Guest Editor’s Note

The contemporary era is defined by interconnectedness and fragility, where economic decisions, regulatory institutions, and development paradigms directly impact natural capital and the well-being of future generations. Resource scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and the uneven distribution of environmental costs have rendered critical reflection on governance, reporting, and policymaking mechanisms a strategic imperative. In its current issue (Volume 6, Issue 15, spring 2026), the Journal of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics explores a broad spectrum of these foundational challenges from diverse perspectives through full research articles.The studies in this issue bridge the micro and macro levels, covering everything from firm and market analysis to national and international policy horizons. At the macro level of development, one study examines the relationship between land consumption and per capita income within the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve, highlighting an N-shaped pattern and revealing the complexities of transitioning from horizontal expansion to compact and sustainable urban development. In the realm of transnational policymaking and strategic corridors, another study evaluates the application of the polluter-pays and user-pays principles to environmental service tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, grounded in the law of the sea and natural resource economics. In the domain of urban management and public services, a field study assesses the performance of waste management and urban service systems during major national gatherings, identifying proactive and planning-oriented requirements for enhanced preparedness.