Establishing an ecological vulnerability assessment indicator system for spatial recognition and management of ecologically vulnerable areas in highly urbanized regions: A case study of Shenzhen, China

Abstract

The extensive use of modeling and technologies such as a geographic information system (GIS) in ecological vulnerability assessment and the recognition of eco-environmentally vulnerable areas from the perspective of spatial positioning provide important complements to urban ecological space management research. This study establishes an ecological vulnerability assessment indicator system containing nine elements and twelve indicators with respect to ecological sensitivity, ecological pressure, and self-resilience. The range of ecologically vulnerable areas in a highly urbanized region is spatially recognized. Management strategies are proposed with regard to institutionalization and marketization. The results show that the ecological vulnerability in Shenzhen is good overall and that most areas are moderately vulnerable; the goal of space management is to enhance ecological function and prevent further expansion of the city as a threat to ecological security. Highly vulnerable areas are mainly distributed in the west and agglomerate with urban functional areas; it is suggested to delimit an ecological red line in this region and implement the most stringent “steel wire” control following the existing ecological protection law in China. Furthermore, this study proposes an ecological preparedness system suited for the particularity of the highly urbanized region in Shenzhen and attempts to introduce marketization into ecological restoration to solve the economic and social plight of ecological reconstruction in highly urbanized regions. The vulnerability assessment results objectively reflect the condition of the regional ecological environment, and the space management policy has implications for ecological protection, resource utilization, and sustainable development in similar cities.