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Land
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Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II
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Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2025) | Viewed by 20654

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luca Congedo

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Guest Editor
ISPRA - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: land cover; remote sensing; land consumption; climate change; ecosystem services
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesca Assennato

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ISPRA - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: land degradation; ecosystem services; land consumption
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Michele Munafò

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ISPRA - Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: desertification; land degradation; land consumption; urban planning; landscape; remote sensing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ecosystem services are heavily affected by urbanization, with consequences that can be negative for the environment and people’s health. The provision of services is strictly dependent on the ecological condition of the land that is hosting the ecosystem. Many classification systems were established for ecosystems, with different levels and detail, but all require a spatial reference system to allow for the assessment of ecosystem services and related environmental and socio-economic factors.

Modifications of the extent of an ecosystem, its capacity and function, and its capability to provide ecosystem services are influenced by settlement structures, urban sprawl and landscape fragmentation, contributing to land degradation. Among urbanization processes, land consumption (the conversion from natural or agricultural surfaces to impervious surfaces) is one of the main drivers of environmental change and is assessed through the evolution of land cover and the related changes in the land condition and biophysical features of the environment, such as bioclimate and vegetation potential.

The availability of remote sensing technology allows for an effective improvement in monitoring land cover changes in order to grasp the complexity of urbanization processes, even over large areas. Furthermore, new methodologies and indicators are being used to assess the conditions/features of ecosystems (and habitats).

This Special Issue of Land is intended as a multidisciplinary opportunity to describe innovative methodologies based on remote sensing, and the monitoring and analysis of the relationship between urbanization and ecosystem services on the different scales.

We invite papers that describe the use of innovative technologies for land cover change monitoring, ecosystem services modeling and mapping, innovation in land use planning, and which highlight the potential of technologies to tackle challenges such as sustainability of urbanization, climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, and food security. In this frame, we also invite papers that analyze the links between land degradation (caused by urbanization) and the effects thereof on ecosystem services, land productivity and soil organic carbon.

Dr. Luca Congedo
Dr. Francesca Assennato
Dr. Michele Munafò
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ecosystem services
  • land consumption
  • land cover change
  • remote sensing
  • spatial analysis
  • indicators

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 16425 KiB  
Article
Integration of Climate Change and Ecosystem Services into Spatial Plans: A New Approach in the Province of Rimini
by Denis Maragno, Federica Gerla and Francesco Musco
Land 2025, 14(5), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050934 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 174
Abstract
This study presents a spatial methodology for integrating climate change (CC) risks and ecosystem service (ES) assessments into strategic spatial planning, applied to the Metropolitan Plan of the Province of Rimini (Emilia-Romagna, Italy). The proposed approach combines IPCC-aligned climate vulnerability analysis with ecosystem [...] Read more.
This study presents a spatial methodology for integrating climate change (CC) risks and ecosystem service (ES) assessments into strategic spatial planning, applied to the Metropolitan Plan of the Province of Rimini (Emilia-Romagna, Italy). The proposed approach combines IPCC-aligned climate vulnerability analysis with ecosystem service mapping based on the methodology developed by CREN. Climate risks, including urban heat islands, droughts, and urban floods, were assessed using satellite-derived indices such as Land Surface Temperature (LST), Vegetation Health Index (VHI), and hydraulic modeling. For ESs, nine key services were evaluated and mapped by integrating land use, forest cover, and habitat data with biophysical modulation factors (e.g., slope, carbon stock, infiltration capacity). The results highlight priority areas where climate adaptation and ecological functions converge, enabling targeted interventions. This integrated workflow offers a replicable and scalable planning tool to support evidence-based decision-making at the metropolitan level. Its adoption is recommended by other local and regional authorities to strengthen the climate and ecological responsiveness of spatial planning instruments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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26 pages, 29644 KiB  
Article
From Fertile Grounds to Sealed Fields: Assessing and Mapping Soil Ecosystem Services in Forlì’s Urban Landscape (NE Italy)
by Fabrizio Ungaro, Paola Tarocco, Alessandra Aprea, Stefano Bazzocchi and Costanza Calzolari
Land 2025, 14(4), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040719 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 196
Abstract
Between 2022 and 2023, the urban soils of Forlì (NE Italy) were surveyed, sampled, analyzed, and mapped over an area of ca. 5700 ha, of which 2820 were sealed. The outcomes of the survey allowed the integration of the existing knowledge about soil [...] Read more.
Between 2022 and 2023, the urban soils of Forlì (NE Italy) were surveyed, sampled, analyzed, and mapped over an area of ca. 5700 ha, of which 2820 were sealed. The outcomes of the survey allowed the integration of the existing knowledge about soil and land use with the urban plan and provided the basis to produce a 1:10,000 map of urban soils along with their land capability and an updated 1:50,000 soil map of the municipality. Soil data (textural fractions, pH, organic carbon content) were interpolated over the entire case study area, providing the inputs for locally calibrated pedotransfer functions whose outputs were used to assess a set of seven indicators for the potential supply of soil ecosystem services (SESs): soil biodiversity, buffer capacity, carbon storage, agricultural production, biomass production, water regulation, and water storage. Maps of the seven ecosystem services on a hybrid resolution grid of 25 and 100 m were complemented with an overall urban soil quality map based on the combinations of four different SES indicators. Results show that for several services, hotspots occur not only in the peri-urban agricultural areas but also in unsealed soils within the urban fabric, and that different soils provide high-quality services in diverse constellations depending on the soil characteristics, age and extent of disturbance and degree of sealing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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21 pages, 7121 KiB  
Article
Evolution of “Production–Living–Ecological” Spaces Conflicts and Their Impacts on Ecosystem Service Values in the Farming–Pastoral Ecotone in Inner Mongolia During Rapid Urbanization
by Ziqi Yu, Xi Meng and Gongjue Yu
Land 2025, 14(3), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030447 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Rapid urbanization is causing ecological and environmental issues to worsen. The stability of the ecosystem function of the farming–pastoral ecotone (FPE) in Inner Mongolia is essential to ensuring the sustained growth of the nearby cities, acting as a vital ecological safeguard in China’s [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization is causing ecological and environmental issues to worsen. The stability of the ecosystem function of the farming–pastoral ecotone (FPE) in Inner Mongolia is essential to ensuring the sustained growth of the nearby cities, acting as a vital ecological safeguard in China’s northern regions. This study used the “production–living–ecological” spaces (PLES) spatial dynamics, the rate of change index, and the standard deviation ellipse to examine the spatial and temporal evolution of the PLES in the FPE in Inner Mongolia. This study constructed a spatial conflict index model based on the theory of landscape ecology, and evaluated the ecosystem service value (ESV) of the region and visualized the results of the analysis using the micro-scale of the grid. Finally, the relationship between the ESV and PLES spatial conflicts was determined using a bivariate spatial autocorrelation model. The findings show that: (1) During the 20 years, the maximum ecological spatial change rate reached 0.43%, with the cumulative spatial dynamics of PLES totaling 2.49%. Notably, industrial production space activities experienced the most significant increase, amounting to 277.09%. (2) Regional spatial conflict intensity shows an upward trend from 2000 to 2020, with the average conflict level increasing from 0.53 to 0.56, and high conflict values being concentrated in the east. (3) The ESV pattern in the FPE in Inner Mongolia is characterized by “high ESV in the east and low ESV in the central and western regions”, with an overall trend of increasing and then decreasing. A notable negative correlation was observed between ESV and PLES spatial conflicts in the region, with Moran’s I indicating values of−0.196, −0.293, and−0.163, respectively. Specifically, low-value–high-conflict zones were predominantly found in other ecological spaces, high-value–low-conflict zones was concentrated in forest ecological spaces, and high-value–high-conflict zones were predominantly concentrated in aquatic ecological spaces. The research findings serve as a crucial scientific foundation for the development of ecological civilization and the sustainable advancement of the FPE in Inner Mongolia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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28 pages, 9119 KiB  
Article
Green Urban Public Spaces Accessibility: A Spatial Analysis for the Urban Area of the 14 Italian Metropolitan Cities Based on SDG Methodology
by Angela Cimini, Paolo De Fioravante, Ines Marinosci, Luca Congedo, Piergiorgio Cipriano, Leonardo Dazzi, Marco Marchetti, Giuseppe Scarascia Mugnozza and Michele Munafò
Land 2024, 13(12), 2174; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122174 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1478
Abstract
Among the most significant impacts related to the spread of settlements and the densification of urban areas, the reduction in the availability of public green spaces plays a central role in the definition of livable cities, in terms of the environment and social [...] Read more.
Among the most significant impacts related to the spread of settlements and the densification of urban areas, the reduction in the availability of public green spaces plays a central role in the definition of livable cities, in terms of the environment and social cohesion, interaction, and equality. In the framework of target 11.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11, the United Nations has established the objective of ensuring universal, safe, and inclusive access to public spaces by 2030, for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This study proposes the evaluation of this objective for the urban area of the 14 Italian metropolitan cities, as defined by EUROSTAT and adopted by the United Nations and the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). A methodology based on open-source data and network analysis tools is tested for the provision of an unprecedented mapping of the availability and accessibility to green urban public spaces, which shows that less than 30% of metropolitan city residents have access to a green space within 300 m on foot, according to OpenStreetMap data (less than one in five for the Urban Atlas data). Furthermore, a critical analysis on the geometric and semantic definition of green urban public spaces adopted by the main European and international tools is carried out, which underlines the strategic role of crowdsourcing but also the need for mapping rules that make the data more consistent with the monitoring objectives set at the institutional level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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19 pages, 6101 KiB  
Article
Urbanization and Carbon Storage Dynamics: Spatiotemporal Patterns and Socioeconomic Drivers in Shanghai
by Hao Wu, Caihua Yang, Anze Liang, Yifeng Qin, Dobri Dunchev, Boryana Ivanova and Shengquan Che
Land 2024, 13(12), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122098 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 873
Abstract
Combating climate change by increasing urban carbon storage is one of the critical issues which urban policymakers must address. Understanding the characteristics and driving factors of carbon storage changes during urbanization can assist urban managers in formulating responsive land use policies. This study [...] Read more.
Combating climate change by increasing urban carbon storage is one of the critical issues which urban policymakers must address. Understanding the characteristics and driving factors of carbon storage changes during urbanization can assist urban managers in formulating responsive land use policies. This study employs the INVEST model to evaluate carbon storage in Shanghai from 2000 to 2020, analyzing land use changes and their carbon impacts. It analyzes the transformation of land use in Shanghai during the same period and its impact on carbon storage. Using a 1 km grid for sampling, this study examines the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of carbon storage in Shanghai. Furthermore, it employs linear regression to discuss the social and economic drivers influencing carbon storage in the city. Carbon storage in Shanghai, predominantly from cultivated land and artificial surfaces, increased from 16.78 Mt in 2000 to 18.40 Mt in 2020, with an annual rise of 0.81 Mt. The spatial distribution of carbon storage exhibited a stable southeast-northwest pattern, with variations in dispersion between the north-south and east-west directions. The distribution of carbon storage shifted from a bimodal to a unimodal pattern, indicating an overall increase. There was a significant positive correlation between carbon storage and both the per capita green space area and the industrial output value, which can be attributed to Shanghai’s policies on green industrial development. This research aids in formulating land use policies to enhance urban carbon storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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22 pages, 4102 KiB  
Article
Construction and Optimization of Ecological Security Patterns Based on Ecosystem Services in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area
by Beiling Chen, Jianhua Zhu, Huayan Liu, Lixiong Zeng, Fuhua Li, Zhiyan Xiao and Wenfa Xiao
Land 2024, 13(11), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111755 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has affected ecosystem stability, and the construction of ecological security patterns (ESPs) can rationally allocate resources and achieve ecological protection. Priority evaluation of critical areas can maximize the benefits of ecological protection, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. However, most [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization has affected ecosystem stability, and the construction of ecological security patterns (ESPs) can rationally allocate resources and achieve ecological protection. Priority evaluation of critical areas can maximize the benefits of ecological protection, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. However, most prior studies have focused on assessing individual elements of the ESP, rarely considering both the protection priority of ecological sources and corridors. We constructed ESPs for the Wuhan Metropolitan Area (WMA) from 2000 to 2020 and evaluated the priority of ecological sources and corridors for protection. The findings indicated that high-level ecological sources exhibited higher overall landscape connectivity and ecosystem service values with lower patch fragmentation. The average area proportions of primary, secondary, and tertiary ecological sources in 2000, 2010, and 2020 were 41.11%, 23.03%, and 29.86%, respectively. High-level ecological corridors had shorter lengths and offered higher comprehensive ecosystem service values. The total length of secondary corridors exceeded that of primary corridors by 1951.19 km, 650.39 km, and 2238.18 km in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Primary corridors, which connected fragmented and isolated sources, should have their ecological land percentage increased to enhance connectivity. Secondary corridors connected two independent and distant sources, providing the basis for ecological protection in the intervening area, whose surrounding habitats should be protected. This study identifies the ecological protection priority and offers a theoretical basis and practical reference for balancing urban development with ecological protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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18 pages, 3814 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Cooling Potential of Vegetation in a Central European Rural Landscape: A Local Study
by Tereza Pohanková and Vilém Pechanec
Land 2024, 13(10), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101685 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 982
Abstract
This study investigates the cooling potential of vegetation in rural landscapes of the Czech Republic to mitigate heat-related issues. Using remote sensing, the Cooling Capacity Index (CCI) is assessed to measure green spaces’ ability to lower air temperatures using evapotranspiration and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the cooling potential of vegetation in rural landscapes of the Czech Republic to mitigate heat-related issues. Using remote sensing, the Cooling Capacity Index (CCI) is assessed to measure green spaces’ ability to lower air temperatures using evapotranspiration and shading. Landsat 8/9 and meteorological data are utilised, with CCI calculated based on vegetation cover, albedo, and evapotranspiration. Our results demonstrate significant variations in cooling capacity across different land use types. Forests exhibited the highest cooling potential, while urban areas, characterised by heat-absorbing materials, displayed the least. We analysed temporal and spatial variations in cooling capacity using various visualisation tools and validated the results against the InVEST software (v3.14.0). This study highlights the effectiveness of remote sensing in quantifying ecosystem functions, particularly the cooling services provided by vegetation. Our findings emphasise the crucial role of vegetation in mitigating urban heat islands and addressing climate change. This research provides valuable insights for developing climate change adaptation strategies in rural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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16 pages, 10203 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Ecosystem Service Values of Urban Wetland: Taking East Lake Scenic Area in Wuhan as an Example
by Zhihao Sun, Wei Xue, Dezhi Kang and Zhenghong Peng
Land 2024, 13(7), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071013 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1788
Abstract
Urban wetlands represent a significant ecosystem type within urban landscapes. The quantitative assessment of their ecological service value holds great significance in guiding and improving the urban habitat. However, due to the insufficient spatial resolution of traditional low-to-medium resolution remote sensing imagery for [...] Read more.
Urban wetlands represent a significant ecosystem type within urban landscapes. The quantitative assessment of their ecological service value holds great significance in guiding and improving the urban habitat. However, due to the insufficient spatial resolution of traditional low-to-medium resolution remote sensing imagery for surface monitoring, previous studies have conducted relatively limited research on the ecosystem services of urban wetlands. In this paper, based on multi-source data including multi-scale remote sensing data, a spatial-temporal fusion model and multiple ecological parameter inversion models were employed to invert three key ecological parameters at high spatial resolution, thereby assessing the ecosystem service values (ESVs) of urban wetlands. Taking the East Lake Scenic Area (ELSA) in Wuhan as an example, the dynamics of its ecosystem services’ value components were comparatively analyzed. The results indicate that, while the total value of ecosystem services declined slightly in 2015 compared to 2011, there was a notable increase in their value to CNY 3.219 billion by 2019, which represents a doubling of the total value relative to 2011. This trend could be primarily attributed to a significant rise in cultural services within the region. Specifically, the value of tourism services reached CNY 2.090 billion in 2019, representing a threefold increase compared to 2011. This demonstrates that ecosystem services in the ELSA have been significantly optimized and enhanced through associated ecological projects. Further research should investigate the mechanisms by which urbanization affects these crucial ecosystem services, particularly the characterization of cultural services in urban wetlands, and develop more effective strategies to enhance urban resilience and sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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30 pages, 8243 KiB  
Article
Coupling Coordination Relationship and Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity between Urbanization and Ecosystem Services in the Songhua River Basin
by He Bai, Yuanyuan Chen, Shaohan Wang, Rui Chu, Jiyuan Fang, Huina Zhang, Shuhan Xing, Lei Wang and Dawei Xu
Land 2024, 13(7), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070938 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1084
Abstract
Rapid urbanization in the Songhua River Basin (SRB), a crucial ecological barrier in China and Northeast Asia, has led to the degradation of ecosystem service functions and a decline in their value, thereby posing a significant threat to regional ecological security. Clarifying the [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization in the Songhua River Basin (SRB), a crucial ecological barrier in China and Northeast Asia, has led to the degradation of ecosystem service functions and a decline in their value, thereby posing a significant threat to regional ecological security. Clarifying the complex coupling coordination relationship between urbanization and ecosystem services (ESs) and identifying the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of their interactions will facilitate the high-quality and coordinated development of urbanization and ESs in the SRB. This study employed a systems approach, treating urbanization and ESs as overarching systems and delineating different aspects of urbanization and ecosystem service functions as subsystems within these systems. The spatiotemporal characteristics of urbanization and the ecosystem service value (ESV) in the SRB from 1985 to 2021 were revealed. The coupling coordination relationship and the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the interactions between urbanization and ESs in the SRB at both the system and subsystem levels were analyzed using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and the spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression (GTWR) model. The findings indicated that during the study period: (1) The urbanization index of SRB rose from 0.09 to 0.34, while the ESV experienced a decrease from 2091.42 × 107 CNY to 2002.44 × 107 CNY. (2) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) between urbanization and ESs in the SRB at both the system and subsystem levels increased significantly, generally transitioning from the moderately unbalanced to the basically balanced stage. Areas with high CCD values were mainly distributed in ecological function areas and low-level urbanized areas, while areas with low CCD values were mainly distributed in grassland ecological degradation areas, ecologically fragile areas, resource-dependent old industrial cities, and highly urbanized areas. (3) The subsystems of urbanization had an overall negative impact on Ess, with varying trends, but the spatial distribution pattern of the interactions remained relatively stable. Conversely, the subsystems of ESs all exhibited a trend of initially strengthening and then weakening their negative impacts on urbanization, and the spatial distribution pattern was highly correlated with the spatial distribution pattern of ESV in the SRB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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17 pages, 1158 KiB  
Article
Interplay of Urbanization and Ecological Environment: Coordinated Development and Drivers
by Ruixu Chen, Yang Chen, Oleksii Lyulyov and Tetyana Pimonenko
Land 2023, 12(7), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071459 - 21 Jul 2023
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4556
Abstract
The interplay between urbanization and ecological environmental efficiency has gained increasing significance in the context of sustainable development, as rapid urban growth poses challenges to resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and the overall ecological well-being of urban areas. Understanding and analyzing the coordinated [...] Read more.
The interplay between urbanization and ecological environmental efficiency has gained increasing significance in the context of sustainable development, as rapid urban growth poses challenges to resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and the overall ecological well-being of urban areas. Understanding and analyzing the coordinated development of urbanization and ecological environmental efficiency, as well as assessing the influence of drivers on this relationship, is crucial for developing effective policies and strategies that promote environmentally sustainable urban development. This study establishes an urbanization index based on four key aspects: economy, society, population, and ecology. This investigation focuses on 30 provinces in China spanning from 2011 to 2020. The following methods are applied: global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index, entropy method, TOPSIS model, coupled coordination degree model, panel-corrected standard error (PCSE), and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) models. The empirical results demonstrate a favorable level of coordinated development between urbanization and the ecological environment overall, with more pronounced regional evolution trends. The trade openness, energy structure, and digitalization level play significant roles in effectively promoting the coordinated development of urbanization and the ecological environment to varying extents. The growth of trade openness and digitalization level promote coordinated development between urbanization and the ecological environment by 0.125 and 0.049, respectively. However, the increase in the energy structure decreases it by 0.509. These results have significant implications for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes ecological environmental protection in urbanization efforts. This study underscores the importance of sustainable urban development strategies to ensure long-term ecological and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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27 pages, 5634 KiB  
Article
Impact of Urbanization on Ecosystem Service Value from the Perspective of Spatio-Temporal Heterogeneity: A Case Study from the Yellow River Basin
by Yonghui Cheng, Qi Kang, Kewei Liu, Peng Cui, Kaixu Zhao, Jianwei Li, Xue Ma and Qingsong Ni
Land 2023, 12(7), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071301 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6345
Abstract
Ecosystem services are the beneficial goods and services that ecosystems provide to humans. Urbanization is an important feature of human social development. While promoting economic and social development, it also brings about land degradation, resource depletion, environmental pollution and other problems, intensifying the [...] Read more.
Ecosystem services are the beneficial goods and services that ecosystems provide to humans. Urbanization is an important feature of human social development. While promoting economic and social development, it also brings about land degradation, resource depletion, environmental pollution and other problems, intensifying the transformation of natural ecosystems into semi-natural and artificial ecosystems, ultimately leading to the loss of ecosystem service functions and declining value. The study of the impact of urbanization on the value of ecosystem services is of critical importance for the conservation of ecosystems and sustainable development. This study examined the spatio-temporal patterns of urbanization’s impacts on ecosystem service value in the Yellow River Basin from the perspective of spatio-temporal heterogeneity. Findings: (1) Both the ecosystem service value (ESV) and urbanization level (UL) in the Yellow River Basin were on the rise on the whole, but they were significantly spatially negatively correlated and mainly characterized by the high–low spatial clustering of “low ESV–high UL” and “high ESV–low UL”. This negative correlation was gradually weakened with the transformation of the urbanization development mode and ecological restoration projects in the Yellow River Basin. (2) The impacts of the five urbanization subsystems on the value of ecosystem services were diverse. Landscape urbanization had a negative impact on the value of ecosystem services in all regions; economic urbanization and innovation urbanization changed from having a negative to a positive impact; and demographic urbanization and social urbanization had both a positive and a negative impact. (3) To promote the coordinated development of ecological environmental protection and urbanization in the YRB, this paper proposes to change the urbanization development model, implement ecological restoration by zoning, and formulate classified development plans. This study compensates for the shortcomings of current studies that ignore the different impacts of urbanization subsystems on ecosystem service value and lack sufficient consideration of the spatio-temporal heterogeneity characteristics of urbanization and ESVs, enriches the theoretical understanding of the interrelationships between natural and human systems in basin areas, and provides a scientific basis for the rational formulation of urban planning and ecological protection policies in the region, which is of great theoretical and practical significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)
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