Integrating ecosystem services and landscape ecological risk into adaptive management: Insights from a western mountain-basin area, China. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gong, Jie; Cao, Erjia; Xie, Yuchu; Xu, Caixian; Li, Hongying; Yan, Lingling
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 281(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Ecosystem services -- Landscape ecological risk -- Land use/cover change -- Spatiotemporal change -- Adaptive management -- Watershed management; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: There is an increasing interest in introducing ecosystem services (ESs) and landscape ecological risk (LER) into environmental policies and governance. Yet, we know little about how to integrate LER into real decision-making and ESs management. Using the ESs valuation method and the models of InVEST and LER, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of cropland food production, carbon storage, water yield, biodiversity index and LER of Bailongjiang watershed (BLJW), China in 1990, 2002 and 2014, and the relationship between them. We found clear spatial differences in both ESs and LER levels in BLJW during the study period. The cropland food production service kept rising, and the areas of high yield mainly distributed in the loessal regions of BLJW with intensive human population. The carbon storage, water yield and biodiversity index first decreased and then increased. The LER was higher in the areas along the valleys with low elevation and intensive human activities. The regional ecological zoning based on overlay analysis of ESs with LER is effective for providing interactive spatial knowledge for adaptive landscape management. Our results illustrate the integrative approach on linking landscape ecological risk with ecosystem services is a comprehensive and helpful methodology for both regional risk reduction and ecosystem services enhancement at landscape scale. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Watershed ecosystem services and landscape ecological risk were assessed and mapped. Clear spatial changes in ecosystem services and landscape ecological risk were found. A novel method proposed to link landscape ecological risk with ecosystem services. Overlay zoning lays scientific foundation to implement adaptive landscape management.