Work

Spatiotemporal conversion and mechanism between production-living-ecological space and ecosystem service in the canal area

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid industrialization and urbanization have significantly altered global land use patterns in canal regions, offering short-term socio-economic benefits but causing long-term ecological damage. Therefore, it is essential to deeply understand the mechanisms by which land use changes impact ecological functions to better achieve canal’s sustainable land management strategies. The production-living-ecological spaces (PLES) concept provides a macro perspective on land function research, essential for assessing regional land resource changes and socio-economic development. However, few studies have examined the dynamic response of ecosystem function to PLES conversion in canal regions. Therefore, we focused on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world’s largest and longest canal. We firstly optimized the ecosystem service value (ESV) evaluation model by integrating natural, social, and economic factors, then analyzed the impact of PLES conversion on ESV using multi-source data and geospatial models in the Jiangsu section. From 2000 to 2020, we observed a significant increase in living space by 53.75%, with the conversion from production space to living space emerging as the dominant trend, covering 9.55% (5,482.30 km2) of the study area. Water only increased the area by 5.31%, but contributed 90.39% (CNY 81.43 billion) of the total ESV increase. Conversion within ecological space largely benefited different ecosystem service types, especially regulation service (primary) and hydrologic regulation (secondary type). Additionally, all ecosystem service types exhibited a weak synergy over the 20-year period. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development and resource management of the canal zone and similar areas, enabling more effective responses to the environmental challenges and socio-economic demands of the region.

Source: Ecological Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112689

Authors: Chenfeng Xu, Baojing Wei, Yike Hu, Zibo Zhu, Xing Geng, Fenglei Chen