Evolution and driving mechanism of multiple ecosystem services in resource-based region of Northern China

Abstract

Understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics and comprehensive service capabilities of various ecosystem services is crucial for maintaining regional ecosystem security, and clarifying the driving mechanisms of ecosystem services plays a guarantee for achieving regional sustainable development. Based on the ecological issues of Shanxi Province (SXP) in China, an assessment system covering eight targeted ecosystem services were constructed to quantitatively analyze the spatio-temporal patterns and contribution rates of driving factors. The water conservation, sand fixation, environment purification and habitat quality in the Loess Hills of western SXP have improved, with significant increase in hotspots. The comprehensive service capacity of ecosystem services in the Fenwei Basin (central SXP) has deteriorated, and the coldspots have expanded. The water conservation, carbon storage, habitat quality and recreation culture in the Yanshan-Taihang Mountains (eastern SXP) were enhanced, while product supply, carbon storage and environment purification were deteriorated. Land use is the dominant influencing factor on product supply. Water and soil conservation, sand fixation, and environment purification are dominated by climate factors. Carbon storage, habitat quality and recreation culture are influenced by underlying surface conditions. The current study provided a research paradigm, which will help the government with appropriate management policies to ensure the effectiveness of ecological protection and restoration, and offers insights for facilitating ecological sustainability and economic transformation in resource-based regions worldwide.