3. Land Systems, Ecosystem Services and Management
A number of the articles focused on Land Systems, Ecosystem Services,
and Management, delving into the intricate relationships between
land-use patterns, the benefits derived from ecosystems, and the
strategies for sustainable management. Six distinct studies in the
special issue highlight these aspects. For instance, Azimi et al. (2020)
examine rangeland degradation’s impact on water conservation in Iran’s
Atrak River Basin, revealing a strong link between rangeland condition
and water conservation. Shrestha and Acharya (2020) focus on Nepal’s
Kathmandu Valley, exploring how historical and projected land-use
changes affect ecosystem service values. In a different study, Meena et
al. (2020) analyze the interplay between land use, topography, and
carbon dynamics in the Indian Himalayas, suggesting diversified systems
enhance carbon and soil sustainability. In China, Cao et al. (2020)
discuss ecological restoration’s intersection with poverty alleviation,
indicating its potential for sustainable outcomes. Tian et al. (2020)
investigate anthropogenic activities’ repercussions on ecosystem
services in Tibet, stressing the need for context-aware ecological
management. Shi et al. (2021) explore the complex relationship between
rapid urbanization and ecosystem services in Northwestern China,
advocating for balanced urban planning models. Further, Dar et al.
(2021) study water quality degradation from land use changes around
India’s Khushalsar Wetland, underlining the importance of steering
land-use modifications. Additionally, Rajbanshi and Das (2021) assess
land-use impacts on soil carbon dynamics, estimating the economic
consequences. As a collection, these studies highlight the urgency of
comprehensive methodologies encompassing ecological, social, and
economic elements. Such approaches are critical in fostering sustainable
land utilization, safeguarding ecosystem services, and mitigating the
detrimental impacts of land degradation on the environment.