Linking the benefits of ecosystem services to sustainable spatial planning of ecological conservation strategies. (15th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Lin; Cao, Wei; Xu, Xinliang; Fan, Jiangwen; Wang, Junbang
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 222(2018)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 395
• Publication Date: 2018-09-15
• Subjects: Targeted assessment -- Ecosystem services -- Ecological Conservation Project -- Spatial planning -- Tibet Plateau; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: The maintenance and improvement of ecosystem services on the Tibet Plateau are critical for national ecological security in China and are core objectives of ecological conservation in this region. In this paper, ecosystem service benefits of the Tibet Ecological Conservation Project were comprehensively assessed by estimating and mapping the spatiotemporal variation patterns of critical ecosystem services on the Tibet Plateau from 2000 to 2015. Furthermore, we linked the benefit assessment to the sustainable spatial planning of future ecological conservation strategies. Comparing the 8 years before and after the project, the water retention and carbon sink services of the forest, grassland and wetland ecosystems were slightly increased after the project, and the ecosystem sand fixation service has been steadily enhanced. The increasing forage supply service of grassland significantly reduced the grassland carrying pressure and eased the conflict between grassland and livestock. However, enhanced rainfall erosivity occurred due to increased rainfall, and root-layer soils could not recover in a short period of time, both factors have led to a decline in soil conservation service. The warm and humid climate is beneficial for the restoration of ecosystems on the Tibet Plateau, and the implementation of the Tibet Ecological Conservation Project has had a positive effect on the local improvement of ecosystem services. A new spatial planning strategy for ecological conservation was introduced and aims to establish a comprehensive, nationwide system to protect important natural ecosystems and wildlife, and to promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Highlights: Targeted effects of ecological conservation project on the Tibet Plateau were assessed. Spatial and temporal patterns of key ecosystem services were estimated and mapped. Warm and wet climate is beneficial to ecosystem restoration on the Tibet Plateau, and the project has a positive effect. The benefits of ecosystem services were linked to sustainable spatial planning of ecological conservation strategies.