Identifying cultural ecosystem service flows and drivers in ecological functional zone

Cultural ecosystem services, particularly recreation and ecotourism, play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of ecologically significant regions. However, current research on the spatial patterns of cultural ecosystem service flows (CESF) and the underlying driving mechanisms remains limited. This study quantified the spatial patterns of tourism-related CESF and its driving mechanisms by integrating spatial analysis, breaking point model, and Geodector in the ecological functional zone of the Taihang Mountains. Results showed that the CESF exhibits a spatial gradient from the foothills to the mountaintops. The analysis revealed distinct spatial drivers of CESF, with socio-economic factors demonstrating stronger explanatory power (q-value = 0.69) than natural factors (q-value = 0.52). Specifically, number of attractions (q-value = 0.73) and tourism revenue (q-value = 0.71) emerged as the dominant socio-economic drivers, while topographic elevation (q-value = 0.58) represented the most influential natural constraint. Moreover, the interaction between natural and socio-economic factors had a higher explanatory power than any single factor, and CESF is dominated by the interactions of tourism revenue, the number of attractions, and population density (q-value = 0.81). To enhance the balance and coordination of CESF, the management of cultural ecosystem services in ecological functional zones should consider the natural environment as a foundation while also coordinating tourism elements within the socio-economic system, such as the distribution of attractions and tourists' interests.