Evaluation of forest eco-efficiency: A transformation of ecological value quantity perspective

Numerous beneficial products and services are offered by forest ecosystem. However, studies on the efficiency transformation perspective of forest ecological value are relatively few. This study accounts for material supply, ecological service, and cultural value when calculating the gross forest ecological economic product (GFEEP). It is also taken as the output variable of forest eco-efficiency (FEE). Using a sample of 31 Chinese provinces, the evolutionary trend, regional variations, and affecting factors of FEE are experimentally examined from 2001 to 2021. The findings indicate that there is a cyclical increase in the static FEE at the national level, with various regional FEE exhibiting distinct features. Institutional reforms have made factor allocation more efficient and rational, but technical efficiency is lower. The primary cause of overall variances is inter-regional variances. Environmental regulation, urbanization and other factors have a significant impact on FEE. The factors affecting FEE in different regions show heterogeneity. Accordingly, reference recommendations for accelerating the quality and efficiency of forest, synergizing regional forest development and integrating forest resources are proposed.