Work

Examining the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Land Use Conflicts from an Ecological Security Perspective: A Case Study of Tianshui City, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Land use conflicts pose a growing challenge to sustainable development, particularly in regions experiencing rapid urbanization. This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use conflicts and their ecological implications in Tianshui City from 1980 to 2020. The objectives are to identify patterns of spatial heterogeneity, explore the driving factors behind land use conflicts, and analyze their relationship with ecological risks.The natural breaks (Jenks) classification method was employed to categorize land use conflicts into five levels, ranging from no conflict to severe conflict, with classification accuracy evaluated using the Kappa coefficient, achieving a minimum value of 0.83. Semivariance geostatistical analysis was applied to assess spatial heterogeneity, revealing that structural factors such as topography and climate dominated in the early years, while stochastic factors, including urbanization and socio-economic development, became increasingly influential over time. Bivariate LISA clustering analysis highlighted a strong spatial correlation between high land use conflicts and ecological risks, particularly in areas undergoing rapid transitions, such as the conversion of arable land to urban uses.The results indicate a significant expansion of high-conflict and severe-conflict zones, particularly in urban and agriculturally fertile regions, accompanied by a decline in conflict-free areas. The aggregation of high-risk activities, such as urban sprawl and industrial development, has further exacerbated ecological risks. These findings underscore the need for integrated land use policies that prioritize ecological protection, promote sustainable urban expansion, and mitigate the impacts of land use conflicts. Future research should incorporate emerging drivers, such as climate variability, and develop advanced models to improve the prediction and management of land use conflicts and their ecological consequences.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17052253

Authors: Yifei Li, Qiang Liu

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, Tianshui Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau

Language: English

Topic: Land Use and Ecosystem Services

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896