Constructing the Ecological Security Pattern of Nujiang Prefecture Based on the Framework of...

Area of Science:

• Ecological security
• Landscape ecology
• Environmental management

Background:

• Alpine valley regions present complex challenges for ecological security pattern construction due to intricate terrain and environmental sensitivity.
• Establishing robust ecological security patterns is crucial for maintaining regional ecological integrity and resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply an "Importance-Sensitivity-Connectivity" framework for evaluating ecological security in Nujiang Prefecture.
• To identify critical ecological sources, corridors, and nodes to optimize the ecological spatial structure of the region.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an "Importance-Sensitivity-Connectivity" framework integrating ecosystem service importance, eco-environmental sensitivity, and landscape connectivity.
• Constructed an ecological resistance surface based on land-use type.
• Employed the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model to identify ecological corridors and nodes.

Main Results:

• Ecosystem service importance was higher in the west; high eco-environmental sensitivity occurred along rivers; high landscape connectivity was found in nature reserves.
• Overall ecological security was good, with insecure areas concentrated in specific counties and cities.
• Identified 3281.35 km² of primary and 4224.64 km² of secondary ecological source areas.
• Mapped 26 primary, 39 secondary ecological corridors, and 82 ecological nodes.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework effectively evaluates ecological security and identifies key components for pattern construction in complex alpine valley environments.
• The identified ecological security pattern provides a scientific basis for optimizing land use and conservation strategies in Nujiang Prefecture.