The Dynamic Analysis of Biocapacity and Driving Force in Minqin Oasis of Western China over the Past 20 Years

Abstract

Ecological environment is the basis for human interdependence and development, so regional economic development must take into account the security situation of ecological environment and biocapacity. Based on the Ecological Footprint methodology, using remote sensing and GIS spatial analysis techniques, the biocapacity of Minqin oasis in Gansu in 1990, 2000 and 2009 was quantitatively calculated, and its spatio-temporal pattern analysis was also analyzed. The results showed：over the past two decades, there have been increasingly noticeable alterations to Minqin oasis; as a result, land reclamation activities have led to an increase in the areas of cropland, meaning that its biocapacity is rising, while the biocapacity of forest and pasture is decreasing. The biocapacity in space shows that the high-value area aggregation is augmented, there is an increased scope of area, and the focus of biocapacity has shifted. However, after 2000, with the water shortage, abandonment issues being highlighted and the aggravation of desertification, biocapacity has decreased, and additionally, the relationship between land and man has become strained. The changes of biocapacity are all closely linked with population growth, socio-economic development, agriculture structure, and water scarcity.