Ecological Value Research Articles

Knowledge mapping of research on sustainable utilization of landscape resources: a case study of Guilin National Innovation Demonstration Zone for sustainable development in China

Worldwide interest has increasingly focused on the sustainable utilization of landscape as a resource in urban areas, emphasizing its ecological, cultural and social significance. This study examines Guilin City, China, as a representative case study due to its rich landscape resources and status as a national innovation demonstration zone for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study uses bibliometric visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze research trends from 1980 to 2021 in the Chinese Academic Journal Network Publishing Database (CNKI). The results show increasing academic interest over three stages: initiation (1982–1997), exploration (1998–2004), and diversified development (2005–2021). Contributions are predominantly from local academic and tourism sectors, indicating a strong regional influence; however, relatively weak interinstitutional collaboration occurs, suggesting potential for more integrated research efforts. Primary research is also concentrated within economic disciplines, particularly tourism-related ones. The evolution of research frontiers reveals three main paths: urban development strategies, industrial economic theories and empirical validation, and ecosystem analysis and evaluation. A multidisciplinary approach and stronger collaborative efforts are crucial to enhance research on ecological values and empirical models while supporting evidence-based urban development strategies in Guilin City and comparable cities globally.

The spatio-temporal variations of cultivated land compensation efficiency and its influencing factors in mainland China

Cultivated land, for which compensation is a practical approach to safeguarding, is a strategic and scarce resource. Evaluating the cultivated land compensation efficiency and identifying its influencing factors are of great significance for monitoring the effect of such compensation and improving the associated policy. A new multi-dimensional framework for estimating the cultivated land compensation efficiency was proposed. This framework not only emphasized the externality of cultivated land but also incorporated its ecological value. Cultivated land compensation efficiency in mainland China from 2000 to 2021 was estimated using this framework and the global Super-SBM model. The panel Tobit model was also adopted to analyze the factors influencing cultivated land compensation efficiency. The results show that (1) Over the past 22 years, the cultivated land compensation efficiency in mainland China initially declined but subsequently exhibited an upward trend, maintaining an average value of 0.724. (2) On a spatial scale, the cultivated land compensation efficiency exhibited pronounced regional pattern, with higher levels observed in the northeastern and southwestern regions of mainland China and lower levels in the eastern region. The cultivated land compensation efficiency in different provinces has distinctive patterns as well. Generally, the cultivated land compensation efficiency is relatively stable in most provinces, though few illustrate an uptrend. (3) Both the ratio of the population with tertiary education and above to the total population and the ratio of primary sector production to GDP affect cultivated land compensation efficiency positively, with the former being more significant. Conversely, GDP per capita, agricultural water consumption, the area affected by disasters, and the ratio of local expenditure on science, technology and education to total fiscal expenditure affect cultivated land compensation efficiency negatively. Therefore, a set of recommendations has been put forward, encompassing the optimization of provincial inputs and outputs, the reinforcement of inter-provincial coordination and collaboration, and the expansion of the talent pool of funds.

The role of value, belief and norm in shaping intentions to use residential rooftop solar for environment sustainability

The ongoing climate crisis presents a formidable global challenge, driving the urgent need for both technological advancements and a deeper understanding of the psychological factors that influence sustainable energy practices. Among the various technologies available, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the adoption of residential rooftop solar systems, particularly from a psychological perspective, remains underexplored. Hence, this study aims to investigate the influence of personal values, beliefs, and norms on the intention to adopt residential rooftop solar systems. By integrating the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) framework with Norm Activation Theory (NAT) and the norm internalization process, the research seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the environmental and sustainability context. This study employs a non-probability purposive sampling method, collecting 303 valid responses from individuals who do not currently use residential rooftop solar systems, live in landed houses, and are involved in primary household decision-making. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software. The findings confirm all hypothesized relationships, except for the impact of egoistic values on both the new ecological paradigm and awareness of consequences, as well as the influence of descriptive norms on personal norms. This paper introduces a novel approach by adapting the VBN model to predict the intention to use residential rooftop solar systems through several key modifications: integrating ecological values and openness to change, establishing connections between different values and beliefs (such as altruistic, biospheric, egoistic, openness to change, and ecological values) and awareness of consequences, and incorporating the influence of response efficacy, injunctive social norms, and descriptive norms in positively shaping personal norms.

Assessing the true value of ecological restoration in mining areas: An input-output approach based on ecosystem service valuation

Historical unsustainable mining activities have led to significant ecological degradation, emphasizing the importance and urgency of ecological restoration and its effectiveness assessment. This study evaluates the economic, ecological, and social benefits of ecological restoration in the Longshan mining area from the perspective of ecological product value, utilizing an input–output research framework based on ecosystem service valuation. This comprehensive assessment includes consideration of restoration cost inputs, aiming to delve into the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects in mining areas. The findings reveal: (1) The indirect value of the ecological products generated by the ecological restoration is approximately 3.13 times greater than their direct value, highlighting the significantly positive impacts of the project. This underscores the necessity for future assessments of mining area ecological restoration projects to not only focus on direct economic returns but also to thoroughly examine their long-term positive impacts on social structures, environmental quality, and residents’ quality of life. (2) When considered solely from an economic benefit perspective, the input–output ratio of the project is 0.34, insufficient to cover the total cost of the project. However, after integrating economic, ecological, and social benefits, the input–output ratio increases to 1.40. This indicates the importance of exploring the mechanisms through which the indirect values of ecological and social benefits contribute directly to the project’s economic sustainability.

Between-year weather differences and long-term environmental trends both contribute to observed vegetation changes in a plot resurvey study.

Repeated surveys of vegetation plots offer a viable tool to detect fine-scale responses of vegetation to environmental changes. In this study, our aim was to explore how the species composition and species richness of dry grasslands changed over a period of 17 years, how these changes relate to environmental changes and how the presence of spring ephemerals, which may react to short-term weather fluctuations rather than long-term climatic trends, may influence the results. A total of 95 plots was surveyed in 2005 and resurveyed in 2022 in dry grasslands of the Kiskunság Sand Ridge (Hungary, Eastern Central Europe), where there has been a significant increase in mean annual temperature during the last decades, while no trends in precipitation can be identified. Db-RDA was performed to reveal compositional changes. The changes in environmental conditions and naturalness state were assessed using ecological and naturalness indicator values. We also compared per-plot richness of all species, native species and non-native species of the old and the new relevés. All analyses were repeated after removing all spring ephemerals. We found clear temporal changes in species composition. Mean temperature indicator values increased, while mean soil moisture indicator values decreased during the 17 years. Also, decreasing per-plot richness was detected both for all species and for native species, while mean naturalness increased. After the removal of spring ephemerals, the compositional changes were less obvious although still significant. The increase in the temperature indicator values remained significant even without the spring ephemerals. However, the decrease in the moisture indicator values, the decrease in the number of all species and native species, as well as the increase in naturalness indicator values disappeared when spring ephemerals were excluded from the analyses. Our study demonstrates that between-year weather differences and long-term environmental trends both contribute to observed vegetation changes.

Putting Back Together

Composed of diptych photographs stitched together in a poetic travelogue through nuclear-infused (Indigenous) lands, annie ross's Pots and Other Living Beings reenvisions social and ecological relations, value structures, and knowledge frameworks in its encounter with violated landscapes of the American Southwest. In its embrace of the blighted remainders of nuclear testing, industry, and consumerism, Pots and Other Living Beings is not a typical “environmental” text. Like ross's weaving and visual installations, this work is alive to relations of reciprocity and kinship with more-than-human worlds in what one could best describe as a spiritual engagement with the abandoned, unremarked leavings of nuclearization, industrial capitalism, and waste cultures.

Disentangling the ecological value of tree hollows to wildlife along elevation gradients: The case of southern temperate forests

The ecological importance of tree hollows relies on environmental factors that influence microhabitat requirements for wildlife. Thus, the value of hollows as thermal microhabitats should increase with elevation, but understanding this phenomenon involves a separate assessment of hollow use and site occupancy. Here, we evaluated the use of tree hollows by vertebrates and invertebrates along elevational gradients in southern Chilean temperate forests. Camera trap and Bayesian models were used to analyze separately hollow use and site occupation. Four of seven invertebrate taxa and 21 of 25 vertebrate species used hollows. All lizard and mammal species (rodents, bats, kodkods, and opossums) were found using hollows, while 13 bird species (77 %) did it. The hollow occupation of only two species responded to elevation, with Chilean opossums being more likely to use hollows as elevation increased, while black-throated huet-huets exhibited the opposite pattern. Chucao and Magellanic tapaculos increased their occurrence probability as elevation increased while that of jewel and blue-bellied lizards increased with elevation. Giant bumblebees, austral thrushes, and Chilean opossums preferred hollows in evergreen (non-Nothofagaceae) tree species while huet-huets preferred hollows in Nothofagus trees. A strong positive association between hollow density and elevation was also found. These results suggest Chilean opossums benefit from using hollows at high altitudes due to their sensitivity to low temperatures while the lower availability of tree hollows at low altitudes causes black-throated huet-huets to be limited by hollows. Thus, wildlife conservation in these forests requires the maintenance of hollows in different tree species along elevational gradients.

Comprehensive approach integrating water quality index and toxic element analysis for environmental and health risk assessment enhanced by simulation techniques

Due to water shortages and the potential impact of Ethiopia’s new dam on the Nile River, Egypt is seeking new water resources. This study assesses the drinking water quality and associated risks from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Quaternary aquifer (QA) in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Using a comprehensive approach, including PHREEQC geochemical modeling, ionic ratios, multivariate statistical analyses, and the integrated weight water quality index (WQI), the study evaluated the sources of ion contamination and the mixing of Nile water with QA. Various indices, such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), ecological Risk Index (RI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI), were used to assess ecological and health risks. Monte Carlo simulations provided probabilistic assessments of non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children. GIS tools were used to map risk indices, identifying the most deteriorated locations for sustainable management. The hydrochemical analysis revealed water facies including Na–Cl, Ca–Mg–HCO3, and mixed types, influenced by carbonate dissolution, ion exchange, and silicate weathering. Contamination sources, particularly in the north and south, were linked to agricultural activities, irrigation return flow, municipal waste, and evaporation. The WQI indicated that 10.14% of samples were extremely poor, 21.7% were poor, 26% were medium, and 42% were good to excellent. PTE contamination varied, with HPI values indicating good water quality in the central area in 53.6% of the collected samples (HPI < 30), but contamination in the north and south is high (HPI > 51). Ecological Risk Index values were below the threshold in 100% of samples (RI < 30), confirming water safety regarding PTEs. In comparison, for hazard index (HI) through oral/ingestion, adults exhibited HI values ranging from 0.012 to 2.16, while children showed higher values, ranging from 0.045 to 8.25. However, the hazard index for oral/ingestion exceeded safe limits in the north and south (HI oral > 1), posing non-carcinogenic risks. Monte Carlo simulations revealed significant risks from oral exposure to manganese (HQ oral > 1), particularly in El-Wasta and El-Fashn, necessitating further treatment and management.

Research on Benefit Evaluation and Optimization Strategy of Rural Ecological Products Value Realization

As the cornerstone of human existence and progress, ecological products indispensably support the sustainable development of society. In order to deeply discuss the benefits and achievements of eco-product value realization in various regions, this paper sorts out the research status of the evaluation system and method of rural eco-product value realization in Pukou District, and constructs an evaluation system of eco-product value realization benefit including 11 indicators of three subsystems: ecological benefit, economic benefit and social benefit. Using entropy weight method to measure the value realization benefit of rural ecological products. The results show that: (1) the overall development level of Pukou District is relatively high, and the work of promoting the realization of the value of rural ecological products is in good condition, and the overall development is in the growth stage; (2) From 2017 to 2022, the comprehensive benefits of ecological products in Pukou District have been steadily improved, and the comprehensive benefits have increased from 0.385 to 0.642; (3) Ecological benefits increased significantly, followed by economic benefits, and social benefits increased in a downward trend.

Research on business model innovation of SMEs in the industrial internet era: building theory from the case of PAYA

Purpose Aside from grappling with technological advancements, enterprises in the industrial internet era are embracing business model innovation to align with the evolution of the industrial internet. However, a gap persists in the existing research regarding the strategies and methods available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for executing business model innovation. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the connotation, characteristics and logic of business model innovation for SMEs in the industrial internet era. Design/methodology/approach To explore the business model innovation logic of small and medium-sized enterprises in the era of industrial internet, the paper adopts a longitudinal single-case study approach, with PAYA, a medium-sized enterprise in the electromechanical industry, serving as the subject of research. It systematically analyzes PAYA’s business model innovation, centering on four key elements of the business model: value proposition, value creation, value delivery and value capture. Findings The study proposes two types of business model innovation, namely, “Migration” and “Expansion”, and explains the logic of business model innovation for SMEs in the industrial internet era: faced with a rapidly changing market environment, entrepreneurs put forward the value proposition through the insight of the market environment, then enterprises conduct technological innovation to support the value creation by their own unique experience and knowledge, and then improve the legitimacy of the market by expanding the influence of market acceptance of the new business model to promote the value delivery, and finally capture the economic value and ecological value. Originality/value The types and logic of business model innovation proposed in this paper contribute to supplementing and developing the theory of business model innovation and meanwhile have important reference value for SMEs in the industrial internet era.

Does presence of top predator improve forest birds' survival and diversity? An ecological case study assessing umbrella conservational impact of tiger using carrion

After hunting, predators tend to leave a large amount of carrion behind. It is widely reported that this resource is commonly used by various species in the ecosystem and is essential for the survival of scavengers, particularly in winter. Although recent studies are focused on mammals, little is known about how this works with facultative scavenger birds, which may lead to a serious underestimation of the key role that top predators such as the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) play in ecosystems. Here, we conducted a field feeding experiment to quantitatively evaluate the effects of Amur tiger on avian scavengers by simulating their predation residue. The results show that the Corvidae is the main bird species that consumes carrion, while woodpeckers and some insectivorous songbirds also benefit from the remains that Amur tiger leaves behind. We assumed that in winter, if the daily energy demand for the six main scavenger birds completely relied on the predation residues of Amur tiger separately, the prey remains of one Amur tiger could feed about 28 crows, 49 Azure-winged magpies, 61 Eurasian jays, 235 Eurasian nuthatches, 96 Great spotted woodpeckers, or 385 Willow tits. It means that the prey remains of top predators like Amur tiger may be an extremely important resource to avian scavengers and carrion could be a potential ecological indicator of Amur tiger keystone effect. This study provides experimental evidence from the field for the first time, and reveals the ecological mechanism of the role of keystone species of the Amur tiger, i.e., how to indirectly protect other animal groups in the forest ecosystem that have important ecological value for the biodiversity and the health of local forest vegetation through the protection of the Amur tiger.

Thermal regulation potential of urban green spaces in a changing climate: Winter insights

Global warming affects both summer and winter temperatures, altering the ecological and social dynamics of urban green spaces not only during the summer months but also during the winter. Strategies to mitigate climate change impacts often emphasize increasing urban vegetation cover, but the effectiveness of these green spaces in regulating the local microclimate depends on various factors, including the vegetation structure. These effects remain largely underexplored during the winter season. To investigate the thermal regulation capacity of urban green spaces we measured air temperature and humidity in 36 parks with different sizes and vegetation structures in Munich, Germany, in their non-green surroundings, as well as in a nearby forest during the 2022–23 winter. We then analyzed the relationship between the local microclimatic differences and the vegetation structure derived from mobile laser scans. In comparison with the nearby forest, we measured a winter urban heat island effect of 1.8 °C in Munich. The urban microclimates in winter were mainly influenced by the urban landscape of Munich, namely the distance to the city center with increasing air temperature closer to the center. Urban green spaces in Munich provided small but consistent local cooling and humidifying effects throughout the winter. These cooling effects largely depended on the green space size but partially also on the vegetation structure. We found a significant relationship between the microclimatic difference, the vegetation density, and the vertical homogeneity of vegetation. The canopy cover, however, could not significantly predict the cooling effect in winter. We conclude that increasing the structural complexity of urban green spaces through management decisions could improve their cooling effect and ecological value, even during winter months. To maximize the ecological and climatic benefits of urban green spaces, a nuanced understanding and management of urban microclimates is needed across all seasons.

Integrated vegetation management within electrical transmission landscapes promotes floral resource and flower-visiting insect diversity.

Electrical transmission rights-of-way are ubiquitous and critical infrastructure across the landscape. Active vegetation management of these rights-of-way, a necessity to deliver electricity more safely, maintains these landscape features as stages of early successional habitat, a rarity in many regions, making these areas viable movement corridors for many taxa. The goals of this study were to (i) evaluate the effects of different electrical transmission landscape management practices on flowering plant and flower-visiting insect diversity parameters and (ii) generate conservation management inferences for these landscapes. In this study we tested the impact of three vegetation management levels across 18 electrical transmission sites. We evaluated the effects of treatment on bloom abundance and species richness as well as flower-visiting insect abundance and family richness. We identified 76541 flowers/inflorescences across 456 transects, including 188 species in 56 plant families. Additionally, we obtained data on 11361 flower-visitoring insects representing 33 families from 2376 pan trap sets. High vegetation management favored the reduction of coarse woody debris in the sites and harbored the highest level of abundance and richness of both floral resources and flower-visiting insects. We discuss that we can align social and ecological values of rights-of-way, ensuring their sustainability by applying regular and targeted integrated vegetation management. Thus, we can use rights-of-way landscapes not only as an effective management strategy for the delivery of essential human services, but also to provide conservation benefits for wild pollinators.

Haymaking complemented by moderate disturbances can sustain and restore species-rich alpine to subalpine grasslands

AbstractThe high plant diversity in alpine to subalpine grasslands is threatened by the abandonment of land use. In addition, changing environmental conditions might lead to vegetation shifts even when traditional land use is maintained, as observed in grasslands in Switzerland during the last decades. Maintaining and restoring the diversity of such grasslands might therefore require modified management methods. We conducted a six-year experiment to assess the responses of plant species richness, mean ecological indicator values, and vegetation composition to five management treatments, including scraping as additional management measure: haymaking (in autumn), haymaking complemented by scraping (i.e. manual raking) in autumn, haymaking complemented by scraping in spring, only scraping in spring, and abandonment of land use. We hypothesized that haymaking complemented by scraping in either season would remove additional biomass and increase species richness by creating open patches that can reduce inter-specific competition and promote species establishment. We found positive effects of haymaking complemented by scraping on plant species richness and habitat quality, indicated by the increased mean indicator value for light. Abandonment showed the opposite effects and increased mean indicator values for nutrients. Interestingly, haymaking combined with scraping in autumn promoted the development of the vegetation towards the composition similar to the resident vegetation type. Our findings show that extensive land use is essential to maintain species-rich alpine to subalpine grasslands. Further, they imply that modified land use can compensate for the negative developments such as reduced habitat quality and species richness caused by environmental changes and help restore the vegetation.

Development and validation of sex-linked molecular markers for rapid and accurate identification of male and female Hippophae tibetana plants

Hippophae tibetana, one of the highest-altitude woody plants endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, primarily thrives on riverbanks formed by glacial meltwater. As a dioecious species, it demonstrates significant ecological and economic value in extreme alpine environments. However, the lack of sex identification techniques outside of the flowering period severely limits research on sex ratio, differentiation, and breeding. There is an urgent need to develop effective sex-linked molecular markers that are independent of developmental stages, but current research in this area remains limited. This study developed a set of accurate sex-linked molecular markers for the rapid identification of male and female individuals of H. tibetana. Through whole-genome resequencing of 32 sexually differentiated H. tibetana samples, this study offers strong evidence supporting chromosome 2 as the sex chromosome and successfully identified key loci related to sex determination on this chromosome. Utilizing these loci, we, for the first time, developed three reliable pairs of sex-specific molecular markers, which exhibited high accuracy during validation across various geographic populations, offering an effective tool for the sex identification of H. tibetana. Additionally, this study lays the groundwork for further research into the mechanisms of sex determination and the evolution of sex chromosomes in H. tibetana.

Home ranges, habitat selection, and energy expenditure of Strix varia (Barred Owls): Understanding the full diel cycle matters for enhancing urban landscapes

Abstract We integrated GPS and accelerometer data to examine habitat selection and energy expenditure patterns across the diel cycle in Strix varia (Barred Owls), addressing a critical gap in wildlife research that often overlooks activity during the “inactive” phase. Owls in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, selected forests with tall canopies and open understories, particularly in affluent neighborhoods, supporting the “luxury effect” in urban biodiversity. Nocturnal home ranges were larger (31.8 ha) compared to diurnal home ranges (8.9 ha), indicating broader habitat use at night. The total area of preferred nocturnal habitat was 33% of the Baton Rouge study area, whereas preferred diurnal habitat comprised only 5%. Energy expenditure was inversely related to preference in nocturnal home ranges but increased with preference in diurnal home ranges. Our models were validated using independent data from Clemson, South Carolina, supporting the robustness of our analysis and revealing generalities in owl habitat selection across these regions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of urban ecology, highlighting habitat components preferred by owls and possibly other forest-dwelling species. It emphasizes the difference in nocturnal and diurnal home range sizes, the scarcity of daytime refuges for S. varia in urban landscapes, and the variation in energy expenditure in preferred habitats. Our findings advocate for urban designs that accommodate wildlife activity throughout the day and night, and highlight the positive correlation between preferred owl habitat and affluent neighborhoods, underscoring the need for equitable distribution of green spaces to foster biodiversity across socioeconomic gradients. These insights will help develop strategies to enhance the ecological value of urban environments and the conservation of S. varia and associated forest-dwelling species in rapidly urbanizing areas.

How Can Ecological Product Value Realization Sustainably Enhance the Well-Being of Farmers? A Case Study of Xingyuan Village in China

Although recent years have witnessed a considerable increase in studies on the economic value of ecological products, the extant literature has overlooked the multidimensional enhancement of ecological product value from the perspective of farmers’ well-being. This research aims to examine how the Realization of Ecological Product Value (EPVR) serves as a crucial pathway to promoting the overall well-being of farmers in developing countries. Through a case study of a village in southeastern China, this research reveals that EPVR can enhance farmers’ well-being via various mechanisms as follows: (1) Economic solution to enrich farmers’ livelihood diversity, achieved by leveraging rural resource endowments and comparative advantages; (2) Fair social protection program enabling farmers to enjoy ecological benefits and further achieving urban-rural integration; (3) Environmental protection plan that balances production, living, and ecology; and (4) Grassroots governance tool promoting the governance ability to form collaborative governance model in a community of shared interests. This study offers theoretical support for enhancing human well-being through the realization of ecological product value in rural areas.

Biodiversity offsetting as a form of depoliticised nature: Social aspects of a pilot project in Lahti, Finland

We examine the public perceptions of an urban biodiversity offsetting pilot project and the implications of such a project for conflicts in urban planning. The City of Lahti was the first in Finland to pilot biodiversity offsetting in its urban planning in 2021. This pilot project demonstrates the contradictions of depoliticised nature, which the urban context makes visible. We draw on interviews with city planners and other city officials, residents and stakeholders, workshops, and documents tracing the pilot project. The case study shows how biodiversity offsetting risks rendering urban planning and its inherent conflicts over preserving greenspaces and enabling development to a set of technical measurements and valuation, while “the social” in urban planning becomes secondary. The theoretical framework of depoliticisation highlights the tensions between the biodiversity offsetting scheme and the participatory planning processes. The former is presented as depoliticised and incontestable, while the latter are overrun by a technocratic measuring of ecological values. We conclude that the contradictions of depoliticised nature are built into the core of biodiversity offsetting and consider ways to improve the social fairness of offsetting in urban contexts.

High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis Revealed a Preference for Animal-Based Food in Purple Sea Urchins.

Sea urchins play an important role in marine ecosystems. Owing to limitations in previous research methods, there has been insufficient understanding of the food sources and ecological functional value of purple sea urchins, leading to considerable controversy regarding their functional positioning. We focused on Daya Bay as the research area, utilizing stable isotope technology and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA to analyze sea urchins and their potential food sources in stone and algae areas. The results showed that the δ13C range of purple sea urchins in the stone area is -11.42~-8.17‱, and the δ15N range is 9.15~10.31‱. However, in the algal area, the δ13C range is -13.97~-12.44‱, and the δ15N range is 8.75~10.14‱. There was a significant difference in δ13C between the two areas (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in δ15N (p > 0.05). The main food source for purple sea urchins in both areas is sediment. The sequencing results of 18S rDNA revealed that, in the algal area, the highest proportion in the sea urchin gut was Molluska (57.37%). In the stone area, the highest proportion was Arthropoda (76.71%). The sequencing results of 16S rDNA revealed that, in the algal area, Bacteroidetes was the dominant group in the sea urchin gut (28.87%), whereas, in the stone area, Proteobacteria was the dominant group (37.83%). Diversity detection revealed a significant difference in the number of gut microbes and eukaryotes between the stone and algal areas (p < 0.05). The results revealed that the main food source of purple sea urchins in both areas is sediment, but the organic nutritional value is greater in the algal area, and the richness of microbiota and eukaryotes in the gut of purple sea urchins in the stone area is greater. These results indicated that purple sea urchins are likely omnivores and that the area where they occur impacts their growth and development. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the restoration of wild purple sea urchin resources and the selection of areas for restocking and release.

From the perspective of world heritage, the strategy and sustainable development of the mushroom co-cultivation system in Qingyuanlin (Zhejiang)

The Qingyuan Forest-Mushroom Co-culture System in Zhejiang Province, China, located in Qingyuan County, Lishui City, was recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2022. In this study, the author compares the selection criteria and characteristics of the “Zhejiang Qingyuan Forest-Mushroom Co-cultivation System” with those of other World Agricultural Heritage sites. Through an in-depth analysis of the uniqueness of the “Zhejiang Qingyuan Forest-Mushroom Co-cultivation System” and its ecological, economic, and cultural values, the author aims to reveal its advantages in the World Heritage List and explore reasonable ways for its sustainable development.