Identification of priority conservation areas based on ecosystem services and systematic conservation planning...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Ecological deterioration and economic development conflicts necessitate ecosystem service (ESs) evaluation.
• Understanding ESs-driver relationships and identifying priority areas are crucial for conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify changes in four key ESs (water purification, water yield, soil conservation, habitat quality) in Dongting Lake Basin from 2000-2015.
• To analyze the relationship between ESs and environmental drivers.
• To identify priority areas for ESs conservation.

Main Methods:

• Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model for ESs quantification.
• Social-ecological drivers importance analysis.
• Systematic conservation planning tool (Marxan) for priority area delineation.

Main Results:

• Water yield declined 3.38%, habitat quality decreased 3.27%, and water purification deteriorated (P export +5.32%, N export +4.09%). Soil conservation increased 1.45%.
• Trade-offs were observed primarily between water yield and other ESs.
• Land use and land cover (LULC) shifts were most dramatic in water yield reserves, increasing water scarcity risk.

Conclusions:

• Water yield is sensitive to precipitation and temperature, while water purification and habitat quality depend on LULC distribution.
• Targeted conservation strategies are essential for cost-effective ESs management.
• The study provides scientific support for formulating and adjusting ESs conservation programs.