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How Eco-Efficiency Is the Forestry Ecological Restoration Program? The Case of the Sloping Land Conversion Program in the Loess Plateau, China

Author

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  • Yuanjie Deng

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    Center for Resource Economics and Environment Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Wencong Cai

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Mengyang Hou

    (School of Economics, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
    Research Center of Resources Utilization and Environmental Conservation, Baoding 071000, China)

  • Xiaolong Zhang

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Shiyuan Xu

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Nan Yao

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    Center for Resource Economics and Environment Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Yajun Guo

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    Center for Resource Economics and Environment Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Hua Li

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    Center for Resource Economics and Environment Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Shunbo Yao

    (College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    Center for Resource Economics and Environment Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

Abstract

The Forestry Ecological Restoration Program (FERP) aims to restore the world’s degraded forest landscapes to restore biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Scientific evaluation of eco-efficiency of forestry restoration programs (EEoFERPs) is the basis for developing and implementing inclusive and sustainable development policy measures. We take the world’s largest FERP—China’s Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP)—as an example. Using 314 county-level panel data in the Loess Plateau, the core area for the implementation of the SLCP, during 2002–2015, this study aims to evaluate the eco-efficiency of the Sloping Land Conversion Program (EEoSLCP) based on a DEA model and to measure the eco-efficiency dynamic changes through a Malmquist index model. The results show that: (1) The overall EEoSLCP of the Loess Plateau is at a low level, with an average efficiency of only 0.357 from 2002 to 2015. EEoSLCP is on an overall upward trend, mainly influenced by technical efficiency. (2) There are significant spatial differences in EEoSLCP among counties on the Loess Plateau, with an overall decreasing distribution trend from south to north and from southeast to northwest. (3) The Malmquist index of the EEoSLCP grew at an average annual rate of 17.7%, with technical efficiency changes being the most important factor driving its growth. Our results suggest that in the future, when implementing or designing FERPs, it is necessary not only to select the appropriate restoration plan precisely while respecting the laws of nature, but also to improve the management and technical level of FERPs accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanjie Deng & Wencong Cai & Mengyang Hou & Xiaolong Zhang & Shiyuan Xu & Nan Yao & Yajun Guo & Hua Li & Shunbo Yao, 2022. "How Eco-Efficiency Is the Forestry Ecological Restoration Program? The Case of the Sloping Land Conversion Program in the Loess Plateau, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:5:p:712-:d:811520
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuanjie Deng & Lei Jia & Yajun Guo & Hua Li & Shunbo Yao & Liqi Chu & Weinan Lu & Mengyang Hou & Binbin Mo & Yameng Wang & Haiyu Yang & Tongyue Zhang, 2022. "Evaluation of the Ecological Effects of Ecological Restoration Programs: A Case Study of the Sloping Land Conversion Program on the Loess Plateau, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-20, June.

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