This study evaluated the concentration of selected heavy metals (Pb, As, Zn, Cu, Hg) in soils along two major highways, Owerri–Aba and Owerri–Okigwe, and a non-highway control site at Egbeada in Imo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm, and at distances of 0–50 m and 50–100 m from the road. Laboratory analyses were conducted at the Soil Science Departmen...

Protected landscapes have traditionally been designed as ecological sanctuaries, yet the question of whose interests they ultimately serve remains unresolved. This paper rethinks recreational planning through a justice-centered lens that integrates land rights, rural revitalization, and ecological integrity. Drawing from comparative experiences across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and No...

Protected areas are vital for biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services, including recreation and tourism. However, while on-site ecological impacts are well-documented, the land-use footprint of protected area recreation extends well beyond protected boundaries. This paper conceptualizes the extended land-use footprint, defined as the total area of land both directly an...

This study examines the contribution of key factors that limit land accessibility in Akure. A survey design method was used for data collection via building enumeration and a structured questionnaire survey on residents within the three zones in the city. A sample size of 7% was adopted, which amounts to a total of 422 sampled respondents, while descriptive statistics and a Likert scale were us...