Work

Ecological Restoration Zoning Based on the “Importance–Vulnerability” Framework for Ecosystem Services

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Qinling–Bashan mountainous region and its surrounding areas in Shaanxi Province constitute a critical ecological security barrier and significant socio-economic zone within China, currently experiencing mounting ecological stress from both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. This study proposes an ecological restoration zoning framework built upon assessments of ecological vulnerability (EV) and ecosystem service value (ESV). The InVEST model was used to quantify major ecosystem services, while the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram (VSD) model evaluated ecological vulnerability. Both the ESV and EV layers were classified using the natural breaks method and aggregated at the township level to delineate restoration zones. Unlike previous studies relying on subjective judgment, this study constructs a standardized ‘vulnerability–service value’ decision matrix for the Qinling–Bashan region, providing a clear technical pathway for spatial restoration. Key findings include the following: (1) Spatial Vulnerability Pattern: The Qinling and Bashan mountain cores exhibit predominantly low vulnerability (potential and slight), while severe vulnerability is concentrated in the urbanizing Guanzhong Plain, emphasizing the need for urban ecological restoration. (2) Dominant Ecosystem Services: Carbon storage and net primary productivity (NPP) together account for 93% of the total ESV, highlighting the importance of forest conservation for national climate regulation. (3) Zoning Strategy: Four functional zones were defined, with the largest being the ecological conservation zone (44.8%), while a smaller ecological restoration zone (2.8%) in urban peripheries requires targeted intervention.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18020648

Authors: Nan Li, Zezhou Hu, Miao Zhang, Bei Wang, Tian Zhang

Institutions: Shaanxi Normal University, China University of Geosciences, Xi'an University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Land Use and Ecosystem Services

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896