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Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions

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A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Environmental and Policy Impact Assessment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 10455

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chi-Ok Oh

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Guest Editor

Graduate School of Culture, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
Interests: human dimensions of natural resources; economic valuation of ecosystem services; assessment of cultural services

Dr. Hyun No Kim

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Guest Editor

Division for Green Transition, Korea Environment Institute, Sejong 30147, Republic of Korea
Interests: environmental and resource economics; integrating the environment into economic analysis; environmental valuation; applied econometrics

Dr. Daeseok Kang

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Guest Editor

Department of Ecological Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
Interests: emergy valuation of ecosystem services; analysis of ecological-economic systems; environmental policy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Changes in ecosystem services (ES) through land- and water-use (hereafter land-use for simplicity) decisions inevitably affect human well-being. For example, a land-use decision between conserving and developing certain areas and providing incentives (i.e., payments for ecosystem services) for owners of inholdings in protected areas are controversial issues in ecosystem management that involve multiple stakeholders with different interests in ecosystem services. Integrating ES assessments into land-use decisions is important to enhance decisions-making processes and accomplish ecosystem conservation and its sustainable use. Despite recent developments in integrating ES assessments into important land-use decisions, further theoretical, empirical and practical demonstrations of this approach will be needed to broaden and deepen our understanding on the ES assessment frameworks and their uses. Given the large volume of studies available on ES assessments, it is the right time to delve more deeply into how to effectively and efficiently use information derived from ES assessments to make better land-use decisions. We welcome all kinds of studies that practically examine ES assessments and their applications in land-use decisions, and are also interested in studies that quantify the values of ecosystem services using socio-economic methods and bio-physical methods including (but not limited to) economic valuation methods, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (INVEST), and emergy-based valuation. We hope that study findings as well as policy and managerial implications will help us to advance our land-use decisions through improved ES assessment frameworks.

Dr. Chi-Ok Oh
Dr. Hyun No Kim
Dr. Daeseok Kang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

ecosystem services
land use
water use
conservation
valuation
economic assessment
biophysical assessment

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 38415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Projections of Land Use Change and Water Supply–Demand Assessment Based on Climate Change and Socioeconomic Scenarios: A Case Study of Guizhou Province, China

by Chengjun Yuan, Yingfang Weng, Kangning Xiong and Li Rong

Land 2024, 13(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020194 - 05 Feb 2024

Viewed by 744

Abstract

Land use change and water supply–demand assessment are critical to achieving regional sustainable development and improving human wellbeing. In the context of complex climate change and socioeconomic development, there is an urgent need for systematic assessment and forecasting studies on how to combine physical, geographical, and socioeconomic factors to clarify patterns of change in the land use change and water supply–demand, as well as to respond appropriately to different climate and socioeconomic development scenarios in the future. Based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways-Representative Concentration Pathway (SSP-RCP) scenarios, a framework for simulating future land use change and assessing water supply–demand in the coupled SD-PLUS-InVEST model was constructed. The land use change in Guizhou Province from 2020 to 2050 was simulated using the SD-PLUS model, and the water supply–demand conditions were projected for 2030, 2040, and 2050 under multiple scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585). The research results indicated that (1) The land use change in the study area has significant spatial heterogeneity. It showed similar trends in the land use change in the SSP126 and SSP245 scenarios, with both artificial surfaces and forest showing an expansion trend, but the expansion of forest was most typical in the southwestern region in the SSP126 scenario, and there is a significant increase in the northeastern region in the SSP245 scenario. Additionally, there is a rapid expansion of artificial surfaces in the central region in the SSP585 scenario, and a more rapid expansion of cultivated land in the southeastern region, with a significant increase in the area of water bodies. (2) The changes in water supply from 2020 to 2050 under the three scenarios show a smaller increase (5.22–11.88%), a significant increase in water demand (29.45–58.84%), and an increase in the area of water shortage by about 2708.94–9084.40 km², with the extent of the shortage increasing by about 23.71–79.50%. (3) According to the results of the SSP-RCP scenario projections, socioeconomic development has a significant impact on the growth of water demand, and climate and land use change may exacerbate the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of water supply–demand in the karst region. The systematic study of land use change and water supply–demand in Guizhou can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable management of regional ecosystems and the rational allocation of land and water resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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19 pages, 33157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Climate and Land-Use Change on the Supply and Demand Relationship of Water Provision Services in the Yellow River Basin

by Fei Gao, Yi Luo and Congju Zhao

Land 2023, 12(12), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122089 - 21 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 690

Abstract

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) has undergone profound climate and land-use change. These transformations are anticipated to affect the availability of water resources, potentially causing substantial perturbations to the equilibrium between water availability and societal needs. Consequently, research is warranted to explore the ramifications of climate and land-use change on the water provision service, particularly their impacts on the delicate equilibrium between supply and demand. To quantify the water supply–demand relationship, this study introduces the water supply and demand index (WSDR). This study examines the impacts of climate and land-use change on the actual evapotranspiration, water yield, and WSDR in the YRB from 1995 to 2019. According to the results, the YRB experienced an increase in forest land by 4.72%, grassland by 1.71%, and a substantial surge of 595.36% in construction land; however, cropland witnessed a decrease of 5.95%. The climate exhibited a discernible wetting trend (3.38 mm/year, p < 0.01). The actual evapotranspiration significantly increased by 2.45 mm/year (p < 0.01), but this increase was not substantial enough to result in a decline in the water yield, since precipitation also increased. The annual water demand depth demonstrated a statistically significant increasing trend (0.13 mm/year, p < 0.01), but this increase was not sufficient to cause a decrease in the WSDR, since the water yield also increased (0.94 mm/year). Land use had a significantly negative effect on the water yield and WSDR, but this negative effect was offset by the positive effects of climate variability. At the basin scale, there exists a surplus of water resources (WSDR > 0). Nevertheless, regions grappling with water resource deficits (WSDR < 0) have witnessed an increase from 18% in 1995 to 26% in 2019. This indicates that the primary water resource problem in the YRB is the uneven spatial distribution of water resources. Hence, implementing spatial management strategies at larger scales may be instrumental in mitigating water scarcity in the region. These findings can serve as a valuable reference for the management of water resources, as well as for basin planning and construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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19 pages, 4067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Zoning Research on the Ecosystem Service in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on SSP–RCP Scenarios

by Jinxiao Li, Guijun Zhang, Pengtao Zhang, Siyu Jing and Jie Dong

Land 2023, 12(8), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081536 - 02 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1104

Abstract

Understanding future trends and identifying characteristic differences in regional ecosystem services (ESs), in addition to ecological zoning, is vital for promoting the adjustment of ecological policy and the construction of sustainable ecosystems. Based on shared socioeconomic pathways and representative concentration pathways (SSP–RCP), the spatial distribution pattern of land use in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) in 2030 was simulated by using a patch-generating land use simulation model (PLUS) in this study. Water yield, carbon storage, habitat quality, and food product were simulated through the comprehensive evaluation model combining ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST). The comprehensive supply capacity of ESs was assessed. The ecological risk level was calculated by comparing the changes in the integrated supply capacity of ESs in 2020 and under each SSP–RCP scenario in 2030, and ecological zoning was established using a two-dimensional discriminant matrix. The results are as follows: (1) The degradation of grassland and cropland accompanied by an increase in construction land and forest to varying degrees will be the common characteristics of the three SSP–RCP scenarios in BTH. (2) Water yield and carbon storage services will exhibit an upward tendency only under SSP1-2.6, while habitat quality and food product services will exhibit a downward trend under three SSP–RCP scenarios. Obvious geographical heterogeneity exists in the comprehensive supply capacity of ESs. (3) Zones with low ecological risks will mainly be distributed in some counties of Zhangjiakou city, while zones with high ecological risks will account for a large proportion of the whole. There will be great ecological risks in the BTH overall. (4) The BTH was split into four types of ecological zones based on supply and risk. These zones comprise the ecological enhancement zone, ecological restoration zone, ecological sensitive zone, and ecological conservation zone. Corresponding control measures were also proposed. The findings of this study can be used to inform the formulation and improvement of environmental conservation policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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17 pages, 2825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Stakeholders’ Economic Values for the Institution of Payments for Ecosystem Services in Protected Areas

by Namhee Kim, Miju Kim, Sangkwon Lee and Chi-Ok Oh

Land 2023, 12(7), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071332 - 02 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1559

Abstract

In order to maintain the provision of high-quality ecosystem services in wetlands, it is important to protect the ecosystems through the designation of protected areas. However, the process of designating protected areas can potentially give rise to social conflicts or problems by the acquisition of private lands. As an alternative, the institution of payments for ecosystem services (PES) can be a more viable solution. This study intends to propose reasonable contract standards for PES that consider the preferences of both beneficiaries and providers, which are necessary for the successful introduction of PES in wetland protection areas in Korea. In doing so, we employed choice experiments to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA) of different stakeholders. Our findings indicate that both beneficiaries and providers had a positive perception of PES contract terms. Moreover, the WTP and WTA values were comparable, suggesting that the unit price of PES could be determined within a reasonable range. These results can serve as a foundation for acquiring additional funds required for the introduction of PES in wetland protected areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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17 pages, 12018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relative and Cumulative Effects of Climate and Land Use Change on Hydrological Ecosystem Services in Northeast China

by Mengqi Wang and Guoping Lei

Land 2023, 12(7), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071298 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 818

Abstract

Climate change (CC) and land use change (LUC) have been determined as two major environmental change variables that broadly affect hydrological ecosystem services (HESs). However, the relative and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HES at large spatial scales where there is great environmental heterogeneity is still unclear enough to support the formulation and update of land use decision-making and ecological management policies. This study has quantified the spatiotemporal change of HESs (water yield, water purification, soil retention) from 1992 to 2020 in northeast China, and evaluated the relative contribution and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HESs through environmental setting scenarios and using two indicators (the Relative Importance Index and the Combined Effects Index). This study yielded the following results: (1) From 1992 to 2020, water yield (WY) (+94.33 mm) and soil retention (SR) (5.28 × 10³ t/km²) both showed an upward trend from 1992 to 2020 and an upward trend in nitrogen export (NE) indicating a decline in water purification (WP). (2) There was significant spatial heterogeneity of HESs in northeast China, which included significant increases in WY in the Sanjiang Plain; NE in the Songnen Plain (SNP), Sanjiang Plain (SJP), and Liao River Plain (LJP); and SR in the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKMR), Lesser Khingan Mountains (LKMR), and Changbai Mountains (CBMR). (3) WY was more affected by CC than LUC, especially in the SJP, the eastern LRP, and the southern CBMR; NE was more affected by LUC than CC in the western LRP, the southern GKMR, and the southwestern SNP; SR was more affected by LUC than CC in the GKMR; SR was more affected by CC than LUC and intensity gradually increased in the CBMR and LKMR. (4) The cumulative effect of CC and LUC contributed to HESs in most regions but inhibited HESs in some regions; warming and forestland expansion especially significantly inhibited WY. Our study emphasizes that current land use policies and ecosystem management practices should consider the relative and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HESs to maintain diverse ecosystem services and ensure human well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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18 pages, 3743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Spatial Pattern Optimisation under Different Land Use Scenarios: A Case Study in Guanzhong Region, China

by Yijie Sun, Jing Li, Zhiyuan Ren and Feipeng Yang

Land 2023, 12(1), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12010236 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1525

Abstract

Understanding the complex interactions (i.e., trade-offs and synergies) among ecosystem services (ESs) and exploring land use optimisation are important to realize regional ecological governance and sustainable development. This study examined Guanzhong Region, Shaanxi Province, as the research object. We established 12 future land use scenarios and projected the future land use patterns under the future climate change scenarios and local development policies. Next, we assessed the four main ecosystem services—carbon sequestration (CS), habitat quality (HQ), soil conservation (SC), and food supply (FS) by using related formulas and the InVEST model. Furthermore, the production possibility frontier (PPF) was used to measure trade-offs and synergistic relationships among ESs, and extract the optimal ES group under the different target needs. The results are as follows: (1) In the future 12 land use scenarios of 2050 in Guanzhong Region, forested land increased evidently in the RCP2.6 ecological protection scenario (18,483.64 km). In the RCP6.0 rapid urban development scenario, construction land showed evident expansion in the central and northeastern areas (4764.52 km²). (2) Compared with the ESs under the future multiple scenarios, CS and HQ achieved the maximum value in the RCP8.5 ecological protection scenario. In the RCP2.6 ecological protection scenario, the amount of SC was the largest (3.81 × 10⁶ t). FS in the RCP2.6 business as usual scenario got the maximum value (18.53 × 10⁶ t). (3) By drawing the optimal PPF curve of multiple scenarios in 2050, trade-off relationships were found between FS and CS, HQ, and SC, and synergistic relationships were found between CS, HQ, and SC. Next, the optimal ES groups under the fitted curve were selected by comparing with the ESs of 2018, and adjusting the land use areas and spatial pattern to finally optimise the relationships between ES and achieve the best land use spatial pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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13 pages, 3358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating the Economic Value of Change in Ecosystem Habitat Quality in South Korea Using an Integrated Environmental and Economic Analysis

by Hyun No Kim and Hwanhee Ryu

Land 2022, 11(12), 2249; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122249 - 09 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1238

Abstract

Jeju Island is one of the most prominent ecotourism destinations in South Korea and has steadily been the subject of land-use development. In this study, the economic value and benefits of habitat quality changes on Jeju Island were estimated through an integrated environmental and economic analysis linking the unit values of ecosystem services to the physical habitat quality measures predicted by the InVEST Habitat Quality Model. A choice experiment survey was conducted to estimate the willingness-to-pay for the changes in habitat quality at 12 tourist sites using a hybrid econometric model. The results indicate the presence of heterogeneity in respondents’ preferences for ecotourism destinations. Visitors were most sensitive to changes in the habitat quality level among three attributes: on-site facilities, information and interpretation services, and habitat quality. Based on the willingness-to-pay for each tourist site, the total benefit resulting from the improvement of habitat quality in the 12 tourist sites is substantial. The integrated environmental and economic analysis framework used in this study would effectively produce plausible economic values generated by environmental goods and services. The findings also provide a basis for considering the importance of economic benefits provided by ecosystem services in decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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18 pages, 3136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholders’ Perceptions towards Land Restoration and Its Impacts on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study in the Chinese Loess Plateau

by Hao Chen, Luuk Fleskens, Simon W. Moolenaar, Coen J. Ritsema and Fei Wang

Land 2022, 11(11), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11112076 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1612

Abstract

To combat land degradation and deterioration issues, the Grain to Green project (GGP) was implemented on the Chinese Loess Plateau in 1999 and substantially altered the land cover by converting slope farmland into forest and grassland. To effectively achieve sustainable land restoration management and avoid stakeholder conflicts, this study aimed to understand how local stakeholders perceived the current land restoration process and expectations for future land restoration policy, as well as how stakeholders assessed the GGP impacts on local ecosystem service changes. We investigated the perspectives of 150 stakeholders representing five stakeholder groups including farmers, governmental officers, citizens, tourism operators and forestry practitioners using questionnaires administered in 2021 in the Yan’an area of the Chinese Loess Plateau. The survey results indicated a 72% support rate of stakeholders for the current GGP, with government officers reporting the highest value and tourism practitioners reporting the lowest. The support rate for future land restoration decreased to 51%. While majority of the stakeholders considered that the GGP had stimulated regulation and cultural ecosystem services, they also perceived negative impacts on grain production, livestock production, water yield and water quantity. Factors influencing farmers’ decision-making on recultivating the restored forest in the future were found to be economically driven. We recommend policy makers to improve the compensation standards and duration for farmers and increase the diversity of restoration tree species, and the involvement of participatory processes is suggested for future land restoration policy-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessments into Land Use Decisions)

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