Environmental Governance Of Land Expropriation In Urban Development: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Abstract

Land expropriation for urban development is a complex process with significant environmental, legal, and social consequences. The expansion of urban areas often results in habitat degradation, land-use conflicts, and environmental injustice, especially in developing regions. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer participatory, non-litigious pathways to resolve such conflicts more equitably and sustainably. This study presents a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 306 scholarly articles from 1985 to 2024 using the Biblioshiny and PRISMA methods. It maps the intellectual landscape and evaluates global research trends at the intersection of ADR, land expropriation (LE), and urban development (UD). Key findings reveal a growing interest in environmentally informed governance practices and emphasise the importance of ADR in enhancing transparency, protecting ecological rights, and supporting the principles of sustainable urbanisation. The results inform policymakers, environmental planners, and legal scholars seeking to balance development needs with ecological preservation.