Distribution characteristics and policy implications of territorial development suitability of the Yangtze River Basin

Abstract

Territorial development suitability (TDS) distribution and policy implications in the Yangtze River Basin are investigated through the use of statistical and spatial data, using the Delphi method, the analytic hierarchy process method and the comprehensive evaluation model. The distribution pattern and characteristics of TDS in the Yangtze River Basin are studied, providing a scientific basis and a decision-making reference for sustainable development of the whole basin, and promoting reasonable implementation of the Yangtze River economic belt development strategy. The results show that the overall level of development constraint is relatively high, and that high-value regions (grades V–VIII) are mainly distributed in the upper and middle reaches of the basin. The suitable development regions account for 22.95% of the total basin area, mainly including the Yangtze River Delta region, the provincial capitals, the urban agglomerations and most prefecture-level cities. The variation of TDS is significant among the upper, middle and lower reaches of the basin, and the high-value areas account for 8.24%, 35.70% and 82.97% of the total areas of the upper, middle and lower reaches, respectively. Three policy suggestions are proposed: (1) strict control of the basin development intensity, setting up an efficient and well-organized spatial development pattern, (2) implementation of different regional policies according to different functional orientations, and (3) strengthening of communication and cooperation between different regions, thus promoting integrated basin protection and development.