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.