Spatial-Temporal Variation and Tradeoffs/Synergies Analysis on Multiple Ecosystem Services: A Case Study in Fujian

Min Li,Peng Zheng,Wenbin Pan

doi:10.3390/su14053086

Abstract

The rapid urbanization process has severely affected the ecological security and ecosystem services (ESs) in China’s southern province of Fujian, and threated the sustainable development of the local economy and society in the last two decades. This study mapped the spatial-temporal variation of four types of ESs and evaluated the tradeoffs/synergies among the ESs in Fujian Province from 2000 to 2020 on the three scales of the province, city and county. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the three ESs functions of soil conservation service, carbon storage service, and habitat quality decreased, while the function of food supply service increased. (2) At the provincial scale, soil conservation services, carbon storage services, and habitat quality were in a synergistic relationship, and food supply service was always in tradeoffs relationships with soil conservation services, carbon storage services, and habitat quality. At the prefecture-level scale, the tradeoffs/synergies among ESs vary among prefecture-level cities. At the county scale, the Moran’s I index of bivariate spatial autocorrelation was consistent with the correlation coefficient, and the tradeoffs/synergies between ESs showed significant spatial heterogeneity. (3) Based on the correlation analysis method, the Ecosystem Service Tradeoff-synergy Degree (ESTD) model and bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis can clearly show the relationship between various ESs, and the research results are relatively consistent. The spatial distribution of four ecosystem services in Fujian province showed a specific aggregation pattern. High—high concentrations and low—low concentrations are strong. Low—high agglomeration and high—low agglomeration are weak.

Highlights

Ecosystem services refer to the ability to maintain the environment and provide a variety of benefits [1,2], which is a necessary consideration of ecosystem management [3]and is closely associated to regional ecological security [4]
(3) Based on the correlation analysis method, the Ecosystem Service Tradeoff-synergy Degree (ESTD) model and bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis can clearly show the relationship between various ecosystem services (ESs), and the research results are relatively consistent
The terrain of Fujian Province is mainly mountainous and hilly, with mountainous and hilly areas making up 80% of the total area of the province

Summary

Introduction

Ecosystem services refer to the ability to maintain the environment and provide a variety of benefits [1,2], which is a necessary consideration of ecosystem management [3]and is closely associated to regional ecological security [4]. Ecosystem services are affected by natural factors and social and economic factors [6]. They are characterized by diverse types and uneven spatial distribution, leading to tradeoffs/synergies of varying degrees among ecosystem services [6,7]. Tradeoff refers to the situation where one service increases and the other decreases, and synergy refers to the scenario where both services increase or decrease simultaneously. In the process of pursuing economic benefits, human beings ignore the tradeoffs and synergies among ecosystem services, leading to the upward push of supply services and the decline of regulation and support functions [9]. The original ecological balance is damaged, leading to significant conflicts between different ecosystem services, which will harm human wellbeing and development [9].

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion