Multidimensional Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Variations in Ecological, Production and Living Spaces of Inner Mongolia and an Identification of Driving Forces

Zhenhua Dong,Jiquan Zhang,Alu Si,Zhijun Tong,Li Na

doi:10.3390/su12197964

Abstract

There is increasing focus on the difficult challenge of realizing coordinated development of production, living and ecological spaces within the regional development process. An ecological–production–living space evaluation index system was established in this study based on the concept of ecological, production and living spaces (EPLSs), the relationship between land use function and land use type and the national standard of land use classification. The aim of this study was to reveal the driving forces and patterns of variation in EPLSs in Inner Mongolia from 1990 to 2015. The results indicated that Inner Mongolia is mainly dominated by ecological space, followed by production space. Production and living spaces are mainly distributed to the south of the Greater Hinggan–Yinshan–Helan mountain ranges. Spatial changes in EPLSs were accelerated with prominent regional differences, with declining ecological area and increasing living and production spaces. Regional urbanization and industrialization were identified as the driving forces for change in EPLS in Inner Mongolia. It is hoped that the findings of this study can provide rational guidance for management of land use and coordinated development of EPLSs within Inner Mongolia.

Highlights

There has been a gradual increase in tension between people and land as spatial structure has become increasingly unbalanced, production space has become inefficient and living spaces and the ecological environment have gradually deteriorated
The present study revealed the spatial and temporal evolution of EPLS in Inner Mongolia and the driving forces responsible based on the land use data for the period 1990–2015
Inner Mongolia remains predominantly ecological space which is distributed to the north of the Greater Hinggan–Yinshan–Helan mountain ranges, whereas production and living spaces are distributed to the south of the mountain ranges

Summary

Introduction

There has been a gradual increase in tension between people and land as spatial structure has become increasingly unbalanced, production space has become inefficient and living spaces and the ecological environment have gradually deteriorated. Land is the basis of human civilization, and at a macro scale, there are three general categories of residential space [1]. Since having undergone reform and joining the global community, China has achieved widely recognized industrialization and urbanization achievements. This progress has resulted in a series of sustainable development challenges. There have been increasing conflicts and contradictions between production, living and ecological spaces. The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed the concept of construction of three categories of living spaces, namely ecological, production and living spaces (EPLSs), defined as ecological space that is left unspoiled, space reserved for intensive and efficient production, and living space that is sufficient in size and conducive to human well-being, respectively

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Conclusion