Article
Environmental Sciences
Yihan Xie, Ruixia Yang, Yongqi Liang, Wei Li, Fulong Chen
Summary: This study analyzes the spatial relationship between world cultural heritage sites and neighboring towns at a global scale. The results show that a certain percentage of cultural heritage sites have been incorporated into urban areas, but the overall spatial relationship with neighboring towns has not changed substantially. Additionally, the study finds that the distance between cultural heritage sites and towns has been decreasing, with the variation in distance related to factors such as the income level and urbanization rate of the country.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Clio Kenterelidou, Fani Galatsopoulou
Summary: This study analyzes the digital narrative footprint of UNESCO's Marine World Heritage on social media, revealing a lack of shared management and communication strategy, as well as a disconnect between the biological and socio-ecological ecosystems in marine heritage management and communication. The findings indicate a need to strengthen marine heritage management and communication in order to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Ocean Literacy Decade.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sifeng Nian, Donghe Li, Jie Zhang, Song Lu, Xiaowan Zhang
Summary: Using structural equation modeling and surveying 563 tourist samples from Mount Sanqingshan National Park, this study examines the behavioral intention of tourists towards heritage conservation. The findings reveal that the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theory plays a significant role in shaping tourists' intentions to protect world heritage sites (WHSs). The perceived value of WHSs and destination attachment are positively influenced by the attractiveness of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), and tourists' perception of value contributes to heritage conservation. Additionally, heritage-conservation education and knowledge positively impact tourists' behavioral intentions towards heritage protection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xin Wang, Kangning Xiong, Meng Zhang, Xi Zhao
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the aesthetic value of World Heritage karst sites and identified key scientific issues and future research directions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhijun Xia, Jani Heino, Fandong Yu, Yongfeng He, Fei Liu, Jianwei Wang
Summary: Understanding beta diversity and its ecological determinants in freshwater ecosystems is crucial for biogeography, conservation biology, and environmental management. This study examined the patterns and mechanisms of beta diversity in freshwater fish using data from the Chishui River basin. The results showed that fish beta diversity was influenced by both environmental and spatial factors, and was related to species richness and community abundance. Functional traits of fish assemblages were also associated with beta diversity. The study highlights the importance of considering both site and species contributions to beta diversity for effective conservation of riverine fish diversity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kiriaki M. Keramitsoglou, Panagiotis Koudoumakis, Sofia Akrivopoulou, Rodope Papaevaggelou, Angelos L. Protopapas
Summary: This paper investigates the interconnectedness of the intangible and tangible cultural and natural heritage in the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece over centuries to strengthen the argument for an integrated protection and management system.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose Ramon-Cardona, David Daniel Pena-Miranda, Maria Dolores Sanchez-Fernandez
Summary: UNESCO World Heritage Sites hold great prestige, but the case of Ibiza has faced challenges in the protection and promotion of its cultural and natural elements, including communication confusion and concentrated tourist visits in the old town.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Veronica A. Beninato, Carlos E. Borghi, Natalia Andino, Mauricio A. Perez, Stella M. Giannoni
Summary: Researchers studied the impact of tourism on mara's habitat use using ecological approaches, detecting effects on habitat use related to tree, shrub and grass cover, as well as more abundant plant species coverage, with maras showing preference for areas with low bare soil and pebble cover.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca A. Senior, Brunno F. Oliveira, James Dale, Brett R. Scheffers
Summary: This study explores the conflicting roles of aesthetic value in biodiversity conservation by evaluating the aesthetics of passerines, the most speciose group of birds, using color metrics. The tropics are identified as global color hotspots, representing diverse and uniquely colored passerine assemblages. The pet trade, which currently affects 30% of passerines, targets uniquely colored species and related clusters. An additional 478 species are at risk of future trade based on their coloration and phylogenetic relationships. Modeling predicts localized losses of color diversity and uniqueness, highlighting the importance of proactive regulation of the bird trade to protect charismatic biodiversity and color hotspots.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giulio Zangari, Flavia Bartoli, Fernando Lucchese, Giulia Caneva
Summary: Plants in archaeological sites can pose risks to monument conservation, but they also serve as refugia for plant biodiversity. By analyzing the Etruscan necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia, we found that this site is home to a variety of plant species with high ecological interest, which are associated with both current and past land uses. Moreover, compared to well-known archaeological sites like Rome, the site's plant diversity is remarkably high, highlighting the need to consider plant diversity in management activities to protect its natural values.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammed Abdulfattah Bay, Mohammed Mashary Alnaim, Ghazy Abdullah Albaqawy, Emad Noaime
Summary: This study examines the changes in the World Heritage Site of Diriyah over three crucial periods, focusing on its physical, social, and economic aspects. By using a mixed-method approach, it investigates the heritage management practices and development impact of the site, highlighting the influence of the World Heritage Site inscription on heritage in Saudi Arabia. The study concludes that by adopting a sustainable development approach and preserving visual integrity and site authenticity, Diriyah can still undergo a successful massive makeover development. It emphasizes the significance of Historic Diriyah and its surroundings in establishing a national identity and international destination, as well as presenting a new development agenda for Saudi Arabia.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Haipeng Zhang, Kangning Xiong, Guangyu Fei, Ao Jin, Shirong Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the influence mechanisms of tourists' behavioral intentions towards conservation in heritage sites, introducing variables such as environmental knowledge awareness, geomorphological value perception, place attachment, and behavioral intention to construct a model. The model was tested on the Libo World Natural Heritage Site in southern China, and the results show that environmental knowledge awareness serves as the basis for place attachment and behavioral intention, while geomorphological value perception positively affects behavioral intention.
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
David Johns, Eileen Crist, Bittu Sahgal
Summary: Human societies' behavior is causing a steep decline in life on Earth. Conservation efforts are failing to address the root causes of this decline in biodiversity and must become more effective. Fundamental changes in human societies are urgently needed.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Sifeng Nian, Min Chen, Xiaowan Zhang, Donghe Li, Jingya Ren
Summary: A World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of outstanding universal value. The strategic objectives set by the World Heritage Committee have become crucial for sustainable development. Tourists' perceptions of attractiveness and congestion have significant implications for heritage protection and tourism's sustainability. The research investigates the factors and mechanisms of tourist satisfaction based on these perspectives.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Martin A. Coombes, Heather A. Viles
Summary: Nature-based solutions provide opportunities for incorporating green elements into cultural heritage conservation in cities, but concerns over potential negative impacts may hinder their uptake. Adapting NbS to address specific heritage conservation challenges and utilizing urban built heritage can bring mutual benefits and contribute to wider social benefits. The integration of built heritage into the NbS paradigm shows promise for strengthening resilient and sustainable urban communities.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhi Wang, Zhaoping Yang, Hui Shi, Fang Han, Qin Liu, Jianwei Qi, Yayan Lu
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lei Kang, Zhaoping Yang, Fang Han
Summary: Urbanization leads to the expansion of urban tourism and recreation, affecting residents' happiness. The study highlights the importance of natural and sociocultural recreation environments on happiness, with individual satisfaction mediating the relationship between the objective environment and happiness.
Article
Geography, Physical
Xumei Pan, Zhaoping Yang, Fang Han
Summary: Protected areas have a dual mandate of protecting and utilizing their resources. Nature-based tourism is considered effective for environmental conservation. Studying the spatiotemporal succession of tourism construction helps understand changes in tourism-environment interaction. Using Mt. Bogda as an example, we quantified the interaction between tourism construction and environmental factors, revealing changes in the protected area's landscape and the evolution of tourism-environment interaction over time. Our findings indicate that tourism construction initially increased, then decreased dramatically, and eventually grew slowly in the Bogda protected area. The spatial expansion followed a core-periphery pattern, with different stages of concentration on the core. The high land-use intensity of tourism construction influenced landscape fragmentation, diversity, stability, primitiveness, and the degree of nature in the area. The coupling coordination between tourism and the environment initially decreased but slowly increased. The interaction between tourism and the environment did not cause irreversible damage, suggesting a state of balanced development. This study provides insights into the pattern of periodic changes in China's protected areas.
JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qingliu Ren, Baoshi He, Xiaodong Chen, Jiali Han, Fang Han
Summary: This study briefly introduces the pro-environmental behavior intentions of tourists at World Natural Heritage sites and its influencing factors, proposes a new conceptual model EHPP, and validates the model through empirical research. The results indicate that the model is applicable to the behavior intentions chain of visitors, and environmental knowledge and heritage perception have significant impacts on visitor behavior intentions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tian Wang, Xiaodong Chen, Xin Zheng, Yayan Lu, Fang Han, Zhaoping Yang
Summary: This study proposes an integrated framework for identifying priority conservation areas for natural heritage sites. By assessing landscape ecological risks and ecosystem services, the study determines the most effective areas for conservation. The results can provide decision support for the conservation of heritage sites and serve as a methodological reference for other natural heritage sites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xuankai Ma, Zhaoping Yang, Jingzhe Wang, Fang Han
Summary: This study proposes a population model using nighttime LBS data and nighttime light data in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which shows good fit and reduced errors at the city level. The model introduces the concept of effective population simulation using nighttime LBS data globally and compensates for it with nighttime light data, thereby improving accuracy. The modeling framework can be used for dynamic and low-cost population estimates in ecologically vulnerable areas, supporting sustainable regional development.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tian Wang, Zhaoping Yang, Xiaodong Chen, Fang Han
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review and analysis of tourism destination resilience research based on literature from 2000 to 2021. The study identifies the primary countries involved in this research field and identifies five hot research themes. Additionally, the study proposes four research gaps and future directions for tourism destination resilience research, including the theoretical framework, assessment, sustainable management, and application of advanced technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yayan Lu, Fang Han, Qun Liu, Zhaoguo Wang, Tian Wang, Zhaoping Yang
Summary: This study assessed the nature-based recreation potential in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau using an integrated index, and found spatial variations in the potential. The construction of protected areas was effective in improving the potential, and altitude had a notable effect on it.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianwei Qi, Yayan Lu, Fang Han, Xuankai Ma, Zhaoping Yang
Summary: This paper analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of rural tourism villages in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau using various spatial analysis methods. The results show that there is an agglomeration distribution tendency of rural tourism villages in the southeast and a sparse distribution in the northwest. The villages are mainly distributed in areas with favorable topographic and climate conditions, near roads and water sources, around cities, and close to tourism resources. Social-economic factors and tourism resources are the dominant factors influencing the distribution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuaifei Duan, Fang Han, Feng Li, Zhaoping Yang
Summary: The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon (YTGC) region in China serves as an important gene bank for mountain biological species and provides an exceptional environment for scientists to study organism differentiation. This study evaluates the ecological value of the region and identifies the extremely important areas for conservation. The findings can be used to establish national parks for strict conservation and guide the construction of biodiversity conservation corridors.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yayan Lu, Junhong Zhao, Jianwei Qi, Tianyu Rong, Zhi Wang, Zhaoping Yang, Fang Han
Summary: Globally, mountains have experienced significant biodiversity loss and habitat degradation due to climate change and human activities. Evaluating habitat quality change is crucial for regional ecological security and human well-being enhancement. This study proposes an integrated framework using the NDVI and InVEST-HQ module to assess habitat quality, with the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang as an example. The results show spatiotemporal dynamics of habitat quality and the influence of factors such as terrain, land-use change, precipitation, temperature, and grazing intensity.
Article
Environmental Studies
Yayan Lu, Xiaoliang Xu, Junhong Zhao, Fang Han
Summary: This study evaluated the ecosystem services provided by the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020 using the InVEST and RUSLE models. The results showed that habitat quality and carbon storage remained relatively stable, while soil retention and water yield fluctuated significantly. All ecosystem services exhibited synergies, and middle- and high-altitude areas were the main supply areas. Land-use types and mean annual precipitation were identified as the dominant driving factors for ecosystem services.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaodong Chen, Zhaoping Yang, Fang Han
Summary: This study proposed an evaluation system for assessing the tourist landscape vulnerability in a mountainous natural area, considering the integration, ecology, and coordination aspects. The results revealed that the factors influencing the landscape vulnerability in Karajun-Kurdening were natural conditions, landscape patterns, and human activities. The forest and grassland landscapes were carriers of aesthetic value, with varying levels of vulnerability. The current tourism development was found to be compatible with the landscape.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baoshi He, Fang Han, Jiali Han, Qingliu Ren, Ying Li
Summary: The spatiotemporal ecological environment analysis of World Natural Heritage Sites (WNHSs) is crucial for their conservation and sustainable development. This study evaluates the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the ecological environment of the Kalajun-Kuerdening WNHS using remote sensing data. The results provide valuable insights for understanding the ecological background and evolutionary process of WNHSs and guide ecologically related decision making and management.
Article
Environmental Studies
Xiaodong Chen, Tian Wang, Xin Zheng, Fang Han, Zhaoping Yang
Summary: This study explores the structure and evolution characteristics of the tourism economic network on the Tibetan Plateau from 2015 to 2019. The findings reveal that tourism economic strength has increased over time, but with regional variations. The network density shows an overall upward trend, and the structure of the tourism economic network follows a core-periphery distribution pattern. A-level attractions and star-rated hotels significantly contribute to the formation of spatial associations. The study provides recommendations for policy-makers to promote tourism economic associations.