Evaluating the Resources and Environmental Carrying Capacity in Laos Using a Three-Dimensional Tetrahedron Model

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Quantitative evaluation of Resources and Environmental Carrying Capacity (RECC) is crucial for sustainable development studies.
• Laos, a landlocked nation in Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA), is strategically located within the China-MSEA Economic Corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and apply a three-dimensional tetrahedron model for the comprehensive assessment of RECC in Laos.
• To quantitatively evaluate the suitability, restrictiveness, and adaptability of resources and environment in Laos.
• To provide a scientific reference for regional sustainable development strategies in Laos.

Main Methods:

• Developed a three-dimensional tetrahedron model integrating the human settlements index (HSI), resource carrying index (RCI), and socio-economic development index (SDI).
• Classified areas based on HSI (suitability), RCI (restrictiveness), and SDI (adaptability).
• Quantitatively assessed and evaluated RECC at the provincial level in Laos.

Main Results:

• 85% of Laos's human settlement environment is moderately suitable; high suitability areas (5%) support over 30% of the population.
• Over 90% of Laos's area and 95% of its population are in a good resource and environmental carrying status (surplus or balanced).
• Social and economic development is predominantly low-level (43%), with 30% of the population in these areas; 85% of the population resides in surplus RECC areas covering 63% of the land.

Conclusions:

• The three-dimensional tetrahedron model effectively assesses RECC in Laos, highlighting a general surplus.
• Findings offer insights for developing adaptation strategies to enhance RECC and promote sustainable development in Laos.
• The model is applicable for large-scale RECC quantitative evaluation, including BRI regions.