Connotation analysis, theoretical foundation, and research framework of land use functional conflicts

Land use conflict is one of the most significant research topics in the field of land science, characterized by its multidimensional perspectives. As the focus of land science research has gradually shifted from land use/cover change to human-environment interactions, studies on land use function and related themes have gradually emerged at the forefront of current land system science. However, there is still limited research on the land use functional conflict. This study firstly reviewed the various definitions of land use conflict. By identifying the commonalities across these definitions, land use conflict was defined as the opposition of interests among stakeholders in the process of land resource utilization. Secondly, the concept of land use function was clarified as the various products or services provided by the land system. The concept of land use functional conflict was introduced to combine the land use conflict and land use function, and was defined as the opposition of interests among stakeholders arising from land use functions in the process of land resource utilization. The study further analyzed the rationale and necessity of incorporating the land use function perspective into land use conflict research. A set of theoretical foundations was established, including theories on social conflict, stakeholder, sustainable development, and human-environment relationship. Inspired by ecosystem service cascades, the conceptual framework for land use functional conflict was proposed, with the core chain of "production function–utility function–conflict function". Finally, the "conflict identification–mechanism analysis–conflict governance" protocol was highlighted in the research framework. The identification of conflict was deconstructed into key steps, including land use functions identification, stakeholders identification, benefits measurement, and conflict measurement. A multi-scale framework was developed to analyze conflict formation, incorporating three key dimensions: the conflict subject, the conflict object, and the institutional environment. Regarding conflict governance, a framework that combined stable institutional structures with flexible policies and policy tools was developed. In conclusion, this study enriches and refines the theoretical foundation of land use conflict research, offering insights for optimizing land resource allocation. The findings can provide the scientific evidence, practical guidelines and decision-making references for addressing land use functional conflicts.