In recent research, a novel analytical framework has been introduced aimed at enhancing ecological security through assessment, prediction, and zoning management. This innovative approach is grounded in the Social–Economic–Natural Complex Ecosystems (SENCE) theory and seeks to promote sustainable development by addressing the growing ecological challenges faced in various regions, particularly those experiencing significant human-land conflicts. The research provides an integrated perspective crucial for policymakers and environmental managers.
The Daqing River Basin in the North China Plain served as the focal point for this study, chosen due to its ecological importance and the pressing human-land conflicts that have arisen in the area. Given the necessity to improve ecological governance in such regions, the research team established a comprehensive assessment index system derived from the pressure-state-response (PSR) model. This model is instrumental for understanding the complex interactions between human activities and ecological systems.
Within the assessment index system, several key indicators were identified to evaluate the pressure level on the ecosystem. These included population density, which serves as an indicator of potential human impact, alongside the nightlight index, reflecting urbanization and human activity. Additionally, the human interference index measures direct interactions with the environment, all of which are critical for quantifying the pressure that various regions endure. Such multifaceted metrics ensure a robust framework for assessing ecological security and its determinants.
Turning to the state level of the PSR model, the research highlighted indicators such as net primary productivity, which is vital for understanding biological capacity in the basin, as well as patch density and the Shannon diversity index. These indicators provide a lens through which the ecological health and diversity of the Daqing River Basin can be assessed. Considering the response level was equally essential, as it reflects society’s investments and commitments to ecological conservation. Factors such as the proportion of tertiary industries, nature reserve areas, and ecosystem service values were used as crucial indicators for this level.
The study’s findings from 2000 to 2020 revealed a significant positive shift in the overall ecological security of the Daqing River Basin, transforming from a “Moderate” level to a “Relatively Safe” classification. Impressively, around 62% of the basin experienced an improvement in ecological security during this timeframe. Nevertheless, the researchers noted the persistence of spatial heterogeneity in ecological conditions, with higher security levels observed in the northwestern and eastern regions contrasted by lower scores in the central area, particularly around Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei provinces. This dissimilarity indicates that while overall improvement is commendable, targeted interventions remain necessary for regions lagging in security measures.
Utilizing the GM(1,1) model, the researchers were able to forecast future ecological security trends. Looking ahead to the years 2025 through 2040, they predict that the basin’s ecological security will continue to improve and stabilize at the “Relatively Safe” level. However, this study also warns of an intensifying spatial disparity, primarily fueled by the anticipated deterioration of ecological security in major urban areas, underscoring the need for strategic interventions tailored to specific locales.
To navigate these complexities, the study suggests establishing multi-scale ecological security management zones that address the unique challenges and characteristics of each area. At a broader regional scale, the Daqing River Basin was divided into western, central, and eastern zones, each with customized regulatory strategies. For example, the western zone’s management focuses on soil and water conservation, which is critical given its agricultural reliance, while the central zone emphasizes the protection of cultivated lands amid increasing urban sprawl. In contrast, wetland protection takes precedence in the eastern zone, where ecosystems face distinct pressures from industrial activities and urban development.
At a more granular county level, the researchers categorized 81 counties into five distinct ecological management zones, including mountain and wetland zones, plain zones, and urban areas. Each zone is assigned targeted strategies designed to optimize ecological governance. This level of detail not only enhances the applicability of the research findings but also fosters more effective management practices that can lead to substantial ecological recovery and resilience.
While this ambitious research provides a foundational framework for future ecological governance and highlights the significance of integrating socio-economic aspects with natural elements, it also acknowledges certain limitations. These include the incomplete exploration of complex interactions and trade-offs among the pressure, state, and response elements, which necessitate future inquiry. Nevertheless, the proposed framework marks a significant advancement in the ecological security discourse, offering practical applications for similar human-land conflict challenges worldwide.
To conclude, this study offers not only a vital resource for ecological governance in river basins but also enhances the theoretical understanding of ecological security. By synthesizing various dimensions of ecological assessment and management, it paves the way for more informed decision-making in regions grappling with the impacts of human activities on natural landscapes. As ecological security becomes increasingly urgent amid global environmental changes, innovative frameworks like this will be crucial in guiding sustainable practices that ensure both ecological integrity and human prosperity.
The paper titled “Ecological Security Assessment, Prediction, and Zoning Management: An Integrated Analytical Framework,” authored by Bo Nan and colleagues, is a significant contribution to the field. This open-access research can be accessed for full details at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.032. For ongoing updates and discussions related to this research, follow the Engineering journal on social media platforms such as X and Facebook.
Subject of Research: Ecological security assessment and management
Article Title: Ecological Security Assessment, Prediction, and Zoning Management: An Integrated Analytical Framework
News Publication Date: 16-Dec-2024
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.032
References: Not specified
Image Credits: Credit: Bo Nan et al.
Keywords
Environmental sciences, ecological security, sustainable development, human-land conflict, Daqing River Basin.
