Evaluation of ecological sensitivity in Erhai Lake Basin, southwest China

Abstract

In order to identity the ecological-sensitive region in Erhai Lake basin and to supply theoretical assistance for related eco-environmental protection planning, the ecological sensitivity in Erhai Lake basin was assessed and analysed based on the Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and comprehensive-factor ecological sensitivity evaluation method. The results showed that the ecological sensitivity had the positive correlation relationship with terrain fluctuation but had the negative correlation relationship with vegetation coverage and the width of the waters buffer zone. The multifactorial comprehensive ecological sensitivity in Erhai Lake basin held the changing trend from the land to waters, which varied from low sensitivity, moderate sensitivity to high sensitivity. On the foundation of the above results, the waters buffer zone within 100 meters should be more paid attention to in the ecological protection planning. If the transition zone between waters and land was protected well, the waters buffer zone within 100 meters could play a great role in the ecological function of purification and remediation, and biodiversity conservation.