A framework for calculating the net benefits of ecological restoration programs in China

Abstract

Information about the costs and benefits of the land use changes that occur during the implementation of ecological conservation programs is still scarce. To obtain more information on these consequences, it’s necessary to compare the costs and benefits before and after project implementation. We have proposed a modification of the framework for calculating this change in the net benefits of ecological engineering, using implementation of China’s primary conservation programs to demonstrate the framework. We found that the annual net benefits created by the Three North Shelter Forest System Project, Natural Forest Conservation Program, and Grain for Green Program in 2017 were 461.7 × 109, 2930.5 × 109, and 530.1 × 109 RMB, respectively; these are equivalent to net benefits per unit area of 6.5 × 103, 17.6 × 103, and 18.2 × 103 RMB·ha−1·yr−1. These values represent rates of return equal to 29.3, 328.9, and 77.0%, respectively, compared with the costs of these investments. Due to the large differences in socioeconomic conditions and resource endowments among China’s diverse regions, it is necessary to account for these regional differences in the design of ecological restoration strategies to ensure that the programs are tailored to local conditions and produce the maximum net benefit. This approach can help governments find an optimal combination of land use and ecological conservation to improve the economic impacts of their restoration programs.