Accelerating the transition to sustainable land systems requires integrated tools that can capture the complex interactions between soils, vegetation, livestock, and climate. In Ireland, grassland–livestock systems are a dominant land use and a major source of agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, these systems also hold unique potential for delivering climate mitigation and ecosystem co-benefits. This study introduces a modular simulation framework designed to explore land use scenarios and carbon dynamics under changing climatic and management conditions. Built upon the HOLOS-IE platform, we develop and test interactive modules for grass growth and livestock productivity, calibrated for Irish agro-ecosystems. Unlike conventional approaches, our model links field-level management (e.g. grazing, fertilization) with soil carbon processes, allowing for a dynamic evaluation of nature-based solutions such as adaptive grazing, reduced-input strategies, and enhanced soil resilience. Spatially explicit weather, soil, and land use data are integrated to support scenario analysis and farm-level decision making. This approach contributes to global sustainability agendas by enabling climate-smart agriculture. It also aligns with principles of land governance through transparent digital tools that promote evidence-based policies and farmer engagement. The modeling system serves as a prototype for how agro-environmental models can be transformed into operational platforms for land monitoring, GHG reporting, and long-term planning under uncertainty. Our findings underscore the role of integrated modeling in delivering climate and biodiversity targets through sustainable land management.

Urban resilience typically refers to the built environment and how cities can adapt to climate change and other natural factors. Studies on urban morphology reveal that the foundation of urban development lies in the parceling system, and that urban diversity is, to a large extent, a consequence of the diversity of parcels, which clearly expresses the transformation processes and shows the continuity between people and the territory they inhabit. However, the relationship between the formal qualities of the parceling system and urban resilience has not been extensively studied. This study focuses on investigating the main morphological parameters of the parceling formal quality, developing a method that aims to align them with the key attributes of the urban resilience concept, as defined by global frameworks.
Recent approaches emphasize criteria like robustness, redundancy, integration, reflectiveness, inclusivity, and flexibility to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. This paper shifts the understanding of urban resilience beyond a focus on buildings (materials and technologies) to incorporate the parceling system as a crucial genetic structuring element of settlements. The advance of exclusively quantitative tools and methods in the measurement of urban form risks disregarding the cultural dimension of the parceling system, which defines its character not only symbolically but also practically. This paper advances the idea that urban resilience should not be viewed solely as a parametric and technical matter, but as a deeply human aspiration of the urban phenomenon as a whole. Therefore, this method provides a structured way to analyze the formal qualities of parceling grids as a first step in a more comprehensive urban resilience assessment, based on complementary approaches that incorporate socio-economic and cultural dynamics.

Urban coastal areas face increasing flood risks due to climate change, sea level rise, and rapid urbanization. Traditional engineering solutions may not always be cost-effective, sufficient, or sustainable in addressing these complex and evolving challenges. As a result, Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) are gaining recognition as multi-functional approaches that work with natural systems to enhance coastal resilience and reduce vulnerability. This paper synthesizes current evidence and emerging approaches to implementing NbSs for flood risk management in urban coastal areas of the Nile Delta Region, drawing on interdisciplinary case studies, the scientific literature, and policy analyses. The study examines how NbSs contribute to flood mitigation while delivering a range of co-benefits, including improved environmental quality, enhanced urban planning, and strengthened community resilience. Additionally, NbSs offer long-term, adaptable, and cost-effective strategies that can complement traditional infrastructure. Key factors for successful implementation include inclusive stakeholder engagement, adaptive governance structures, and integrated planning across urban and ecological systems. However, barriers such as funding constraints, land use conflicts, limited technical capacity, and institutional fragmentation continue to hinder widespread adoption. This study presents a comprehensive framework to guide policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners in integrating NbSs into flood risk strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of context-specific, evidence-based, and inclusive approaches that align ecological functions with urban development goals, promoting more sustainable and resilient coastal urban futures.

This study took place in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu, from September 2018 to January 2019, aiming to estimate and map soil moisture using Sentinel-1 C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. Monthly dual-polarized (VV and VH) SAR images were collected along with simultaneous ground measurements using the gravimetric method during satellite passes. SAR data were processed using the SNAP toolbox to extract the backscattering coefficient (σ⁰), which was correlated with local soil moisture and the incidence angle. VV polarization σ⁰ values ranged from -14.28 dB to -2.47 dB and VH values from -21.84 dB to -9.04 dB. Multiple linear regression models were developed to establish empirical relationships between σ⁰, the incidence angle, and soil moisture. The measured soil moisture levels displayed temporal fluctuations. October 2018 exhibited the highest variability (standard deviation ≈7.94) and an outlier value of 29.17%, likely due to uneven rainfall. January 2019 recorded the lowest average soil moisture (mean ≈5.04%) and the least variability, indicating stable, dry conditions. November 2018 had the largest sample size (30 observations) and showed moderate variability, while both September 2018 and January 2019 reflected relatively low moisture levels. A correlation analysis between observed soil moisture and SAR backscatter indicated that VV polarization consistently demonstrated a stronger association with ground measurements than VH. These empirical equations were integrated into a Google Earth Engine (GEE) tool for near real-time soil moisture visualization and monitoring. The GEE tool estimated soil moisture with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.65 and delivered instantaneous spatial outputs. This study demonstrates that Sentinel-1 SAR data, particularly VV polarization, combined with cloud-based platforms like GEE, provides a reliable and scalable approach for real-time soil moisture assessment across agricultural landscapes.

The Strait of Messina occupies a strategic position in the Mediterranean, representing an environmental and territorial peculiarity. The Strait Area is today at the center of the political debate for the stable crossing project, a strategic infrastructure work for Italy and Europe. With the Strait Bridge, territorial arrangements, sea fronts, infrastructure systems, and urban and architectural dimensions will change. It appears necessary to prepare the territories and take advantage of all the opportunities related to future scenarios. The Strait Area is not only marked by the crossing, but the whole territorial and urban system—the coastal strip and inland areas—becomes an active part of the processes of territorial regeneration and development.

Methods: The article, after an examination of the best practices and experiences of the world's Straits, analyzes useful case studies to understand what processes and phenomena “cross” them and what works, what urban, spatial, and architectural interactions and strategies they intercept or lap up. Marine “straits” are unique, and one realizes that the strength of their peculiarities lies not only in their function as a natural link between two shores but also in their role in channeling flows and energies.

The goal is to understand their extraordinary potential to promote a synergistic and sustainable transformation, devising strategies to prevent the opportunity of the construction of the Strait Bridge from becoming a missed opportunity for the enhancement of its shores as catalysts for rebirth and innovation. The paper addresses the relationship with the environment and design responses with respect to the intervention priorities that emerged from the case studies, proposing a regeneration model. Attempts are made to identify possible design strategies so that the bridge does not merely unite two shores but relates to socio-economic issues, regeneration, and architectural and urban enhancement, involving resources and actors in the Straits area.

Introduction: Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in Morocco is increasingly recognized as a strategic response to rapid urbanization, climate change, land degradation, and growing food insecurity. In metropolitan areas such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Meknès, UPA contributes to ecosystem services, food sovereignty, cultural heritage preservation, and inclusive livelihoods, particularly benefiting women and youth. Methods: This study employed a spatial analysis of urban growth patterns and land use data, complemented by qualitative fieldwork, including stakeholder interviews and case studies, conducted in selected Moroccan cities. A socio-economic and agroecological assessment was also carried out to evaluate the multifunctional roles of UPA and its contribution to sustainable land systems. Results: The findings show that UPA significantly reinforces the urban–rural continuum by buffering against land fragmentation and promoting sustainable land practices. Traditional agricultural knowledge, when combined with agroecological principles, enhances system resilience and resource efficiency. However, urban expansion, insecure land tenure, and water scarcity remain critical constraints. Governance gaps and limited policy integration hinder the scaling of UPA further. Conclusions: UPA represents a valuable land use strategy to support local food systems, restore degraded landscapes, and improve urban resilience to climate change. Institutional recognition and integrated urban planning are essential to unlock its full potential. This work contributes to global dialogues on sustainable land systems and aligns with the UN SDGs 2, 11, and 15, responding to the global call for interdisciplinary approaches to land system sustainability in the Global South.

Metro expansion induces significant modifications to the terrain and land cover through construction activities such as flyovers, embankments, and excavation. Accurate elevation data is crucial to detect these horizontal and vertical changes, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study utilized NASA’s ICESat-2, launched in 2018 with the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS), which operates at a wavelength of 532 nm and a pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz, producing ~70 cm ground footprints. ICESat-2’s high-resolution photon-counting laser altimetry provides more precise elevation data than conventional DEMs such as SRTM, ASTER, and CartoDEM. The Kolkata Metropolitan Area, situated along the Hooghly River in eastern India, was selected as the case study due to its ongoing metro expansion and urban sprawl. ICESat-2 elevation values were compared with six open-access DEMs—FABDEM, CartoDEM, TanDEM-X Edited DEM, SRTM, ASTER, and COP-DEM-GLO-30—at selected footprint locations. After filtering uncertainty and removing building footprints, 1636 ATL08 footprints were used for analysis of terrain height, and 38,101 ATL06 footprints were used for for the Digital Surface Model analysis. Outliers were eliminated using the 3-sigma method. Statistical metrics, including RMSE, MAE, mean, SD, and MAD, were used for analysis. The assessment of DEMs used ICESat-2 as a reference and a filtering threshold of 0.25m for elevation deviations, finding that the values of RMSE for FABDEM, CartoDEM, TanDEM-X EDEM, SRTM, COP-30, and ASTER are 1.41m, 4.36m, 3.42m, 4.78m, 3.07m, and 7.14m, respectively. The results indicated that FABDEM 1.41m (for ATL08) is the most reliable among the evaluated datasets. Additionally, LULC changes over the past 30 years were mapped using random forest classification and multi-temporal satellite imagery. The analysis showed significant increases in built-up areas from 1995 to 2025 among all the buffer classes of 250m, 500m, 750m, and 1000m used in this study. This integrated analysis offers critical insights for metro infrastructure development and urban planning in fast-growing metropolitan regions.

In Benin, the sustainability of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production is threatened by the dependency on mineral fertilizers (MFs). Although MFs are effective in increasing cotton yields, they are often misused by farmers, leading to soil degradation and detrimental environmental impacts. This study optimizes nutrient use efficiency by activating biochar with two nutrient sources, MF (NPKSB+urea) and Compost (C), which was tested on cotton. The design was an RCBD with four replicates and eighteen (18) treatment combinations:three proportions of biochar (0%, 15%, and 25%, named B0, B15, and B25, respectively) and six fertilizer rates (combinations of MF and compost: 25% C+50% MF; 50% C+50% MF; 25% C+75% MF; 0% C+100% MF; 0% C+75% MF; and 0% C+50% MF, named C25N50; C50N50; C25N75; C0N100; C0N75; and C0N50, respectively). Variables measured included yield (YLD: 180 days after planting (DAP)), plant height (HT: 45, 60, 90, and 120 DAP), number of fruiting branches per plant (NFB: 120 DAP), and number of capsules per branch (NCF: 120 DAP). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using standard procedure in R version 4.4.2. The results show that yield was strongly influenced by the application of NPK fertilizer with or without compost compensation, while biochar does not show a significant effect (p = 0.912). But MF has a significant effect on all response variables, particularly on HT (p < 0.001) and NFB (p = 0.001). Application of 25% biochar combined with 75% fertilizer exhibited higher performance, with an average of 141.2 cm. NFB increased with B15C50N50 (30.65 compared to 21,4 per plant on control plot). Regarding the cottonseed yield, an average highest yield of 3,41 t/ha was determined with B15C25N75 compared to 2.25 t/ha in B0C0N0. These results highlight the potential of biochar as a sustainable amendment to improve nutrient use efficiency. Combining MF application with biochar and compost maximizes cotton performance while reducing environmental impacts.

Eaton Canyon in California serves as the focal point for a comprehensive post-wildfire ecological impact assessment. This study employs an approach integrating satellite imagery from the European Space Agency's Sentinel constellation to study an area of 271.49 〖km〗^2. The data encompasses both radar and multispectral data, offering a multi-dimensional view of the affected landscape. The analysis leverages the power of the Random Forest Algorithm. Firstly, three widely used indices—the Difference Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR), Relative Burn Ratio (RBR), and Relative Difference Normalized Burn Ratio (RdNBR)—were calculated and compared based on their accuracy and Kappa Index. Secondly, we developed a fusion approach to create a precise fire severity map by classifying the affected area into distinct severity classes. Thirdly, a separate fusion approach was developed utilizing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Radar Vegetation Index (RVI), and Modified Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (MNDVI) to analyze the distribution of vegetation before and after the wildfire. The results showed a perfect 100% accuracy and Kappa Index in all the predictions. A percentage of 56.79% did not burn, due to the topography of the canyon creating natural firebreaks. Areas classified as low severity (13.49%) showed minimal damage with minimal tree mortality. Moderate- to low-severity areas (5.79%) represented regions with partial crown burn and some tree mortality. Moderate- to high-severity areas (3.57%) showed significant tree mortality. Finally, high-severity areas (20.36%), characterized by complete tree mortality and significant loss of vegetation cover, were largely concentrated in specific sections of the canyon, likely influenced by factors such as slope and fuel type. These findings provide valuable information for post-fire ecological recovery efforts and future land management strategies in Eaton Canyon and similar fire-prone landscapes.

Tropical forests are vital for achieving global sustainability, biodiversity, and climate goals. However, despite their social-ecological importance, tropical forest loss (TFL) remains a critical issue. This study addresses three fundamental yet important questions. First, how do TFL rates at the global and regional levels compare between the periods before (2011–2015) and after (2016–2022) the adoption of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement? Second, how do TFL rates across these periods relate to indexes of key ecosystem functions and services—namely, climate change mitigation (MIT), biodiversity conservation (BIO), and disaster risk reduction (DRR, specifically landslides)—and their co-benefits (CBI)? Third, how do TFL rates and these indexes relate to existing protected areas (PAs)? Using remote sensing-derived data and spatial analysis techniques, the results reveal a 34% increase in the global average annual TFL between the two periods, with significant increases observed in South America and Africa. Areas with moderate CBI experienced higher TFL rates in both periods. Although tropical PAs have expanded and are generally located in areas with higher CBI, their effectiveness in curbing TFL has been limited. The average annual TFL within tropical PAs rose significantly by 71% between the two periods. Furthermore, the average annual share of forest loss within tropical PAs, relative to the total TFL in the tropics, also increased significantly by 27%. Nonetheless, signs of a global slowdown in annual TFL rates after 2015 offer hope for reversing these trends. Fully achieving this reversal, however, requires transforming the enabling environment that sustains global TFL by strengthening national policies and effectively implementing international initiatives for sustainable forest management.