Sustainability

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

17 pages, 18013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value Assessment and Prediction of Regulating Ecosystem Services in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China

by Leshan Du, Haiyan Liu, Haiou Liu, Wenhui Liu, Zhanjun Quan and Ying Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9170; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219170 - 22 Oct 2024

Viewed by 632

Abstract

Ecosystem services serve as a bridge between the ecological environment and human society. The quantitative analysis and forecasting of ecosystem services can provide references for regional eco-environmental assessments and land-use planning for the future. In this study, taking Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park [...] Read more.

Ecosystem services serve as a bridge between the ecological environment and human society. The quantitative analysis and forecasting of ecosystem services can provide references for regional eco-environmental assessments and land-use planning for the future. In this study, taking Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park (HTRNP) as an example, the value of regulating ecosystem services (RESs) in 2020 was assessed via ArcGIS 10.1 and the InVEST 3.5 model, and the per-unit value of RESs was calculated for different LULC types. In addition, in accordance with the Overall Planning for HTRNP and the objective of optimizing RESs, the value of RESs in short-term (to 2030) and long-term (to 2050) scenarios was forecast via a linear programming model. The results are as follows: (1) The RES value of HTRNP in 2020 was CNY 2090.67 × 10⁸, with climate regulation accounting for the largest proportion; the spatial distribution of RESs in the eastern and central areas was higher than that in the western area, but different indicators of RESs differed in their spatial patterns in varied geographic units. (2) The natural forest ecosystem in HTRNP accounts for 76.94% of the total area but 84.82% of the total value of RESs. The per-unit value is ranked from highest to lowest as follows: montane rainforests > wetlands > lowland rainforests > lowland secondary rainforests > tropical coniferous forests > deciduous monsoon rainforests > tropical cloud forests > shrub forests > timber forests > economic forests > rubber forests > grasslands > farmlands > settlements. (3) In the short-term scenario, the value of RESs is CNY 2216.64 × 10⁸, an increase of CNY 118.97 × 10⁸ compared to 2020, with an increase rate of 5.67%. In the long-term scenario, the value of RESs is CNY 2472.48 × 10⁸, an increase of CNY 374.81 × 10⁸ compared to 2020, with an increase rate of 17.87%. The results reveal the significance of ecosystem services in the national park and can inform more targeted and scientifically sound decision-making in the future. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 15184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circles of Coastal Sustainability and Emerald Growth Perspectives for Transitional Waters under Human Stress

by Ramūnas Povilanskas, Aistė Jurkienė, Inga Dailidienė, Raimonds Ernšteins, Alice Newton and María Esther Leyva Ollivier

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062544 - 20 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1073

Abstract

Emerald Growth is an overarching sustainable development framework for transitional waters situated between rivers and open sea. The emphasis on connectivity and ecosystem-based management as the underlying principles differentiates Emerald Growth from conventional approaches to managing transitional waters. The study’s primary objective was [...] Read more.

Emerald Growth is an overarching sustainable development framework for transitional waters situated between rivers and open sea. The emphasis on connectivity and ecosystem-based management as the underlying principles differentiates Emerald Growth from conventional approaches to managing transitional waters. The study’s primary objective was to conjoin the Emerald Growth concept with the Coastal Circles of Sustainability methodology, an analytical framework to assess indicators of critical processes determining the sustainability of the coastal zone. We hypothesized that applying the CCS is an apt approach to categorizing the Emerald Growth’s aspects using Lake Liepāja, a fresh-to-brackish water lagoon on Latvia’s Baltic Sea coast, as a case study. Based on the document scoping findings on Lake Liepāja’s hydrology, ecology, biodiversity, nature conservation, and management, we addressed the knowledge gaps through the field survey, 4 workshops, and 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. The research results show that the challenging socio-economic situation is a crucial obstacle to Emerald Growth in the Lake Liepāja area. Subsistence salary and Housing affordability (Economic Welfare aspect), Population growth and Aging population (Demographic aspect), and Traditional practices (Identity aspect) received the lowest sustainability score (Bad). The results imply that considering the Emerald Growth conditions and drivers for transitional waters worldwide, finding a ‘one-fits-all’ recipe to ensure their sustainability is impossible. The decision-makers, stakeholders, and external experts agreed that for Lake Liepāja, the priority was to bring back to nature part of the polder system, clean the bottom sediments from Soviet-era pollutants, and enhance the transboundary cooperation with Lithuania. These measures would set the right conditions for future Emerald Growth in the area. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021

16 pages, 3811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Agricultural Nonpoint-Source Pollution Quantitative Assessment: A Case Study in the Mun River Basin, Thailand

by Zhonghe Zhao, Kun Liu, Bowei Yu, Gaohuan Liu, Youxiao Wang and Chunsheng Wu

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10325; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310325 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1050

Abstract

Agricultural nonpoint-source pollution (ANPSP) is a key cause of global environmental problems. However, the estimation of ANPSP, based on agricultural land use type, crop management, and attenuation of pollutants with distance, is lacking. Using the Mun River Basin as an example, this study [...] Read more.

Agricultural nonpoint-source pollution (ANPSP) is a key cause of global environmental problems. However, the estimation of ANPSP, based on agricultural land use type, crop management, and attenuation of pollutants with distance, is lacking. Using the Mun River Basin as an example, this study established quantitative response relationships between subbasin flows and hydrological and water quality parameters. A good matching of the monitored sections and the control area based on flow relationships was achieved. By determining flow paths and flow distances, the overland and in-river transport attenuations of ANPSP were clarified. The overland and in-river transport and attenuation parameters were also quantified. The land use distribution and structure were further refined through crop management, which included crop types and crop rotation (monocropping or double cropping). Based on the above procedures, quantitative relationships among land use pattern, crop management, attenuation of pollutants with distance, and river water quality were established and used to construct six kinds of regression models. Among these models, the best modeling results were obtained when the parameters of water quality, land use structure, crop management, and soil nutrient attenuation were included. The modeling accuracy in the dry season increased from 0.398 to 0.881 when information about attenuation with distance and crop management was included. Similarly, the modeling accuracy in the wet season increased from 0.365 to 0.727. This study’s findings indicate that the constructed water quality model is effective and has significance for the quantitative determination of ANPSP. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Livelihood Strategies of Farmers and Herders and Their Human Well-Being in Qilian Mountain National Park, China

by Jiatong Li, Haiping Tang and Foyuan Kuang

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118865 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

National parks have implemented restrictive measures on human activities to protect the ecological environment, which has changed the livelihood dependence and strategies of farmers and herders. Exploring the impact of livelihood strategies on the human well-being of farmers and herdsmen within the national [...] Read more.

National parks have implemented restrictive measures on human activities to protect the ecological environment, which has changed the livelihood dependence and strategies of farmers and herders. Exploring the impact of livelihood strategies on the human well-being of farmers and herdsmen within the national park construction area can help to better develop livelihood intervention measures to achieve sustainable livelihoods for farmers and herders. A total of 329 farmers and herders in Qilian Mountain National Park in China were investigated, and one-way ANOVA and ordinary least squares were employed to analyze the impact of farmers’ and herders’ livelihood strategies on human well-being in different periods of national park construction. Our results show that the livelihood strategies of farmers and herders play an important role in their well-being. Farmers and herders adopted diversified livelihood strategies after the National Park System Pilot officially launched (after 2015). The well-being advantage of adopting a diversified livelihood strategy became evident over time. Specifically, farmers and herders adopting the settlement diversification livelihood strategy were able to better adapt to the development concept of the national park after the national park pilot was officially established (after 2017). However, nomadic, settled agricultural, and pastoral households were always at a disadvantage in terms of well-being. In addition, distance, nationality, gender, and education level were important factors affecting the well-being of farmers and herders. The results of this study are helpful for improving our understanding of the influence of livelihood strategies on the well-being of farmers and herders and the related challenges they face in the construction of national parks. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Green Spaces Distribution and Disparities in Congested Populated Areas: A Geographical Assessment from Pakistan

by Muhammad Mushahid Anwar, Muhammad Hashim, Asad Aziz, Alice Stocco, Hazem Ghassan Abdo, Hussein Almohamad, Ahmed Abdullah Al Dughairi and Motrih Al-Mutiry

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8059; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108059 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3654

Abstract

Urban green spaces are considered the most important element for keeping the balance between good environmental conditions, infrastructure development, and social sustainability in cities. Nevertheless, urban green spaces are declining in developing countries due to the fast diffusion of different human activities, raising [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces are considered the most important element for keeping the balance between good environmental conditions, infrastructure development, and social sustainability in cities. Nevertheless, urban green spaces are declining in developing countries due to the fast diffusion of different human activities, raising the potential risk of social injustice and urban ecology meltdown. This study brings the example of Shahdara Town, a suburban area of Lahore, the second largest city and one of the most populated ones in Pakistan. In Shahdara Town, the scarcity of urban green spaces seems to achieve an unequal distribution of restorative places within crowded residential areas. By coupling the vegetation spectral index NDVI and Lahore institutional data to detect green spaces, this study maps the urban green area distribution and compares it with the population settlement pattern. An analysis was made to assess possible spatial relationships between green areas distribution, population density, and the social–economic profile of the residents. The distribution and accessibility of green spaces resulted insufficient for Shahdara Town’s population, highlighting local issues from a social perspective. The imbalanced provision of green spaces for densely populated areas is a big challenge for urban planners and policymakers because it jeopardizes the city life-quality and local ecological justice. Only the effort of conducting a good spatial assessment during urban planning processes can lead to a balanced and equal distribution of urban green spaces in developing cities, ensuring social and ecological justice for the population. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Review of Social–Ecological System Research and Geographical Applications

by Fang Liu, Erfu Dai and Jun Yin

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6930; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086930 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9642

Abstract

This paper reviews the exploration and application of social–ecological systems research perspectives to sustainable development issues such as the areas of coupled human–earth relations, resource management, geographical landscape patterns, system dynamics, and the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being, and summarizes practical [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the exploration and application of social–ecological systems research perspectives to sustainable development issues such as the areas of coupled human–earth relations, resource management, geographical landscape patterns, system dynamics, and the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being, and summarizes practical approaches and applied techniques for solving social–ecological system problems in order to understand changes and relationships in complex systems better. The article summarizes the theoretical research on social–ecological systems by domestic and international scholars into six frameworks: system resilience, system cascade, nature’s contribution to humans based on ecosystem services, public resource system management, system behavior scenario analysis, and system regime shift. Innovative research and practice oriented to complexity, coupling, and nonlinearity have emerged. However, there are differences between scientific research and applied practice, including their theoretical and methodological orientations. We should be oriented to social–ecological system problems to achieve a transformation from components to relationships, from outcomes to processes, from single to open systems, from general interventions to context sensitivity, and from linear to complex causality to meet what is required from sustainability science and geography. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021

18 pages, 5903 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cultural Ecosystem Services Research Progress and Future Prospects: A Review

by Liangjian Yang and Kaijun Cao

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11845; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911845 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4313

Abstract

Cultural ecosystem services (CESs) are direct influences on human well-being and sustainable development, and they have become increasingly important in the development and progress of society. This paper reviewed 1248 papers on CESs by using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. On this basis, we [...] Read more.

Cultural ecosystem services (CESs) are direct influences on human well-being and sustainable development, and they have become increasingly important in the development and progress of society. This paper reviewed 1248 papers on CESs by using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. On this basis, we also reviewed 179 selected empirical papers related to this field, with regards to geographical locations, study objects, evaluation methods, and categories. The results show that: (1) the number of publications related to cultural services has increased year by year, and Ecosystem Services, Ecological Indicators, and Sustainability are the top three journals with the greatest amount of research published; (2) ecosystem services, benefits, management, and social–ecological systems are perceptions closely related to CES research, which are also popular topics in the field; (3) the results of a keyword detection show that the cultural landscapes, patterns, mental health services, social value, and other keywords were popular keywords used from 2005 to 2021; (4) CESs have mainly attracted the attention of many developed countries, and the cultural services in cities, oceans, and coastal areas have become the focus for researchers; (5) the recreation and ecotourism, and aesthetic values are the common categories of the CES empirical studies, while the knowledge system and the cultural diversity are the two categories with the least amount of research; (6) the evaluation methods of CESs are mostly carried out using a traditional questionnaire and interview, but mapping and modeling methods have been widely used in recent years. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progress and Prospects of Ecosystem Disservices: An Updated Literature Review

by Rong-Zhi Guo, Yao-Bin Song and Ming Dong

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10396; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610396 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Natural ecosystems may influence human well-being not only positively (i.e., ecosystem services), but also negatively (i.e., ecosystem disservices). As ecosystem services have become among the most important and active research domains of ecology, ecosystem disservices have been receiving more and more attention from [...] Read more.

Natural ecosystems may influence human well-being not only positively (i.e., ecosystem services), but also negatively (i.e., ecosystem disservices). As ecosystem services have become among the most important and active research domains of ecology, ecosystem disservices have been receiving more and more attention from ecologists. In this paper, the progress of ecosystem disservices research was reviewed based on the peer-reviewed literatures using the bibliometric method and knowledge graph visualization technology. Particularly, we focused on topic distribution and ecosystem types of ecosystem disservices, the balance and synergy between ecosystem services and disservices, the management and application of ecosystem disservices, and the indicator system in ecosystem disservices research. Furthermore, we discussed the limitations and shortcomings of the current ecosystem disservice research. We recommend that future research needs to be further deepened in establishing a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services and disservices, promoting interdisciplinary participatory socio-ecological methods, and transforming research methods from static to dynamic. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 37572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Co-Benefits and Trade-Offs between Forest Ecosystem Services in the Gan River Basin of South China

by Erfu Dai, Xiaoli Wang, Jianjia Zhu and Qing Tian

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8271; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148271 - 6 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1990

Abstract

Forest ecosystem services are intrinsically linked. We design a spatially explicit approach to quantify and analyze the co-benefits and trade-offs between the main forest ecosystem services. Our goal is to develop criteria for forest management that include ecosystem service interactions. Chinese fir and [...] Read more.

Forest ecosystem services are intrinsically linked. We design a spatially explicit approach to quantify and analyze the co-benefits and trade-offs between the main forest ecosystem services. Our goal is to develop criteria for forest management that include ecosystem service interactions. Chinese fir and pine plantations provide the largest portion of the overall ecosystem services currently provided. They are volume stock and water yield service hotspots, but these have negative effects on soil retention and carbon storage, causing environmental problems. The natural forests (broad-leaf and bamboo forests) are carbon storage and volume stock hotspots and show the lowest erosion modulus. Thus, their protection, combined with expanding the plantation area under forest management should be considered in order to increase ecosystem service synergies. In contrast, an increased area of broad-leaf plantations reduces water yield service due to their lower water production capacity, in comparison with plantations of fast-growing species. Our study shows that the inclusion of ecosystem services as part of forest management could provide opportunities for optimal allocation of forest resources and sustainable utilization. Management based only on economically beneficial ecosystem services can be detrimental to the forest ecosystem and can cause environmental problems. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Quantitative Study on the Identification of Ecosystem Services: Providing and Connecting Areas and Their Impact on Ecosystem Service Assessment

by Qing Liu, Guoming Du and Haijiao Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137904 - 29 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1922

Abstract

The spatial location relations between service-providing areas and service-demand areas determine the effective provision level of ecosystem services. Some scholars use the term ecological service flow to conceptualize the transmission path, transmission characteristics, and service benefits of the provision-oriented service type between service-providing [...] Read more.

The spatial location relations between service-providing areas and service-demand areas determine the effective provision level of ecosystem services. Some scholars use the term ecological service flow to conceptualize the transmission path, transmission characteristics, and service benefits of the provision-oriented service type between service-providing areas and service-demand areas. A few scholars have characterized the transmission range and spatial unit characteristics of single or several ecosystem service types, such as production services and regulation services between the providing area and demand area based on landscape, region and global scale. The current literature lacks quantitative studies on the spatial location relations between providing areas and demand areas of ecosystem services and the actual level of ecosystem service provision at the municipal scale based on the demand for ecosystem services faced by cities. This study takes Jinan, China, as the research area, quantifies the providing areas, connecting areas and demand areas of seven services—namely, the air purification service, climate regulation service, flood prevention service, water pollution prevention service, water supply service, soil erosion prevention service, and habitat supply service—and analyzes the spatial relation characteristics of each element. On this basis, the Hellwig model is used to quantitatively analyze the impact of service-providing area and service-connecting area on regional overall ecosystem service assessment. The results prove that service-providing areas and service-connecting areas are the key units that affect the level of regional ecosystem service provision. The evaluation of regional ecosystem service provision level is inseparable from the identification of service-providing areas and service-connecting areas and the study of their attributes, characteristics, and spatial relations. Service-providing areas and service-connecting areas should be differentiated when developing strategies to optimize and improve the level of regional ecosystem service provision. Different optimization measures should be formulated according to the differences in unit attributes and service barriers in different areas. The results provide guidance for the optimization of ecosystem services to ensure the efficient and sustainable provision of regional ecosystem services and improve the actual benefits of service-demand groups or service-demand areas. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Grain for Green Project in Contiguous Poverty-Stricken Regions of China: A Nature-Based Solution

by Tingyu Xu, Xiang Niu and Bing Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7755; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137755 - 25 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2067

Abstract

The Grain for Green Project (GGP) is one of many Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which aims to address the challenge of ecological restoration while providing livelihood security for farmers in poverty-dominated regions. Evaluating the success of such a project can prove difficult. Here, we [...] Read more.

The Grain for Green Project (GGP) is one of many Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which aims to address the challenge of ecological restoration while providing livelihood security for farmers in poverty-dominated regions. Evaluating the success of such a project can prove difficult. Here, we choose the contiguous poverty-stricken regions (CPSR) of China to study the multiple benefits of the GGP in the context of NbS. We collect ecological-monitoring data, forest-resources data, and socioeconomic data and use them in a distributed method with relevant indicators, to evaluate the ecological benefits of the GGP. Additionally, the socioeconomic benefits are evaluated using questionnaire-based surveys. Our results showed that the ecological benefits of the GGP in the CPSR were 5.6 × 10¹¹ RMB/a in 2017, with the proportion of each ecosystem’s services being 27.1% (water conservation), 21.1% (biodiversity conservation), 18.4% (purification of the atmospheric environment), 13.1% (soil conservation), 12.9% (carbon sequestration and oxygen release), 5.4% (forest protection), and 1.6% (nutrient accumulation). In terms of socioeconomic benefit, the GGP changed the production methods of farmers, which resulted in income growth, with an average increase of 5100 RMB/a per household. In the context of NbS, ecological conservation, and restoration, the accurate and systematic monitoring of the socioeconomic and ecological benefits will become more important for government decisions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4919 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spatiotemporal Variability of Human Disturbance Impacts on Ecosystem Services in Mining Areas

by Shaobo Liu, Li Liu, Jiang Li, Qingping Zhou, Yifeng Ji, Wenbo Lai and Cui Long

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7547; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137547 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Human activities pose significant impacts on ecosystem services (ESs) in mining areas, which will continually increase over time and space. However, the mechanism of ES change on spatiotemporal scales post-disturbance remains unclear, especially in the context of global climate change. Here, we conducted [...] Read more.

Human activities pose significant impacts on ecosystem services (ESs) in mining areas, which will continually increase over time and space. However, the mechanism of ES change on spatiotemporal scales post-disturbance remains unclear, especially in the context of global climate change. Here, we conducted a global literature review on the impact of two of the most frequent disturbance factors (mining and restoration) on 27 different ESs, intending to synthesize the impacts of human disturbance on ESs in mining areas via a meta-analysis, and analyze the spatiotemporal variability of ESs after disturbance. We screened 3204 disturbance studies published on the Web of Science between 1950 and 2020 and reviewed 340 in detail. The results of independence test showed that human disturbance had a significant impact on ESs in the mining areas (p < 0.001). The impacts (positive and/or negative) caused by mining and restoration differed considerably among ESs (even on the same ESs). Additionally, spatiotemporal scales of human disturbance were significantly related to spatiotemporal scales of ES change (p < 0.001). We found that the positive and negative impacts of disturbances on ESs may be interconversion under specific spatiotemporal conditions. This seems to be associated with spatiotemporal variability, such as the temporal lag, spatial spillover, and cumulative spatiotemporal effects. Climate changes can lead to further spatiotemporal variability, which highlights the importance of understanding the changes in ESs post-disturbance on spatiotemporal scales. Our research presents recommendations for coping with the twofold pressure of climate change and spatiotemporal variability, to understand how ESs respond to human disturbance at spatiotemporal scales in the future, and manage disturbances to promote sustainable development in mining areas. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing the Coupling Relationship between the Gross Ecosystem Product and Economic Growth: A Case Study of Hubei Province

by Shuai Guan, Qi Liao, Wenjun Wu, Chuan Yi and Yueming Gao

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137546 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1881

Abstract

The question of how to balance rapid economic growth with ecosystem pressures has become a key issue in recent years. Using the Tapio decoupling model, the spatial autocorrelation model, and the LMDI decomposition model, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation in gross ecosystem product [...] Read more.

The question of how to balance rapid economic growth with ecosystem pressures has become a key issue in recent years. Using the Tapio decoupling model, the spatial autocorrelation model, and the LMDI decomposition model, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation in gross ecosystem product (GEP) in Hubei Province, studied the relationship between GEP and economic growth, and analyzed the driving factors of GEP variation. The results show that, during the period 2010–2019, the decoupling coefficient between GEP and economic growth in Hubei Province gradually decreased, while the decoupling relationship changed from weak decoupling to strong decoupling; this change is reflected not only in the decoupling index values of various cities but also in the number of changing cities, so this negative change should attract the attention of policy-makers. In addition, there is a significant local spatial autocorrelation in Hubei Province, mainly distributed in the northwest and southwest of the province, and the trend is becoming increasingly obvious. As the decoupling trend is negative, it is necessary to pay attention to local autocorrelation changes, especially in highly correlated cities, and take action to prevent the further exacerbation of such decoupling to maintain healthy economic and social development. Regarding the driving factors of GEP changes in Hubei Province, cities with strong decoupling and those with weak decoupling have certain differences, and different types of decoupling cities need to adopt different strategies to alleviate pressure on the ecological environment. Cities with a weak decoupling need to address the problem of pollutant emissions associated with industrial upgrading and the positive impact of scientific and technological innovation on the ecological environment. Cities with strong decoupling should not only address pollutant discharge but also improve the area of ecological land. From the perspective of urban development, the high-quality development trend of Wuhan, Yichang, Xiantao, Qianjiang, Xianning, and other cities shows a continuous trend of improvement. Ezhou, Jingzhou, Shennongjia, and other cities need to guard against the loss of ecosystems caused by economic growth. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 4287 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation and Functional Zoning of the Ecological Environment in Urban Space—A Case Study of Taizhou, China

by Haixia Zhao, Xiaowei Jiang, Binjie Gu and Kaiyong Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6619; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116619 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3019

Abstract

Functional zoning provides a basis for establishing a regional development layout with clear functions, reasonable division of labor, and complementary advantages. In the process of urban development, a large number of behaviors such as occupying ecological land and generating a lot of pollution [...] Read more.

Functional zoning provides a basis for establishing a regional development layout with clear functions, reasonable division of labor, and complementary advantages. In the process of urban development, a large number of behaviors such as occupying ecological land and generating a lot of pollution cause damage to the urban ecological environment. Functional zoning of the ecological environment has become an important tool used by the local and central governments to establish a harmonious relationship between socio-economic welfare and the ecological environment in recent years. Guided by the concepts and principles of ecological function zoning, this study applies and extends the methodological approach of ecological function zoning to the scale of urban space. Based on consideration of an evaluation of ecological environment sensitivity, ecosystem service function importance, and socio-economic coercion, this paper divides urban space into four types, namely: ecological environment restoration zone, ecological economy bearing zone, ecological environment preservation zone, and ecological environment protection zone, utilizing a mutually exclusive matrix classification. Taking Taizhou in Jiangsu Province as a pilot study, this paper verifies the actual application of a theoretical model and its technicalities, thus advancing the general case for function zoning of the ecological environment. Furthermore, it outlines measures for ecological environment protection and the industrial development orientation of each function area, thus providing a scientific basis for Taizhou’s ecological city development and construction. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 24262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatio-Temporal Evolution of the Soil Conservation Function of Ecosystems in the North–South Transition Zone in China: A Case Study of the Qinling-Daba Mountains

by Zhengyang Li, Yafeng Lu, Yukuan Wang and Jia Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105829 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1977

Abstract

Maintaining and improving the soil conservation function of an ecosystem is of positive significance to the sustainable and stable development of that ecosystem. We used the RUSLE model to evaluate the soil conservation function of the Qinling-Daba Mountains from 1982, 1995, 2005, and [...] Read more.

Maintaining and improving the soil conservation function of an ecosystem is of positive significance to the sustainable and stable development of that ecosystem. We used the RUSLE model to evaluate the soil conservation function of the Qinling-Daba Mountains from 1982, 1995, 2005, and 2015 in order to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of soil conservation. Our conclusions are as follows: (1) During the study period, the amount of average actual soil erosion in the Qinling-Daba Mountains was 955.39 × 10⁸ t, the amount of actual soil erosion fluctuated greatly from year after year, there were obvious spatial aggregation and temporal and spatial transfer phenomena, and there was serious soil nutrient loss in the east. (2) From 1982 to 2015, soil conservation in the Qinling-Daba Mountains increased by 27.75 × 10⁸ t during fluctuations. The soil conservation was negatively correlated with elevation and slope, and was positively correlated with vegetation coverage. (3) The average soil conservation of forest ecosystems and farmland ecosystems accounts for 78.11% of the total soil conservation, but there are differences in the ways in which to achieve soil conservation function. The order for soil conservation function of different vegetation types is crops > shrub > broad-leaved forest > coniferous forest > grass > meadow > grassland > coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest > alpine plant > swamp. (4) The average retention of N, P and K elements in soil were 75.57 × 10⁴ t, 25.35 × 10⁴ t and 737.28 × 10⁴ t, respectively. The soil elements had the consistency of spatial difference in spatial distribution and were time scaled. The soil nutrient loss in the eastern region is serious. Shrubs, broadleaf forests and crops have the greatest effect on soil nutrient retention. Alpine plants retain the greatest amount of soil nutrients per unit area. Therefore, the establishment of reasonable soil conservation strategies and scientific vegetation interplanting measures will help to enhance the soil conservation function of the Qinling-Daba Mountains ecosystem and improve the ecosystem production capacity. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Livelihood Sustainability of Herder Households in North Tibet, China

by Huixia Zou, Shaowei Li, Huiyuan Zou, Wei Sun, Yingnan Niu and Chengqun Yu

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5166; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095166 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2005

Abstract

The livelihood sustainability of rural residents has attracted a great deal of attention across the globe, especially in remote mountain areas. In this study, we interviewed 696 householders who were randomly selected from ‘Changtang’ (also called ‘North Tibet’), Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. Under [...] Read more.

The livelihood sustainability of rural residents has attracted a great deal of attention across the globe, especially in remote mountain areas. In this study, we interviewed 696 householders who were randomly selected from ‘Changtang’ (also called ‘North Tibet’), Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. Under the sustainable livelihood index (SLI) framework, we evaluated the livelihood sustainability of herder households and examined the differences between low- and high-sustainability groups. Our findings revealed the following: (1) The livelihood sustainability of all herder households was generally low; low-sustainability households accounted for 87.07% of the samples. (2) Social, human, and physical capitals accounted for 81.6% of the variance in the SLI of herder households. Less physical capital was the main reason for a lower SLI. (3) Compared with high-SLI households, low-SLI families were characterized by having a higher dependency on natural resources, fewer fixed assets, weaker personal ability, and less participation in social organizations. Moreover, low-sustainability households were more vulnerable to medical expenses. Our study suggests that policymakers should pay closer attention to skills training, promote livelihood diversification, and strengthen social capital security. These actions are recommended for global poverty reduction and to promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Differentiation of Mountain Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies: A Case Study of Jieshi Mountain, China

by Guangzi Li and Jun Cai

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084652 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

There are complex interactions among various services in mountain ecosystems, and the optimization of ecosystem spatial patterns based on the trade-offs and synergies of mountain ecosystem services can effectively improve the comprehensive benefits of a multi-ecosystem service. Jieshi Mountain is a typical historical [...] Read more.

There are complex interactions among various services in mountain ecosystems, and the optimization of ecosystem spatial patterns based on the trade-offs and synergies of mountain ecosystem services can effectively improve the comprehensive benefits of a multi-ecosystem service. Jieshi Mountain is a typical historical and cultural mountain in China, and its social and economic development is at the average level in China. It is of great significance to explore the ecosystem services and mountain environmental factors in the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services to promote the coordinated development of the man–land relationship. Based on an evaluation of ecosystem service value and comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal pattern of trade-offs and synergies in the Jieshi Mountain area from 1980 to 2020, the spatial differentiation of the trade-offs and synergies of four key ecosystem services—water yield, soil retention, carbon storage, and habitat quality—were identified. We found that carbon storage-soil retention and habitat quality-soil retention have a strong trade-off relationship, and the area accounts for a relatively high proportion. In terms of land-cover types, the frequency of the synergistic effect between woodland and cultivated land is higher. There are different correlations between ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies among mountain environmental factors, among which elevation has a higher influence on synergy. Identifying the trade-off and synergy relationship between ecosystem services helps in making decisions about different mountain landscape planning and management strategies. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

20 pages, 4627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Relationship between Urbanization Level and Ecosystem Service from a Dual-Scale Perspective: A Case Study of the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration

by Yuanyuan Mao, Lingli Hou and Zhengdong Zhang

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8537; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158537 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 21st century, urbanization has brought about dramatic changes in population, life, and economy, while having a significant impact on the distribution of ecosystem service. As research on the relationship between urbanization and ecosystem service has gradually specified, we [...] Read more.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, urbanization has brought about dramatic changes in population, life, and economy, while having a significant impact on the distribution of ecosystem service. As research on the relationship between urbanization and ecosystem service has gradually specified, we decided to explore it at different scales. In this paper, we quantified and mapped the spatial–temporal evolution and relationship between urbanization and ecosystem service value in the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration from 2000 to 2019 based on a dual-scale perspective of county and 3 km × 3 km raster. Our results show that the overall trend of urbanization level and ecosystem service value was increasing. Urbanization and ecosystem service value at the county scale showed a negative spatial correlation, while it was not significant at the raster scale. The “high–high” agglomeration was more concentrated, while the other three “low–low”, “low–high” and “high–low” agglomerations were more dispersed. Our findings suggest it is crucial to identify the key factors of small urban areas to grasp the development mechanism in the urbanization process and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being for Environmental Sustainability

Share This Topical Collection

Editors

Topical Collection Information

Keywords

Published Papers (18 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021

2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI