A Framework for Optimizing Green Infrastructure Networks Based on Landscape Connectivity and Ecosystem Services

Xuemin Shi,Mingzhou Qin,Bin Li,Dan Zhang

doi:10.3390/su131810053

Abstract

Optimizing the layout of green infrastructure (GI) is an effective way to alleviate the fragmentation of urban landscapes, coordinate the relationship between urban development and urban ecosystem services, and ensure the sustainable development of cities. This study provides a new technical framework for optimizing GI networks based on a case study of Kaifeng, an exemplar of many ancient cities along the Yellow River in China. To do this, we used a morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) methodology and combined it with Procedure for mAthematical aNalysis of lanDscape evOlution and equilibRium scenarios Assessment (PANDORA) model to determine the hubs of the GI network. Then we employed a least-cost path approach to simulate potential corridors linking the hubs. We further identify the key ‘pinch points’ of the GI network that need priority protection based on circuit theory. Altogether, this framework takes patches that have a high level of ecosystem services and are more important in maintaining overall connectivity as hubs, thereby improving the accuracy of hub identification. Moreover, it establishes a direct connection between GI construction and ecosystem services, and improves biodiversity conservation by optimizing the network structure of GI. The results of the case study show that this framework is suitable for GI planning and construction, and can provide effective technical support for the formulation of urban sustainable development strategies.

Highlights

Landscape connectivity refers to the ability of the landscape to promote or hinder the movement of material, energy and information between habitat patches, which are important for biodiversity conservation and the provisioning of ecosystem services [1].Studies have found that a 1% change in biodiversity will result in a 0.5% change in the value of all ecosystem services [2]
(1) extracting the Green infrastructure (GI) elements and identifying the “core” and “bridge” landscape types based on morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA); (2) assessing the importance of GI patches based on PANDORA; (3)
MSPA analysis found that 64.61% of the land in the study area can be used as GI

Summary

Introduction

Landscape connectivity refers to the ability of the landscape to promote or hinder the movement of material, energy and information between habitat patches, which are important for biodiversity conservation and the provisioning of ecosystem services [1].Studies have found that a 1% change in biodiversity will result in a 0.5% change in the value of all ecosystem services [2]. Landscape connectivity plays an important role in determining the ecosystem service value of a patch in the landscape [3]. A well-connected landscape is more resistant to interference from humans and nature, which can ensure greater stability of ecosystem functions and ecosystem service supply and the long-term sustainability of biodiversity and urban ecological safety, and realize sustainable urban development [4]. Green infrastructure (GI) connects important open spaces with ecosystem service functions into a network, which can provide a wide range of ecosystem services for humans [5,6]. It has multiple functions and can achieve multiple social, economic and ecological benefits [7].

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Conclusion