Exploring spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem-service values and hotspots in China

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Economics

Background:

• Global ecosystems face deterioration.
• Understanding spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem-service values (ESVs) and their hotspots in China is crucial for conservation.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated these dynamics in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the spatiotemporal changes in China's terrestrial ESVs from 1990 to 2010.
• To identify hotspots and cold-spots of ESV changes.
• To assess the impact of national ecological programs on ESVs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized long-term land-cover data.
• Employed spatial analysis methods.
• Applied an econometric analysis model and logistic regressions.

Main Results:

• Total terrestrial ESV slightly decreased from US$2398.31 billion in 1990 to US$2347.56 billion in 2010.
• Significant spatial heterogeneity in ESV changes was observed.
• Hotspots of ESV changes were concentrated in the Loess Plateau, Guizhou, Hubei, Henan, and Xinjiang, while coastal regions were cold-spots.
• The relationship between ESV and gross domestic product (GDP) is generally negative but not fixed.
• National ecological programs demonstrated positive effects on ecosystem improvement, with varying effectiveness across spatial and temporal scales.

Conclusions:

• China's ecosystems show a slight but discernible tendency toward deterioration.
• Spatial and temporal variations in ESV changes necessitate tailored conservation strategies.
• National ecological programs are effective but require adaptive management for optimal outcomes.
• Findings support informed decision-making for ecological conservation policy implementation.