Ecosystem Service Value In Response Research Articles

Spatio-temporal changes in ecosystem service value in response to land-use/cover changes in the Pearl River Delta

Urban development and human activities threaten ecosystem structures and ecological processes. Since 1995, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) has increased by more than thirteen fold. However, our understanding of how the ecosystem service value (ESV) has responded to land-use/cover changes (LUCC) in the PRD remains limited. In this paper, we use a multi-source data approach to assess the patterns of ESV in the PRD from 1995 to 2015. The hot/cool-spot mapping method is used to analyse the spatial differences in ESV at a 1 km scale. The results revealed the following: (a) the proportion of increase in built-up land area is 6.3% in the PRD; this change occurred mainly through the occupation of farmland and forest land. (b) The area of hot spots increased from 37% in 1995 to 41% in 2015, while the area of cool spots increased from 34.6% to 36.3%. The ESV hot spots are mainly distributed in Zhaoqing and Huizhou. (c) The ESV has changed due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors in the PRD. Furthermore, corresponding management measures are identified according to the results of the exploratory spatial data analysis. The findings of this study have practical significance for establishing mathematical models to reveal the patterns of ESV in urban agglomerations.

Variations in ecosystem services in response to paddy expansion in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China

ABSTRACT The ecosystem of the Sanjiang Plain in China has dramatically changed in the past four decades. This study investigated the history of paddy field expansion in the Sanjiang Plain and discovered the ecosystem service variations in response to paddy expansion. Integrating a series of Landsat images, we obtained the paddy expansion history from 1976 to 2015. Then, we calculated ecosystem service values (ESVs) to estimate the ecosystem service variations caused by paddy expansion in the Sanjiang Plain. The results indicate that the paddy area increased from 404,789–2,598,449 ha during 1976–2015, leading to a decline in the total ecosystem service values by 11288.04 million dollars. The largest decline in ESVs in response to paddy expansion was caused by wetland reclamation (9998.54 million dollars). Apart from agricultural products and gas regulation functions, the ESVs provided by other functions all showed a declining trend. Paddy expansion in the Sanjiang Plain increased agricultural product function at the expense of the decline of other functions. In future management practices, the rational allocation of water resources and paddy distribution are necessary in order to achieve sustainable development of both water resources and agricultural production. Some suggestions including coculture systems, restoring habitats for aquatic species, farm management that fosters biodiversity in paddy fields are provided for future sustainability.

Land-Use/Land-Cover Changes and Their Influence on the Ecosystem in Chengdu City, China during the Period of 1992–2018

Due to urban expansion, economic development, and rapid population growth, land use/land cover (LULC) is changing in major cities around the globe. Quantitative analysis of LULC change is important for studying the corresponding impact on the ecosystem service value (ESV) that helps in decision-making and ecosystem conservation. Based on LULC data retrieved from remote-sensing interpretation, we computed the changes of ESV associated with the LULC dynamics using the benefits transfer method and geographic information system (GIS) technologies during the period of 1992–2018 following self-modified coefficients which were corrected by net primary productivity (NPP). This improved approach aimed to establish a regional value coefficients table for facilitating the reliable evaluation of ESV. The main objective of this research was to clarify the trend and spatial patterns of LULC changes and their influence on ecosystem service values and functions. Our results show a continuous reduction in total ESV from United States (US) $1476.25 million in 1992, to US $1410.17, $1335.10, and $1190.56 million in 2001, 2009, and 2018, respectively; such changes are attributed to a notable loss of farmland and forest land from 1992–2018. The elasticity of ESV in response to changes in LULC shows that 1% of land transition may have caused average changes of 0.28%, 0.34%, and 0.50% during the periods of 1992–2001, 2001–2009, and 2009–2018, respectively. This study provides important information useful for land resource management and for developing strategies to address the reduction of ESV.

Changes in Ecosystem Service Values in Response to Changes in Landscape Composition in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Land use/land cover (LU/LC) changes are pervasive having impacts on the total ecosystem service valuation (ESV) at the landscape as the conversion of near natural environments bring about drastic changes in certain ecosystem services. In this study, we first analyzed LU/LC changes over four decades by the use of GIS. LU/LC values were used along with global data sets developed for biomes to estimate the amount of total and individual ESV change for the study landscape and period. Sensitivity analysis was used to test the reliability of our estimation for the use of proxies. We found that, natural forests reduced by 40.21% whereas cultivated land increased by 32.42%. Other land use changes ranged within these two extremes. The increase in shrub land (9.44%), bare land (8.32%) and settlement (3.49%) were also enormous. We found a decrease in grass land (7.11%) and wetland (6.74%) followed by natural forest. Due to the change in land uses at the landscape scale, a total of $ 43.7 million/ha/yr ESV declined in the period 1973–2017. In terms of individual ecosystem services, the regulating services were substantially reduced, with climate regulation (3.15%) and water regulation (1.79%) contributing the highest value, while food production (3.03%) and soil formation (0.77%) increased. Sensitivity analysis of the use of proxies revealed that our estimation is robust and inelastic to the estimation technique used. The decrease in total and individual ESV in the study area and period calls for urgent action to be made to enhance the sustainability of ecosystem service provision at the landscape level with appropriate land management practices.

Variation in Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Landscape Pattern Changes of Zhujiajian Island, China

Variation in Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Landscape Pattern Changes of Zhujiajian Island, China

Variations of Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Land-Use Change in the Kashgar Region, Northwest China

Increasing anthropogenic activities have significantly altered ecosystems in arid oasis regions. Estimating the impact on a wide range of ecosystem services is important for decision making and the sustainable development of these regions. This study analyzed time-series Landsat data to determine the influences of oasis land-use changes on the ecosystem services in the Kashgar region in Northwest China. The following results were found. The total value of the ecosystem services in the Kashgar region were approximately $10,845.3, $11,218.6, $10,291.7, and $10,127.3 million in 1986, 1996, 2005, and 2015, respectively. The water supply, waste treatment, biodiversity protection, and recreation and cultural services were the four ecosystem services with the highest service value, contributing 77.05% of the total ecosystem services. The combined contribution rate of food production and raw material value was only about 4.02%, relatively small. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the estimated total ecosystem service value (ESV) for this study area was relatively inelastic with respect to the value coefficients. The findings of this study will be crucial for maintaining the stability and sustainable development of the oasis region, where socio-economic development and the integrity of the natural ecosystem complement each other. Furthermore, the results provide a scientific basis for decision makers in land use management, and provide a reference for researchers in the Northwest China.

Changes of ecosystem service values in response to land use/land cover dynamics in Munessa–Shashemene landscape of the Ethiopian highlands

Land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics alter ecosystem services values (ESVs), yet quantitative evaluations of changes in ESVs are seldom attempted. Using Munessa–Shashemene landscape of the Ethiopian highlands as an example, we showed estimate of changes in ESVs in response to LULC dynamics over the past four decades (1973–2012). Estimation and change analyses of ESVs were conducted, mainly, by employing GIS using LULC datasets of the year 1973, 1986, 2000 and 2012 with their corresponding global value coefficients developed earlier and our own modified conservative value coefficients for the studied landscape. The results between periods revealed a decrease of total ESVs from US$ 130.5 million in 1973, to US$ 118.5, 114.8 and 111.1 million in 1986, 2000 and 2012, respectively. While using global value coefficients, the total ESVs declined from US$ 164.6 million in 1973, to US$ 135.8, 127.2 and 118.7 million in 1986, 2000 and 2012, respectively. The results from the analyses of changes in the four decades revealed a total loss of ESVs ranging from US$ 19.3 million when using our own modified value coefficients to US$ 45.9 million when employing global value coefficients. Changes have also occurred in values of individual ecosystem service functions, such as erosion control, nutrient cycling, climate regulation and water treatment, which were among the highest contributors of the total ESVs. However, the value of food production service function consistently increased during the study periods although not drastically. All in all, it must be considered a minimum estimate of ESV changes due to uncertainties in the value coefficients used in this study. We conclude that the decline of ESVs reflected the effects of ecological degradation in the studied landscape and suggest further studies to explore future options and formulate intervention strategies.

Dynamic variations in ecosystem service value and sustainability of urban system: A case study for Tianjin city, China

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in China have seriously threatened the ecosystem and urban sustainability. This paper estimated the dynamic variations of ecosystem service value (ESV) in response to changes of land use/land cover (LULC) under rapid urbanization, and it analyzed their impacts on sustainability of urban system. Tianjin, the largest coastal city in China, was selected as the study area. The total ESV of Tianjin was approximately 8791.86 million Yuan in 2003, 7948.04 million Yuan in 2007, and 8378.53 million Yuan in 2011. By taking the total dynamic ESV as one of the key factors, we calculated the indexes of urban sustainability from 2003 to 2011. It was found that the dynamic variations of ESV in response to LULC changes had significant impacts on the sustainability of urban system. Therefore, in order to increase the capacity for urban sustainable development, there is an urgent need to lighten the heavy burden on the ecosystem through rational land use management during rapid urbanization.

Variations in ecosystem service value in response to land use changes in the upper water source of Beijing and Tianjin-take Chengde as example

Land use changes significantly impacts ecosystem services and functions. The estimation of ecosystem services value is conducive to clarifying the ecological changes in response to LULC changes due to urbanization. Chengde was the upper water source of Beijing and Tianjin, the ecosystem is very fragile. After a series of ecology conservation projects like "returning cropland to forestry", the ecosystem service value increased from 5100.17 x 107 Yuan in 1990 to 5104.08 x 107 Yuan in 2008 respectively, with the average increase of 2.3 x 106 Yuan per year. It is indicated that ecosystem service value has the potential to inform policy decisions by emphasizing the benefits of sustainable ecosystem management. So plans on land use management should be made to maintain a balance between urbanization and ecosystem health.

Variations in Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Oasis Land-use Change in Keriya Oasis, Tarim Basin, China

This study utilized satellite data and the published coefficients about the world and China's ecosystem to analyze the effects of oasis land-use change on ecosystem services in Keriya Oasis where both economic development and arid, fragile ecosystems have strongly affected land use. A sensitivity analysis was employed to determine the effect of manipulating these coefficients on the estimated values. Results indicated that: (1) the total values of ecosystem service in Keriya Oasis were about $232.2 million. $212.8 million, and $207.2 million in 1991, 2002, and 2008, respectively, and the net decline in ecosystem service value was about $25.0 million within 1991–2008; (2) the aggregated ecosystem service value of medium-cover grassland, wetland, low-cover grassland, cropland, and water body was about 90% of the total value; (3) waste treatment and soil formation were the top two ecological functions with high service value, and contributing about 41% of the total services value; and (4) ecosystem services values estimated in this study were inelastic with respect to the value coefficients. Therefore, the estimation was robust in spite of uncertainties on the value coefficients. A reasonable land-use plan should be based on rigorous environmental impact analyses for maintaining stability and sustainable development of Keriya Oasis.

Variation in ecosystem service values in response to land use changes in Zhifanggou watershed of Loess plateau: a comparative study

Abstract Background Anthropological activities could lead to various land use changes. This subsequently exerts impacts on the Ecological status as the land is the carrier of Ecosystems and their services. Ecosystem Services Values (ESVs) are monetary assessment of ecosystems services. The choice of ecosystem services valuation methods highly depends on the type and conditions of the ecological environment. Results In this paper, Zhifangou watershed, a watershed with fragile environments in Loess Plateau, is analyzed in terms of the historical changes of land uses and their impact on Ecosystem Services Values (ESVs). The analysis presents that the watershed had seen a large cover of forest (689.8 hectare) and grassland (97.08 hectare) until 1938, which were substituted with a cropland of 663.56 hectare in the following years, and then a gradual recovery of natural land from 1978. During these years, the human activities have ranged from little disruption, to excessive cultivation, and finally to an integrated management of the watershed. The ESVs were highest at $121.77 × 104 in 1938, lowest at $43.75 × 104 in 1958, and then rebounded to $113.44 × 104 in 1999. Conclusions The analysis reveals that the values of soil formation and retention, biodiversity protection, and climate regulation have been associated with the largest share of the total ESVs. Among them, soil formation and retention was recognized as the most impacted service by land use changes.

IMPACTS OF LAND COVER CHANGE AND SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICE VALUES

Social and economic development can cause land cover changes that significantly affect ecosystem services and functions. This study investigated the temporal variation in ecosystem service values in response to land cover changes caused mainly by human activities in Harbin City, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in northeast China. The aim was to provide guidance for regional sustainable development. An evaluation method for ecosystem service values based on land cover change was applied in 1996 and 2008. Sensitivity analysis was used to discuss driving forces triggering the change of land cover and ecosystem service values. The results showed that the total ecosystem service value increased from 20945.53 million $ in 1996 to 21030.83 million $ in 2008, mainly due to the increasing areas of woodland, water body and urban green land. Over 97% of the total value was attributable to woodland, farmland and water body. Hydrological regulation and biodiversity maintenance were the two largest service functions, contributing about 30.62% of the total value. Population growth, urban expansion, and economic development were three major driving forces for the change of land cover and ecosystem service value. The results suggest that future land use planning should emphasis on protecting woodland, water body and urban green land that have the highest ecosystem service values, and continue the policy of ecological protection, to achieve regional sustainable development.

Effects of Land Use Changes on the Ecosystem Service Values of a Reclamation Farm in Northeast China

Intensive agricultural development can change land use, which can further affect regional ecosystem services and functions. With the rapid growth of the population and the national demand for food, the northeast of China, which is located in the high latitudes, has experienced four agricultural developments since the 1950s. The original wetlands of this area were developed for farmland. The evaluation of ecosystem services is conducted to reveal the ecosystem status and variable trends caused by land reclamation. The aim of this study is to provide scientific basis for environmental management and for the sustainable development of agriculture in Northeast China. With GIS-RS technology, a typical farm was chosen to analyze variations in the ecosystem service value in response to land use changes during the study period. The total ecosystem service value of the farm decreased from 7523.10 million Yuan in 1979 to 4023.59 million Yuan in 2009 with an annual rate of -1.6% due to the decreasing areas of woodland and wetland. The increased areas of cropland, water area and grassland partly offset the loss of the total value, but the loss was still greater than the compensation. Waste treatment and climate regulation were the top two service functions with high service values, contributing to approximately 50% of the total service value. The spatial difference of the ecosystem service value also was analyzed. The wetlands located in the central and northeastern sections of the farm changed significantly. From the aspect of ecosystem service value, the wetland and water area should be conserved, as they have the highest value coefficients. The accuracy of the value coefficient, however, needs to be studied further in future research.

Variations in ecosystem service values in response to changes in environmental flows: A case study of Baiyangdian Lake, China

Environmental flows represent the quality, quantity and timing of water flows required to sustain the benefits provided to human, plant and animal communities by a healthy freshwater ecosystem. The precise characteristics of environmental flows can be difficult to define, however, and the precise impact of changes in these flows on the ecosystem service value (ESV) is likewise difficult to quantify. Using China's Baiyangdian Lake as a case study, I evaluated the ecosystem services provided by the lake from 1980 to 2005. The results showed that ESV was influenced by changes in the lake's environmental flows from its tributaries and revealed the potential relationship between ESV and water elevation. The ESV depended significantly on water elevation; thus, water elevation can be used as a proxy for changes in ESV and can provide guidance for effective environmental management. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the total ESV estimate for the study area was relatively inelastic based on changes in the coefficient of sensitivity (CS), and that the estimation was therefore robust. These results demonstrate that the relationship between ESV and water elevation is sufficiently strong and robust to help managers allocate water to balance the lake's environmental flows and ESV.

Variations in Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Land use Changes in the Loess Plateau in Northern Shaanxi Province, China

In this paper, we report an investigation of changes in land use and ecosystem services on Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi Province from 1978 to 2004. We used three LANDSAT TM and/or ETM data sets to estimate changes in the size of five land-cover/land-use categories, and we also used previously published value coefficients to estimate changes in the value of ecosystem services delivered by eachland category. Finally, we ranked the contribution of various ecosystem functions to the overall value of the ecosystem services. we have estimated that the annual value of the ecosystem services is 56.95 billon RMB in the loess plateau in northern shaanxi province in 2004. In the loess plateau in northern shaanxi province, from 1978 to 2004, the economic value of the fixing carbon are higher, the economic value of water conservation are lowest, but the economic value of the NPP, fixing carbon and supplying oxygen account for total value above the ninety percent, obviously the vegetation own created the biggest ecosystem service value.We conclude that future land-use policy formulation should give precedence to the conservation of these ecosystems over uncontrolled reclamation, and that further land reclamation should be based on rigorous environmental impact analyses.

Variations in ecosystem service value in response to land use changes in Shenzhen

Urban sprawl significantly impacts ecosystem services and functions. The exact impacts, however are difficult to quantify and are often neglected in policy making. The evaluation of ecosystem services is conducive to clarifying the ecological and environmental changes caused by urbanization. The objective of this study is to investigate variations in ecosystem services in response to land use changes during urbanization. The aim is to provide useful information and advice for policy makers concerned with sustainable development. Shenzhen, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in China, is selected as the study area. A fast evaluation method for ecological service values based on land use change was proposed and applied to the city for 1996, 2000 and 2004. The total value of ecosystem services in Shenzhen was 2776.0 million Yuan in 1996, 2911.4 million Yuan in 2000 and 2544.7 million Yuan in 2004 respectively, with a decrease of 231.3 million Yuan from 1996 to 2004 mainly due to the decreasing areas of woodland, wetland and water body. The combined ecosystem service value of woodland, wetland, water body and orchard was over 90% of the total value. Water supply and waste treatment were the top two service functions with high service value, contributing about 40% of the total service value. The results suggest that a reasonable land use plan should be made with emphasis on protecting wetland, water body and woodland, which have the highest ecosystem service value.