Search Results (101)

The synergistic development of ecosystems and socioeconomic systems constitutes a critical foundation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Large river basins characterized by ecological and socioeconomic spatial heterogeneity frequently present contradictions and conflicts in regional sustainable development, thereby impeding the realization of SDGs. This study employed the Yellow River Basin (YRB), a typical large sediment-laden river system, as a case study. Based on the secondary water resource zones, the spatial variability and temporal evolution of ecosystem service value (ESV), population (POP), GDP, nighttime light (NTL), and Human Development Index (HDI) were analyzed at the water resource partition scale. A consistent mode was applied to quantify the spatiotemporal consistency between ESV and socioeconomic indicators across water resource partitions. The results indicated that from 1980 to 2020, the ESV of the YRB increased from 1079.83 × 10⁹ to 1139.20 × 10⁹ yuan, with no notable spatial pattern variation. From upstream to downstream, the population density, GDP per unit area, and NTL per unit area displayed increasing trends along the river course, whereas the total population, GDP, and NTL initially increased and then declined. Temporally, the population fluctuated with an overall upward tendency, while GDP and NTL experienced significant growth. The spatial distribution and temporal evolution of HDI remained comparatively stable. The coefficients of variation for population, GDP, and NTL were significantly higher than those for ecosystem services and HDI. The study highlighted an overall lack of coordination between ESV and socioeconomic development in the YRB, with relatively stable spatial patterns. These findings could offer a theoretical reference for the formulation of policies to enhance the synergistic development of ecosystems and socioeconomic systems in the YRB. Full article

The value realization of forest ecological products (VRF) is crucial for rural revitalization, while the rural digital economy (RDE) plays a central role in enhancing farmers’ income (FI). This study constructs index systems to evaluate the RDE and VRF using the entropy weight method and the input–output model. Based on panel data from 31 Chinese provinces (2011–2021), we employ a comprehensive analytical framework that includes spatiotemporal evolution analysis, benchmark regression models, mediation effect analysis, and heterogeneity analysis. The results of the benchmark regression models show that the RDE significantly boosts FI, with each unit of increase in the RDE leading to a 2579-unit rise in income. Spatiotemporal evolution analysis reveals that the positive effect of the RDE weakens from the Eastern coastal regions to the less developed Western regions. Furthermore, mediation effect analysis indicates that VRF mediates the relationship between the RDE and FI. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the impact of the RDE varies across regions and income levels. These findings provide strong evidence of the role of the RDE in promoting FI and highlight VRF as a mediating mechanism, offering policy insights for integrating digital and ecological strategies to foster inclusive rural growth. Full article

The realization of forest ecological functions value is an important path for implementing the “Two Mountains” theory. Improving the efficiency of forest ecological functions and benefits value realization faces several challenges, such as an underdeveloped value evaluation system that makes it difficult to quantify ecological value, a weak policy system lacking effective incentive mechanisms, and unclear ecological property rights leading to unfair benefits distribution. Forest new quality productive drivers are a key factor in promoting high-quality forestry development, and can effectively address several issues hindering the efficiency of forest ecological functions and benefits value realization. Forest ecological functions and benefits are divided into tangible forest products and intangible ecological services, with the efficiency of realizing their economic and welfare values reflecting the input–output status of forest ecological value. This paper constructs an indicator system for assessing the modern productive capacity in forestry and the efficiency of forest ecological value realization, and uses a two-stage network DEA model and a double fixed effects model for empirical analysis. The study finds that the advanced drivers of forestry productivity significantly enhance the efficiency of forest ecological economic value realization but constrain the efficiency of ecological welfare value realization, with significant regional differences. As a moderating variable, enhancing the resilience of the industry chain can significantly deepen the effect throughout the process, while improving the informatization level of residents can weaken the constraints of forest new quality productive drivers on the efficiency of forest ecological welfare value realization. Therefore, this paper offers targeted recommendations aimed at providing theoretical support and practical guidance for optimizing the efficiency of forest ecological value realization. Full article

As critical zones for ecological conservation, national parks necessitate integrated management of transportation corridors (TCs) and ecosystem service value (ESV) to advance ecological civilisation. This study investigates the TC-ESV mutual construction mechanism in the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). This research employs the TOPSIS method to measure the development level of TCs, applies the equivalent factor method to calculate the ESV, and uses a coupling coordination model and local spatial autocorrelation analysis to evaluate their interaction patterns. The results show that TC development in the GPNP has been increasing, accompanied by a significant rise in ESV. A coupling coordination relationship exists between TCs and ESV, with notable spatial differentiation. TCs not only increase the market ESV by reducing distribution costs and facilitating the outward flow of ESV, they also improve the accessibility of national parks, promote ecotourism and cultural services, facilitate the movement of people and the exchange of knowledge, and enhance the ability of local populations and migrants to realise the ESV in the long term. However, challenges persist, including ESV conversion difficulties and TC construction’s potential impacts on ESV realisation. Therefore, we propose optimised green transport corridors and differentiated ecological compensation mechanisms, and by analysing the interaction between them, the innovation of this paper is to provide an innovative framework for sustainable spatial governance of ESV conversion and TC development in national parks, enriching the interdisciplinary approach. Full article

Serving as critical sustainable transportation infrastructure, inland waterways provide dual socioeconomic and ecological value by (1) facilitating high-efficiency freight logistics through cost-effective bulk cargo transport while stimulating regional economic growth, and (2) delivering essential ecosystem services including flood regulation, water resource preservation, and biodiversity conservation. This study establishes a stakeholder-centered risk assessment framework to enhance decision-making of waterway engineering projects and promote the sustainable development of Inland Waterway Transport. We propose a three-layer approach: (1) identifying key stakeholders in the decision-making stage of waterway engineering projects through multi-dimensional criteria; (2) listing and classifying decision-making risks from the perspectives of managers, users, and other stakeholders; (3) applying the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to prioritize key risks and proposing a risk assessment model based on fuzzy reasoning theory to evaluate decision-making risks under uncertain conditions. This framework was applied to the Yangtze River Trunk Line Wuhan–Anqing Waterway Regulation Project. The results show that the risk ranking is managers, users, and other stakeholders, among which the risk of engineering freight demand is particularly prominent. This suggests that we need to pay attention to optimizing material transportation and operational organization, promote the development of large-scale ships, and realize the diversification of ship types and transportation organizations. This study combines fuzzy reasoning with stakeholder theory, providing a replicable tool for the Waterway Management Authority to address the complex sustainability challenges in global waterway development projects. Full article

Amidst escalating global environmental challenges, ecological development has become crucial for sustaining human well-being and planetary health. China, with its ambitious ecological civilization agenda, is at the forefront of this transition. This paper calculated the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) for China from 2005 to 2020 and employed the Dagum Gini coefficient to analyze regional ecological disparities. Results show that GEP grew steadily from CNY 47.17 trillion in 2005 to CNY 74.40 trillion in 2020, but this growth lagged behind GDP expansion. Regulation Services, though dominant, exhibited the slowest growth, hindering full realization of ecological product values. Regional disparities were prominent, with the western region having higher GEP but lower per unit area value, indicating inefficiencies in value realization. Eastern regions excelled in material and Cultural Services but had lower regulation service values. These findings underscore the need for balanced ecological development policies that enhance ecosystem regulation, reduce regional inequalities, and optimize ecological product value realization for sustainable growth. Full article

The scientific development and utilization of cultivated land reserve resource areas is an important basis for realizing national food security and regional ecological protection. This paper focuses on land use optimization simulations to explore the paths of sustainable land use in cultivated land reserve resources areas. Deep learning technology was introduced to calculate the growth probability of each land use type. A land use change simulation method coupling CNN-LSTM and PLUS was constructed to dynamically simulate the land use pattern, and the spatial accuracy of the simulation was improved. Markov chains and multi-objective planning (MOP) model were used to set historical development (HD) scenarios, ecological conservation (EP) scenarios, land consolidation (LC) scenarios, and sustainable development (SD) scenarios. The comprehensive impact of land use change on ecosystem service value (ESV), agricultural production benefits (APBs), and carbon balance (CB) was evaluated by systematically analyzing the quantitative and spatial distribution characteristics of land use change in different scenarios from 2020 to 2030. Da’an City, Jilin province, China was selected as the study area. The results of this study show the following: (1) The CNN-LSTM coupled with the PLUS model was designed to capture the dynamic change characteristics of land use, which achieves high accuracy (Kappa of 0.8119). (2) In the EP scenario, the increase in ESV was 4.36%, but the increase in APB was only 7.33%. In the LC scenario, APB increased by 22.11%, while ESV decreased by 3.44%. In the SD scenario, a dynamic balance was achieved between ESV and APB, and it was the optimal path for sustainable development. (3) The SD scenario performed best, with a CB of 5,532,100 tons, while the EP scenario was the lowest, at only 1,493,500 tons. The SD scenario shows the optimal potential of combining carbon reduction and agricultural development. In this paper, deep learning and spatial modeling for multi-scenario simulation were integrated, and a scientific basis for the planning and management of cultivated land reserve resource areas was provided. Full article

Superior electricity-optimized business ecosystems (EOBEs) have evolved into pivotal determinants in catalyzing industrial–commercial prosperity. The access to electricity index (AEI) constitutes a valid instrument for assessing the EOBE. To realize the accurate evaluation of EOBE and the root cause tracing of its changes, this paper constructs a new analytical model for evaluating and monitoring changes in EOBE. First, this paper constructs a new evaluation model of EOBE based on the Business Ready (B-READY) evaluation system, considering three factors: the power regulatory quality, the public service level, and the enterprises’ gain power efficiency. Then, the model uses the raw data collected to calculate a score for AEI to enable an accurate assessment of EOBE. Next, this paper uses a priori assessment to extract the coupling features of indicators and combines the time series features and policy features to construct the feature matrix. Finally, the characteristic contribution was analyzed using support vector regression (SVR) and Shapley’s additive interpretation (SHAP) value. The experiment shows that the factors affecting the change in AEI are time series features, policy features, and coupling features in decreasing order of importance. This study provides reference cases and improvement ideas for the assessment and optimization of EOBE. Full article

Wetlands provide the world with important ecosystem services (ES) including carbon (C) storage. The Ramsar Convention (RC) is the only global treaty on wetlands outside of the United Nations (UN) with 172 contracting parties across the world as of 2025. The goals of the convention are to promote the wise use and conservation of wetlands, designation of suitable wetlands as wetlands of international importance, and international cooperation. The problem is that there is no consensus for standard global analysis, which is needed to ensure wetlands conservation. The novelty of this study is the use of methodology that combines satellite-based land cover change analysis with high-resolution spatial databases to help understand the change in wetlands area over time and identify potential hotspots for C loss. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wetland conversions represent “transboundary” damages. Therefore, C loss from wetlands conversions can be expressed through the “realized” social cost of C (SC-CO₂) which is a conservative estimate of the damages caused by carbon dioxide (CO₂) release. A case study of the contiguous United States of America (USA) using raster analysis within ArcGIS Pro showed key findings that almost 53% of the wetlands area was lost between 1780 and 1980, starting with 894,880.7 km² in 1780 and falling to 422,388.2 km² in 1980. This net loss generated damages including midpoint total soil C loss (6.7 × 10¹³ kg of C) with associated midpoint “realized” social costs of C (SC-CO₂) value of $11.4T (where T = trillion = 10¹², $ = United States dollars, USD). Recent analysis of the contiguous USA (2001–2021) revealed wetlands area losses and damages in all states. The newly demonstrated method for rapid monitoring of wetlands changes over time can be integrated into systems for worldwide monitoring to support the RC wise use concept. Full article

Evaluating potential (PES) and realized (RES) ecosystem services can significantly improve the clarity and understanding of sustainable natural resource management practices. This study determined spatial distribution indices and assessed the economic value of both PES and RES in Northern Thailand. The geographic distribution and intensity of 17 ecological services of six land use categories (i.e., forests, agriculture, shrubland, urban land, water bodies, and barren land) were estimated for the distribution and unit values of PES and RES, by using the Co$ting Nature Model. Our results suggested that the PES and RES values were spatially consistent. The map showing the distribution of PES and RES values revealed high values in the cities of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phitsanulok, and Nakhon Sawan. Nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water supply were identified as the top potential ecological services, while nutrient cycling, water supply, and soil formation were the most realized. The ecosystem service packages in Northern Thailand had a potential annual value of 36.31 billion USD per year. However, after adjusting for relative indices, the realized ecosystem services were valued at 13.44 billion USD per year, representing only one-third of the potential value. To manage resources effectively and make informed decisions, it is essential to comprehend the gap between possible and actual ecosystem services. This research underscores the financial worth of ecosystem services and emphasizes the significance of using them sustainably to enhance human well-being and conserve the environment in Northern Thailand. Full article

Rural landscapes are experiencing ecosystem degradation due to urbanization and rapid suburban expansion. Ecosystem services derived from natural resources and essential public services facilitated by social capital collectively address the growingly diverse social and ecological requirements of rural residents. Even so, ecosystem services and public services are often trade-offs, highlighting the necessity to enhance their coordinated development. However, it remains unclear how to use the identified thresholds to delineate functional zones. This will scientifically guide sound and efficient spatial planning and ecological management. This study takes the suburban countryside of Jiangning in Nanjing as the study area. It explores the inclusion of the threshold value of rural public services and ecosystem services in the strategic design of sustainable suburban development in China. First, we quantify and map six types of ecosystem services (ESs) and 13 types of rural public services (RPSs). Secondly, we use the piecewise linear regression method to identify the response and threshold of 13 types of RPSs to six kinds of ESs. Finally, the combination and classification of threshold values are used to divide functional areas, and space-specific management and planning suggestions are put forward. The results are as follows (1) With the increase in RPSs, all ESs respond with a downward trend. (2) In addition to the negative linear relationship between education and social welfare services and ESs, the response thresholds of other RPSs and ESs were identified. (3) According to multiple density threshold analysis of each RPS’s response to ESs, four functional areas were obtained. We emphasize the priority of spatial planning and management, that is, the priority management of “ESs enhancement area and RPSs optimization area”. (4) The threshold values of ESs and RPSs can be used as tools to delineate functional zones and guide the spatial planning and management of rural functional areas. In general, our research helps ensure the maximization of rural ecological benefits while also meeting the growing diversity of needs of rural residents and enabling efficient, phased, gradient, and precise spatial management of suburban rural ecosystems and public services to promote the sustainable development of suburban rural areas and realize rural revitalization. Full article

Amidst severe ecological challenges and resource constraints, realizing the value of ecological products—such as timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation—has emerged as an innovative approach within the realm of paying for ecosystem services. This study examines 35 cases of ecological product value realization in China, using a comprehensive analytical framework encompassing policy support, market participation, and resource endowment utilization. Utilizing a qualitative comparative analysis method (cs-QCA), the study explores the driving mechanisms behind ecological product value realization. These findings indicate that policy guidance and planning are indispensable for realizing ecological product value. Additional factors, such as fiscal and financial support, leadership from pioneering enterprises, product innovation and promotion, and the utilization of both natural and human resources, play varying roles across different grouping paths to varying degrees. The study uncovers the following three typical driving mechanisms: government-led; government–market hybrid; and integrated type. The study reveals that each region should choose an appropriate path based on its unique conditions. This research significantly enhances the theoretical understanding of ecological product value realization and provides a scientific foundation for policy formulation and practical applications. Full article

As global cities rapidly develop, the realization of sustainable urban development has become a pressing global concern. As a critical component of the urban built environment, urban green spaces are essential for maintaining the sustainability of urban ecosystems by offering a variety of ecological benefits. However, there are some problems in the design and construction of urban green framework, which often disregard the real needs of residents and hinder the sustainable development of urban areas. Therefore, urban planning that takes into account the supply and demand relationship of urban green space is considered to be a key technology that should help to improve residents’ happiness and promote urban sustainable development. This paper takes Zunyi City as an example; selects six indicators; combines UAV images, population, economic, and environmental data to evaluate ecosystem services valuation existing green space in the city; and analyzes its social and ecological needs. Affected by land utilization and development density, the supply value showed low spatial density characteristics in the central urban area and high spatial distribution characteristics in the surrounding urban area. The correlation between demand value and population density is the largest, and the distribution pattern is similar to that of population density. The supply-demand ratio in the study area is −0.54, indicating a severe imbalance between supply and demand. The correlation analysis between the comprehensive supply and demand ratio and each influencing factor shows that the correlation with population density is the largest. The combination of supply and demand maps addresses a major problem in planning, namely, ensuring that communities have priority in providing urban green space based on society’s need for ecosystem services. In addition, these maps will help develop the best green space planting plans to meet the specific needs of different communities. Taken together, the findings can help city planners and decision makers improve the layout of urban green areas, increase ecosystem service potential, and improve urban environmental quality and sustainability. Full article

The forest ecosystem is one of the planet’s critical ecosystems. Identifying the tradeoff-synergistic relationships among forest ecosystem service values and exploring their driving factors in the Yangtze River Delta are crucial for promoting the optimal overall benefits of regional ecosystem service values and realizing a mutually beneficial scenario that harmonizes regional socio-economic development with ecological and environmental conservation. The forest ecosystem service value in the Yangtze River Delta was evaluated through the improved equivalent factor method. Furthermore, an examination of the tradeoff-synergistic relationship among these ecosystem service values, along with their driving factors, was performed utilizing both the Pearson correlation coefficient method and the Geodetector model. The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2020, the forest ecosystem service values presented a general growth trend in the Yangtze River Delta, with higher values noted in the southern areas and lower values found in the northern regions. The average annual forest ecosystem service value was 279 billion RMB. The tradeoff-synergistic relationship among forest ecosystem service values mainly showed a synergistic relationship, while a significant tradeoff relationship was observed between the values of support and cultural services. The factors influencing the tradeoff-synergistic relationship among forest ecosystem service values included precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index, and temperature. Consequently, local governments should enhance forest coverage, particularly by expanding the regions of evergreen broadleaf, deciduous broadleaf, and coniferous forests. They should also proactively seek ways to realize the value of forest ecosystem services. Full article

Land use and land cover changes significantly affect the function and value of ecosystem services (ES). Exploring the spatial correspondence between changes in land cover and ES is conducive to optimizing the land use structure and increasing regional coordinated development. Thus, this study aimed to examine changes in land use and land cover (30 × 30 m) in Laos between 2000 and 2020 and their effects on ecosystem services value (ESV) using the Global Surface Cover Database land use data for 2000 to 2020, ArcGIS technology, and the table of Costanza’s value coefficients. The study results indicated that forest (79.5%), cultivated land (10.6%), and grassland (8.3%) were the dominant land use types in Laos over the past two decades. The forest area decreased significantly, while there were increases in other land types, and the forest was transformed into cultivated land and grassland. ES in Laos was valued at about USD 140–150 billion, with forest contributing the most, followed by cultivated land and grassland. ESV over the last two decades in Laos has increased by USD 3.94 million. Large values were assigned to regulating services (40%) and supporting services (14%). The ESV of food production, soil formation, and water supply increased, and the ESV of climate regulation, genetic resources, and erosion control decreased. In addition, the elasticity value of artificial surfaces was more prominent, with a more evident impact on ESV. For future development, Laos should rationally plan land resources, develop sustainable industries, maintain the dynamic balance of second-category ESV, and achieve sustainable economic and ecological development. This study provides a scientific basis for revealing changes in ESV in Laos over the past two decades, maintaining the stability and sustainable development of the environment in Laos, and realizing the sustainable use and efficient management of the local environmental resources. Full article