Analysis of ecosystem resilience in Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area under the effect of geohazards

Abstract

The effects of geohazards on the ecological environment and ecological spatial pattern have received wide attention from scholars. However, the positive role played by ecological restoration projects on the environment and in the reduction of geohazards has usually been neglected. Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area is a world natural heritage area, has a high incidence of geohazards, and is a demonstration area for ecological restoration projects. Based on remote sensing technology, this paper adopted an InVEST model (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) and ecological landscape index to extract information about spatio-temporal changes in Jiuzhaigou from 2013 to 2020. This study utilized a quantitative analysis of the ecological recoverability of Jiuzhaigou in cases of artificial restoration and spontaneous restoration under different types of geohazards. Results showed that forests play a vital role in maintaining and controlling habitat quality; artificial restoration can significantly ameliorate the impact of geohazards on the scenic area. As of 2020, the forested scenic area recovered 3.868 km2, and the habitat quality index rebounded to 98.88% of the historical high. The ecological restoration project significantly shortened the scenic area recover time of its ecosystem service capability.