, Andrea POZSGAI Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100180-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100180 Abstract （40）   HTML （2）    PDF （1378KB）（3）       Knowledge map    Save Green spaces in urban and suburban areas play a significant role in helping settlements adapt to climate change. The design, quantity, quality, and location of green spaces influence their ability to provide benefits to people and enhance the quality of life. Private green spaces, if adequately managed, can enhance the environmental quality. This study, based on a questionnaire survey and the Motivation/Attitude-Driven Behaviour (MADB) model, investigated how the attitudes and behaviours of residents shape private green spaces in 12 settlements of the 4 city regions (Cluj region, Nitra region, Kecskemét region, and Györ region) in 3 Central European countries (Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania). The results showed that beautiful natural environment, abundance of green spaces, beautiful settlement and streetscape, and village atmosphere were mentioned most often, along with good quality of life, with a mention rate of over 70.00% in the four city regions. Convenience also played a significant role in the management of green spaces, showing that convenience factors (less work, less waste, and cheaper management) more important for those who live in settlements nearer to the cities. The importance of biodiversity and ecology was positively correlated with socio-economic status such as education and financial situation. However, the importance of the utility of green spaces was less prevalent among original villagers and settlers. Moreover, we found that the percentage of green spaces of settlers is slightly higher than that of original villagers. The results of factor analysis revealed that socio-economic status can influence respondents’ attitudes towards green spaces. It suggests to increase ecological awareness of residents, especially for new settlers, and promote good management techniques for green spaces. This study can improve the awareness of urban planners about the importance of green spaces in suburban areas. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Livelihood vulnerability of indigenous people to climate change around the Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu, Indonesia Septri WIDIONO, Ekawati Sri WAHYUNI, Lala M. KOLOPAKING, Arif SATRIA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100181-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100181 Abstract （38）   HTML （2）    PDF （612KB）（3）       Knowledge map    Save Indigenous people around the Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP), Indonesia, have a high dependence on forest resources as their main source of livelihood. This study addressed the vulnerability of Rejang indigenous people around the KSNP to climate change. The popular livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) model was adapted by adding and modifying subcomponents suitable for the study area. Primary data were collected through household surveys in two communities: Embong and Topos. In total, 146 samples were selected for this study using stratified random sampling. The results showed that Embong was more vulnerable to climate change than Topos. Embong exhibited a higher level of vulnerability to the effects of socio-demographic profile, social network, health, and natural disasters and climate variability, whereas Topos was more vulnerable to livelihood strategy, food, and water. Furthermore, Embong was more exposed to natural disasters and climate variability than Topos, but it demonstrated higher adaptive capacity and lower sensitivity than Topos. Nevertheless, socio-demographic profile influenced adaptive capacity in both communities. Sensitivity was influenced most by health in Embong, and sensitivity was influenced most by food in Topos. Although the vulnerability levels were not high in the two communities, several subcomponents must be specifically considered. Overall, this study can help the government make informed decisions to enhance adaptive capacity of the KSNP to climate change. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions Hugo PINTO, Manuel LARANJA, Elvira UYARRA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100175-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100175 Abstract （34）   HTML （3）    PDF （678KB）（58）       Knowledge map    Save Despite a growing body of literature on smart specialization, the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries, particularly in developing regions, remains understudied. This research examines one of the first attempts to apply the smart specialization framework to the development of an innovation strategy outside Europe, specifically in the Pernambuco State, Brazil. We focus on two priority areas (clothing and high-tech automotive components) identified by the state government as key targets for pilot policy experimentation and use different methods, such as social network analysis and content analysis, to interview strategic innovation actors for studying the promotion of innovation and regional development in Pernambuco. Findings highlight how regional governance, collaboration, and trust are shaped by public authorities and innovation intermediaries. The study identifies three key challenges in implementing smart specialization strategy in developing regions: i.e., achieving effective decentralization, cultivating an innovation culture, and establishing participatory governance mechanisms. The public sector actors act as crucial knowledge brokers and policy intermediaries, facilitating the linkages and partnerships necessary to overcome these challenges. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Efficiency and sustainability of the tourism industry in Latin America Clara Inés PARDO MARTÍNEZ, Alexander COTTE POVEDA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100178-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100178 Abstract （32）   HTML （2）    PDF （560KB）（3）       Knowledge map    Save The tourism industry is economically very important. According to the World Travel Tourism Council, in 2019, the tourism industry accounted for a quarter of all new jobs created worldwide, 10.3% of all jobs, and 9.6×1012 USD of the global gross domestic product. This study aimed to calculate the tourism efficiency index for different Latin American countries from 2010 to 2021 using data envelopment analysis, which analyzes the relationships between input variables (including the number of employees in the tourism industry and the number of hotel-type establishments) and output variables (including tourism expenditures in other countries and public social expenditures in recreation and culture per capita). Additionally, this study aimed to identify the countries with greater tourism development and the factors that may affect the development of the tourism industry through the stochastic frontier production function. The results of the tourism efficiency index for Central America (including Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama) and South America (including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay) exhibited different trends. However, after the global health crisis, the tourism industry recovered, showing new opportunities to promote sustainability. The results of the stochastic frontier production function demonstrated that countries with higher levels of inbound and outbound tourism, contribution of tourism to the economy, natural resources, and literacy rate exhibited more efficient tourism industry, whereas countries with higher pollution levels exhibited less efficient tourism industry. The findings of this study could allow us to formulate suitable public policies to promote tourism, maintain natural resources, and diversify these sectors with more inclusive programmes that can facilitate growth and benefit vulnerable communities. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Innovation in two contrasting value chains: Constraints and opportunities for adopting alternative crop production in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta Sang Thanh LE, Nhu Huynh MAO, Paul KRISTIANSEN, Michael COLEMAN Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100198-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100198 Abstract （32）   HTML （7）    PDF （499KB）（2）       Knowledge map    Save Agricultural production (especially intensive rice production) is a primary income source for over 2.0×107 people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta. However, adverse climate change impacts, socio-economic change, and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems. Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice. We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics, as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies (baby corn and honeydew melon) in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces, Vietnam. Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts. Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings, and the results were validated with local government staff. The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand (including value-addition) and better vertical coordination (e.g., written contracts and financial support). The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination. There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification, value-addition, and accessing high-value domestic and export markets. However, farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors. Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation. Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment, economic growth, and community development. Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models. These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Renewable energy and its impact on agricultural and economic development in the Netherlands and South Africa Saul NGARAVA, Alois Aldridge MUGADZA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (2): 100209-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100209 Abstract （29）   HTML （5）    PDF （1081KB）（8）       Knowledge map    Save The use of renewable energy is an important way to achieve sustainable agricultural and economic development. However, there are differences in access to renewable energy between the Global North and Global South. This study utilised an autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model and the data spanning from 1991 to 2021 to comparatively analyse the dynamic relationship among renewable energy consumption, the value of agricultural production, gross domestic product (GDP), economic diversification index, urban population, the total water extraction for agricultural withdrawal, and trade balance in the Netherlands and South Africa. In the short run, renewable energy consumption was increased by the value of agricultural production but decreased by GDP in South Africa. In the long run, renewable energy consumption and GDP increased the value of agricultural production, while the value of agricultural production also increased GDP in South Africa. However, in the Netherlands, there was no short- and long-run relationship between renewable energy consumption and agricultural and economic development. The results revealed that there was a short- and long-run relationship in South Africa. Moreover, in the Netherlands, the adjustment speed was -1.46 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.68 a (8.22 months). In South Africa, the adjustment speed was -1.28 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.78 a (9.38 months). Therefore, compared to South Africa, renewable energy consumption in the Netherlands takes less time to return to balance after a shock. These findings signify different trajectories on sectoral and economic transition initiatives spurred using renewable energy between the Netherlands and South Africa. Policy relating to initiatives such as “agro-energy communities” in Global South countries such as South Africa should be emphasised to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Quantifying the impacts of land use/land cover changes on ecosystem service values in the upper Gilgel Abbay watershed, Ethiopia Wassie Abuhay ASCHENEFE, Temesgen Gashaw TAREKEGN, Betelhem Fetene ADMAS, Solomon Mulu TAFERE Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100197-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100197 Abstract （26）   HTML （4）    PDF （757KB）（2）       Knowledge map    Save Human well-being and livelihoods depend on natural ecosystem services (ESs). Following the increment of population, ESs have been deteriorated over time. Ultimately, land use/land cover (LULC) changes have a profound impact on the change of ecosystem. The primary goal of this study is to determine the impacts of LULC changes on ecosystem service values (ESVs) in the upper Gilgel Abbay watershed, Ethiopia. Changes in LULC types were studied using three Landsat images representing 1986, 2003, and 2021. The Landsat images were classified using a supervised image classification technique in Earth Resources Data Analysis System (ERDAS) Imagine 2014. We classified ESs in this study into four categories (including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services) based on global ES classification scheme. The adjusted ESV coefficient benefit approach was employed to measure the impacts of LULC changes on ESVs. Five LULC types were identified in this study, including cultivated land, forest, shrubland, grassland, and water body. The result revealed that the area of cultivated land accounted for 64.50%, 71.50%, and 61.50% of the total area in 1986, 2003, and 2021, respectively. The percentage of the total area covered by forest was 9.50%, 5.90%, and 14.80% in 1986, 2003, and 2021, respectively. Result revealed that the total ESV decreased from 7.42×107 to 6.44×107 USD between 1986 and 2003. This is due to the expansion of cultivated land at the expense of forest and shrubland. However, the total ESV increased from 6.44×107 to 7.76×107 USD during 2003-2021, because of the increment of forest and shrubland. The expansion of cultivated land and the reductions of forest and shrubland reduced most individual ESs during 1986-2003. Nevertheless, the increase in forest and shrubland at the expense of cultivated land enhanced many ESs during 2003-2021. Therefore, the findings suggest that appropriate land use practices should be scaled-up to sustainably maintain ESs. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Unlocking climate change resilience: Socioeconomic factors shaping smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies in Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa regions Osama AHMED, Mourad FAIZ, Laamari ABDELALI, Safwa KHOALI, Cataldo PULVENT, Sameh MOHAMED, Mame Samba MBAYE, Thomas GLAUBEN Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100195-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100195 Abstract （24）   HTML （4）    PDF （468KB）（1）       Knowledge map    Save Climate change poses substantial challenges to agricultural productivity and sustainability, particularly in Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa regions. Local smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change are crucial for mitigating these impacts. Therefore, this study investigated the socioeconomic factors influencing smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change in four countries (Morocco, Egypt, Italy, and Senegal) of Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa regions using a binary logistic regression (BLR) model. The results indicated that educational level, farming experience, agricultural income, farm size, participation in agricultural workshops, and training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) significantly impacted smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change (such as smallholder farmers adopting drought-tolerant crops). Higher educational level was linked to the greater possibility of smallholder farmers adopting drought-tolerant crops in Italy and Egypt, while gaps in rural education limited the possibility of smallholder farmers adopting drought-tolerant crops in Morocco and Senegal. Farming experience and agricultural income also enhanced the possibility of smallholder farmers adopting drought-tolerant crops, with notable variations across countries due to systemic barriers such as limited infrastructure in Senegal. Larger farm size and participation in agricultural workshops further improved the possibility of smallholder farmers adopting drought-tolerant crops, particularly in Morocco and Egypt. The findings highlighted the importance of tailored interventions and policy measures to support smallholder farmers in effectively responding to the challenges of climate change under diverse agricultural contexts. By understanding the specific needs and circumstances of smallholder farmers in these countries, policymakers can develop more effective adaptation strategies to enhance agricultural resilience and sustainability under the context of climate change. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of the fractional vegetation coverage in the Ertix River Basin LIU Yixuan, Alim SAMAT, LI Wenbo, Jilili ABUDUWAILI Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100227-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100227 Abstract （24）   HTML （4）    PDF （3219KB）（2）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid acceleration of global warming and intensifying human activities have exacerbated the fragility and climate sensitivity of ecosystems worldwide, particularly in arid regions. Vegetation, a key component of ecosystems, is critical in enhancing the ecological environment. The Ertix River Basin (ERB) is a transboundary watershed that spans multiple countries, mostly in arid regions. However, research on the fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) and its driving factors in the ERB remains limited. Investigating the spatiotemporal changes in the FVC and its relationship with various factors in the ERB can offer scientific support for optimizing regional vegetation restoration policies and promoting the coordinated development of human-environment interactions. The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MYD13Q1 V6 data were obtained via the Google Earth Engine platform, and methods including the pixel dichotomy method, Theil-Sen median trend analysis, and Mann‒Kendall test were employed to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of the FVC in the ERB from 2003 to 2023, with future trend forecast using the Hurst index. The impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on the FVC were evaluated through the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that the FVC in the ERB showed a slight degradation trend with an average annual decrease of 0.046% during 2003-2023, with significant changes occurring in 2004, 2010, and 2019. Spatially, 53.380% of the study area was degraded, and the change in the FVC increased gradually from southeast to northwest. The FVC in 63.000% of the study area was highly stable and displayed long-term persistence; and the direct impact of natural factors (path coefficient of 0.617) on the FVC was significantly higher than that of socioeconomic factors (0.167). Among the natural factors, precipitation (0.999) was the most significant. This study reveals the significant impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on vegetation dynamics in arid regions, and provides a scientific basis for transnational ecological conservation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Application of Cellular Automata and Markov Chain model for urban green infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Jafarpour Ghalehteimouri KAMRAN, Che Ros FAIZAH, Rambat SHUIB Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100179-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100179 Abstract （22）   HTML （2）    PDF （3246KB）（7）       Knowledge map    Save Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, as a tropical city, has experienced a notable decline in its critical urban green infrastructure (UGI) due to rapid urbanization and haphazard development. The decrease of UGI, especially natural forest and artificial forest, may reduce the diversity of ecosystem services and the ability of Kuala Lumpur to build resilience in the future. This study analyzed land use and land cover (LULC) and UGI changes in Kuala Lumpur based on Landsat satellite images in 1990, 2005, and 2021and employed the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient to assess classification accuracy. LULC was categorized into six main types: natural forest, artificial forest, grassland, water body, bare ground, and built-up area. Satellite images in 1990, 2005, and 2021 showed the remarkable overall accuracy values of 91.06%, 96.67%, and 98.28%, respectively, along with the significant Kappa coefficient values of 0.8997, 0.9626, and 0.9512, respectively. Then, this study utilized Cellular Automata and Markov Chain model to analyze the transition of different LULC types during 1990-2005 and 1990-2021 and predict LULC types in 2050. The results showed that natural forest decreased from 15.22% to 8.20% and artificial forest reduced from 18.51% to 15.16% during 1990-2021. Reductions in natural forest and artificial forest led to alterations in urban surface water dynamics, increasing the risk of urban floods. However, grassland showed a significant increase from 7.80% to 24.30% during 1990-2021. Meanwhile, bare ground increased from 27.16% to 31.56% and built-up area increased from 30.45% to 39.90% during 1990-2005. In 2021, built-up area decreased to 35.10% and bare ground decreased to 13.08%, indicating a consistent dominance of built-up area in the central parts of Kuala Lumpur. This study highlights the importance of integrating past, current, and future LULC changes to improve urban ecosystem services in the city. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Analysis of environmental protection priority zones and their impacts on urban planning in small- and medium-sized cities of Indonesia Rizal IMANA, Andrea Emma PRAVITASARI, Didit Okta PRIBADI Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (2): 100211-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100211 Abstract （19）   HTML （6）    PDF （2216KB）（14）       Knowledge map    Save Urbanization in small- and medium-sized cities has often been overlooked in urban studies. Research on urbanization has predominantly focused on large metropolitan cities; however, urbanization in small- and medium-sized cities also contributes to the acceleration of urban sprawl. Urban growth boundary (UGB) is an ecological approach designed to limit urban development. This study aimed to analyze environmental protection priority zones by combining ecological quality and sensitivity indices to identify the areas suitable for UGB implementation. Tegal City and its surrounding areas (including Tegal and Brebes regencies) of Indonesia were selected as the study area. The ecological quality index was calculated using the normalized difference vegetation index, humidity index, land surface temperature, and normalized difference bare soil index. These indices were subsequently subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to extract orthogonal factors, which were summed to derive the final index value. In parallel, we mapped and evaluated ecological sensitivity based on spatial planning policies and regulations. The results revealed that ecological quality in Tegal and Brebes regencies was predominantly categorized as good and very good ecological quality, whereas Tegal City exhibited moderate and poor ecological quality. Additionally, over 45.00% of the area in Tegal and Brebes regencies demonstrated very high ecological sensitivity. Consequently, more than 50.00% of the area in Tegal and Brebes regencies, along with 27.00% of Tegal City, were classified as ecological constraint zone, making them potential regions for UGB development. The UGB is expected to curtail urban expansion, promote compact city planning, and preserve ecosystem services to achieve urban sustainability. This study implies that planning small- and medium-sized cities is important to prevent urban sprawl and maintain environmental health. Designing UGB to limit urban expansion should be enhanced by better knowledge about its ecological functions in supporting urban sustainability. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）