Fuzzy evaluation of ecological vulnerability based on the SRP-SES method and analysis of multiple decision-making attitudes based on OWA operators: A case of Fujian Province, China

Abstract

Evaluation of the ecological vulnerability facilitates ecological protection and management. We presented a well-organized and comprehensive evaluation system and analysis method of ecological vulnerability. We used Fujian Province, China, as a case study and validated the reliability of evaluation results. The details are as follows. Based on the framework of sensitivity-resilience-pressure (SRP) coupled with the “social-environmental” system (SES), this study selected 23 indicators and determined their weights by a combination of subjective and objective weighting methods to systematically construct the ecological vulnerability evaluation system. By establishing a fuzzy evaluation model, the indicator data were fuzzily mapped into evaluation scores for the calculation of the ecological vulnerability index (EVI). Following the calculation results, the spatial clustering analysis based on K-means, driving factor analysis based on GeoDetector and spatial autocorrelation analysis were conducted. Finally, an ecological vulnerability analysis under multiple decision-making attitudes was conducted based on the ordered weighted average (OWA) operators. The results were as follows. (1) The ecological vulnerability of Fujian Province showed a trend of higher in the east and lower in the west, and there is an obvious spatial aggregation effect. The high-high aggregation areas mainly distributed in the eastern coastal areas of Fujian Province, and the low-low aggregation areas mainly distributed in the western and central areas. (2) Landscape pattern sensitivity had the highest degree of explanation for the EVI. The main driving factors of the EVI in coastal cities were different from those of the EVI in inland cities. (3) We divided the study area into four categories: high-quality development areas, transformational development areas, ecological-economic synergy areas and ecological function areas. (4) With an increase in the decision-making risk coefficient, the ecological vulnerability of Fujian Province gradually increased. The results of the study provide important guidance for ecological protection and sustainable development in Fujian Province. Moreover, the study framework has reference value for related studies of regional ecological vulnerability evaluation.