Environmental Challenges最新文献

{"title":"Spatial expansion of artisanal and small-scale gold mining nearby the Nile River, Sudan and its potential environmental impacts: Insights from Planetscope data and machine learning","authors":"Abdelmajeed A. Elrasheed ,&nbsp;Yousif Y. Obaid ,&nbsp;Szilárd Szabó","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101278","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101278","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has dramatically expanded along the Nile River, North Sudan; however, the rates and environmental impacts were not sufficiently assessed. We aimed to use PlanetScope data to detect and map ASGM and highlight its environmental impacts around the Nile River, North Sudan, using the random forest (RF) classifier in three steps. First, a visual inspection and analysis were performed to evaluate how distinguishable ASGM sites are from rock units/geological features in color composites; then, reference data were collected from processed images for training and testing, and supervised classification was conducted using binary and multiclass RF classifiers. RF and PlanetScope data were efficient in discriminating ASGM sites with high overall accuracy (0.84-0.92). The binary approach ensured higher accuracy over the multiclass approach, but the latter helped to understand the spatial distribution of illegal mining. Our findings showed that ASGM areas significantly expanded from 50 ha (2016) to 90 ha (2021) and 125 ha (2024). Additionally, we highlighted the environmental risks associated with the development of ASGM in the region. The results can help decision makers and stakeholders to obtain better information on the environment, and the methodology helps to monitor ASGM activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101278"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations","authors":"János Szenderák,&nbsp;Dániel Fróna,&nbsp;Mónika Rákos","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Expiration date labels are fundamental policy tools; however, the information presented on these labels is often misinterpreted, resulting in the discarding of otherwise edible food. The confusion surrounding expiration date labels leads to unnecessary food waste and increases the pressure on natural resources. This research reviewed consumer understanding of expiration date labels and synthesized the policy recommendations. We found that consumers frequently experienced confusion about expiration date labels, and their interpretation was affected by contextual factors. Knowledge and understanding of expiration date labels varied considerably, while the range of policy proposals was relatively narrow, suggesting a restricted policy space. Consumer education and information campaigns were among the most common policy recommendations, despite their modest efficiency in altering consumer behavior. Standardizing expiration date labels and altering their physical appearance may enhance the efficiency of information transfer; however, the individual risk perception of different products must be taken into account. However, the limited scope of policy proposals can significantly hinder the effectiveness of resource management policies. Therefore, understanding real-life consumer habits and waste behavior when designing product- and region-specific policy responses is essential for enhancing sustainability efforts. Finally, we propose a simplified framework for possible policy interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101269"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mangrove composition and anthropogenic marine debris survey in Camotes Group of Islands, Philippines","authors":"Maximino III Abejo ,&nbsp;Arnel Nudalo ,&nbsp;Martha Joyce Garciano ,&nbsp;Ian Paul Bayon ,&nbsp;Chembelyn Gella Bayon ,&nbsp;Marvin Guinocor ,&nbsp;Jesrael Linao ,&nbsp;Althea Mae Guevara ,&nbsp;Christine Caya ,&nbsp;Sylvester Tan Cortes","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101270","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101270","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mangrove forests provide vital economic and socio-ecological functions, including shoreline protection, nursery, and habitat provision for marine biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water purification, livelihood support, and preservation of traditional and cultural values. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by natural forces and anthropogenic pressures, particularly the accumulation of Anthropogenic Marine Debris (AMD). While AMD deposition has been documented globally, data remain limited and geographically restricted, especially in smaller island systems where tourism and coastal development are rapidly expanding. This study surveyed AMD deposition and mangrove species composition in the Camotes Group of Islands, an emerging tourism hub in the Philippines, with the goal of informing localized conservation planning. Fieldwork was conducted in four municipalities: Tudela (S1), Poro (S2), San Francisco (S3), and Pilar (S4), using 15 quadrats (10×10 m each) per site, distributed across seaward, midward, and landward zones along five perpendicular transects. A total of 11 mangrove species were identified, comprising eight true mangroves and three mangrove associates. The families <em>Rhizophoraceae</em> and <em>Lythraceae</em> were the most represented. Notably, two species, <em>Sonneratia ovata</em> (near threatened) and <em>Avicennia rumphiana</em> (vulnerable), were recorded, indicating the urgency of focused conservation efforts. Across the 6000 m² study area, 2003 AMD items weighing 102.886 kg were documented, with plastics (<em>e.g.,</em> packaging, beverage containers, food wrappers) accounting for the majority. Although the total debris volume was lower than reported in heavily urbanized regions, the consistent presence of AMD in all sites highlights the urgent need for locally tailored interventions. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted and evidence-based strategies tailored to the Camotes Group of Islands context. These include establishing community-based monitoring programs, launching plastic waste reduction campaigns, restoring debris-impacted mangrove areas, and aligning local actions with national marine litter policies. Enhanced public awareness and inter-agency collaboration will be crucial to sustaining the ecological integrity of mangrove ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities in the Camotes Group of Islands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101270"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A community based approach to arsenic treatment for private well users in licking county, Ohio","authors":"Abbi Flamm,&nbsp;Kelsea Best,&nbsp;John J. Lenhart","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Private well users are not protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and rural communities reliant on well water often experience disproportionate exposure to environmental contaminants in these waters. This study aims to identify an affordable and effective solution for private well users with arsenic contamination in Licking County, Ohio, address current barriers to well stewardship, and assess the impact of targeted education on the households' perceptions, self-efficacy, and future intentions to test, treat, and maintain their wells. Fourteen households were provided with a point-of-use (POU) treatment system, and its effectiveness was evaluated over a twelve-week period. Additionally, households received tailored education and resources to aid them in testing, treating and maintaining their wells. Changes in the households’ perceptions, self-efficacy, stewardship practices, and future intentions were assessed through semi-structured interviews and surveys. We found that the POU system effectively reduced arsenic levels below the USEPA's maximum contaminant level in all households. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in perceptions of water quality and safety, self-efficacy, knowledge of contamination risks, and intentions to engage in future well stewardship. These findings suggest that targeted education and practical treatment solutions can positively influence well stewardship and raise awareness of contamination risks. This study highlights the importance of developing and enhancing well management interventions in collaboration with rural communities to improve access to safe water. Policy implications include the need for targeted, continuous community education and required well testing to help mitigate disparities in access to safe drinking water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144866824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tritium plume observations in Lake Huron: measurements of dispersion and comparison of lateral plume structure with the normal distribution of the Gaussian Plume Model","authors":"Volodymyr Korolevych,&nbsp;Dan Festarini","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study describes observations of the near-shore transport and dispersion of routine but intermittent tritium emissions from the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station into Lake Huron, which are used as a tracer for inferring dispersion parameters. Study region covers 45 km along the shore northward, 38 km southward, and 18 km off the shore. Currents were recorded by GPS drifters deployed in the study region, and tritium concentrations in the effluent plume were collected both along drifter trajectories and across them. Two episodes were analysed: one with the plume going into the headwind and one with a regular wind-driven plume. <em>In situ</em> dispersion was calculated from tritium plume observations. The highest concentrations encountered at each distance from the source were combined to locate the plume centreline and deduce scaling (dependence on the distance to the source) according to a power-law fit to these concentrations. Lateral distribution of concentration in the plume was Gaussian Plume Model parameterised with this <em>in situ</em> dispersion and then applied to remaining sampling locations, that is, to all off-centreline observations to model predictions.</div><div>The headwind episode yielded a scaling exponent of dispersion <em>α</em> = 0.711 and magnitude S_y = 11.3, and the episode of a regular wind-driven plume yielded <em>α</em> = 0.411 and S_y = 25.9. Gaussian Plume Model from SRS-19 was deployed with these parameters. Across the analyzed region model predictions were characterized by R² = 0.34 and Pearson <strong><em>r</em></strong> = 0.36 during the headwind episode and R² = 0.72 with <strong><em>r</em></strong> = 0.71 during the regular wind-driven episode.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144866822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From vulnerability to viability: Climate-Smart agriculture as drivers of productivity and food security in Nigerian maize-based farming households","authors":"Adetomiwa Kolapo ,&nbsp;Stefan Sieber","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria, particularly among smallholder maize farmers in Southwest Nigeria, where erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods exacerbate vulnerability. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is increasingly adopted to enhance resilience, yet its effects on productivity and food security remain underexplored. This study investigates how CSA practices mitigate climate change vulnerability among Nigerian maize farming households, focusing on their impact on maize yield and household food security, and identifying factors influencing their implementation. Conducted in Southwest Nigeria, the research sampled 480 maize farmers using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. Data on CSA adoption, productivity, and food security (Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) score, and Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP) were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression (MESRM), Tobit regression, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Vulnerability was assessed with a Household Vulnerability Index (HVI). CSA adoption varied, with drought-tolerant maize varieties at 76 %, soil conservation at 44 %, and organic fertilizer at 39 %. MESRM showed significant yield increases (80.859 kg/ha with combined practices). HDDS improved with CSA, but HFIAS scores rose unexpectedly for some practices, indicating trade-offs. Adoption was driven by age, gender, and extension access, with barriers including household size and labor constraints. Vulnerability analysis highlighted regional climate risks, with CSA reducing exposure and sensitivity. CSA enhances resilience and productivity but requires tailored strategies to address adoption barriers and food security complexities. Integrated approaches and policy support are critical for maximizing benefits in climate-vulnerable maize systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101268"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144866823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Depth-resolved seasonal assessment of pharmaceutical residues in sediments from Bloemfontein, South Africa","authors":"Elizabeth Oyinkansola Omotola ,&nbsp;Gladys Belle ,&nbsp;Brenda Moodley ,&nbsp;Olatunde Olatunji ,&nbsp;Paul Oberholster","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pharmaceutical residues are increasingly recognized as contaminants of emerging concern due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This study investigated the occurrence and concentrations of azithromycin, prednisolone, dexamethasone, and prednisone in riverine sediments from Bloemfontein, South Africa, during summer (February 2024) and winter (May 2024). Sediment samples were collected in 5 cm depth increments (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–15 cm) from the discharge point, upstream, and downstream zones, with seasonal differences observed across all depths. Solid-phase extraction was employed, followed by analysis using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Chromatographic separation involved a C18 column under a gradient elution of acetonitrile and water, each spiked with 0.1% methanoic acid. Overall, higher concentrations of analytes were observed during summer compared to winter, except for azithromycin, which was higher in winter. The presence of pharmaceuticals in the deepest layers (10–15 cm) suggests earlier contamination, while detections in surface layers (0–5 cm) indicate more recent inputs. Dexamethasone exhibited the highest concentration across all sites in both seasons. Average summer concentrations were 11.30 ng/g (azithromycin), 23.01 ng/g (prednisolone), 40.13 ng/g (dexamethasone), and 7.69 ng/g (prednisone). In winter, prednisone was not detected, while azithromycin, prednisolone, and dexamethasone averaged 24.92 ng/g, 3.81 ng/g, and 4.91 ng/g, respectively. The detection of these pharmaceuticals across all sites indicates widespread contamination and potential for long-term environmental persistence. These findings raise concerns about ecological risks, including bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. The study underlines the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment and routine environmental monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning-based analysis of wetland loss and agricultural expansion dynamics in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle, Vietnamese Mekong Delta (1990–2023)","authors":"Tran The Dinh ,&nbsp;Ho Nguyen ,&nbsp;Nguyen Thi Phuong","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics are critical for understanding environmental changes and their implications for sustainable land management. This study presents the first comprehensive comparative analysis of three widely-used machine learning classifiers (Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Classification and Regression Trees (CART)) to assess LULC changes in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle (LXQ), a significant agricultural zone in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), over the period 1990–2023. Employing Landsat imagery and machine learning classifiers – RF, SVM, and CART – within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, we evaluated classification accuracy and analyzed LULC transformations. The RF classifier achieved the highest accuracy (overall accuracy: 95.90%; Kappa coefficient: 0.951), significantly outperforming SVM and CART. Results highlighted substantial LULC shifts, notably the extensive expansion of arable cropland, urban growth, and substantial reductions in wetlands and upland forests. Specifically, wetlands declined dramatically by approximately 89% from 2593.96 km² in 1990 to 293.74 km² in 2023, while arable cropland increased by approximately 100% from 1996.81 km² to 3994.39 km² during the same period. These changes were primarily driven by socio-economic factors such as agricultural intensification and urbanization, leading to significant ecological impacts, including biodiversity loss and hydrological alterations. This study underscores the effectiveness of advanced geospatial technologies and machine learning for monitoring and understanding LULC dynamics. The study highlights critical land management needs, including wetland preservation, careful urban planning, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate adverse ecological impacts in rapidly developing regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of different organic amendments on Cd and Pb bioavailability, uptake, and growth by Ipomoea aquatica","authors":"Farzana Ahmed Rumi,&nbsp;Md. Shoffikul Islam,&nbsp;Md. Abul Kashem","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metal contamination in acid soil is a potential risk for crop growth and food security. Organic amendments can decrease metal toxicity and ameliorate soil; however, their comparative effectiveness has not been well defined. This experiment evaluated the effectiveness of four organic amendments, including sugarcane trash biochar, chicken manure biochar, used tea waste, and eggshell powder, in improving soil properties, reducing Cd and Pb bioavailability, and promoting the growth of <em>Ipomoea aquatica</em> (water spinach). A pot experiment was conducted using soil contaminated with Cd (18 mg kg^-1), Pb (1125 mg kg^-1), or both, with a 5 % amendment rate. Chicken manure biochar exhibited the best improvement on soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, pore structure, specific surface, and essential nutrient contents (N, P, Fe), contributing favorable conditions for plant growth and mitigating metal mobility among all treatments. It decreased DTPA-extractable Cd and Pb by 62 % and 89 %, respectively, and increased metals’ conversions from labile to less labile forms. Its high porosity, functional groups, Fe amount, and alkalinity contributed to promoting its metal adsorption, co-precipitation, and complexation over other amendments. Consequently, shoot Cd and Pb uptakes were decreased by 92 % and 74 %, respectively, and significantly reduced bioconcentration and translocation factors were found. The shoot and root biomasses were increased up to 22- and 15-fold, respectively, due to toxicity alleviation and benefits derived from better nutrient availability. Other amendments also improved soil quality and reduced metal uptake but to a lesser extent. Overall, chicken manure biochar was the most effective and sustainable amendment to remediate metal-contaminated acidic soils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patterns of change: Land use/ land cover dynamics in priority vs. non-priority watersheds in Eastern Kentucky","authors":"Shreesha Pandeya ,&nbsp;Buddhi R. Gyawali ,&nbsp;Suraj Upadhaya ,&nbsp;Demetrio Zourarakis ,&nbsp;Maheteme Gebremedhin","doi":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.envc.2025.101264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Land use and land cover change (LULCC) in mining-affected landscapes presents significant challenges for ecological restoration and sustainable watershed management. It is important to examine whether prioritizing watersheds is an effective strategy for promoting stable and ecologically beneficial land cover transitions. Priority Watersheds (PWs), classified under the EPA guidelines, receive greater consideration for funding and resources. The effectiveness of various restoration efforts remains unexplored at the watershed level, and this study examines whether the PWs are performing better than the Non-Priority Watersheds (NPWs). It is hypothesized that there is no significant difference in LULCC between the PWs and NPWs. It assessed the differences in spatiotemporal dynamics of LULCC between PWs and NPWs in the Big Sandy River Basin, Kentucky, using National Land Cover Datasets (NLCD) from 2001 to 2021. Remote sensing and GIS were used to map transitions across eight major land cover classes, and hot spot analysis was employed to compare patterns of LULCC in PWs and NPWs. Results showed that, between 2001 and 2021, PWs experienced more ecologically favorable transitions, including significant reductions in barren land (-67.0 %), a slight increase in forest (0.90 %), and a significant increase in shrubland cover (234.1 %), primarily due to targeted restoration efforts and regulatory frameworks. In contrast, NPWs exhibited more fragmented and unstable land cover changes, including a forest decline (-0.1 %), higher rates of development (6.8 %) and water loss (-10.2 %), reflecting weaker oversight and limited reclamation. These findings underscore the effectiveness of watershed prioritization and the need for expanded restoration efforts in NPWs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34794,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Challenges","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 101264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144852747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}