Optimizing functional zoning for Dalingshan Forest Park in China through microcosmic human disturbance evaluation

Human disturbance stands as a prominent factor influencing the ecological environment within natural protected areas. Presently, the issue of balancing human activities and ecological preservation has emerged as a critical concern in the construction of China's natural protected area system. Functional zoning serves as the cornerstone of natural protected area management and represents a pivotal tool in achieving this equilibrium. This study endeavors to introduce a set of functional zoning methods for natural protected areas based on human disturbance assessments. Utilizing Dalingshan Forest Park in Dongguan city which is known for its significant human disturbances as a case study, field surveys were conducted to identify various types of small-scale and understory-hidden human disturbances, such as residential areas, roads, tourist areas, forestry areas, and energy facilities. Subsequently, a microcosmic human disturbance model tailored to forested areas was developed using the analytic hierarchy process. By integrating the findings of macrocosmic human disturbance assessments conducted concurrently by the research group, a functional zoning plan for Dalingshan Forest Park was proposed. The results show that ecological conservation zones within the park should be established in three specific areas, primarily in regions with low-level microcosmic human disturbance (levels 1 and 2) and terrain fluctuations ≥110 m. In contrast, the rational use zone is notably influenced by tourist infrastructure and road networks, predominantly located in regions with high human activity, such as popular tourist destinations and areas with road classifications and vehicular traffic. The microcosmic human disturbance assessment method proposed in this study enhances the rationality and accuracy of natural protected area functional zoning. It provides a more scientifically grounded research approach for similar studies concerning natural protected area functional zoning and contributes valuable insights for the further advancement of China's efforts in the integration and optimization of natural protected areas.