Ecosystem Supporting Services Can Directly and Indirectly Affect the Well-Being of Ethnic Minority Rural Residents: A Case Study in the Oasis Region of Western China

Abstract

Understanding ecosystem services (ES) and human well-being interactions is vital for sustainability, yet the impact of supporting services is often overlooked or considered to be insignificant. This study focused on the oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, where a survey was conducted among 986 ethnic minority rural households on the subjective perception of ecosystem services and rural residents’ well-being. We used structural equation modeling to identify the impact of ecosystem services on the well-being of rural residents from ethnic minorities. The results indicate the following: (1) Provisioning (score: 3.57) and regulating (score: 3.52) services are highly perceived; material well-being satisfaction (score: 3.588) exceeds non-material well-being satisfaction (score: 3.451). (2) The personal characteristics of the respondents, including gender, age, education level, family income, and residential location, affect their perceived importance of ecosystem services and their satisfaction with well-being. (3) Provisioning, regulating, and cultural services have a synergistic relationship, with regulating services significantly enhancing provisioning services. (4) Supporting services directly and indirectly boost well-being via provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. To improve rural residents’ well-being, it is essential to raise their awareness of ecosystem services and promote the collaborative governance of these services.

1. Introduction

As global environmental issues continue to escalate, challenges such as climate change, rapid biodiversity loss, and land degradation are having significant impacts on the stability and development of human societies. It is widely acknowledged that natural ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the fundamental functions and survival conditions of human society [1]. In 2015, the United Nations’ “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” provided a critical policy framework for global research on ecosystem services and human well-being [2]. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have stimulated collaboration among governments, international organizations, research institutions, and civil society groups to effectively assess, protect, and sustainably utilize ecosystem services, with the aim of promoting harmonious economic, social, and environmental development [3,4,5]. Within the framework of sustainable development, ecosystem services should meet the resource needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. While degrading ecosystems may offer temporary opportunities for human development and short-term improvements in well-being, the protection of ecosystems is crucial for the long-term sustainability of well-being, both within and beyond specific regions [6]. The interdependent relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being is therefore vital for fostering a sustainable future [7]. Ecosystems provide products and services that contribute to human well-being. Preferences for well-being can directly or indirectly impact ecosystem management, potentially altering or affecting the supply of ecosystem services [8]. With global economic integration, environmental issues have become a shared global concern that necessitates international cooperation. For instance, deforestation not only affects the livelihoods of local communities but also exacerbates global greenhouse gas emissions, while the pollution of transboundary rivers directly impacts water security in downstream countries [9,10,11]. Consequently, the international community has strengthened cooperation through multilateral environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity in order to address the challenges posed by ecosystem degradation and to safeguard global well-being. In this global context, research on the importance of ecosystem services and human well-being has gained increasing prominence [12,13]. Factors such as global environmental problems, the sustainable development agenda, international policies, and growing social awareness have collectively fueled the deepening of relevant research and practical applications, providing a robust theoretical foundation and practical tools for promoting human well-being and ecological protection. The complex ecological–social interaction characteristics of rural areas provide a unique research scenario and base for revealing the nonlinear relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being. The study of rural ecosystem services and farmers’ well-being has become a hot topic [14,15,16]. Ecosystem services affect farmers’ well-being through direct and indirect pathways, and their effects are constrained by multiple external and internal factors [17]. Examining the relationship between ecosystem services and farmer well-being can help enhance rural adaptation and resilience, ensuring their resilience in the face of environmental shocks. Against the backdrop of global climate change, the increasing uncertainty and complexity of natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and ecological degradation pose severe challenges to the sustainable development of rural systems. This is particularly true in ethnic minority areas, where remote areas differ from other regions in terms of social culture and lifestyle. This diverse cultural background leads to unique characteristics in residents’ perceptions and evaluations of ecosystem services and well-being.

In 2005, the United Nations’ Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) emphasized that “Ecosystem Services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems,” highlighting the contribution of ecosystem services to human well-being [18,19]. Since the groundbreaking research conducted by Costanza et al. [20], which presented a comprehensive estimate of the global economic value of ecosystem services, the fields of ecosystem service assessment, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development have experienced significant growth. Díaz et al. [21] contributed to the Global Assessment Report, drawing attention to the alarming loss of biodiversity and its consequences for human well-being. Scholars have focused on assessing the value and management of ecosystem services, particularly within the context of China, exploring both the practical and policy implications [22,23,24]. The MA classification system, which categorizes ecosystem services into provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, stands as the most representative and universally accepted framework globally [19,25]. This classification has been applied to specific cases in China, such as evaluating services related to soil and water conservation and biodiversity protection on the Loess Plateau, illustrating the practical application of the MA classification system [26]. Traditional research has focused on objectively assessing the supply capacity of ecosystem services, quantifying ecosystem service provision through remote sensing data and model simulations [27], or valuing ecosystem services through economic methods [28]. These approaches fail to reflect the diverse needs of different populations and overlook the influence of subjective human perception. In recent years, subjective perspectives (such as residents’ perceptions and preferences) have become increasingly important in ecosystem service assessments. Methods such as questionnaires, interviews, and participatory mapping can capture ecosystem service perception data and reflect human demand for ecosystem services [29].

In today’s rapidly changing social landscape, well-being has become a major global concern. It not only includes basic survival conditions and quality of life but also serves as a vital measure of social progress and sustainable development. Well-being is a multifaceted concept that comprises both objective and subjective aspects [30,31]. Objective well-being is closely intertwined with external environments and conditions, which are typically evaluated using economic and social indicators such as GDP, per capita income, the education index, and healthcare resource allocation [32,33]. However, subjective well-being centers on individuals’ internal experiences, reflecting their emotional and cognitive evaluations of their quality of life [34,35]. It includes elements such as happiness, mental health, fulfillment, satisfaction, and social relationships. The measurement of subjective well-being often relies on self-reported surveys, inquiring about individuals’ life satisfaction and levels of happiness. Despite the existence of various frameworks for evaluating well-being, a universally accepted and unified conceptual framework remains elusive [36]. The MA posits that human well-being comprises five essential components—basic material needs for maintaining a high quality of life, health, security, positive social relationships, and the freedom of choice and action. This framework bears resemblance to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The selection of well-being indicators varies across countries and regions due to differences in culture, levels of economic development, and values. Therefore, when establishing well-being indicator systems, it is crucial to consider local realities and choose more comprehensive and equitable indicators that accurately reflect the well-being status of local communities and societies. Subjective well-being research emphasizes an individual’s perception and evaluation of their life satisfaction. The social support that an individual receives, their physical and mental state, and different cultural beliefs will all affect their well-being evaluation. There are regional differences in the selection of subjective well-being indicators. Residents in Western countries believe that personal achievement and independence are important, so they pay more attention to personal choices, political rights, and democratic participation in the selection of indicators. In contrast, the domestic resident well-being indicator system is more comprehensive, covering everything from living conditions to public services and the ecological environment [37]. There are many subjective well-being assessment scales at present, but we lack a unified evaluation system. Subjective well-being assessments must take into account the cultural background and lifestyle of local residents. Therefore, when researchers compile subjective well-being questionnaires, they adjust them according to their own research background [38].

In recent years, scholars have made remarkable progress in the field of research relating to the correlation between ecosystem services and human well-being. Some studies have shown that there is a strong link between changes in well-being and ecosystem services [39,40,41]. Sustaining ecosystem services that support human well-being is essential for achieving sustainable development [42]. The improvement or degradation of ecosystem services directly impacts human well-being, with a decline in ecosystem services hindering potential growth in well-being [43]. Ecosystems and biodiversity play crucial roles in supporting human survival, health, well-being, and livelihoods—all contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of human well-being [44]. Currently, the assessment of the positive or negative effects of changes in ecosystem services on human well-being is largely conducted through economic value assessments of ecosystem services [45]. These assessments quantify the changes in the value of ecosystem services that result from different human activities. Some studies have advocated for quantitative research on the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being, utilizing economic evaluation methods such as the opportunity cost method and market price method [46,47]. Other researchers have examined the impact of ecosystem services on well-being, as well as the reciprocal influence of well-being on ecosystem services, approaching these interactions from various perspectives, such as driving factors and coupling coordination [48]. Although these approaches are beneficial in establishing the quantitative relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being, they still have limitations when it comes to revealing the underlying mechanisms of influence [49,50]. Structural equation modeling (SEM) plays an important role in exploring the mechanism of ecosystem services in human well-being as an important analytical tool. Using the non-settlement residents of a riparian river as research subjects, SEM was employed to elucidate the strong correlation between ecosystem service provision and human well-being [51]. Liu et al. [12] used SEM to prove the positive impact of ecosystem services on subjective and objective well-being in the Loess Hilly Gully Region, especially the process of indirectly strengthening subjective well-being through objective well-being. The introduction of SEM, as demonstrated in research conducted by Yang et al. [52], offers significant advantages in exploring the mechanisms through which ecosystem services influence human well-being. Though the focus of this research was primarily on objectively evaluating the well-being of Shanghai residents, excluding the subjective perspective of well-being, it provides a robust theoretical and methodological framework for future studies.

To date, extensive research has been conducted on the link between ecosystem services and well-being, revealing the vital role of natural capital in socioeconomic development [12]. Within the global context, recent studies have demonstrated how ecosystem services disproportionately affect ethnic minority regions due to geographic marginalization and cultural dependencies on traditional ecological knowledge [53,54,55]. However, two significant research gaps persist regarding the relationships between ecosystem services and human well-being. Firstly, the impact of provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services on human well-being has been identified; however, the relationship between ecosystem supporting services and human well-being is not yet fully understood. Secondly, the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being has been thoroughly examined at the regional scale; however, research focusing on specific demographic groups remains insufficient. Recent studies, especially those in China [56] and other global contexts, underscore the importance of considering how ecosystem services affect the well-being of vulnerable populations, including rural and ethnic minority groups. For example, one scholar’s research [57] points out that the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples (such as crop rotation and sacred site protection) is key to maintaining ecosystem services, but only 15% of indigenous territories worldwide are legally recognized. In particular, there is a relative scarcity of studies examining the impact of ecosystem services on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. In rural areas, particularly those inhabited by ethnic minority groups, the natural environment not only serves as a source of material resources, such as food, water, and medicinal herbs, but also holds significant cultural and spiritual value. Furthermore, in rural areas, especially among communities relying heavily on traditional industries like agriculture and animal husbandry, there exists a greater reliance on the local ecosystem for sustaining livelihoods. Therefore, it is particularly important to investigate the influence of ecosystem services on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. The absence of such place-based research undermines the implementation of China’s Rural Revitalization Strategy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals that target “leave no one behind” principles.

The region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains presents a complex and diverse ecological environment, including oases, deserts, and grasslands. The region not only supports the production and livelihood of ethnic minority rural residents but also plays an indispensable role in upholding the ecological environment. Nevertheless, there has been inadequate research that specifically focuses on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents in the oasis region of the Kunlun Mountains. This makes it an exemplary case for studying the relationship between ecosystem services and well-being. A deeper understanding of the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being can provide valuable insights relating to policymaking and practice, with the aim of simultaneously improving living standards and ecological conservation in the oasis region of the Northern foothills of the Kunlun Mountains. Although SEM offers significant advantages in exploring the underlying mechanisms of influence [58], its application in researching the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents has been limited. As an advanced statistical analysis method, SEM offers unique advantages over traditional modeling approaches [59,60]. Through graphical modeling and relational network construction, it provides a quantitative analysis framework, enabling the quantification of direct and indirect influences between different variables through multivariate path analysis. SEM not only simultaneously estimates the relationships between observable and latent variables but also reveals the complex interactions between latent variables, providing a more comprehensive and precise analytical tool for understanding the complex relationships between multidimensional ecosystem services and their impact on farmer well-being. Consequently, the use of SEM to elucidate the pathways through which ecosystem services impact the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents is necessary. Investigating this matter is of practical significance, and selecting this region as the study area is representative of broader contexts. This study collects data on the perceptions and evaluations of ecosystem services and human well-being through questionnaires and interviews with ethnic minority rural residents in the oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains. We focus on the following research questions and objectives: (1) identifying rural residents’ perceptions of the importance of ecosystem services and their satisfaction with well-being; (2) analyzing the impact of respondents’ personal characteristics on their perceived importance of ecosystem services and satisfaction with human well-being; and (3) clarifying the influencing mechanism of ecosystem services on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. This study has the potential to provide valuable insights and references for achieving the dual goals of improving the living standards of ethnic minority rural residents and ecological conservation in the oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains. Additionally, it aims to offer a reference for studying the relationship between ecosystem services and well-being.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

The location of the questionnaire survey is Yutian County, which is situated in the southwestern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, under the administration of Hotan Prefecture (Figure 1). The terrain slopes from south to north, with the northern part forming a portion of the Taklamakan Desert, creating a visually stunning desert landscape. The southern region mainly consists of an extension of the Kunlun Mountains, where glacial meltwater nourishes the land, providing Yutian County with valuable water resources and oases. The oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains is supported by the Keriya River, which is one of the primary rivers originating from the Kunlun Mountains [61]. This river sustains agricultural production and human habitation in the area. The region experiences a typical temperate continental arid climate, which has fostered the development of unique local agricultural practices, such as the cultivation of Cistanche, from which significant economic benefits have been derived. Additionally, animal husbandry, particularly sheep farming, is a major economic sector in this area, with wool and mutton products being widely sold both domestically and internationally. The area is also home to a diverse population, with the Uygur ethnic group comprising 98.3% of the population. The upper areas, such as Aqiang Township, are predominantly involved in animal husbandry, while the downstream areas, such as Daliyabuyi Township, feature “desert adventure tourism, Hotan sheep breeding, and red willow plantation” as key industries. The midstream areas, which include various townships, primarily focus on agriculture, forming dense agricultural production and population centers. The total population of Yutian County is approximately 350,000. In 2020, Yutian County was lifted out of poverty and removed from the list of impoverished counties. In 2023, Yutian County achieved a GDP of CNY 5.484 billion.

2.2. Data Collection

2.2.1. Accuracy Verification and Multi-Scenario Settings

The survey questionnaire consists of four sections. The first section collects personal information about the residents in the study area, including their village, ethnicity, age, gender, annual household income, education level, and residential location. The second section focuses on the residents’ perceptions of the importance of ecosystem services (

Table 1. The four categories of ecosystem services and their evaluation indicators.

Ecosystem Services	Indicators	Description
Provisioning services (ES1)	Food (B1)	The area provides nutrition to local residents through edible plants and animals.
	Timber and fiber (B2)	Poplars, red willows, and reeds in the area provide wood and fuel for local residents.
	Genetic resources (B3)	The area has rich and sustainable wildlife resources.
	Clean water (B4)	Rivers or wetlands in the area provide clean drinking water or irrigation water.
Regulating services (ES2)	Water purification (B5)	Rivers or wetlands in this area can degrade domestic sewage and have water purification functions.
	Erosion regulation (B6)	The Haloxylon ammodendron trees and shrubs in the area have sand fixation and soil conservation functions.
	Flood regulation (B7)	Populus euphratica forests, wetlands, and rivers in this area can regulate floods.
	Climate regulation (B8)	The trees, wetlands, and rivers in this area have a climate-regulating function and can increase air humidity.
	Air purification (B9)	Rivers, wetlands, and vegetation can improve air quality in areas such as mountains and deserts.
Cultural services (ES3)	Recreation and ecotourism (B10)	The mountains, deserts, and wetlands in the area provide places for outdoor activities and entertainment.
	Education (B11)	The area allows people to learn about nature through observation and contact.
	Culture (B12)	The area allows people to understand the knowledge and wisdom of traditions and predecessors.
	Spiritual value (B13)	The area is sacred and makes people feel respect for nature.
Supporting services (ES4)	Soil formation (B14)	The area’s farmland, grassland, forest land, and sandy land can support vegetation growth.
	Biodiversity (B15)	The regional ecosystem provides habitats and living conditions for a variety of plants and animals.
	Nutrient cycling (B16)	The nutrient cycle in the farmland, grassland, sandy land, and forest land can ensure the yield and quality of crops.

). The questionnaire assigns a score ranging from 1 to 5 in order to assess the importance of ecosystem services as perceived by local rural residents. The scores from 1 to 5 represent very unimportant to very important, respectively. The third section assesses the residents’ levels of well-being (

Table 2. The well-being assessment system of ethnic minority rural residents.

Human Well-Being	Indicators	Description
Basic material (HWB1)	Transportation (C1)	I believe that local transportation is very convenient and makes travel easy.
	Income level (C2)	I believe that the income level can meet my expectations.
	Food access (C3)	I have enough access to food and food is guaranteed.
Security (HWB2)	Residential safety (C4)	I believe that the living conditions are satisfactory and that the local infrastructure adequately meets the needs of the village.
	Environmental safety (C5)	I believe that the local environment is in good condition and there are few major natural disasters.
	Food safety (C6)	I believe that the food we consume daily is safe, and we need not be concerned about pesticide residues.
Health (HWB3)	Physical condition (C7)	I am confident that I maintain a favorable state of both physical and mental health.
	Drinking water quality (C8)	The quality of the local drinking water is satisfactory and is capable of providing clean tap water.
	Air quality (C9)	The local air quality seems to be satisfactory, permitting the inhalation of fresh air.
	Adequate nutrition (C10)	I believe that the local supply of nutrition is adequate and there is a reasonable level of vegetable and meat consumption.
Social relations (HWB4)	Family harmony (C11)	I believe my family is harmonious and we all support one another.
	Cultural and entertainment activities (C12)	I believe the local area boasts rich cultural traditions, as well as a variety of leisure and entertainment venues.
	Public participation (C13)	I would be pleased to participate in significant local environmental protection initiatives.
Freedom and choice (HWB5)	Family responsibilities (C14)	I believe that my family responsibilities are manageable and I do not feel any pressure in my life.
	Life satisfaction (C15)	I believe that my overall life circumstances are favorable.
	Work conditions (C16)	I believe that my employment is both satisfactory and stable.

). The questionnaire assigns a score ranging from 1 to 5 in order to assess the approval degree of welfare indicators as perceived by local rural residents. The scores from 1 to 5 represent strongly disagree to strongly agree, respectively. Based on the classification of ecosystem services proposed by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and other scholars [62,63,64], as well as field surveys in the region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, ecosystem services were categorized into 4 major categories and 16 subcategories to better evaluate the perceptions of their importance among ethnic minority rural residents. The well-being indicator system for ethnic minority rural residents took into account the multidimensionality, hierarchical nature, and regional specificity of well-being. It referred to the five well-being components proposed by the MA, as well as the methodologies of scholars like Jones and Wang [65,66]. A multidimensional well-being measurement indicator system was developed, consisting of 5 major categories and 16 subcategories.

2.2.2. Questionnaire Collection and Basic Information of Respondents

We first aimed to understand the natural environment characteristics and the socioeconomic development of the oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains. Then, we conducted two rounds of questionnaire surveys over a total duration of 14 days, specifically from 16 August to 23 August and from 30 September to 5 October 2023. The survey employed a stratified random sampling method, encompassing various locations across different river segments. The upstream areas included Aqiang Township, while the midstream areas comprised Xianbai Bazaar Town, Siye Town, Mugala Town, Yingbage Town, and Tokaz Town. Additionally, the downstream area featured Daliyabuyi Township. The sampling points were distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the area. In this research project, our team consisted of one professor, three postgraduate students, one undergraduate student, and several local government officials. The professionalism of the work was supervised by the professor and government officials. Prior to the start of the research, all team members underwent training to ensure that they had a thorough understanding of the questionnaire content and had mastered consistent interview techniques. With the assistance of the local government officials, we also conducted a pre-survey and made timely adjustments to the questionnaire. Since the local villagers’ native language is Uyghur and their educational level is relatively low, our questionnaire was designed in Uyghur using simple and easy-to-understand language. The translation of the Uyghur questionnaire was checked and revised by bilingual speakers of Chinese and Uyghur to ensure the accuracy of the translation. Each interview lasted approximately one to two hours. When respondents had misunderstandings, the government officials communicated with them to ensure the validity of the questionnaire responses. To ensure data integrity and consistency, we excluded all questionnaires with missing values, leaving only valid questionnaires. In the questionnaire survey, sufficient sampling points were set up at upstream, midstream, and downstream points in the research area, covering residents living in three different environments—high mountains, oases, and deserts. The total rural population of Yutian County is less than 260,000. According to the method proposed by Yamane [67], the minimum number of samples necessary to achieve a 95% confidence level is approximately 400. A total of 1170 questionnaires were distributed, of which 986 were successfully completed and returned, which met the sampling requirements. SPSS version 26.0 (USA) was utilized to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha for the ecosystem services and rural residents’ well-being questionnaire was 0.905 and 0.869, indicating that the questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency and excellent reliability. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) values were 0.911 and 0.854, suggesting that the questionnaire possesses high validity.

The distribution of sample characteristics among rural residents is shown in

Table 3. Basic information of respondents.

Item	Category	Frequency	Percentage (%)
Ethnicity	Uygur	986	100
Gender	Male	452	45.84
	Female	534	54.16
Age	30 years and below	56	5.68
	31–40 years	168	17.04
	41–50 years	410	41.58
	51–60 years	238	24.14
	Above 60 years	114	11.56
Education level	No formal education	163	16.53
	Elementary school	240	24.34
	Junior high school	314	31.85
	High school/Vocational	222	22.52
	College and above	47	4.77
Household annual income	CNY 10,000–30,000	106	10.75
	CNY 30,000–50,000	313	31.74
	CNY 50,000–70,000	318	32.25
	CNY 70,000–100,000	150	15.21
	Above CNY 100,000	99	10.04
Residential location	Upstream	327	33.16
	Midstream	342	34.69
	Downstream	317	32.15

. All survey respondents were of Uygur ethnicity, with a higher proportion of females—comprising 54.16% of the total sample; males accounted for 45.84%. In terms of age structure, the middle-aged group predominated, primarily distributed within the 41–50 and 51–60 age ranges, accounting for 41.58% and 24.14% of the total, respectively. With regard to education level, the majority of respondents had a low level of education, with individuals completing elementary education or lower constituting 40.87% of the sample. In terms of annual household income, families earning CNY 50,000 to 70,000 were most common, accounting for 32.25%, while only 10.04% of families had an income exceeding CNY 100,000, indicating a significant income disparity.

2.3. Research Hypotheses

This study proposes three hypotheses concerning ecosystem services and human well-being in order to uncover the influencing mechanisms of ecosystem services on human well-being.

In relation to ecosystem services, there exists a dynamic interplay of trade-offs and synergies between provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services. These relationships are characterized by mutual dependence and constraints, collectively maintaining the stability of the ecosystem and the sustainable development of human society [68,69]. Based on the aforementioned analysis, the following hypothesis (H1) is proposed:

H1: 

There is a reciprocal influence among provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services.

The economic activities of ethnic minority rural residents are heavily reliant on natural resources. Ecosystem supporting services, such as soil retention and nutrient cycling, play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and productivity, thereby ensuring the stability and sustainability of agricultural production [70]. The provision of these supporting services not only directly impacts the livelihoods and economic income of ethnic minority rural residents but also indirectly affects their overall quality of life and well-being. Consequently, the quality of supporting services directly influences the economic income and quality of life of these residents. Based on this analysis, we propose the following hypothesis (H2):

H2: 

Ecosystem supporting services have a positive impact on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents.

Supporting services are vital components of ecosystems and have indirect effects on the well-being of residents. When properly maintained, supporting services enable the land to continue yielding abundant agricultural products, meeting the food and income needs of the residents. Moreover, supporting services provide critical support for regulating services, which are essential for ensuring residential safety. Additionally, supporting services enhance cultural experiences by preserving natural landscapes and cultural heritage, thereby improving the overall quality of life and happiness of the residents [15,71]. Based on this analysis, we propose the following hypothesis (H3):

H3: 

Ecosystem supporting services positively influence the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents through provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services.

2.4. Data Processing Methods

SPSS version 26.0 (USA) was utilized to identify the factors in respondent characteristics that may contribute to variations in the perception of ecosystem services and well-being. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to examine the influence of respondent characteristics on the perception of ecosystem services, well-being, and their primary categories.

SEM was utilized to analyze the relationship between the perceived importance of ecosystem services and the well-being satisfaction of ethnic minority rural residents. SEM is a multivariate statistical model that integrates path analysis and factor analysis [72]. SEM models are based on a series of theoretical assumptions and mathematical equations. By estimating model parameters to fit observed data, the model can accurately reflect the variable relationships and variance structure in actual data. SEM models can simultaneously handle multiple observed variables and latent variables, taking into account the intricate relationships between variables and variance structures. This avoids simplistic assumptions about variable relationships and the neglect of measurement errors found in traditional regression analysis methods. Previous studies have indicated multiple interconnections between ecosystem services and residents’ well-being. Consequently, this study employs AMOS version 26.0 (USA) software to establish influence pathways and clarify the complex relationship between ecosystem services and the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents in the oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains.

The selection of indicators was based on the MA and the categorization of ecosystem services, as defined by Xu et al. [73]. Following field research in Yutian County, the subjective perception of ecosystem services (latent variables) was divided into 4 dimensions and 16 indicators, aiming to more accurately assess rural residents’ understanding of the importance of ecosystems. When constructing the indicator system for rural residents’ well-being satisfaction, the multidimensionality, hierarchical nature, and regional characteristics of well-being were fully considered. The indicator systems established by the MA’s well-being classification [74], Jones et al. [65], and Bai et al. [75] were referenced; ultimately, a well-being subjective satisfaction measurement indicator system comprising 5 dimensions and 16 indicators was selected, as shown in

Table 4. Selection of subjective indicators.

Latent Variables	Observed Variables	Measurement Indicators
Subjective perception of ecosystem services (SES)	Provisioning services (SES1)	Food production (E1), wood and fiber (E2), genetic resources (E3), clean water (E4)
	Regulating services (SES2)	Water purification (E5), erosion control (E6), flood control (E7), climate regulation (E8), air purification (E9)
	Cultural services (SES3)	Eco-leisure tourism (E10), education (E11), culture (E12), regional spiritual values (E13)
	Supporting services (SES4)	Soil formation (E14), biodiversity (E15), nutrient cycling (E16)
Subjective satisfaction with rural residents’ well-being (SHWB)	Basic materials (SHWB1)	Transportation conditions (H1), income level (H2), food availability (H3)
	Safety (SHWB2)	Living conditions (H4), environmental conditions (H5), food safety (H6)
	Health (SHWB3)	Physical condition (H7), drinking water quality (H8), air quality (H9), adequate nutrition (H10)
	Social relations (SHWB4)	Family harmony (H11), cultural entertainment (H12), public participation (H13)
	Freedom and choice (SHWB5)	Family responsibilities (H14), life satisfaction (H15), work situation (H16)

.

Model fit is a crucial criterion for evaluating the scientific validity of SEM construction. Using AMOS version 26.0 (USA), this study constructed a path model to examine the influence of ecosystem services on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. The model fit indices selected in this study are widely recognized in structural equation modeling (SEM) to comprehensively assess the consistency between the hypothetical model and the observed data, with their respective threshold criteria rooted in academic consensus:

CMIN/DF (Chi-square to Degrees of Freedom Ratio): This index adjusts the chi-square statistic by the degrees of freedom to avoid over-sensitivity to sample size. A ratio between 1 and 3 is generally considered excellent, indicating that the model’s discrepancy from the data is within an acceptable range. The value of 1.369 in this study falls well within this range, reflecting a good fit.

RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation): This index evaluates the approximate fit of the model in the population, accounting for sampling error. A value < 0.05 is regarded as excellent, <0.08 as acceptable, and >0.10 as poor. The RMSEA of 0.019 here indicates a very close fit between the model and the underlying population structure.

IFI (Incremental Fit Index) and TLI (Tucker–Lewis Index): Both are incremental fit indices that compare the target model with a baseline (null) model.

GFI (Goodness of Fit Index): Measuring the proportion of variance and covariance in the data explained by the model, the GFI ranges from 0 to 1. Values > 0.9 are typically considered indicative of a good fit, with higher values suggesting better model–data correspondence. CFI (Comparative Fit Index): Similar to the IFI and TLI, the CFI assesses model fit relative to a null model, with values > 0.9 indicating a good fit.

In this study, the GFI, IFI, TLI, and CFI results all surpass the excellent threshold of 0.9. Thus, the analysis concludes that SEM demonstrates a good model fit (

Table 5. Structural equation model fit testing.

Indicator	Reference Standard	Measured Result
CMIN/DF	1–3 is excellent; 3–5 is good	1.369
RMSEA	<0.05 is excellent; <0.08 is good	0.019
CFI	>0.9 is excellent; >0.8 is good	0.962
TLI	>0.9 is excellent; >0.9 is good	0.990
IFI	>0.9 is excellent; >0.10 is good	0.989
NFI	>0.9 is excellent; >0.11 is good	0.990

).

3. Results

3.1. Perception of Ecosystem Services and Well-Being

3.1.1. Importance of Ecosystem Services

Overall, the ethnic minority rural residents demonstrated a moderate level of awareness regarding the importance of ecosystem services, although variations were observed across different service types and sub-indicators (Figure 2). Ethnic minority rural residents perceived provisioning and regulating services as being more important than cultural services and supporting services.

For provisioning services (ES1), the overall score was 3.57, with clean water (B4) scoring 3.63, food (B1) at 3.59, and timber and fiber (B2) at 3.56—all of which were close to or slightly above the mean score for ES1. This indicates that residents possess a strong awareness of services directly related to their daily lives. For regulating services (ES2), the overall score was 3.52, which is slightly lower than that of provisioning services. Water purification (B5) received a score of 3.62, air purification (B9) scored 3.53, erosion regulation (B6) achieved a score of 3.52, and flood regulation (B7) garnered a score of 3.51, with all services scoring above 3.50. This indicates that residents generally recognize the direct impact of these services on their lives and agricultural practices. Cultural services (ES3) received an overall score of 3.46, with recreation and ecotourism (B10) scoring 3.55 and spiritual value (B13) scoring 3.50—both scores being relatively high. Supporting services (ES4) received an overall score of 3.45, with soil formation (B14) scoring 3.54, biodiversity (B15) at 3.44, and nutrient cycling (B16) at 3.38. This suggests that residents have some understanding of the foundational role of soil but lack recognition of the importance of biodiversity and nutrient cycling. Overall, residents have a moderate level of awareness regarding the importance of ecosystem services, but their understanding of cultural and supporting services is relatively low.

3.1.2. Well-Being Satisfaction Among Ethnic Minority Rural Residents

The well-being satisfaction of ethnic minority rural residents is moderate, with notable variations in perceptions across different dimensions of well-being (Figure 3). Residents report higher satisfaction with material well-being, whereas satisfaction with non-material well-being is lower.

Residents reported the highest satisfaction level (scoring 3.59) in relation to basic material well-being (HWB1). Income level (C2) at 3.61 and food access (C3) at 3.60 scored above the mean for HWB1, indicating a strong sense of satisfaction and security regarding income and food provision. Transportation conditions (C1) scored 3.55, suggesting that improvements are still necessary in remote village areas to enhance travel convenience and safety for residents. Satisfaction with security, health, and social relationships was moderate. Residential safety (C4), family harmony (C11), and adequate nutrition (C10) were all prioritized over drinking water quality (C8), food safety (C6), air quality (C9), environmental safety (C5), and public participation (C13). Physical condition (C7) received a score of 3.42, whereas cultural and entertainment activities (C12) received a lower score of 3.41. The lowest satisfaction was observed in relation to family responsibilities (C14) and work conditions (C16). For ethnic minority rural residents, while basic physiological and safety needs (such as food, water, and security) are met to some extent, pursuing higher-order well-being goals presents more challenges and difficulties due to limited resources and education levels.

3.2. Impact of Respondent Characteristics on Ecosystem Services and Residents’ Well-Being

3.2.1. Impact of Respondent Characteristics on Ecosystem Services

According to the results of the one-way MANOVA (

Table 6. Perception of ecosystem services in relation to different respondent characteristics.

Variable	Group	Provisioning Services	Regulating Services	Cultural Services	Supporting Services
Gender	Male	3.69	3.69	3.59	3.60
	Female	3.46	3.38	3.35	3.32
	Sig.	0.000 ***	0.000 ***	0.000 ***	0.000 ***
Age	30 years and below	3.88	3.78	3.75	3.80
	31–40 years	3.70	3.64	3.56	3.53
	41–50 years	3.57	3.52	3.46	3.46
	51–60 years	3.49	3.45	3.40	3.38
	51–60 years	3.37	3.38	3.32	3.30
	Sig.	0.001 ***	0.023 **	0.026 **	0.013 **
Education level	No formal education	3.31	3.31	3.31	3.30
	Elementary school	3.51	3.44	3.37	3.32
	Junior high school	3.58	3.58	3.47	3.50
	High school/Vocational	3.74	3.63	3.62	3.57
	College and above	3.80	3.76	3.69	3.82
	Sig.	0.000 ***	0.001 ***	0.003 ***	0.001 ***
Household income	CNY 10,000–30,000	3.31	3.36	3.24	3.20
	CNY 30,000–50,000	3.46	3.44	3.37	3.37
	CNY 50,000–70,000	3.61	3.52	3.49	3.48
	CNY 70,000–100,000	3.75	3.65	3.62	3.56
	Above CNY 100,000	3.78	3.75	3.66	3.73
	Sig.	0.000 ***	0.006 ***	0.001 ***	0.000 ***
Residential location	Upstream	3.56	3.51	3.45	3.45
	Midstream	3.46	3.45	3.39	3.40
	Downstream	3.68	3.61	3.55	3.52
	Sig.	0.006 **	0.046 *	0.031 *	0.258

Note: *, **, and *** denote significance at the 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 levels (two-tailed), respectively.

), respondents’ perceptions of the importance of ecosystem services were influenced by their personal characteristics, including gender, age, education level, household income, and residential location. Males generally had a higher awareness of the importance of regulating, supporting, and cultural services than females. This may be attributed to the traditional division of labor in Uyghur society, where men typically engage in work directly related to land and natural resources. In terms of age structure, young people under 30 had a higher perception of the importance of all four types of services than the other age groups. This phenomenon reflects the rapid acceptance of ecological concepts among youth while simultaneously indicating that the younger generation is increasingly attentive to their spiritual needs. They are more inclined to enjoy cultural services, such as entertainment and tourism, provided by the ecosystem. This preference highlights the Uyghur youth’s pursuit of a higher quality of life. Respondents with higher education levels (college and above) had a stronger perception of the importance of all four types of services than those with lower education levels. Individuals with higher education levels are better equipped to understand the importance of environmental protection for society, the economy, and human health [76]. They tend to have a broader perspective and are more likely to engage in environmental protection activities. The positive correlation between education level and environmental awareness has been supported by numerous studies [77]. Residents with an annual household income exceeding CNY 100,000 exhibited a greater perception of the significance of provisioning and cultural services. This is likely due to their higher disposable income, which enables them to enjoy a better material lifestyle and pursue greater spiritual fulfillment. As a result, they place greater emphasis on the role of ecosystem services in enhancing their quality of life and spiritual satisfaction. This observation also highlights how economic conditions affect individual environmental awareness and cultural needs. There are significant differences in the awareness of the importance of provisioning, regulating, and cultural services among residents in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the river. Residents in the upstream and downstream areas face greater ecological risks, and their livelihoods are more dependent on ecosystem services; therefore, they place a higher value on provisioning, regulating, and cultural services.

3.2.2. Impact of Respondent Characteristics on Resident Well-Being

The results of the one-way MANOVA (

Table 7. Perceptions of well-being in relation to different respondent characteristics.

Variable	Group	Basic Material	Security	Health	Social Relations	Freedom and Choice
Gender	Male	3.66	3.57	3.58	3.58	3.77
	Female	3.53	3.41	3.39	3.37	3.05
	Sig.	0.025 **	0.003 ***	0.001 ***	0.000 ***	0.000 ***
Age	30 years and below	3.79	3.59	3.64	3.70	3.69
	31–40 years	3.66±	3.51	3.59	3.58	3.50
	41–50 years	3.59	3.53	3.49	3.48	3.36
	51–60 years	3.58	3.40	3.49	3.37	3.39
	51–60 years	3.53	3.33	3.24	3.33	3.28
	Sig.	0.225	0.108	0.012 **	0.014 **	0.007 ***
Education level	No formal education	3.51	3.27	3.26	3.33	3.35
	Elementary school	3.55	3.47	3.49	3.41	3.34
	Junior high school	3.58±	3.58	3.53	3.45	3.38
	High school/vocational	3.59	3.51	3.51	3.58	3.39
	College and above	3.72	3.52	3.62	3.76	3.62
	Sig.	0.133	0.008 ***	0.011 **	0.009 ***	0.422
Household income	CNY 10,000–30,000	3.51	3.25	3.29	3.27	3.17
	CNY 30,000–50,000	3.57	3.39	3.45	3.36	3.32
	CNY 50,000–70,000	3.63	3.55	3.51	3.51	3.42
	CNY 70,000–100,000	3.52	3.63	3.51	3.60	3.46
	Above CNY 100,000	3.70	3.61	3.61	3.65	3.50
	Sig.	0.379	0.001 ***	0.088 *	0.001 ***	0.035 **
Residential location	Upstream	3.56	3.52	3.50	3.44	3.41
	Midstream	3.56	3.37	3.45	3.42	3.26
	Downstream	3.64	3.58	3.48	3.55	3.48
	Sig.	0.469	0.008 **	0.762	0.123	0.006 **

* Note: *, **, and *** denote significance at the 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 levels (two-tailed), respectively.

) indicate that perceptions of multidimensional well-being among ethnic minority rural residents are influenced by their personal characteristics, including gender, age, education level, household income, and residential location. Males generally show higher levels of agreement with the dimensions of basic material well-being, security, health, and freedom and choice than females, with a notable gender difference in the dimension of freedom and choice. Differences in social roles and family responsibilities between men and women can lead to variations in well-being perceptions. Females prioritize stability and harmony in family and social relations. From the perspective of age structure, individuals over 50 years old show lower levels of agreement with the dimensions of basic material well-being, security, health, and freedom and choice than the others. Respondents with higher education levels show increased levels of agreement with social relations and freedom and choice. Improved education can offer greater employment opportunities and social resources for rural Uyghur residents. In terms of income, all dimensions of well-being tend to increase with higher household income. An increase in household income can lead to better material conditions and more opportunities for choice, thus enhancing the well-being perception of the residents. The well-being recognition of rural residents in the upstream and downstream areas is higher than that of those in the middle reaches. Compared to the middle reaches, the economic sources in the upstream and downstream areas are more diversified, encompassing agriculture, livestock grazing, and tourism income. Furthermore, government policy support in the upstream and downstream regions is relatively robust, including initiatives for the development of tourist areas, road construction, and housing improvements.

3.3. Relationship Between Ecosystem Services and Well-Being

3.3.1. Correlation Analysis

Pearson correlation analysis (Figure 4) revealed a positive correlation among various categories of ecosystem services. For instance, there was a significant correlation between provisioning services and regulating services (r = 0.442; p < 0.01). Within the dimensions of well-being, significant correlations were observed, such as a correlation between security and freedom and choice (r = 0.346; p < 0.01). Moreover, significant correlations were found between different categories of ecosystem services and various dimensions of well-being. This indicates a close connection between ecosystem services and the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents, highlighting the significance of protecting and restoring ecosystem services for enhancing their well-being.

3.3.2. Impact Pathways of Ecosystem Services on Resident Well-Being

Our results show that the path coefficient from regulating services to provisioning services is 0.307 (p < 0.001), indicating a significant positive effect of regulating services on provisioning services (Figure 5). This suggests that a well-functioning ecosystem’s ability to regulate ensures a continuous supply of resources, such as food, water, and timber. Moreover, the path coefficient from provisioning services to cultural services is 0.286 (p < 0.001), demonstrating a significant positive influence of provisioning services on cultural services. The stable and consistent provision of material resources by the ecosystem supports the development of cultural services, including ecotourism and the preservation of cultural heritage. Additionally, the path coefficient from cultural services to regulating services is 0.199 (p < 0.001), suggesting that cultural services have a certain impact on regulating services. This impact may be manifested through various indirect mechanisms, such as enhancing public appreciation for natural beauty and awareness of the ecological environment’s significance, which subsequently encourages environmentally friendly actions that indirectly safeguard the ecosystem’s regulating functions. Overall, there exists a synergistic relationship between the three types of services, with the most notable impact being the promotion of provisioning services by regulating services. Consequently, the empirical evidence from our study area provides partial support for hypothesis H1.

Supporting services have a significant positive impact on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. The effect value is 0.155, which falls within the 95% confidence interval and accounts for 48% of the effect (

Table 8. Pathways to achieving well-being among ethnic minority rural residents.

Effect	Path	Effect Size	Bootstrap 95%CI		p	Effect Ratio
			Lower	Upper
Direct effect	Supporting services → well-being	0.155	0.107	0.206	<0.001	48%
Indirect effect	Supporting services → provisioning services → well-being	0.060	0.039	0.089	<0.001	18%
	Supporting services → regulating services → well-being	0.057	0.038	0.084	<0.001	18%
	Supporting services → cultural services →well-being	0.053	0.034	0.081	<0.001	16%
Total effect	Supporting services →well-being	0.325	0.269	0.386	<0.001	100%

). The impact coefficient from supporting services to the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents is 0.271 (p < 0.001), indicating a significant positive impact. Moreover, the factors related to soil formation, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling within supporting services all contribute with a factor value of 0.81. These factors directly influence the growth, yield, and quality of crops, thus affecting the economic income and overall quality of life of rural residents. Consequently, the empirical evidence from our study area provides support for hypothesis H2.

The results show that provisioning services mediate the positive impact of supporting services on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. Further analysis reveals that the path coefficient from supporting services to provisioning services is 0.312 (p < 0.001), indicating a significant positive impact. Additionally, the path coefficient from provisioning services to the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents is 0.298 (p < 0.001), also suggesting a significant positive impact. Among these services, water supply marks the largest contribution, with a factor value of 0.82. This is particularly crucial in arid regions, where water resources are indispensable for agricultural production and daily life.

Supporting services have a positive impact on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents through regulating services, with a mediating effect value of 0.057. This effect is significant, within the 95% confidence interval, and accounts for 18% of the overall effect. These results suggest that improving the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents can be achieved by providing regulating services through supporting services. The path coefficient from supporting services to regulating services is 0.377 (p < 0.001), indicating a significant positive impact of supporting services on regulating services. Similarly, the path coefficient from regulating services to the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents is 0.278 (p < 0.001), suggesting a significant positive impact of regulating services on the well-being of these residents. Notably, erosion regulation and climate regulation contribute the most, with a factor contribution of 0.83. In arid regions, erosion regulation protects the soil and maintains land fertility, while climate regulation affects agricultural yields and the living environment by regulating temperature and humidity.

Supporting services also have a positive impact on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents through cultural services, with a mediating effect value of 0.053. This effect is significant, within the 95% confidence interval, and accounts for 16% of the overall effect. This indicates that cultural services play a positive role in enhancing the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents through supporting services.

In summary, supporting services have a positive influence on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents through provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. Consequently, the empirical evidence from our study area provides partial support for hypothesis H3. Moreover, the total indirect effect of provisioning, regulating, and cultural services accounts for 52% of the overall effect, which is greater than the direct effect of supporting services on well-being (48%). This indicates that the impact of supporting services on rural residents’ well-being is stronger when mediated through provisioning, regulating, and cultural services.

4. Discussion

4.1. Synergistic Relationship Between Provisioning, Regulating, and Cultural Services

This study establishes the existence of a synergistic relationship between provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services. This finding differs from that of previous studies conducted in different regions, which often emphasize the trade-offs between provisioning services and regulating services [61,78,79,80,81]. This contrast highlights the unique characteristics of the Kunlun Mountain oasis ecosystem.

Enhancements in regulating services can result in advancements in provisioning services. In Daliyabuyi, which is located in the northern part of the study area, the extensive cultivation of Haloxylon ammodendron combats desertification by stabilizing sand and preserving soil and water, thereby improving the environmental conditions of the desert area; it also provides a suitable habitat for the growth of Cistanche, thus enhancing the quality and diversity of provisioning services and generating consistent economic benefits for the local populace. Additionally, vegetation such as seabuckthorn and oleaster enhances biodiversity and provides sustenance, medicinal herbs, and timber, further confirming the role of robust regulating services in promoting provisioning services. Aqiang Township, which is located in the southern part of the study area, has a high forest coverage rate, which helps to maintain water sources, reduce flood disasters, and provide a stable water supply for local residents while also providing protection for irrigation and drinking water in the middle and lower reaches. A series of ecological projects, such as artificial afforestation and ecological protection, are implemented locally to help conserve water sources and maintain water and soil, as well as providing rich wild animal and plant resources, which provide residents with a variety of resources such as food, medicinal materials, and timber.

The improvement of provisioning services has fostered the growth of cultural services. The abundant natural resources in our study area that are derived from provisioning services have been utilized to create cultural products that attract tourists, including the unique landscapes of Populus euphratica forests, tamarisk, and reedbeds, as well as Cistanche cultivation bases and desert adventure activities, thereby drawing numerous visitors. The rich agricultural resources are not only an important source of income for local residents but are also an important part of the local culture. The annual Red Date Cultural Festival attracts a large number of tourists, who can visit farmlands and orchards, experience the fun of picking, learn about local farming culture, and enhance their understanding and experience of the local culture.

Moreover, the rise in ecotourism has bolstered external recognition of the distinctive ecological value of our study area, leading to increased environmental awareness among the public and encouraging more environmental protection initiatives, such as ecological education activities and participatory conservation projects. Indirectly, these actions contribute to ecosystem conservation, ensuring the continued functioning of regulating services and creating a positive feedback loop. The practices seen in our study area demonstrate the close and complex interactions amongst regulating, provisioning, and cultural services. By implementing rational planning and effective management, the synergistic effects of these services can be maximized, resulting in a mutually beneficial situation for ecological, economic, and social benefits. This model not only offers valuable insights into sustainable development in oasis regions but also highlights the significance of enhancing ecosystem service management and promoting ecological balance on a global scale.

Overall, in the synergistic relationship between supply services, regulatory services, and cultural services in Yutian County, regulatory services have the greatest impact on supply services, with an influence path coefficient of 0.307 (p < 0.001). This path stems from the fact that 94% of Yutian County is desert and gobi, and even the few oasis areas are surrounded by desert, making the ecology relatively fragile. Regulatory services (such as water conservation, windbreak and sand fixation, and soil conservation) can significantly influence local agriculture and livestock farming, thereby affecting supply services. Additionally, the influence path coefficient of supply services on cultural services is relatively small, at 0.286 (p < 0.001), but it is still above the average level (influence path coefficient of 0.264). As a minority-populated area in western China, Yutian County’s provisioning services, such as poplar forests, saxual trees, and jujube trees, can serve as ecological landscapes and special economic crops to attract out-of-town tourists, thereby promoting the development of cultural services. However, the influence of cultural services on regulatory services is relatively small, with an influence path coefficient of 0.199 (p < 0.001), which is far below the average level (influence path coefficient 0.264). Although the rise in ecological tourism has to some extent enhanced public awareness of ecosystem services, ecological conservation promotion remains insufficiently ingrained in the public consciousness, particularly due to the lack of widespread dissemination in the Uyghur language. Local rural residents’ understanding of the importance of ecological services remains at a relatively abstract stage. In the future, authorities should address the shortcomings in the various influencing pathways of ecosystem services and implement targeted measures to improve them.

4.2. Direct and Indirect Impacts of Ecosystem Supporting Services on the Well-Being of Ethnic Minority Rural Residents

This study reveals that supporting services have a significant positive impact on the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. Additionally, this study offers new perspectives and strategies for enhancing rural well-being. Previous research has focused on urban areas and has tended to view the relationship between supporting services and well-being as weak or indirect [52,82]. However, by concentrating on ethnic minority rural populations, our research divulges the differential well-being pathways between rural and urban communities. Moreover, it highlights the direct and crucial role that supporting services play in improving rural well-being. The study emphasizes the remarkable contributions of three core factors, namely, soil formation, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling. This underlines the close correlation between these natural elements and the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. Soil formation ensures optimal yield and crop quality, biodiversity aids in reducing the prevalence of pests and diseases, and nutrient cycling minimizes the requirement for fertilizers and pesticides. In the midstream plain areas, such as Xianbai Bazaar Town and Siye Town, where agriculture serves as the economic backbone, supporting services undeniably play an irreplaceable role. They contribute significantly to improving agricultural productivity, promoting rural economic development and ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of farmers. Ecosystem supporting services have significantly contributed to the advancement of animal husbandry. Local ecological protection measures, including grassland rotational grazing, have been implemented to safeguard and rehabilitate grasslands, thereby facilitating the growth of local animal husbandry practices. Planting Haloxylon ammodendron and inoculating Cistanche deserticola in the desert areas not only improve soil quality, enhance ecosystem supporting services, and improve the quality of Cistanche deserticola but also achieve economic benefits and increase local farmers’ income.

This study demonstrates that supporting services play an indirect role in influencing the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents through provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. This finding provides new empirical evidence for the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being. Supporting services are fundamental in the provision of ecosystem services. They serve as a prerequisite for the existence and functioning of other services [83]. The fundamental role of supporting services is exemplified in the oasis region along the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains. Soil is the foundation of the planting industry, and healthy soil can promote crop growth and increase yields. Meanwhile, nutrient recycling can reduce the use of fertilizers and lower agricultural costs. Healthy soil and sufficient nutrients promote crop growth. In desert environments, improving soil quality through artificial improvement and vegetation restoration can provide a suitable environment for the growth of Cistanche deserticola. Soil is also the basis of vegetation, which can regulate climate and floods. Plants such as Haloxylon ammodendron and Populus euphratica in the desert can prevent wind and fix sand, reducing the frequency and intensity of sandstorms. These regulating services not only reduce the occurrence of natural disasters but also maintain the stability and health of the ecological environment, which is conducive to the development of cultural services. Moreover, the high-quality pasture and forest resources in the grasslands and woodlands provide high-quality feed for livestock, enabling residents to raise healthy, high-quality Hetian sheep. Consequently, the stability of supporting services directly impacts the delivery of provisioning, regulating, and cultural services [84].

Provisioning, regulating, and cultural services can directly affect the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. Firstly, in our study area, animal husbandry is the primary economic activity. The abundance of provisioning services provides local residents with essential resources. For example, the Aqiang Township’s ample water resources meet the water needs of livestock, ensuring their survival and health. Additionally, the rich timber resources provide crucial materials for building supplies and fuel, thereby benefiting the economic livelihoods and living standards of the community. Secondly, regulating services contribute to the improvement of the local ecological environment through functions such as climate regulation and soil and water conservation. This, in turn, mitigates the risk of natural disasters. For instance, the township government has implemented robust soil and water conservation efforts, effectively prevented soil erosion, and reduced the occurrence of floods. These regulating services not only support rural livelihoods but also ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Lastly, cultural services have a positive impact on local residents, which has also been reported in other relevant studies [85,86,87]. Aqiang Township, as a region inhabited by ethnic minorities, boasts a rich cultural heritage. Cultural services extend beyond the preservation of traditional culture and include activities such as ecotourism. In Aqiang Township, ecotourism has stimulated the development of local cultural resources, such as traditional nomadic culture. This not only provides residents with new economic opportunities but also acts as a means of cultural dissemination.

Most existing studies on ecosystem services and rural residents’ well-being have focused on non-ethnic minority populations. In fact, due to differences in culture, customs, economics, and management policies, there are significant cognitive gaps between ethnic minority regions and non-ethnic minority regions. The results of this study show that the overall satisfaction with ecosystem services among ethnic minority rural residents in Yutian County is 3.479, which is lower than that in other non-ethnic minority regions in China (e.g., 3.632 in the Xin’anjiang River Basin) [88]. It is necessary to conduct targeted surveys and research in relation to ecosystem services and rural residents’ well-being in minority-populated areas in order to more accurately guide the formulation of local ecological and sustainable development policies. Additionally, there is limited research on the impact of support services on residents’ well-being. In many studies exploring the relationship between ecosystem services and resident well-being, the impact of support services on rural residents’ well-being has been overlooked [88,89,90]. However, this study argues that support services in Yutian County do not have a negligible or weak impact on rural residents, instead having significant direct and indirect positive effects. This finding enriches the pathway mechanisms through which ecosystem services influence resident well-being. As a region in western China that has not developed sufficiently, Yutian County’s rural residents still place the highest value on provisioning services; however, they remain dissatisfied with the current level of provisioning services that is available to them. Strengthening basic resident well-being, such as through provisioning services, remains an area that Yutian County’s administrators need to prioritize.

4.3. Policy Recommendations

Based on the research findings from the typical oasis region at the northern foot of the Kunlun Mountains, we propose two policy recommendations aimed at enhancing ecosystem services and improving human well-being in the study area and similar regions, thereby achieving the goal of regional sustainable development.

The first recommendation is to strengthen basic education and ecological awareness campaigns. According to data from China’s Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the illiteracy rate in the northwestern region of China, where Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is located, ranks the second highest nationwide [91]. This study indicates that education is a crucial factor in promoting the development of human well-being. As educational attainment improves, residents’ satisfaction with well-being also gradually increases. It is necessary to vigorously promote basic education for residents in Yutian County and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, strictly implement the nine-year compulsory education system, and recruit high-quality teachers to advance local education. During the survey, it was found that the majority of rural residents in the area speak Uyghur as their mother tongue. Although systematic Chinese language education has been implemented, local villagers still have limited proficiency in Chinese. However, publicity campaigns on ecological protection are primarily conducted in Chinese. This has led to local villagers failing to fully recognize the importance of the ecological environment and ecosystem services. Therefore, for Yutian County, local managers and policymakers should simultaneously address education and publicity. On the one hand, they should implement basic education for rural residents to improve their educational levels; on the other hand, in ecological publicity work, they should consider using both Mandarin and Uyghur, especially in regions that predominantly utilize Uyghur. For example, they could develop Uyghur slang for publicity to make the concepts of ecological conservation and ecosystem services more deeply ingrained in people’s minds. Additionally, villagers should be encouraged to participate in local ecological conservation projects, such as afforestation, wetland protection, and water source conservation. These initiatives will provide villagers with practical experience, highlight the importance of ecosystems, and deepen their understanding of environmental protection. The relevant government departments should also strengthen the dissemination of ecological knowledge to enhance residents’ understanding of ecology and improve their environmental protection skills. This will ultimately strengthen their ability to protect the environment.

Second, basic safeguards and regional governance should be strengthened. This study demonstrates that rural residents in Yutian County have the highest level of satisfaction with service provision, which aligns with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Strengthening and improving basic welfare safeguards, such as material security and protection, are crucial for meeting the basic needs of rural residents from ethnic minority groups. This helps villagers meet their basic survival needs, elevate their own hierarchy of needs, and therefore enhance their willingness and initiative to participate in ecological policies. Additionally, Yutian County exhibits distinct landscape typologies, which can be sequentially divided from downstream to upstream into desert zones, oasis zones, and high-altitude zones. Different landscape typologies result in distinct industrial structures and lifestyles, necessitating the adoption of tailored management measures and strategies.

In upstream high-altitude areas such as Aqiang Township, the primary pillar industry is livestock farming, which relies heavily on the natural environment. Residents in the upstream high-altitude regions highly value supply services but have lower satisfaction levels with basic material supplies. Efforts should be made to improve local agricultural and pastoral conditions to help villagers increase production, income, and efficiency. The relevant government departments should also conduct regular training to guide villagers in managing pests, as well as livestock and poultry infectious diseases. Additionally, new models for enhancing well-being through ecosystem services should be explored, such as ecological compensation mechanisms, enabling residents to directly benefit from ecological conservation efforts. The survey findings indicate that the midstream oasis region has a high level of agricultural mechanization and a relatively low dependence on nature, resulting in residents’ recognition of various ecosystem services being lower than in the downstream desert region and upstream high-altitude mountainous region. As the state has increased its focus on the well-being of residents in ecologically fragile areas, rural residents in high-mountain and desert regions have received significantly greater policy preferences than those in oasis regions. Residents in oasis regions also have the lowest satisfaction levels regarding various aspects of well-being. This necessitates timely policy adjustments by local governments, which should not only focus on ecologically fragile regions but also promote comprehensive development to ensure that no region is left behind. Residents in downstream desert areas, such as Daliyabu Township, rely on the unique desert ecosystem to generate diversified economic income through “desert adventure tourism, Hotan sheep farming, and Cistanche cultivation.” This has given local residents a profound and direct understanding of and dependence on ecosystem services. The results of this study show that, except for the health dimension, residents in the downstream desert areas also have high satisfaction levels with all aspects of well-being. Therefore, managers should continue to foster this positive economic model while prioritizing environmental protection in order to prevent excessive land use for tourism development, which could lead to ecological degradation.

4.4. Advantages and Limitations of This Method

SEM possesses significant advantages when studying the pathways through which ecosystem services influence human well-being. This method allows for a comprehensive analysis of complex causal relationships, incorporating both direct and indirect effects, hence facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms. This capability allows for a comprehensive understanding of how various ecosystem service indicators interact through different pathways to influence the well-being of rural minority residents. SEM’s ability to handle issues like multicollinearity, which can arise when multiple ecosystem service indicators and well-being dimensions are highly correlated, helps to prevent misunderstandings and biases that may occur in traditional regression analyses. Moreover, SEM incorporates both latent and observed variables, distinguishing between measurement error and true variation, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of the analysis, which is particularly crucial for survey-derived data [92,93].

However, this study on the impact of ecosystem services on human well-being faces several challenges and limitations. The results of this study indicate that individuals with higher levels of education have a stronger understanding of the importance of ecosystem services. However, due to the outflow of local intellectuals, only 4.77% of the study sample had an educational attainment of associate degree or higher. This limitation in the study sample may result in survey findings that are lower than expected. In future research, a combination of online and offline methods could be used to collect samples from all levels of the population, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the results. In addition, due to language barriers, we relied heavily on the guidance and assistance of local government officials (such as in translation, convening villagers, and conducting door-to-door interviews) in this questionnaire survey. This placed local villagers in a certain state of “supervision” when responding to the questionnaire interviews, which may have led to survey results that were biased toward a more idealized state. In the future, efforts should be made to overcome language barriers and conduct surveys in a more independent manner to obtain more accurate survey results. Some scholars argue that the attitudes measured by questionnaires are constructed in real time based on the external information (i.e., the context) that individuals are currently exposed to. For example, villagers may have an increased recognition of flood control services due to recent flooding events. Surveys conducted at a single point in time may produce biased results. Therefore, long-term, dynamic public opinion monitoring is necessary for analyzing ecosystem services and resident well-being. This study used data from a questionnaire survey to study the impact of ecosystem services in Yutian County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the subjective well-being of rural residents. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining objective data related to ecosystem services, this study ignored the relationship and mechanism between objective well-being and ecosystem services. Therefore, the explanatory power of this work is somewhat lacking. Due to technical constraints, this study did not identify temporal changes in ecosystem services or human well-being, leading to deficiencies in the assessment. In addition, respondents may have also been biased in completing the questionnaire due to other potential factors (such as occupation, identity, prejudice, and cultural identity). However, the different psychological perceptions caused by these potential factors are more subjective and difficult to quantify. In the future, systematic research should be conducted on the impact of these potential factors to reduce the errors in the results. Both ecosystem services and human well-being are multidimensional concepts and dynamic processes, which complicates accurate measurement and evaluation. Additionally, this study did not incorporate the context of global environmental change into the impact pathways of ecosystem services on human well-being, particularly regarding the increasing potential threats posed by climate change and land use change. Future research should further elucidate the potential threats that these changes present to ecosystem services and human well-being.

Moreover, future research should further investigate the specific mechanisms by which different types of ecosystems impact the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. Additionally, it is essential for future studies to examine how ecosystem supporting services operate within diverse rural environments, cultures, and economic conditions. Exploring how interdisciplinary collaboration, involving knowledge from sociology, economics, ecology, and other relevant fields, can provide scientific evidence for the formulation of more precise and effective policies to enhance rural well-being is also crucial. Such research endeavors will contribute to a deeper theoretical and practical underpinning for sustainable development and ecological civilization.

Overall, although progress has been made in understanding how ecosystem services affect human well-being, there are still limitations that can be further addressed: (1) ensuring the diversity, multi-level nature, and adequacy of survey samples; (2) reducing subjective bias among survey respondents (for example, the potential influence of factors such as occupation, identity, and interview environment); and (3) conducting long-term dynamic surveys to improve the stability of research results.

By surveying rural residents’ subjective perceptions of well-being, we can capture the subjective core, diverse needs, cultural values, and dynamic changes of local well-being, thereby exploring ecological regulation and management policies that are appropriate for the actual conditions of the region. However, some objective environmental indicators related to well-being have a delayed perceptual nature (e.g., prohibiting deforestation can improve local ecology and living environments in the long term but may cause a decline in residents’ income in the short term or even over a certain period). Therefore, research should prioritize the aspects that residents care about most and that are the most urgent, especially in underdeveloped regions, based on their self-perceived needs. In future studies, combining subjective and objective measures of residents’ well-being can help bridge the gap between subjective and objective perspectives on ecosystem services, fostering a positive interaction between ecological conservation and economic development.

5. Conclusions

In a typical oasis region along the northern foothills of the Kunlun Mountains, this study aimed to improve the conceptual framework of the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being. In the improved framework, ecosystem support services could affect human well-being either directly or indirectly, through provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services. Based on a sample of 986 households and utilizing a structural equation model, we empirically tested the hypothesized relationships established in the conceptual framework and explicitly explored the relationship between ecosystem services and the well-being of ethnic minority rural residents. The main findings are as follows:

(1) In Yutian County, ethnic minority rural residents perceive provisioning and regulating services to be more important. The scores for clean water, food, timber and fiber, water purification, recreation, and ecotourism are above 3.55. The importance of ecosystem services to rural residents in Yutian County mainly depends on their demand for natural ecosystem resources in their production and daily life.

(2) Residents in Yutian County report higher satisfaction levels with material well-being related to basic material needs, whereas satisfaction with non-material well-being is lower, suggesting room for improvement in meeting non-material needs. This difference indicates that local development remains at the basic stage of “material satisfaction,” while higher-level non-material needs related to minority cultural heritage (such as traditional festivals and nature worship customs) and mental health (such as the spiritual comfort provided by ecological landscapes) have not yet received sufficient attention. Targeted measures are needed to address these shortcomings.

(3) The personal characteristics of the respondents, including gender, age, education level, family income, and residential location, have an impact on the perceived importance of ecosystem services and satisfaction with human well-being. Therefore, ecological protection and livelihood improvement policies should be formulated with tiered strategies tailored to the differing needs of various groups.

(4) In Yutian County, there is a synergistic relationship between provisioning, regulating, and cultural services within the ecosystem, with regulating services significantly enhancing provisioning services. The potential mechanisms of interaction between various ecosystem services require us to adopt a multi-level system thinking approach when formulating ecological management strategies, for example, strengthening local publicity on ecological protection and enhancing residents’ awareness of ecosystem services and their protection, thereby improving regulatory services.

(5) Ecosystem supporting services exert a direct positive influence on the well-being of rural residents in Yutian County and indirectly enhance well-being by promoting provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services. In future related research, the impact of ecosystem support services should be fully considered and incorporated into the interdependent chain of provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services in order to accurately explore the relationship between ecosystem services and well-being.

Therefore, in order to improve the level of local ecosystem services and human well-being, it is necessary to improve local residents’ awareness of ecosystem services, to cultivate the collaborative governance of ecosystem services, and to devise diverse strategies to enhance overall well-being. Clarifying the pathways through which ecosystem services influence human well-being not only aids in better assessing and managing these services to meet human needs but also helps in formulating effective policies for ecological protection and development strategies. Such strategies should aim to achieve the dual goals of promoting human well-being and conserving the environment. This research provides valuable references and insights for researchers and practitioners in related fields, thereby advancing the study of the interplay between ecosystem services and human well-being.