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Land use and ecosystem service value spatiotemporal dynamics, topographic gradient effect and their driving factors in typical alpine ecosystems of the east Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Implications for conservation and development

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Jan 17, 2025 version files 10.02 KB

Abstract

Shiqu County, China, a representative of alpine ecosystems on the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, plays a crucial role in ecological functions. However, amid the backdrop of climate change and rapid land use transformation, its delicate alpine ecosystems remain persistently threatened, including several nature reserves and a Ramsar site within it. Consequently, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the temporal and spatial evolution, as well as the spatial differentiation characteristics, of the Ecosystem Service Value (ESV) in Shiqu County from 1980 to 2020, including an examination of its driving factors. The research findings reveal that: (1) From 1980 to 2020, Shiqu County experienced a general trend of diminishing unused land, grassland, and cultivated land, alongside an expansion of forested land, water areas, and construction land. (2) Throughout the study duration, the ESV of Shiqu County exhibited a growth trajectory, escalating from 26.180 billion CNY in 1980 to 26.848 billion CNY in 2020, representing a net increase of 2.55%. Grasslands played the most substantial role in contributing to Shiqu's ESV. (3) From 1980 to 2020, all ecosystem service functions exhibited ESV growth, with hydrological regulation and water supply notably increasing by 9.07% and 8.81%, respectively. (4) With increasing altitude, slope, aspect, and terrain ruggedness, the land use distribution exhibits significant vertical zonation, resulting in pronounced vertical variations in ESV, per unit area ESV, and ESV across various ecosystem service functions. (5) The spatial differentiation of ESV in Shiqu County is influenced by both natural and economic factors, with natural factors exerting a more substantial influence on spatial disparities than economic factors. The research provides in-depth insights for assessing ecosystem service values in similar regions. findings hold significance for guiding land management decisions and policy formulation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, further advancing the overarching goals of sustainable development and ecological protection.