Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Blue-green infrastructure in Baghdad's residential complexes

Sajeda Kadhum Al-Kindy, Donia Naseer Tareq — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motivates: Studies have shown that many cities worldwide face environmental challenges imposed by climate change and rapid urban expansion, which reduces green spaces and transforms them into urban areas. Addressing these challenges requires the adoption of methodologies and strategies and methodologies that promote blue-green infrastructure, which integrate greening and water features to enhance thermal comfort, public health, and overall quality of life.
Aims: This study provides a context-specific evaluation of Blue-Green Infrastructure in the hot-arid climate of Baghdad, where extreme heat and low humidity create microclimatic conditions distinct from those of temperate regions commonly addressed in previous research. The research examines key microclimate indicators – Potential Air Temperature, Sky View Factor (SVF), Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), Relative Humidity, and PMV – within a residential complex to assess the effectiveness of BGI in improving outdoor thermal comfort. The study addresses a knowledge gap regarding the role of BGI in mitigating heat stress in Baghdad and demonstrates that integrating vegetation and water elements can contribute to reducing temperatures and enhancing comfort levels in hot-dry environments.
Results: The research findings confirm the significant impact of blue-green infrastructure in improving the climatic conditions of residential complexes in Baghdad.

The reading Baghdad’s riverfront spaces: A space syntax approach to uncovering the urban event potential between Rusafa and Karkh

Noor Hussain Ali, Sajeda Kadhum Al-Kindy, Zuhair A. Nasar — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the Tigris River in Baghdad as a central urban axis that has partially lost its integrative and functional role due to contemporary urban transformations, reduced accessibility, and limited spatial activation. By employing quantitative spatial analysis using Space Syntax methodology, selected central riverfront segments were analyzed based on integration, connectivity, and intelligibility indicators to reveal spatial differentiation between the Rusafa and Karkh riverbanks. The findings indicate a clear variation in spatial potential, with highly integrated areas suitable for accommodating large-scale urban events, while less connected zones are more appropriate for localized interventions. The study also highlights the critical role of intelligibility in enhancing spatial perception and user interaction with the riverfront environment. Integrating Space Syntax analysis with a scenographic approach provides an effective analytical framework for reactivating the Tigris River as a dynamic urban stage and for supporting future riverfront design strategies in historic Baghdad.

Regulation of sustainable land use issues in the Ukrainian context

Liudmyla Datsenko, Svitlana Titova, Marharyta Dubnytska — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: The issue of sustainable and rational land use has become highly relevant due to military actions in Ukraine. The article identifies threats and risks to land use caused by warfare, analyzes foreign post-conflict land restoration practices, and considers their applicability to Ukraine. Current economic conditions necessitate creating an institutional framework and enhancing mechanisms for sustainable land use adapted to wartime specifics. A structural-graphic model has been developed to address these challenges. The study also highlights weak points in legislation and the cadastral system, offering recommendations grounded in international experience and tailored to Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruction amid full-scale war.
Aim: To generalize international experience in sustainable land use systems; identify Ukraine’s current land use issues under martial law; and propose regulatory solutions.
Results: Key land use threats due to war are outlined. The study confirms the need to develop regulatory and methodological tools, considering best global practices. A structural model is proposed, and specific recommendations for land use regulation in wartime Ukraine are provided.

Opportunities and challenges of seaplane transportation modes as support for connectivity in frontier, remote, disadvantaged, border (3TP) regions of Indonesia

Ibnu Fauzi, Ade Ratih Ispandiari, Alan Putranto — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic nation, faces significant connectivity challenges in 3TP regions. The term 3TP in Indonesia refers to regions categorized as Terdepan (Frontier), Terpencil (Remote), Tertinggal (Underdeveloped), and Perbatasan (Border). These areas are characterized by geographical remoteness, limited infrastructure, and economic disparities, necessitating innovative transportation solutions. The development of seaplane transportation presents a promising opportunity to address these issues, providing faster access to remote areas without extensive infrastructure requirements. Seaplanes align with national development goals, supporting equitable regional growth, enhanced mobility, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). However, seaplane implementation in 3TP regions remains underexplored, with critical challenges including regulatory gaps, high operational costs, and technical limitations. This study investigates the feasibility of seaplanes as a solution to 3TP connectivity issues, emphasizing their potential to transform regional accessibility while identifying strategies to overcome existing barriers.
Aim: This research aims to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with seaplane transportation in Indonesia’s 3TP regions, employing a qualitative case study approach. Data collection involved literature reviews and structured interviews with policymakers from the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) in selected districts. Utilizing SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, this study evaluates seaplanes’ operational viability in diverse geographical contexts, highlighting strengths such as speed, minimal infrastructure needs, and domestic production capabilities. Concurrently, the research addresses weaknesses, including high costs, limited skilled personnel, and operational constraints due to environmental factors. External opportunities like growing tourism and intermodal synergies are juxtaposed with threats such as regulatory inadequacies and energy accessibility issues. The study proposes a comprehensive strategy combining internal improvements with external support to maximize benefits and mitigate risks.
Results: The SWOT analysis reveals that seaplanes possess unique advantages for 3TP regions, offering expedited travel, reduced infrastructure dependency, and compatibility with Indonesia’s vast water resources. However, implementation is hindered by operational limitations in adverse weather conditions, human resource shortages, and the high costs associated with procurement and maintenance. Key opportunities include expanding tourism sectors, enhancing intermodal transport systems, and leveraging geographical advantages to improve regional connectivity. Meanwhile, external challenges such as regulatory gaps, competition with lower-cost sea transport, and unequal energy distribution threaten to impede widespread adoption. Stakeholder insights underscore the need for targeted strategies to overcome these challenges. Suggested interventions include identifying optimal waterbase locations, fostering industry collaboration to strengthen domestic production, and enhancing pilot and technical training programs. Additionally, government-backed financing and subsidies are recommended to address cost barriers, while regulatory reforms and energy infrastructure investments are vital for sustained operations. By implementing these measures, seaplanes can effectively address connectivity gaps, promote economic equity, and align with Indonesia’s national development priorities and SDG commitments.

The impact of large-scale logistics, commercial and industrial development on green infrastructure system: A case study of the Wrocław functional urban area (Poland)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: Green infrastructure (GI) in functional urban areas (FUA) plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable development by providing a variety of ecosystem services. At the same time, peri-urban zones are becoming increasingly attractive for warehouse, logistics, and commercial investments, which can lead to fragmentation of GI and a reduction in its overall functionality.
Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the GI system within the Wrocław FUA and its resilience to land use pressure in the years 2006, 2012, and 2018. Based on Urban Atlas data, the study assessed the extent of industrial land encroachment into the GI system within the Wrocław FUA, with particular attention to core units (K1), which form the backbone of the system, and high-risk units (Z1), which require protective measures due to their vulnerability to degradation.
Results: The results indicate an increase in industrial land, especially in the outer GI ring and in connector zones, with relatively limited changes in the first ring, in the immediate vicinity of the city. The observed trends emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and the integration of GI into spatial planning at the local level.

Sustainable development as the foundation for the transformation of the healthcare system in Poland

Apolonia Jaskólska — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: Modern healthcare systems operate under increasingly complex social, economic, and environmental conditions. The dynamics of demographic change, increasing financial pressures, and mounting climate challenges are forcing states to redefine existing models of healthcare service management. In this context, sustainable development is no longer solely an environmental imperative, but is becoming a concept integrating various dimensions of public policy, including healthcare policy. Healthcare systems, which in the past focused primarily on clinical aspects, are now increasingly incorporating components of prevention, environmental responsibility, social integration, and economic sustainability. Shifting the emphasis from reactive to proactive measures is becoming one of the conditions not only for improving the system’s efficiency but also for its long-term resilience.
Aim: The aim of this article is to present and analyze the implementation of sustainable development concepts in the Polish healthcare system. The study is based on a literature review, strategic documents, and case studies of national and regional initiatives. A comparative approach is used to assess the degree of integration of sustainable development principles into healthcare policy.
Results: Sustainable development should be considered a fundamental criterion for assessing the effectiveness of the healthcare system. The analysis indicates that the implementation of sustainable development principles in the Polish healthcare system is limited. Efforts focus primarily on economic and organizational aspects, with limited consideration of environmental and social elements. The results confirm the need for a systemic approach combining economic efficiency with social and environmental responsibility, which is a prerequisite for a long-term strategy for the healthcare system in Poland.

AI in the development of digital giants MAAMA and global changes

Jacek Kwiatkowski, Łukasz Kryśkiewicz — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: In the following article, the authors address the dynamic growth of the large digital giants. It is important to remember that the modern corporate landscape is changing rapidly. New superpowers corporations such as Nvidia (producing semiconductors necessary for the development of technologies based on artificial intelligence) and Open AI (creator of the revolutionary Chat GPT) have emerged. Some commentators and analysts also add Microsoft and Netflix to the list of the largest or most influential corporations. And so, instead of the recent acronym GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple), we now have another acronym, MAAMA (Microsoft, Alphabet [erlier Google], Amazon, Meta [erlier Facebook], Apple). These transformations in recent years have been accompanied by the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The growing role of AI is embedded in the development of contemporary information flows. Streaming is also a sign of the times, so Netflix can be considered one of the leading players in the global technology market (and, as we know, the platform run by Amazon – Amazon Prime Video, for example, also operates in the streaming services sector). The authors’ attention is focused on the question of the combination of MAAMA’s monopoly position and their access to metadata, used for rapidly developing machine learning techniques. This phenomenon is accompanied by significant social changes. In part, they are reflected in the worsening demographic problems of recent years.
Aim: The main purpose of the research is to show the rapidly changing spectrum of functioning in global markets, digital giants MAAMA. Another aim of the paper is to present the potential risks and dangers of MAAMA’s solidifying monopolistic position in the world.
Results: The novelty of this paper lies in the analysis of two-speed processes in a changing geopolitical and global dimension – namely, the growing data processing capabilities in the digital world and the projected economic slowdown in the real world and traditional economic sectors in the coming years.

The possibility of developing water sports and recreation by the Vistula river in Warsaw – analysis regarding external location conditions

Agata Pawłat-Zawrzykraj, Piotr Kaliszek — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: The study examines the potential for city riverside areas to develop water sports and recreational activities. In many cities, there is an increased interest in these activities and the potential for their development.
Aim: The purpose of the article is to present the criteria for the preliminary selection of study objects and the method of assessing their suitability for the development of various types of water activities, using the example of the selected requirements associated with the location.
Results: The Vistula riverside in Warsaw was adopted as a pilot area for testing the proposed assessment approach. 61 sites were selected for the analysis. There are only 13 existing and operating river marinas, water sports clubs, and water stops for boats and ferries. The remaining sites comprise public green parks, informal beaches, and degraded areas such as former shipyards and sand pits. The authors sought to encompass a diverse range of locations with respect to facilities, infrastructure, and other amenities influencing the potential for the development of water activities. The emphasis was also placed on sites situated beyond the city centre, ensuring service provision for more peripheral urban areas. The results enable an overall ranking of the sites, the identification of facilities suitable for multifunctional use, and those most suitable for specific forms of water activities. The evaluation outcomes may guide the city authorities in introducing land use and development provisions into spatial planning acts, support the modernisation of some existing facilities, e.g. by expanding their service offer and, in other cases, adapting functions to cater to water-based tourism and recreation, thereby enhancing the diversity and attractiveness of the Vistula riverside areas in Warsaw.

Barriers and management practices for small hydropower: The case of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region in Poland’s green energy transition

Patrycja Sieg — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: Decarbonizing energy systems in line with EU and national targets places a premium on diverse renewable resources. In Poland, achieving goals such as a 32% renewable energy share by 2030 requires not only large-scale wind and solar projects but also decentralized solutions. Small hydropower plants. These attributes motivate an examination of SHPs’ role in the regional (Kujawsko-Pomorskie) green transition and how to better leverage their potential.
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of small hydropower plants to the energy transition in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (north-central Poland). Using qualitative methods – including semi-structured interviews with small hydropower plant managers and analysis of regional energy data – we identify the number, capacity, and distribution of small hydropower plants, characterize the key barriers faced by small hydropower plant managers (administrative, environmental, and economic), and catalog effective management practices.
Results: Small hydropower capacity in the region totals 23.24 MW. The study shows that SHP development is constrained by administrative and environmental barriers. Respondents emphasize the need for simplified procedures, institutional support, and good practices such as remote monitoring, automation, and ecological measures.

Churches and religious organisations as beneficiaries of the Common Agricultural Policy in Poland

Łukasz Wiśniewski, Roman Rudnicki, Paweł Wiśniewski — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: The use of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds is an interesting research topic. A good and relatively rare source of information on this subject is the list of CAP beneficiaries published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. An interesting group of entities receiving payments for the use of agricultural land are churches and religious organizations. The conducted research sheds light on the process of absorbing EU funds, particularly its spatial diversification.
Aim: The objective of this study is to identify and explain the spatial variation in CAP subsidies given to the agricultural land used by churches and religious organisations in Poland.
Results: Churches and religious organisations are one of many categories (types) of beneficiaries of EU CAP in Poland. Reference to the amount of subsidies obtained by churches and religious associations allows one to state that, on a national scale, it is a rather marginal phenomenon (approximately 0.8% of the total amount of CAP payments in 2022), while its geographical variation is derived from former historical and political processes.

Multifunctionality and urban form: A nature-inspired approach to sustainability in Lithuanian cities and towns

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motives: Urban form plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability, shaping accessibility, multifunctionality, and resilience within cities. However, the challenge remains in quantifying sustainable urban form in a way that captures both its spatial characteristics and its apacity to foster multifunctionality.
Aim: This study explores the sustainability of urban form in Lithuania through a nature-inspired approach, integrating biomimicry principles with quantitative modeling and simulative mathematical graph-based analysis. The research draws from established urban theories, including New Urbanism, the compact city, the 15-minute city, identifying multifunctionality and bottom-up self-organization as fundamental characteristics of both natural and urban systems. Literature analysis highlights the growing interest in urban form and sustainability, revealing strong thematic linkages between land use, transportation, and public health. Empirical analysis is conducted at multiple scales, from the national level to individual city comparisons, employing graph-based spatial modeling to assess walkability, accessibility, and functional distribution. The methodology integrates GIS-based tools, simulative urban network modeling, and weighted centrality measures to identify urban structures that inherently support sustainability principles. Results demonstrate that Lithuanian cities exhibit distinct patterns of multifunctionality, influenced by their historical evolution, urban morphology, and planning paradigms. Findings reinforce the hierarchical and emergent nature of sustainable urban form, validating the concept of pervasive centrality in urban networks. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of spatial configuration over function quantity in fostering walkable, accessible, and resilient urban areas. While the proposed model successfully identifies clusters of 15-minute city neighborhoods, it also reveals limitations, including the role of large-scale infrastructure interventions and administrative boundaries in shaping urban accessibility.
Results: This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable urbanism by providing a quantitative, spatially explicit framework for evaluating urban form sustainability. It highlights the need for integrated planning approaches that balance bottom-up urban evolution with strategic policy interventions to create cities that are both sustainable and functionally diverse.