Ecological impacts and supply demand evolution of the Yangtze to Huaihe water transfer project in Anhui section

Abstract

Human activities have profound impacts on land use and the supply–demand balance of ecosystem services (ESs). Various activities, such as urban construction, urban and rural planning, and inter-basin water transfer projects, continuously reshape land use patterns. This is a case study of the Anhui section of the Yangtze-Huaihe Water Diversion Project. Data from 2000, 2010, and 2020 is analyzed. Additionally, the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model is utilized to quantify the specific impacts of the water diversion project construction on the supply and demand of ESs. The results indicate that the comprehensive dynamic attitude of land use during the project construction period significantly increased, rising from 0.16 to 13.79%, and mainly affected forest, water areas, construction land, and unused land. Specifically, the construction of the project led to significant changes in water purification, biodiversity, and, especially, hydrological regulation services. Additionally, the migration of residents significantly impacted the demand for ESs. The study also found a significant correlation between land use changes and the balance of ES supply and demand: the proportion of cultivated land and construction land is positively correlated with the balance, while the proportion of forest, grassland, and water areas is negatively correlated. This study provides empirical data for understanding the environmental and socio-economic impacts of large-scale water diversion projects and offers a scientific basis for local mitigation and control of adverse impacts. Through quantitative analysis and model prediction, this research effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing important references for sustainable regional development.