Provision Of Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Charting sustainable waters: Governance challenges and opportunities for fisheries and coastal beach resources in a West African country

Marine fisheries and beaches (i.e., backshore, foreshore and shoreface) are essential for providing ecosystem services globally, with coastal states being at the forefront of this benefit. Consequently, several policies, legislations, and governance processes must be formulated to ensure their sustainable use due to the impact of anthropogenic and natural pressures. This study aims to analyse the legal and institutional frameworks for the management of marine fisheries and beach resources (such as flora (coconut), fauna (ghost crabs), dunes, and rocky components) under key international laws and conventions, using Ghana as a case study. The study identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) within resource management, as well as their impact on the country’s progress in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063. Data was collected through interviews with fishers, coastal residents, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as a review of secondary data. The results unveil a distinctive contrast in the regulatory landscape between fisheries and beach resources. While numerous policies have been formulated to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries, the same level of attention and commitment has not been extended to beach resources. The SWOT analysis revealed that some of the strengths in the governance of marine fisheries and beach resources rest on the availability of institutions and laws. The weakness lies in inadequate enforcement and data gathering and analyses to inform decision making. This study provides as an illuminating exploration into the legal and institutional underpinnings of marine fisheries and beach resource management in Ghana, shedding light on the critical junctures where improvements are needed.

Soils and ecosystem services: policy narratives and instruments for soil health in the EU

European soils and their status is a matter of concern that has entered the policy arena and the objective to restore soil health is part of the Soil strategy to 2030. Aim of this study is to explore the integration of the concept of soil health and the provision of soil ecosystem service by conducting i) a content analysis of EU policies and ii) a scoping review of literature over policy instruments for soil governance. Results show a focus on soil fertility, mainly soil organic matter, while services such as conservation of biodiversity or cultural heritage still appear underrepresented. Findings are reinforced by the gap in literature, providing little evidence of policy instruments contributing to soil health. A more coordinated effort among policy sectors is required to prioritize soil health in the EU; invesitgating the role of market-based instruments could complement what public policies are lacking.

Assessing the Provisioning of Ecosystem Services Provided by the Relics Forest in Togo’s Mono Biosphere Reserve

In most Sub-Saharan African countries, such as Togo, forest ecosystems provide ecosystem services to the local population. These ecosystem services are of vital importance to the local populations, who depend on the benefits derived from their use to meet their socio-economic needs. The permanent dependence of these populations on ecosystem services is a major factor accelerating the degradation of natural resources, which are already under pressure from climatic factors. The present study assesses the provisioning of ecosystem services provided by the relics forest in the southeast region of the Mono Biosphere Reserve in Togo. Individual interviews and group discussions were carried out with 420 households in fourteen villages around the reserve to identify the current uses of woody species. The results show that 100% of the respondents cited plant species, such as Mitragyna inermis, Lonchocarpus sericeus, and Diospyros mespiliformis, as used for wood. Species, such as Mimusops andogensis and Triplohiton scleroxylon, were cited as exclusively used for wood by 94% and 86%, respectively. Other species, such as Vitex doniana and Dialium guineense, in addition to their use for wood (93% and 70%), were cited, respectively, by 97% and 98% of respondents as used for fruit, and by 82% and 90% for their leaves. The heavy daily use of these species compromises their sustainability. An analysis of Sorensen’s similarity index, according to gender, age, ethnic group, and sector of activity, revealed a variation in this index ranging from 0.6 to 1, reflecting households’ knowledge of the use of these seven species. The local populations are already feeling the effects of the low availability of these commonly used species. According to them, the depletion of these resources is caused mainly by agricultural clearing, illegal logging, and bushfires.

Ecological interactions in glacier environments: a review of studies on a model Alpine glacier.

Glaciers host a variety of cold-adapted taxa, many of which have not yet been described. Interactions among glacier organisms are even less clear. Understanding ecological interactions is crucial to unravelling the functioning of glacier ecosystems, particularly in light of current glacier retreat. Through a review of the existing literature, we aim to provide a first overview of the biodiversity, primary production, trophic networks, and matter flow of a glacier ecosystem. We use the Forni Glacier (Central Italian Alps) - one of the best studied alpine glaciers in the world - as a model system for our literature review and integrate additional original data. We reveal the importance of allochthonous organic matter inputs, of Cyanobacteria and eukaryotic green algae in primary production, and the key role of springtails (Vertagopus glacialis) on the glacier surface in sustaining populations of two apex terrestrial predators: Nebria castanea (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Pardosa saturatior (Araneae: Lycosidae). The cryophilic tardigrade Cryobiotus klebelsbergi is the apex consumer in cryoconite holes. This short food web highlights the fragility of nodes represented by invertebrates, contrasting with structured microbial communities in all glacier habitats. Although further research is necessary to quantify the ecological interactions of glacier organisms, this review summarises and integrates existing knowledge about the ecological processes on alpine glaciers and supports the importance of glacier-adapted organisms in providing ecosystem services.

Identifying Cross-Regional Ecological Compensation Based on Ecosystem Service Supply, Demand, and Flow for Landscape Management

Clarifying the issues related to the supply, demand, and flow of ecosystem services is crucial for regional landscape management. This study employs the equivalence factor method and demand index quantification to analyze the supply and demand of ecosystem services in the Zheng-Bian-Luo region in 2000 and 2020. We used hotspot analysis tools and the minimum cumulative resistance model to establish the ecological corridors, identifying the spatial flow paths of ecosystem services in our site. By calculating the flow volume of the key corridor value through the breakpoint formula and field strength theory and combining this with the ratio of the regulating service value, we computed the ecological compensation amount, thereby realizing the value of the ecosystem service. The results indicate that the area of balance between ecosystem service supply and demand gradually decreased and the deficit area in the Zheng-Bian-Luo region increased 43.62% from 2000 to 2020 along with rapid urbanization. The total value flow of ecosystem services by the important ecological corridors in 2000 and 2020 was USD 242.40 million and USD 365.92 million, respectively. In 2020, it was predicted that Luanchuan County would receive ecological compensation totals of USD 237.76 million from each ecological demand area, and mainly from Jinshui District. Our findings support enhancing the quality of the ecological environment and optimizing the landscape management of the Yellow River’s Henan section.

The Integrated Analysis of Territorial Transformations in Inland Areas of Italy: The Link between Natural, Social, and Economic Capitals Using the Ecosystem Service Approach

This paper examines how spatial dynamics have impacted natural capital and the provision of ecosystem services. The units outlined by the National Strategy for Inland Areas (SNAI) have been used as the territorial units for this study. The SNAI is a public policy focused on enhancing the quality of services to citizens (such as transportation, healthcare, and education). It proposes the economic revitalization of inland areas undergoing processes of marginalization. Our focus on inland areas stems from two primary reasons: first, no previous studies in Italy have analyzed the changes in ecosystem services in SNAI areas; and second, SNAI areas are well-suited to providing ecosystem services that are in demand by urban areas. Although this study does not cover all aspects inherent to the topic, it represents a starting point aimed at understanding the links between environmental and socio-economic dynamics and ecosystem service changes. This is essential for both current and future generations. By analyzing the processes of permanence and transformation, modifications in the supply–demand balance have hereby been studied, as well as the economic variations in ecosystem services. The period considered runs from 1990 to 2018. These findings could help governmental institutions in developing sustainable governance models, in line with spatial policies and strategies.

Perennial species diversity, ecosystem carbon stocks and carbon income in coffee-based agroforestry systems along an elevation gradient in South-eastern Ethiopia

In the current context of deforestation, coffee-based agroforestry system (CAFS) is credited for climate change (CC) mitigation and biodiversity conservation while supporting local livelihoods. Despite integrating shade tree species in CAFS, empirical studies to support this assertion are inadequate in Eastern Africa, and hence, its ecosystem services provisions are less understood. We evaluated perennial species diversity, carbon (C) stocks in the biomass and soil organic C (SOC) along an elevation gradient of 72 plots of shade coffee, while 36 plots were selected for without-shade coffee systems within three elevations, namely, low (1600–1750 masl), mid (1750–1850 masl) and high (1850–2000 masl) elevations in Southeastern Ethiopia. The perennial species diversity and biomass, SOC, fine root and litter C stocks were evaluated. Perennial species Shannon diversity significantly differed among the studied elevations (p < 0.001). Shaded coffee had significantly higher ecosystem C stocks than without shaded coffee systems (p < 0.05). The highest C stocks were found in the soil in both coffee systems. However, we found a weak relationship between the Shannon diversity and biomass C. The C income in shaded coffee was 70 % higher than without shaded coffee systems. The present study showed that shaded coffee accumulates more C and provides additional benefits from C credits. Hence, CAFS deliver ecosystem services that enhance biodiversity conservation and CC mitigation while generating an additional C income for farmers. However, we learned that the impact of perennial plant diversity on C stock and C income is context and site-specific.

Tree mortality by ecological groups in the amazon region: Influence of forest structure, soil characteristics, and extreme climatic events after logging

Mortality of remaining trees tends to increase after logging, and adapting forest management to climate change is another significant challenge to ensure the sustainability of forests, timber production, and provision of ecosystem services. This study investigated mortality in remaining trees (DBH ≥ 20 cm) in different ecological groups (pioneer, light-demanding, and shade-tolerant) during different phases of forest monitoring (initial, intermediate, and final), as well as their relationship with structural, climatic, and environmental characteristics. The research was conducted in five managed areas in the Brazilian Amazon (Jari, Km114, Km67, Peteco, and Moju) with continuous monitoring over six to 33 years. We analyzed a total of 212 permanent plots containing 62 pioneer species, 250 light-demanding species, and 304 shade-tolerant species. The mortality rate for the three monitoring phases in logged forests was 1.27 %, 1.49 %, and 0.75 % year−1, respectively, while the rate in unlogged forests was 1.04 %, 1.33 %, and 0.50 % year−1. In post-logging forests, mortality was high for pioneer and light-demanding species, especially in the initial phase. For shade-tolerant species, mortality rate was influenced by soil silt and sand content, presence of phosphorus, and total carbon content. In unlogged forests, forest structure variables such as average height and total basal area, soil characteristics like phosphorus content, and climate factors such as intensity of dry months were most important for pioneer and light-demanding species. In the intermediate and final monitoring phases in logged forests, tree mortality was related to soil characteristics like sand and clay content, total carbon, and cation exchange capacity. Extreme climatic events such as severe drought, El Niño, and extreme temperatures also influenced tree mortality, along with time elapsed after logging. These findings highlight the complex interaction between soil characteristics, climate, and forest structure and tree mortality and ecology. These correlations are crucial to understand mortality processes in logged and unlogged forests, underscoring the importance of these factors for managing and conserving these ecosystems in the face of extreme climatic events and forest management practices.

Natural and natural-anthropogenic measures for adapting transport infrastructure to climate change

The purpose of the study is to analyze and develop natural and natural-anthropogenic measures for adapting transport infrastructure to climate change. The analysis was based on national and international regulations, best practices in the development and implementation of technical, organizational, natural and natural-anthropogenic measures for adapting transport infrastructure facilities to a changing climate. Although technical adaptation measures can be seen as the basis for ensuring safety against climate risks, the adoption of complementary or alternative nature-based measures will allow effective adaptation to be achieved more cost-effectively based on sustainable and long-term solutions. In some cases, technical adaptation measures are clearly determined, which largely deprives decision makers of flexibility when choosing a set of measures for a specific territory. Thus, hybrid solutions combining natural and technical measures can provide an optimal level of safety, taking into account the environmental impact, the area required to accommodate adaptation means, and the magnitude of costs.Current engineering adaptation measures used at transport infrastructure facilities have been identified. With the exception of a number of procedural changes to current practice, most current measures are technical solutions. It has been established that complementing technical and organizational measures with natural and natural-human adaptation measures has the potential not only to provide ecosystem services that could increase biodiversity and ecological connectivity, but also to ensure the resilience of transport infrastructure to climate change. The widespread use of these adaptation measures will make it possible to position railway transport as a reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

Phytoseiid Mites: Trees, Ecology and Conservation

The highly variable ’leafscapes’ of plants across the world represent billions of square metres of mite habitat. The phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae), an extremely species-rich group of mostly generalist predators, are providers of ecosystem services for humanity worth many hundreds of millions of dollars annually by helping suppress phytophagous mites and insects in forests, agro-ecosystems, shade-houses and home gardens. In this study, the phytoseiid mite assemblages on the leaves of four species of common tree species, namely oak (Quercus cerris var. cerris), poplar (Populus deltoides, P. nigra) and walnut (Juglans regia), were compared. The three data sets used were generated in three independent seasonal studies in Samsun Province, Türkiye, between 2018 and 2022. In total, mite species in 18 families, including 15 families on walnut, were recorded. Nineteen phytoseiid species in 13 genera, Amblydromalus, Amblyseius, Euseius, Kampimodromus, Neoseiulella, Neoseiulus, Paraseiulus, Phytoseius, Transeius, Typhlodromina, Typhlodromips, Typhlodromus and Typhloseiulus, were collected. Only Eusieus amissibilis was collected from all three tree genera, whereas 14 species were collected from only one tree genus. Shannon diversity and Jaccard similarity indexes were calculated for mite families and phytoseiid genera and species. Potential reasons for the observed differences in the phytoseiid assemblages on the different host trees are explored in depth. In the ‘big picture’, global biodiversity, likely including many undescribed phytoseiid species, is threatened by widespread habitat degradation and destruction, especially in the tropics, and accelerating climate change, and rapidly stopping them is imperative.

Quantifying the biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes of karst ecological restoration: A meta-analysis of South China Karst

Decades of restoration efforts have greened South China Karst, the largest and most concentrated karst area in the world. However, it is unknown whether and how the observed increase in vegetation coverage could enhance biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services (ES). In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of 108 studies with 6505 observations to quantify the influence of karst ecological restoration on biodiversity and ES provision and to uncover key factors that may influence restoration outcomes. We found that restored karst lands on average provided 29 % and 18 % higher biodiversity and ES than degraded karst lands, respectively, but 14 % and 29 % lower than intact reference karst lands. However, the outcomes of karst ecological restoration were mediated by restoration strategy, vegetation type, and restoration age. Natural restoration actions often had more positive effects on biodiversity and ES than reconstructive restoration actions. Karst restoration outcomes also increased with the progress of vegetation succession and increasing restoration age. Furthermore, ES outcomes were positively correlated with biodiversity outcomes, demonstrating the importance of incorporating the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship into karst restoration actions. Overall, our study suggests that karst ecological restoration has substantial potential to improve biodiversity and the provision of ES, but restoration outcomes are context-dependent. These findings may inform evidence-based decision making for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in karst regions, especially with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030 underway.

Ecosystem engineers enhance the multifunctionality of an urban novel ecosystem: Population persistence and ecosystem resilience since the 1980s

In degraded urban habitats, nature-based solutions aim to enhance ecosystem functioning and service provision. Bivalves are increasingly reintroduced to urban environments to enhance water quality through biofiltration, yet their long-term sustainability remains uncertain. Following the restoration of the disused South Docks in Liverpool in the 1980s, natural colonization of mussels rapidly improved dock-basin water quality and supported diverse taxa, including other filter feeders. While the initial colonization phase has been well documented, there has been limited published research since the mid-1990s, despite ongoing routine water quality monitoring. Here, we assessed the long-term persistence of mussel populations, their associated biodiversity, and physico-chemical parameters of the water in Queens and Albert Docks by comparing historical (1980s to 1990s) and contemporary data from follow-up surveys (2012,2022). Following an initial period of poor water quality (high contamination and turbidity, low oxygen), the natural colonization of mussels from Albert Dock in 1988 extended throughout the South Docks. By the mid-1990s, the environment of the South Docks and its mussel populations had stabilized. The dock walls were dominated by mussels which provided important complex secondary substrate for invertebrates and macroalgae. Surveys conducted in 2012 and 2022 confirmed the continued dominance of mussels and estimates of mussel biofiltration rates confirm that mussels are continuing to contribute to maintaining water quality. A decline in salinity was observed in both docks in 2022, with evidence of recovery. While these ecosystems appear relatively stable, careful management of the hydrological regime is crucial to ensuring the persistence of mussels and resilient ecosystem service provision through biofiltration.

Ecological impacts and supply demand evolution of the Yangtze to Huaihe water transfer project in Anhui section

Human activities have profound impacts on land use and the supply–demand balance of ecosystem services (ESs). Various activities, such as urban construction, urban and rural planning, and inter-basin water transfer projects, continuously reshape land use patterns. This is a case study of the Anhui section of the Yangtze-Huaihe Water Diversion Project. Data from 2000, 2010, and 2020 is analyzed. Additionally, the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model is utilized to quantify the specific impacts of the water diversion project construction on the supply and demand of ESs. The results indicate that the comprehensive dynamic attitude of land use during the project construction period significantly increased, rising from 0.16 to 13.79%, and mainly affected forest, water areas, construction land, and unused land. Specifically, the construction of the project led to significant changes in water purification, biodiversity, and, especially, hydrological regulation services. Additionally, the migration of residents significantly impacted the demand for ESs. The study also found a significant correlation between land use changes and the balance of ES supply and demand: the proportion of cultivated land and construction land is positively correlated with the balance, while the proportion of forest, grassland, and water areas is negatively correlated. This study provides empirical data for understanding the environmental and socio-economic impacts of large-scale water diversion projects and offers a scientific basis for local mitigation and control of adverse impacts. Through quantitative analysis and model prediction, this research effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing important references for sustainable regional development.

Advancing multiple ecosystem service assessment in the tropics: Evidence from Barekese and Owabi watersheds in Ghana

Watershed ecosystems are important for the provision of multiple ecosystem services (ES) that are critical to human welfare. Few studies particularly in the tropics assess the multiple ecosystem services, economic value, and effect of land use change on economic value. This paper provides evidence of the quantitative. economic value and effect of land use change on the economic value of watershed ESs from Barekese and Owabi in Ghana. Geospatial analysis and the stated preference method were used for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected from households, institutions, and other sources to quantify and estimate ecosystem services. The geospatial analysis showed that forest degradation and deforestation have increased over the last three decades in the watershed with settlements and cropland being the major land use changes. The two watersheds provide many ecosystem services, including provisioning services (water, fuelwood, bushmeat, fish), regulating services (carbon sequestration, water supply, water purification, soil fertility), and cultural services (ecotourism). An aggregated economic value for the ESs of GH₵ 707.701 x 106 ($144.428 x 106) was estimated for the two watersheds. For the different sites, the economic value for the Barekese and Owabi watersheds were $110.645 x 106 ($6609.06/ha/yr) and $33.783 x 106 ($5857.76/ha/yr) respectively. Our analysis showed that conversion of forest to other land uses resulted in a significant reduction in the value of ecosystem services. Conversion of the watershed to Tree Crop, Food Crop, Grassland or Settlement could reduce the economic value of ESs by 4%–80 %. The study demonstrates that ecosystem services assessment could provide important information for conservation and development policies related to watershed management in the tropics. To ensure ecosystem service supply, the risks of land use change should be considered in watershed conservation strategies including land use zoning and adaptive management systems.

Effect of habitat management on arthropod community in crab apple orchards (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.) in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Crab apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.) is native to Central Europe and successfully commercially grown in Indonesia. Management practices that increase biodiversity in agroecosystems are essential for mediating the negative impacts of intensive agriculture. This study aims to compare arthropod abundance and diversity between grass ground cover and Hydrangea intercropping in crab apple orchards and assess their impact on arthropod functional groups providing ecosystem services. In this study, arthropods were sampled using three types of traps, i.e. pitfall trap, yellow sticky trap, and pan trap. Arthropod specimens were identified by order and family, then categorised by their ecological role: detritivore, omnivore, herbivore, the natural enemy (predator and parasitoid), and pollinator. Our study collected 164 families belonging to the five examined functional groups. We found that the family composition of arthropods was significantly different between Hydrangea intercropping and grass ground cover in crab apple orchards. Grass ground cover supports the increase of herbivore and natural enemy populations and it’s related to enhancing biological control. In addition, Hydrangea intercropping increases pollinator species richness and contributes to pollination services. Pest management in crab apple orchards may benefit from a combination of grass ground cover to encourage natural enemies and Hydrangea intercropping to increase pollinators.

Integrating ecosystem services supply-demand balance into landscape ecological risk and its driving forces assessment in Southwest China

The supply-demand balance of ecosystem services (ES) plays an important role in mitigating regional ecological risks and optimizing landscape patterns. However, traditional landscape ecological risk (LER) assessments consider the potential loss of ES supply while ignoring the supply–demand coupling relationship, and fails to reveal the actual situation of ecological risk. To fill this gap, taking the Southwest China (SWC) as an example, this study proposed an improved LER assessment method that focuses on ES supply-demand balance, and analyzed the spatio-temporal characteristics of LER and its driving factors in the SWC from 2000 to 2020 by using hotspot analysis, geo-detectors and geographical temporally weighted regression models. The results show that (1) the comparison results with the traditional LER evaluation method demonstrated the improved method's superior rationality and reliability. The overall LER of the SWC over the past 20 years displayed a fluctuating trend, with a spatial clustering pattern of high in the northeast and low in the southwest. (2) Human activities explained the relatively high spatial heterogeneity in high-risk areas, while in low-risk areas it was mainly the interaction of natural factors and landscape structural. Meanwhile, obvious temporal non-stationary was identified in the evolution of the key factors. The positive effects of land use intensity and landscape fragmentation gradually weakened, while the negative effects of Shannon diversity index gradually increased. The results can provide theoretical support and policy recommendations for ecosystem conservation and high-quality urban development in the SWC.

Perceived ecosystem services differ substantially from calculated services using biophysical models

ContextEcosystem services are fundamental for the well-being of residents and are an important basis for making regional sustainable development decisions. Existing studies mainly capture ecosystem services perceived by residents through questionnaires, or quantify the provision of regional ecosystem services through economic evaluation and biophysical evaluation. However, the discrepancy between model calculations and residents' perceptions remains lacking.ObjectivesRapidly urbanizing watersheds can serve as a prime example for exploring the differences in ecosystem service outcomes between the two perspectives.MethodsIn this study, we quantified the potential supply of nine ecosystem services and residents' perceptions of these services in the Guanting Reservoir basin through biophysical modelling and questionnaire surveys. We then analyzed the discrepancies between the two perspectives through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsThe results showed that among the vast majority of the population, half of the nine ecosystem services exhibited significant differences in comparisons between perceived values and model-calculated ones. The differences were more prominent for regulating and supporting services among urban residents, while for provisioning and cultural services among rural residents.Conclusions These differences highlight the necessity to consider quantitative results from diverse perspectives as well as on the benefits of different groups of interest. In rapidly urbanizing watersheds, infrastructure should be reinforced in rural areas to enhance rural residents’ accessibility of ecosystem services. With regard to urban areas, particular attention should be directed towards changes in regulating and supporting services.

Street Tree Inventory: A Case Study Comparing Systematic Sampling vs. Stratified Systematic Sampling in Piracicaba City, Brazil

AbstractBackgroundThe inventory of street tree populations has acquired new importance due to interest in the provision of ecosystem services. That said, this paper aims to compare systematic sampling with stratified systematic sampling using different sizes of sampling units to estimate the variables of interest: number of trees per kilometer of sidewalk (DF), basal area per kilometer of sidewalk (Dg), mean total height, volume per kilometer of sidewalk (DV), and number of species per kilometer of sidewalk (DE). An innovative contribution here is testing new alternative density variables.MethodsIn the densely urbanized area of Piracicaba (Sao Paulo State, Brazil), 90 sets of 4 blocks were systematically sampled. They were used to compose sampling units of 1, 2, 3, and 4 blocks. Stratification was based on the percentage of street tree cover obtained with geoprocessing tools. Only public trees with a circumference at breast height greater than or equal to 12 cm and planted on sidewalks or avenue medians were included.ResultsThe effect of sampling unit size and stratification on estimate accuracy, sample size, and sampling intensity were analyzed. The results show that stratified systematic sampling was the more accurate process, especially forDF,Dg, andDV.ConclusionsReductions in sample size were more significant when stratified systematic sampling of 2-block sampling units were used.

Investigating the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Land Cover and Ecosystem Service Value in the Kuye River Basin

Land cover change influences the provision of regional ecosystem services, posing a threat to regional ecological security and sustainable development. The Kuye River Basin, a vital tributary of the Yellow River Basin, has experienced significant land cover changes due to intense human activity. Building on analysing the spatiotemporal evolution of land use cover and ecosystem service values from 1990 to 2022, this study predicted the land cover structure and ecosystem service value with two future scenarios, the NDC and the EPC, to provide insights into guiding sustainable policy interventions. We found the predominant land cover types were greensward and forest land, accounting for 67.22% of the total area. Forest land, greensward, and farmland have increased, while desert, water area, and other land types have decreased from 1990 to 2022. Forest land, greensward, farmland, and water areas are the main contributors to ecosystem service value in the Kuye River Basin. However, water area services have significantly decreased from 1990 to 2022. Under the NDC scenario, land development primarily relies on greensward and farmland, reducing forest and water areas and weakening the ecosystem’s regulatory and supporting functions. In contrast, the EPC scenario enhances ecosystem services by protecting critical ecological regions. Ecological protection measures significantly increase the ecosystem service values of the Kuye River Basin, and well-planned land use can effectively balance economic development with ecological preservation. This study provides scientific evidence to inform policies integrating ecological protection and economic growth, contributing to the sustainable development of the Kuye River Basin.

Constructing Soils to Mitigate Land Occupation by Urban Expansion and Metabolism to Improve Healthy Cities

The number of city residents worldwide is increasing at the same that soil consumption around cities, which can be mitigated using technosols. Urban areas need to provide a healthy environment for residents, but this is threatened by climate change. Mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change does not involve one-size-fits-all global solutions; cities face varying economic and social contexts. Cities need to offer ecosystem services in order to operate as healthy urban ecosystems. The urban soils’ environmental services are often overlooked, leading to public administrations having little to no awareness about land management policies and ecosystem services. Technosols, artificial or human altered soils, have the potential to provide the same ecosystem benefits as natural soils and do not require as much time to develop in order to perform their functions. Additionally, technosols have the potential to enhance the circular economy using waste materials. In this sense, policy makers should incorporate urban technosols as a strategy to enhance the health of cities and address climate change. Our perspective on soils in urban areas needs to be altered, as technosols should be included in urban policies, have the potential to serve as a crucial component in providing ecosystem services and acting as a carbon sink and enhance urban well-being.