Low efficiency of earth kilns used in the carbonising process of wood to make charcoal has been reported as one of the sources of increasing charcoal wastes in the global south. However, the potential link and approaches of converting charcoal wastes-to-valuable energy and for the environmental health is not well known in Africa. Promoting local community capacity engagement in the production and reutilisation of recycled charcoal wastes at the households’ level is one of important measures to maintain environmental services for sustainability since households make decisions on the type of energy used. This paper, presents an approach of converting charcoal wastes to fuel energy for rural households and environmental health in Kilosa District, Tanzania. To achieve the objective of this research, the primary data were collected through interviews held with 298 randomly selected households, Focus Group Discussions and observations. IBM SPSS statistics version 20 Cross tab tools were used in the data analysis. Results revealed that the conversion of charcoal wastes-to-fuel energy approach used in this research demonstrates the ability of recyclable briquettes made from the locally available charcoal pollutants collected at different stages from earth kilns, to selling centers, improves tree harvest behaviour, adds another fuel energy source through reutilisation, and ultimate reduces pollution at the local level. Thus, the study provides a basis for policymakers to adopt charcoal wastes recycling strategies to address matters related to energy and ultimately enhances environmental health for sustainable development in Tanzania and beyond.

Urban trees are valuable resources for urban areas as they have the capacity to reduce ambient temperatures, mitigate urban heat island effects and reduce runoff of rainwater playing an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). It also helps to reduce aerial suspended particulate matter, add visual appeal to the urban landscape sequestrating a significant amount of carbon from ambient atmospheric CO2. Carbon storage by urban trees in the ring road area of the Kathmandu Valley was quantified to assess the magnitude and role of urban forests in relation to mitigate the impact of global climate change. A total of 40 sample plots were placed randomly for the detailed carbon assessment. Aboveground and belowground carbon pools were considered in the detailed assessment. Furthermore, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) were maintained through regular monitoring and capacity building of the field crews while collecting the bio-physical data. The assessment recorded a total of 33 different species of plants in the avenue’s plantation sites in ring road. The mean seedling, sapling, and tree density was found to be 2149585 and 185 per hectare. The mean carbon stock per hectare in the avenue plantation of the ring road area was 24.03 tC ha1 and the existing total carbon stock was 7785.72 tC in 2021. Likewise, the total baseline carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in the avenue plantation was found to be 28573.60 tCO2e. The carbon dioxide emission from the transport sector in the ring road area in a full movement scenario was 312888.00 tCO2e per annum, while the net emissions was 42547 tCO2e. There was a deficit of carbon dioxide in terms of stock by avenue plantations of 14000.8 tCO2e.This study indicates that the existing urban forest plantation is unable to sequestrate or offset the carbon dioxide that is emitted through the transportation sector. Consequently, open spaces like riverbanks and any other public lands, in which urban forests could be developed has to be planned for the green infrastructure and plantation of the multipurpose trees. The distinct values of forests in and around urban areas have to be recognized in the specific policies and plans for the sustainable management of urban and peri-urban forests to meet the adverse impact of global climate change. In addition, this study provides insights for decision-makers to better understand the role of urban forests and make sustainable management plans for urban forests in the cities like in Kathmandu Valley.

Delimiting ecological space scientifically and making reasonable predictions of the spatial-temporal trend of changes in the dominant ecosystem service functions (ESFs) are the basis of constructing an ecological protection pattern of territorial space, which has important theoretical significance and application value. At present, most research on the identification, functional partitioning and pattern reconstruction of ecological space refers to the current ESFs and their structural information, which ignores the spatial-temporal dynamic nature of the comprehensive and dominant ESFs, and does not seriously consider the change simulation in the dominant ESFs of the future ecological space. This affects the rationality of constructing an ecological space protection pattern to some extent. In this study, we propose an ecological space delimitation method based on the dynamic change characteristics of the ESFs, realize the identification of the ecological space range in Qionglai city and solve the problem of ignoring the spatial-temporal changes of ESFs in current research. On this basis, we also apply the Markov-CA model to integrate the spatial-temporal change characteristics of the dominant ESFs, successfully realize the simulation of the spatial-temporal changes in the dominant ESFs in Qionglai city’s ecological space in 2025, find a suitable method for simulating ecological spatial-temporal changes and also provide a basis for constructing a reasonable ecological space protection pattern. This study finds that the comprehensive quantity of ESF and its annual rate of change in Qionglai city show obvious dynamics, which confirms the necessity of considering the dynamic characteristics of ESFs when identifying ecological space. The areas of ecological space in Qionglai city represent 98307 ha by using the ecological space identification method proposed in this study, which is consistent with the ecological spatial distribution in the local ecological civilization construction plan. This confirms the reliability of the ecological space identification method based on the dynamic characteristics of the ESFs. The results also show that the dominant ESFs in Qionglai city represented strong non-stationary characteristics during 2003-2019, which showed that we should fully consider the influence of the dynamics in the dominant ESFs on the future ESF pattern during the process of constructing the ecological spatial protection pattern. The Markov-CA model realized the simulation of spatial-temporal changes in the dominant ESFs with a high precision Kappa coefficient of above 0.95, which illustrated the feasibility of using this model to simulate the future dominant ESF spatial pattern. The simulation results showed that the dominant ESFs in Qionglai will still undergo mutual conversions during 2019-2025 due to the effect of the their non-stationary nature. The ecological space will still maintain the three dominant ESFs of primary product production, climate regulation and hydrological regulation in 2025, but their areas will change to 32793 ha, 52490 ha and 13024 ha, respectively. This study can serve as a scientific reference for the delimitation of the ecological conservation redline, ecological function regionalization and the construction of an ecological spatial protection pattern.

Abstract: By studying the structural characteristics and carbon storage of the mangrove island ecosystem in the 
Beibu Gulf, this study provides a scientific basis for mangrove ecological compensation in the coastal areas of 
Guangxi, South China Sea. On the basis of the unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing images and a sample plot 
survey, the object-oriented multi-scale segmentation algorithm is used to extract the mangrove community type information, and one-way analysis of variance is conducted to analyse the structural characteristics of the mangrove 
community. The carbon storage and carbon density of different mangrove ecosystems were obtained based on the 
allometric growth equation of mangrove plants. The analysis yielded four main results. (1) The island group covers 
about 27.10 ha, 41.32% (11.20 ha) of which represents mangrove areas. The mangrove forest is widely distributed 
in the tidal flats around the islands. (2) The main mangrove types were Aegiceras corniculatum, Kandelia obovata + 
Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia marina + Aegiceras corniculatum and Avicennia marina communities. (3) 
Amongst the mangrove plants, Avicennia marina had the highest biomass (18.52 kg plant–1), followed by Kandelia 
obovata (7.84 kg plant–1) and Aegiceras corniculatum (3.85 kg plant–1). (4) The mangrove carbon density difference 
was significant. Kandelia obovata had the highest carbon density (148.03 t ha–1), followed by Avicennia marina
(104.79 t ha–1) and Aegiceras corniculatum (99.24 t ha–1). The carbon storage of the mangrove island ecosystem 
was 1194.70 t, which was higher than in other areas with the same latitude. The carbon sequestration capacity of 
the mangrove was relatively strong.

Spatial justice refers to social equity in the production of space and the allocation of spatial resources, emphasizing the fairness in the distribution and utilization of spatial resources. In market-based historical and cultural districts, conflicts over the use of space arise among various stakeholders including businesses, residents, and cultural preservationists due to their competing needs and interests. These conflicts often create tensions between development, preservation, and everyday life. This study develops an analytical framework based on spatial production theory to examine the relationships between stakeholders in urban renewal, with a focus on achieving the goal of spatial justice in urban renewal. Using the Thirteen Hongs Historic Block in Guangzhou as a case study, the research draws on historical records, in-depth interviews, and survey data to uncover the root causes of spatial conflicts and the underlying factors and consequences of spatial injustice in market-based historic block. The findings reveal that spatial practices in the Thirteen Hongs Historic Block are shaped by the competing interests of government, market actors, and civil society. The unequal distribution of spatial rights has led to fragmented use of space, resulting in contradictions that hinder the realization of historical, economic, and social values. This spatial injustice stems from an imbalance of power, ineffective rule restructuring, and unequal access to resources. To address these issues, the study proposes a spatial justice-oriented approach to urban renewal. This approach includes three related strategies: a shared governance strategy to rebalance power relationships and achieve social equity, a collaborative governance strategy to ensure procedural fairness and institutional justice, a co-creation strategy to establish resource compensation mechanisms and achieve distributive justice. By integrating these strategies, the study aims to achieve a three-dimensional synergy of "value-procedure-outcome" spatial justice, fostering a more equitable and sustainable urban renewal mode.

National parks, as pivotal platforms for safeguarding biodiversity, sustaining ecosystem services, and propelling sustainable development, are progressively evolving into comprehensive platforms that integrate ecological conservation, recreation, education, and science research. Nature study travel, a novel form of activity that integrates nature education with study travel, aims to guide visitors in observing, learning, and experiencing natural ecosystems to enhance their environmental awareness and ecological literacy. The functional positioning of national parks is congruent with the objectives of nature study travel, thereby enabling national parks to provide ample natural resources as a foundation for such activities while concurrently offering suitable spatial and facility support for their implementation. A systematic review of domestic and international theories and research progress on the educational utilization, recreational utilization of national parks, and study travel was conducted to inform the development of a national park nature study travel system framework. This framework comprises four major components: resources and products, operations and management, stakeholders, and support and safeguards. The text subsequently provides a synopsis of the salient research issues, including resource survey and assessment, product design, activity processes and educational effects, multi-party collaboration and community integration, institutional systems and operational performance. Finally, it proposes practical pathways for nature study travel in national parks, tailoring these pathways to China's national conditions. The objective of this study is twofold: first, to furnish the academic community with insights and inspiration; and second, to offer a scientific basis and decision-making support for the optimization of multiple functions and the institutional development of China's national parks.

Against the backdrop of digital-driven industrial ecosystem reconstruction, this study explores how collaborative agglomeration of digital and tourism industries impacts cultural-tourism (CT) integration, with the aim of identifying pathways that transcend traditional development models and foster new poles of high-quality growth. This study employs China's provincial panel data (2012-2022), applying methods such as the coupling coordination degree model, spatial econometric model, and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR). Key findings are: (1) The collaborative agglomeration shows an imbalanced pattern characterized by an initial "high in the east, low in the west" distribution, which later evolved into an intensified core-periphery structure. Early advantages in eastern coastal areas, driven by technology and policy, were subsequently moderated by technology diffusion, reducing inter-regional disparities. (2) This agglomeration promotes CT integration through a "local reinforcement and neighboring spillover" effect, with the strongest impacts in the eastern region and southeast of the Hu Huanyong Line. GTWR results further reveal that the western region, leveraging its resource endowment and the "East Data, West Computing" project, experiences a growing promotional effect. Conversely, the eastern region's advantage is reinforced through advanced digital applications in the later stage. (3) Threshold effects show no significant nonlinearity, with stable growth. Spatially, areas of Southeast Hu Huanyong Line have obvious synergy (backed by industrial foundations and policies), while central and western regions are hindered by weak technology and infrastructure. Notably, the west has a stronger spatial spillover effect, benefiting from "East Data, West Computing" cost advantages and rich cultural-ecological resources. This study enriches the CT integration theoretical framework and supports regional coordinated development policies. Therefore, it is vital to strengthen inter-regional technological cooperation, optimize the layout of digital infrastructure, and promote a two-way flow of "data-culture" elements to enhance national cultural-tourism integration.

With the advancement of the natural resource asset property rights system reform, the realization of the value of natural resource assets has gradually become a focal point of social attention. Based on the perspective of "asset-capital-funds" transformation, this paper constructs a theoretical framework for the assessment, price formation, and value realization of natural resource assets. It divides asset value into direct and indirect use values and combines asset value assessment with capital accounting methods to empirically analyze the degree of value realization of natural resource assets in Ankang city. The study finds that: (1) The value of natural resource assets in Ankang city is 4.768 trillion yuan, with direct use value amounting for 636.81 billion yuan, primarily from land resources (54.04%) and forest resources (35.51%); the indirect use value is 206.57 billion yuan, discounted to 4.131 trillion yuan, mainly from climate regulation (40.70%), water conservation (35.12%), and cultural services (12.14%). (2) Through market transactions, ecological compensation, and concession transactions, the capital of Ankang's natural resource assets is calculated to be 1.457 trillion yuan. (3) The annual cash realization of Ankang city's natural resource asset value is 62.26 billion yuan, discounted to 1.187 trillion yuan, with the realization shares through market transactions, concessions, and ecological compensation accounting for 53.68%, 42.17%, and 4.16%, respectively. (4) There is still room for improvement in the realization of the value of natural resource assets in Ankang, with the broad (capitalized) realization degree at 30.56% and the narrow (funded) realization degree at 24.94%. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for promoting the realization of natural resource asset value.

The administrative hierarchy of the city in China determines its ability of mobilizing resources and the direction of migrations, and it is also the direct subjects of policy implementation. Previous literature has rarely analyzed migrations from the perspective of urban administrative hierarchy. Using data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey, this study explores the patterns of migration across urban administrative hierarchy and the influencing factors of destination choice. The results show that according to the urban administrative hierarchy, upward migrations are dominant. Spatially, inter-regional migration to the eastern region is a prominent feature. For the population that has migrated multiple times, subsequent migrations are dominated by horizontal and intra-regional migrations, with the proportion of downward migrations increasing and exceeding that of upward migrations. In the first migration, ordinary prefecture cities and provincial capital cities are preferred. In the subsequent migrations, the proportions of county-level cities (counties), separately planned cities and directly-administered municipalities have increased, which reflect repositioning of population after the first migration. Economic profits are the main driving force of migration, the socio-economic attributes and hukou-registered places affect the choice of destinations, which reflect the migrants' employment competitiveness, employment preferences, life cycle and path dependence on hukou-registered places. The choice of destination is also related to the migration scope, provincial capital cities are being preferred in intra-provincial migrations, while directly-administered municipalities are most likely to be chosen in inter-provincial migrations. This paper provides evidence for the theory of population migration that urban administrative hierarchy works, which shows a different pattern from Ravenstein's laws of step migration, and deepens the connotation of push-pull theory. The findings of the study are of revelatory value for the implementation of the new urbanization policy with counties as important carriers.

Emerged as a cutting-edge research agenda in urban studies more than half a century ago, gentrification remains an evergreen and debatable topic in the practices and research of urban and rural governance in contemporary China. In response to the lasting and heated debates within the international and domestic academic communities, it is of vital significance to examine and clarify the prevalent discourse of "Chinese-style gentrification" and conduct in-depth exploration and reflections on its historical evolution, conceptual boundaries, research approaches, and theoretical value. This paper situates Chinese-style gentrification into the broader context of the Global East by highlighting its unique features to be distinguished from the Western contexts. We dissect the historical evolution and contemporary identity of the "gentry" class in China under the framework of state-society relationship. The research contends that studies on Chinese gentrification should grasp three fundamental elements: "dynamism", "scale", and "process", namely, to understand the spatiotemporal variations of "the right to the city" conjuncturally, to develop a multi-faceted comprehension of the multi-scalar relationships in urban and rural governance, and to systematically examine the historical evolution of local experiences. Grounded in the specific "state-market-society" interactions in the Global East and China, the inherent complexity and diversity of Chinese-style gentrification will transcend the paradigms of Western gentrification research and make distinctive contributions to international debates. Currently, the processes of gentrification in China have engendered more profound social and spatial ramifications compared to that in the Global North. Balancing efficiency and equity will be a key task for promoting effective governance in urban and rural communities in China. In this new era, exploring innovative approaches to enhancing urban and rural governance and residents' well-being, engaging in comparative studies and constructive dialogues with international researchers should be our utmost tasks. In light of this, researchers should re-examine Chinese-style gentrification in an open-minded yet rigorous, critical yet scientific manner, drawing on but not being constrained by local experiences to make significant contributions to this ever-green and ever-evolving research field.

China's urban development has shifted from large-scale new construction and an outward expansion of urban areas to the improvement of existing buildings and environments. Along with this transition, the renewal of urban housing has become an important issue. This study analyzed the major obstacles to sustainable renewal of urban housing: the lack of adaptability in the housing planning and construction system to evolving residential demands, strong constraints of the property right system that hinder the flow of spatial resources, and the mismatch between housing purchase payment model and whole-life cycle costs of buildings. In light of these challenges, this study reviewed Chinese and international academic research and policy practices, analysed the evolution of housing demand and its spatial effects, land and housing system reforms alongside associated rights disputes, as well as residents' limited payment capacity and policy constraints. And then we explored approaches to sustainable housing renewal from three dimensions: spatial system, property right system, and economic sustainability. Based on these analyses, we proposed establishing a hierarchical control system for urban spatial structure and strategically integrating policy tools across these dimensions. Examples are provided to demonstrate how these tools facilitate the development of a housing renewal policy model applicable to diverse scenarios, such as rental-led models suited to younger generations, flexible property rights schemes alleviating first-time buyer pressures, whole-life cycle housing solutions addressing changing intergenerational accommodation needs, senior-friendly co-living arrangements with optimised age-appropriate facilities, and tiered property rights structures within multi-functional urban complexes.

Against the backdrop of global environmental changes and the ongoing advancement of China's ecological civilization, the natural resources science must deepen its theoretical foundations and refine its academic system to address pressing challenges such as population-resource conflicts. Based on a review of the development trajectory of natural resource science, this paper focuses on the interaction and coordination between "space" and "elements" and proposes a disciplinary framework for natural resource planning centered on the "space-element-planning" triad. The proposed framework takes "spatial positioning-element allocation-planning coordination" as its logical starting point and builds the disciplinary content system around three key dimensions: revealing spatial patterns, optimizing element configurations, and constructing spatial support. Looking ahead, the development of natural resource planning should be guided by indigenous knowledge innovation, supported by interdisciplinary curricula, and driven by major scientific and technological missions. This will promote the establishment of a robust discipline of natural resource planning that supports the unified management of natural resources and territorial spatial governance, contributing to the realization of Chinese-style modernization characterized by harmony between humanity and nature.

Based on the theory of cultural ecosystem services (CESs) and the simultaneous development of five educations, this study constructs a comprehensive framework to elucidate the mechanisms among landscape education, CESs values, and natural resources teaching. It compiles expert evaluations of illustrations from middle school geography textbooks and a collection of study-tour itineraries for Gansu province. Using methods including categorical statistics, kernel density estimation, and MaxEnt model prediction, the study assesses the CESs values of natural resources featured in middle school geography curricula and Gansu study sites, and explores pathways through which value evaluation can advance natural resources teaching. Findings indicate: (1) Digital landscapes convey the digital CESs values in theoretical teaching through multimedia courseware, textbook illustrations, and other forms. Students perceive the physical CESs values via observation, experience and research. The values of CESs provide a pivotal basis for selecting teaching materials and field sites. (2) The illustrations in chapters such as "Resources Security and National Security" carry high value. Mixed multiple illustrations layouts better express educational and spiritual values. Chapter cover illustrations convey aesthetic values, and educational and spiritual are strongly linked. Values evaluation informs textbook revision through the selection of graphic and textual cases, innovative arrangement methods, optimized visual effects, and exploration of ideological and political elements. (3) Study-tour courses in Gansu show overall agglomerative spatial distribution. Lanzhou city and surrounding counties are the main high-value areas for five types of CESs. The high-value areas in the Hexi Corridor are concentrated in oases and cities. Value distribution is highly correlated with the density of primary and secondary schools in the region. Values assessment guides study-tour product development and practical education-based construction. The research has practical significance in refining teaching strategies and objectives across educational levels, optimizing teaching resources, and linking of theory with practice in teaching.

Land-sea integration is the core value orientation for the synergistic utilization of terrestrial and marine space and resources in China. To construct a coastal human settlement environment system featuring human-land (sea) interaction under the multidimensional goals of land-sea integration, this paper proposes the concept of the "Key Zone of Land-Sea Integration" and its spatial structure of "supporting zone-core zone-associated zone-hinterland zone". The Key Zone of Land-Sea Integration implements the research perspective of the coastal human settlement environment system in terms of scope definition, hierarchical structure, research priorities, and development dimensions. It follows the research approach of "spatial structure-geomorphic pattern-ecological network-human settlement order", couples the multidimensional values of "ecology-economy-space-culture-society", and puts forward key research issues. Specifically, in scope definition, it clarifies the spatial scope integrating land and sea, covering both coastal areas and their adjacent terrestrial and marine extensions. In hierarchical structure, it establishes a multi-level system to adapt to analyses and management at different scales. In research priorities, it focuses on the dynamic interactions between human activities and the natural environment within the zone. In development dimensions, it emphasizes the balance among economic growth, social progress, and ecological protection. Focusing on the integration of human-land (sea) interaction and the integration of land-sea multidimensional values at the urban scale from the perspective of the coastal human settlement system environment, the Key Zone of Land-Sea Coordination proposes clear spatial objects and carriers. It will further promote the integration of land-sea coordinated territorial spatial planning and governance, break down traditional barriers between land and sea management, and facilitate high-quality development of coastal human settlement by guiding rational spatial layout, efficient resource utilization, and harmonious coexistence between human and nature. Thus, it provides theoretical support and practical guidance for advancing systematic management of coastal areas and optimizing the sustainable development pattern of coastal human settlement.

International digital infrastructure represented by submarine cables has important strategic value in information transmission, economic and trade stability, and military security, and can provide solid support for the spatial selection of China's overseas strategic pivots (COSPs). Based on the theoretical framework of spatial selection of COSPs and the distribution pattern of global submarine cable network, we identified global Internet gateways and then screened COSPs at the regional, national and teleport scales. The results show that: (1) Overseas strategic pivot is further extension of Internet gateway, which endows the latter with a pivot attribute and strategic meaning on the basis of its connotation. The identification logic of COSPs based on submarine cable network follows the three-level spatial scale of ''region-country-teleport'', and geopolitical theory, new state space theory and location theory respectively dominate the spatial selection of COSPs at higher scale, mesoscale and lower scale. They each have their own focus and are nested with each other, forming a logical framework of the spatial selection of COSPs based on submarine cable network. (2) The global submarine cable network exhibits a distinct spatial imbalance, a pattern further diversified by the cumulative effects of scale on node distribution. However, regardless of the scale, the global submarine cable network has formed a ''one heart, three poles, three corridors'' pattern with the rimland of the Eurasian continent as the heart, the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore as the three poles, and the three main corridors spanning the North Atlantic, the southeastern and the southwestern sea area of the Eurasian continent. (3) The spatial selection results of COSPs have geographical proximity and similarity, mainly distributed in six strategic zones, namely East Asia-Southeast Asia strategic zone, Persian Gulf-Red Sea strategic zone, Mediterranean-Europe West Coast strategic zone, Africa West Coast strategic zone, Caribbean strategic zone, and Eastern North Pacific strategic zone, presenting a ''core-expansion-periphery'' distribution pattern. The results can enrich the research framework of submarine cable and strategic pivot, providing theoretical reference and policy inspiration for expanding China's overseas interests.

At present, the contradiction of unbalanced and inadequate development between urban and rural areas in China has become prominent. It is of great significance to accurately judge and understand the characteristics and changes of this contradiction for coordinating urban-rural integrated development and promoting the land use equity between urban and rural areas. Based on the perspective of urban and rural comparison, this paper established the theoretical analysis framework of land use relative equity, explored the temporal and spatial characteristics, obstacle factors and optimization paths of land use equity between urban and rural areas by using data from 291 municipal units in China from 2004 to 2021. The results showed that: (1) From 2004 to 2021, the comprehensive index of land use equity between urban and rural areas in China showed a trend of "first decreasing and then increasing", with spatial characteristics of "global dispersion and local agglomeration" and gradually showing a trend of "economic dependence". (2) The length of LISA time path from 2004 to 2021 showed that the spatial structure of land use equity between urban and rural areas fluctuated greatly in some regions, the curvature indicated that land use equity between urban and rural areas had strong temporal and spatial dependence and regional differences, and the moving direction revealed that the change of land use equity between urban and rural areas showed strong spatial integration. The temporal and spatial transition of LISA reflected that the land use equity between urban and rural areas was both inert and active. (3) From 2004 to 2021, due to the rapid urbanization and industrialization, the widening income gap between urban and rural residents, the unbalanced supply of public services, and the expansion of urban areas and the decline of rural areas in industrial restructuring are the key factors leading to the land use inequity between urban and rural areas. (4) The optimization of land use equity between urban and rural areas should take the balanced flow of resources and elements and the complementarity of structural and functional advantages as the key breakthrough points, adopt the path of "establishing a sound system and optimizing the mechanisms, filling in the gaps and strengthening the weaknesses", and promote the free flow and equal exchange of resources and elements in the multi-decision-making process, multi-stakeholder and multi-scale space.

Gridded meteorological data obtained by spatial interpolation play a crucial role in ecological, hydrological, and land surface process models. The key challenge in current spatial interpolation is to effectively match the physical behavior of meteorological variables with the mechanistic properties of interpolation methods to maximize accuracy. This study constructed 12 interpolation models using thin plate spline (TPS) and random forest (RF) with six combinations of covariates including elevation, slope, aspect, and reanalysis data. These models were applied to daily interpolation and comparative analysis of eight meteorological variables (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation, skin temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, surface pressure, and sunshine duration) across China from 2000 to 2020. The results indicated that: (1) TPS with elevation as a covariate was optimal for maximum temperature, minimum temperature, skin temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine duration; RF with elevation as a covariate performed best for precipitation and wind speed; RF with elevation, slope, and aspect as covariates was the best for surface pressure. (2) Minimum temperature and skin temperature were better interpolated using TPS with elevation, slope, and aspect in winter, while surface pressure was better interpolated using TPS with elevation in spring. The optimal interpolation methods for the other variables remained consistent across seasons. (3) The interpolation accuracy of maximum temperature showed an interval-dependent preference, with RF performing better for daily maximum temperature below 15 °C, whereas TPS was more accurate above this threshold.

With the emergence of new materialism, political geography has undergone a "volume turn" in an attempt to resolve the increasingly prominent dichotomy between nature and humanity. Volume studies oppose the flattening and static nature of traditional geopolitical research. Instead, they advocate starting from the materiality of the Earth system, emphasizing the significant impact of the three-dimensionality and fluidity of space on human activities and even emotions. This has sparked a wave of research on Earth politics in relation to volume politics and power dynamics. At the level of empirical research, the "volume turn" focuses on the three-dimensional aspects of geopolitics, its interaction with geophysical politics, as well as the sense of immersion and emotional atmosphere of humans within the Earth surface system. It aims to uncover the operations of politics, power, and emotions under the influence of the Earth system. On the one hand, the "volume turn" challenges the traditional territorial concept based on planarism, greatly expanding the scope of research in political geography. On the other hand, it broadens the human-environment relationship from an anthropocentric perspective to a comprehensive view of the human-Earth system. It bridges the gaps between "human and non-human" and "nature and society," emphasizing the embodied interaction between the human body and the Earth system. Undoubtedly, the "volume turn" will contribute to the expansion of research horizons and the integration of research themes in Chinese geography.

This study analyzes the development of the discipline of human geography in China over the past 40 years, based on projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) from 1986 to 2023. The analysis focuses on research directions and themes, the hosting institutions and their spatial distribution, as well as the structure of high-level talents. This paper primarily employs methods such as keyword cloud analysis, probability density distribution analysis, and spatial analysis. The findings are as follows: (1) Although the number and financial volume of funded projects have grown rapidly, human geography remains at a disadvantage in terms of scholarly influence and the magnitude of funding support. (2) The majority of approved projects and funds are concentrated under the application codes for Urban and Rural Geography (D0109) and Economic Geography (D0108), though growth in these areas has been limited in recent years. Promising areas of focus include cultural geography, political geography, and behavioral geography. (3) New research topics have emerged, such as spatiotemporal behavior and quality of life, social space and mobility, innovation networks, city networks, rural revitalization, geopolitics, and carbon reduction. (4) The distribution of approved NSFC projects in human geography generally follows a Pareto distribution and is predominantly located east of the Hu Line. (5) There are relatively few high-level talents in human geography in China, with an unbalanced gender ratio. To advance the field, we propose to raise human geography's profile in interdisciplinary dialogue, to consolidate disciplinary consensus, to articulate key research priorities and assessment frameworks, address developmental disparities among subfields, and prioritize groundbreaking research agendas. The study underscores key unresolved issues in the discipline's governance and financing, including the generality-specificity spectrum in knowledge generation, and reconciling inter-direction competition with distributive justice in resource allocation. The research advances scholarly understanding by documenting funding-driven development patterns in Chinese human geography while addressing dual challenges of international disciplinary recognition and domestic academic consensus-building.

The spatial restructuring of large Chinese cities has exacerbated internal spatial differentiation and social segregation, resulting in disparities in the distribution of environmental risks across social groups and regions. This has negatively impacted the health and well-being of urban residents. This study analyzes the socio-spatial disparities in environmental risk distribution in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu using pollution discharge permit data and census data, with ArcGIS spatial analysis methods. Principal component analysis is then applied for dimensionality reduction to capture the characteristics of urban spatial restructuring. Interaction term models are applied to analyze the intrinsic connections between environmental inequality and the urban spatial restructuring process. The findings reveal that individuals with lower education levels and migrant populations are exposed to greater environmental risks, with environmental inequality increasing from the city center to the periphery. The spatial variations in environmental inequality across the three cities can be attributed to their respective urban spatial restructuring processes and development trajectories, resulting in three distinct patterns of environmental inequality: minimal impact, localized improvement, and environmental deprivation. The study draws on Spatial Production Theory and Rawls' Theory of Justice to elucidate the evolution of environmental inequality in spatial differentiation within the context of urban spatial restructuring, emphasizing the shift from capital-driven spatial production to government-led social justice practices. It is suggested that when formulating and implementing strategies to promote environmental justice and sustainable urban development, the global and dynamic nature of urban space development should be considered to ensure equitable sharing of environmental benefits across all regions and social groups.

Recently, the integration of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and tourism has generated new consumption hotspots that facilitate the transformation of cultural resources into cultural capital, producing notable economic and social benefits. Drawing on critical heritage studies, this research applies cultural capital theory and scale theory to examine Yingge Dance, a national-level ICH item originating from Chaoshan region (comprising 3 prefecture-level cities: Shantou, Jieyang and Chaozhou), China. Using participant observation and in-depth interviews, we explored the multi-scalar formation and scale transformation of cultural capital related to Yingge Dance. This study yielded three main findings. First, Yingge Dance embodies both cultural publicity and capital productivity. Its preservation and transmission depend on embodied practice, objectified transformation, and institutionalized support, reflecting a fusion of tradition and modernity as well as a symbiotic relationship between economy and culture. Second, at the individual scale, performers continually refine their bodily knowledge and skills in intergenerational practices, extending training and performance into broader community contexts. This process transforms Yingge Dance into cultural capital that fosters group cohesion and enhances community governance. At the regional scale, cultural tourism consumption and market participation accelerate the production of objectified cultural capital. Supported by local government initiatives, Yingge Dance becomes a form of urban cultural capital that stimulates tourism consumption and contributes to urban branding. At the national scale, China incorporates Yingge Dance into narratives of physical, moral, and aesthetic education, embedding it within cultural governance frameworks through top-down policy empowerment. This elevates Yingge Dance to national cultural capital that reflects cultural diversity and strengthens international competitiveness. Third, Yingge Dance has achieved the reproduction of the functions, values, and meanings by scaling up from group-level cultural capital to urban cultural capital and subsequently to national cultural capital. However, challenges emerge during this scaling-up process, including cognitive conflicts among stakeholders, blurred genre boundaries, uneven development, and diminishing authenticity. To address these issues, China promotes a scaling-down approach through policies and discursive frameworks to maintain the vitality of ICH transmission. This scaling down is reflected in the stewardship and empowerment of ICH bearers, incorporation of national ICH strategies into urban development agendas, and strengthening of local governments' narrative and discursive power. This study offers a critical perspective on understanding the practices and interactions of multiple actors in ICH inheritance. It also provides practical recommendations for cultural tourism development and the extraction of ICH value through the lens of cultural capital and scale theories.

Facilitating the social integration of the migrant population is a pivotal task in the comprehensive advancement of new urbanization. Nevertheless, this significant task is currently confronted with formidable challenges arising from the prevailing trend of unstable employment in the labor market. This paper introduces the concept of precarity, which has been the subject of extensive and in-depth discussion in the international academic community, constructs a comprehensive indicator system for assessing employment precarity, and reveals the intricate impact mechanism of employment precarity on the social integration of China's migrant population. Based on the China Migrants Dynamic Survey in 2017, the following primary conclusions were obtained through rigorous exploratory factor analysis and parallel multiple mediation effect models. Firstly, the overwhelming majority of the migrant population is in a state of varying degrees of unstable employment. When evaluating the comprehensive index of employment precarity for the migrant population from four key dimensions, employment status, contract nature, occupational industry type, and unit ownership, the value of 0.466 indicates an overall moderate level of precarity. The migrant population that fails to attain stable employment often finds itself in a disadvantaged position. These individuals typically seldom sign formal contracts, which means they lack the legal protection and stability that come with such contracts. They are concentrated in the secondary labor market, where low-threshold occupations and non-monopolistic industries prevail. Despite their arduous work, they can only earn meager wages, which severely restricts their standard of living and development opportunities. Secondly, the average level of social integration of the migrant population is 0.363. The integration levels of the economic, psychological, and behavioral dimensions are 0.102, 0.614, and 0.732, respectively. The low-level integration in the economic dimension is the primary bottleneck in the social integration process of the migrant population. Thirdly, the employment precarity of the migrant population has a significant direct negative impact on its level of social integration. It constrains social integration by influencing a series of material, social, and subjective psychological conditions. These include income stability, housing stability, social security level, local social network, local social participation, housing willingness, and settlement willingness. The indirect limiting effect accounts for 77.49% of the total limiting effect. Among the hypotheses proposed in this paper, the effect of the employment precarity–residence intention–social integration path is the most significant, and the effect of the employment precarity–income stability–social integration path is the weakest. However, the employment precarity–family migration–social integration path has not been verified and requires further in-depth exploration and elucidation. This paper enhances the indicator system for measuring employment instability, comprehensively demonstrating its characteristics such as high job-change frequency, lack of security, and disadvantaged position in the labor market. Simultaneously, it specifically reveals the impact path of employment instability on social integration. Finally, this paper introduces the concept of employment instability into domestic human geography research, offering a solid research foundation for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by instability to the social integration of the migrant population. At the practical level, in the context of employment instability becoming a trend of economic development, it is imperative to promote the social integration of the migrant population through policy and system linkages in employment, housing, social security, household registration, and other areas.

High-resolution records and fine structure comparisons between different climate proxies are invaluable for elucidating the detailed variations and mechanisms of the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) intensity. Based on eight high-precision ²³⁰Th dates and 448 δ¹⁸O data from a stalagmite (YX53) collected from Yongxing Cave in the Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province, China, this study reconstructed a high-resolution EASM evolution sequence spanning 52.45 to 64.44 ka BP. This sequence completely covers Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) events 18 to 15, and partly covers DO14. This record not only reveals the rapid onset and gradual decline pattern of DO18 during the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 4/3 transition but also delineates the sub-millennial-scale internal oscillations within DO17a and two sub-oscillations during DO16a that are comparable in duration and intensity. It also clearly documents two precursor events (PEs), namely PE17 and PE16. The results demonstrated that the EASM intensity exhibited a one-to-one correspondence with the Greenland ice core record throughout the DO18–15 events. However, in the YX53 δ ¹⁸O, Arabian Sea albedo, SCH02 δ ¹⁸O, and Cariaco Basin albedo records, the intensities of the PE17 and PE16 events are consistently lower than those of the subsequent DO17a and DO16a events. In contrast, the Greenland ice core record shows that the intensities of the PE17 and PE16 events are comparable to those of the DO17a and DO16a events, respectively. Furthermore, the evolution of EASM intensity during the DO events exhibited notable similarities to low-latitude climate processes. During the onset and termination phases of the DO events, changes in the EASM intensity resembled the more gradual transitions that are characteristic of low-latitude records. However, within the DO events themselves, the EASM exhibited internal structures analogous to those observed in low-latitude processes, such as the two sub-oscillations during DO16a that are comparable in duration and intensity, and the rapid-onset–slow-termination transition pattern of DO18. These consistencies indicate a significant modulating influence of low-latitude processes on EASM intensity during the MIS4/3 transition. We propose that the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP) may have influenced the pace of EASM variability and contributed to centennial-scale oscillations within DO events through mechanisms such as air-sea interactions. Based on a stalagmite δ ¹⁸O record from Shennongjia, this study reconstructs EASM variability during DO events 18 to 15. Through detailed comparisons and analyses of transitional events, we reveal the modulating role of low-latitude processes on the EASM during the MIS4/3 transition. These results suggest that while high-latitude processes primarily drive the initiation and termination of millennial-scale EASM enhancement events, low-latitude processes, which are likely influenced by the WPWP, may shape the intensity and internal structure of these enhancements within DO events.

In the context of an accelerating society, young individuals in contemporary cities face mounting psychological pressures and existential anxiety. This has led to an increasing demand for environments that offer therapeutic relief and emotional refuge. This study takes the "Time-Farm," an urban green space, as a case study to explore the construction of urban therapeutic landscapes, the perception of young individuals, and the ontological and epistemological foundations of healing. Drawing on Tim Ingold's dwelling perspective, this study examines epistemologies of human-nature relations, embodied and enmined practices, and the temporality of landscapes to propose a multidimensional analytical framework. This framework serves to interpret how landscapes can be healing for youth and offers a new explanatory approach for reconstructing subjectivity in an accelerated society. The findings suggest that therapeutic landscapes are not simply the result of static natural environments but are co-constructed through a relational epistemology that views human and non-human life as interdependent, cohabiting participants. In the Time-Farm, the therapeutic effect of space emerges from its founders' intentional rejection of anthropocentrism. Plants are not regarded as decorative objects but as co-dwelling beings with agency. Through sustained interaction and affective care, caregivers' non-representational practices fostered a shared coexistence epistemology that resonated with urban youths. As youth began to participate in the maintenance and experience of the space, their involvement signaled bodily engagement and an epistemic transformation: therapeutic feeling required the recognition of human–nature interdependence. This shift in understanding is a necessary precondition of ecological connections and emotional resonance. Moreover, the therapeutic process is deeply embedded in the convergence of embodied and enmined practices and temporal rhythms of the landscape. The young participants engaged in sensory-rich, emotionally resonant activities that activated bodily awareness and relational connections to a place. The therapeutic effect does not occur as an immediate experience but rather unfolds over time through repeated interactions, seasonal cycles, and the slow growth of living organisms. The temporality of the landscape mirrors the rhythms of individual transformations and supports sustained therapeutic effects. Theoretically, this study challenges the reductive paradigm that equates therapeutic effects solely with environmental conditions. Instead, it proposes a relational and procedural approach integrating epistemology, embodiment, and temporality. By employing Ingold's dwelling perspective, this study provides an interpretive tool rooted in environmental anthropology for understanding therapeutic landscapes. Practically, it offers insights for designing urban green spaces: therapeutic environments must move beyond the mere presence of greenery to foster relational understanding, embodied participation, and long-term interaction.As an urban green space, the Time-Farm demonstrates how therapeutic landscapes can be cultivated through cohabitative epistemology, integrated mind-body practices, and sustained care. The model of a "human-environment-life community" provides an ecologically holistic perspective on landscape-making and offers a fertile direction for theoretical innovation in future therapeutic landscape research.

With rapid urbanization, urban safety has become a critical issue in city governance. Among the various approaches, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has gained increasing attention owing to its effectiveness in reducing crime risk through physical environment interventions. This study systematically reviewed the development trajectory of CPTED practices in South Korea over the past four decades, dividing them into three distinct stages: initial conceptual introduction and early experimentation, formulation of guidelines and pilot implementation, and legislative revision and full-scale institutionalization. Each stage was analyzed in detail in terms of policy background, implementation strategies, and governance arrangements. Based on this review, this study constructed a framework illustrating the operational mechanism of CPTED in South Korea, highlighting the collaboration among national agencies (particularly the National Police Agency), local governments, academic institutions, and communities. The model emphasizes the importance of a standardized design process and case-based feedback to form a dynamic and iterative practice system. To demonstrate the practical application of this framework, this paper presents a detailed case study of the Yeomni-dong neighborhood in Seoul, one of the earliest CPTED pilot projects in South Korea. Through onsite assessments, risk mapping, participatory planning, and post-implementation evaluations, the project significantly improved community safety, reduced specific types of crime (such as robbery), and enhanced residents' sense of belonging and security. This case underscores the adaptability and effectiveness of CPTED principles in densely built East Asian urban contexts.The study also provides a concise overview of how CPTED-related principles have been applied in China across different administrative sectors, including the Ministry of Public Security's "Skynet Project," the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development's "Complete Residential Community Guidelines," and grassroots governance initiatives such as Zhejiang's "Neighborhood Watch" and Beijing's "Fengqiao Experience." Despite these efforts, challenges remain in China's current CPTED practices, including the lack of a unified standard system, fragmented departmental responsibilities, and insufficient integration of digital and physical safety strategies.Drawing on South Korea's institutional and practical experience, this study proposes four strategies for constructing a localized CPTED framework in China: (1) improving the legal and regulatory system by incorporating CPTED principles into national and local standards; (2) fostering cross-sector collaboration among planning, security, and governance bodies; (3) embedding CPTED assessments into urban health-check mechanisms to identify spatial safety risks; and (4) integrating CPTED principles into the entire process of urban renewal projects to promote sustainable and resilient urban environments. This study aims to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for improving urban crime prevention strategies in China, contributing to the development of a more integrated, adaptive, and locally tailored CPTED system. It also offers valuable lessons for the convergence of spatial planning and public safety governance in rapidly urbanizing contexts.

Three-dimensional fine characterization of soil pollutant distribution is critical for the implementation of precision remediation and scientific decision making in the management of contaminated sites. This review systematically examined key issues and research progress in this field through a trinity framework of non-stationarity decoupling, data bias correction, and model selection. We identified the spatial non-stationarity of pollutant concentrations and the inherent biases in sparse borehole data as two fundamental constraints that affect the accuracy of existing three-dimensional characterization models and the reliability of characterization results. We first analyzed the formation mechanisms and types of non-stationarity and discussed non-stationarity quantification and decoupling methods. Second, we summarized the principal sources of sampling bias in the collection of sparse biased drilling data and its bias correction method system. We also assessed the adaptability of different models to biased data and possible improvement. Third, we compared the advantages and limitations of the three predominant modeling paradigms (geostatistical, machine learning, and geochemical process models), analyzed the discrepancies and uncertainties in three-dimensional characterization model selection, and stressed the need for constructing a multi-source data-driven high-precision three-dimensional characterization system based on the trinity relationship framework. Finally, in combination with the development of intelligent decision-making technologies, we prospected the potential application of three-dimensional characterization technology in pollution diagnosis, risk assessment, and sustainable remediation. We also emphasize the potential value of model integration and dynamic optimization in soil pollution control. This methodological synthesis provides a reference for improving the accuracy of three-dimensional characterization of soil pollution distribution in complex sites and digital governance mode.

Terraced farmland is a unique agricultural landscape and high-quality farmland resource in mountainous areas, with great production and ecological functions, which makes it a valuable livelihood asset for rural households. As a type of farmland resource, the high-quality of terraced farmland originates from the substantial investment of labor force and materials in land improvement processes such as terracing projects, which results in higher "landesque capital". The economic essence of landesque capital is land appreciation. In recent years, the phenomenon of farmland asset devaluation has been widespread in mountainous areas, yet how the landesque capital value of terraced farmland change remains unclear. Therefore, based on land capital theory, this study clarifies the definition of the landesque capital value of terraced farmland, constructing a comprehensive diagnostic framework from the dual perspectives of land economic productivity and land marginalization. Using data from national rural household surveys and literature synthesis in China's mountainous areas, the study reveals the trends and regional differences of landesque capital value. The findings demonstrate that in recent decades, the landesque capital of terraced farmland in China has devalued, with the trend being particularly pronounced in the eastern region. From 1996 to 2020, the differential rent reflecting the landesque capital value of terraced farmland decreased from 793.2 yuan per ha to 441.88 yuan per ha (a 44.29% drop), based on 1995 constant prices. The grain yield increase effect of terraced farmland relative to sloped farmland has been declining, with the rocky mountainous areas in Northern China showing a more significant downward trend than the Loess Plateau region. The economic benefits derived from the landesque capital of terraced farmland are increasingly unable to cover the costs of maintaining their unique functions. Therefore, it is recommended to actively explore optimal utilization approachs for existing terraced farmland while cautiously implementing new terracing projects in China's mountainous areas.

The changes in the natural-artificial dualistic water cycle system have triggered the inconsistency of hydrometeorological time series. Continuing to use traditional frequency calculation methods would affect the accuracy of water resource planning and flood-drought management decisions, underscoring the need for (in)consistency testing before performing hydrological calculations. To address the misjudgement issues of current methods, this study proposes a hydrological (in)consistency testing method (CT) based on correlation coefficients. The CT method applies a discrete wavelet transform to extract high-frequency pure random components from the original time series, then calculates the correlation coefficients between these components and the original time series to determine (in)consistency. Statistical experiments indicate that the CT method significantly reduces false positive rates compared with traditional methods like the Bartels test. Its accuracy and stability improve as the time series length increases, making it especially effective at identifying inconsistent time series. These promising results confirm that the CT method is a valuable tool in (in)consistency test, ensuring robust and reliable outcomes. A case study of the surface water resources amount modulus coefficient time series of 10 major river basins in China (1956-2020) shows that surface water resources in the Southeastern, Yangtze, Huaihe, Pearl, and Southwestern river basins are consistent. In contrast, the Songhua, Haihe, Yellow, Liaohe, and Northwestern river basins display pronounced inconsistency characteristics. Existing studies, based on external driving factors such as climate change and human activities, have validated the inconsistency of hydrological time series in regions like the Songhua River Basin, indirectly confirming the effectiveness of the CT method. For consistent time series, consistent hydrological frequency analysis can be directly applied, whereas for inconsistent time series, researchers should analyze the characteristics of inconsistent components or conduct inconsistent hydrological frequency calculations. These approaches aim to predict and plan for potential risks, thereby providing robust support for scientific water resource management decisions.

To enhance ecological civilization, establishing a governance framework that reconciles the principles of financial sustainability with those of urban green development has been identified as an effective pathway for urban sustainability. Land finance constitutes a distinctive government revenue model in China, providing crucial support for accelerated urbanization and urban construction. Without alternative large-scale revenue sources for local governments, land finance continues to be an important source of off-budget revenue. Therefore, optimizing the use of land finance and leveraging its positive impact on sustainable urban development are crucial. The positive role of land finance in promoting urban green development is an effective means of advancing ecological civilization construction and high-quality urban development. Urban green spaces are pivotal elements of the urban ecological environment. Investigating the influence of land finance on urban green spaces is an important research area. This study employed panel data from 273 prefecture-level cities in China from 2007 to 2019 to systematically assess the impact of land finance on urban green spaces by utilizing the fixed effects and spatial Durbin models. Furthermore, it assessed the moderating effect of environmental governance in promoting land finance to support the improvement of urban green spaces based on the moderation effect model. The findings indicate that the impact of land finance on urban green space exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern with a negative overall effect. However, the positive impact of land finance on urban green spaces is limited. Local governments' environmental governance exerted a significant positive moderating effect on the impact of land finance on urban green spaces. As environmental governance strengthens, the impact of land finance on urban green space shifts from negative to positive. This suggests that land finance can promote improvements in urban green spaces through high-level environmental governance. The coverage level of urban green spaces displayed spatial agglomeration characteristics, and land finance had a negative spatial spillover effect on urban green spaces. In addition, the moderating effect of environmental governance presented a positive spatial spillover effect. Consequently, the impacts of land finance and environmental governance on urban green spaces in economically and geographically adjacent cities must be considered. Subgroup analysis showed that the impact of land finance on urban greenspaces is more pronounced in cities located in the central and western regions. This study makes a significant contribution to the discussion on whether land finance can support the improvement of urban green spaces and how to promote the positive role of land finance in urban green development, and the positive role of environmental governance in facilitating the supportive role of land finance in promoting urban green development. This paper proposes policy suggestions on how to use land finance to enhance urban green spaces and provides new ideas for sustainable and green urban development.