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Natural resource accounting for urban ecosystem: A case study in Central China based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting

Author

Listed:
  • Zhang, Hao
  • Wang, Yanwen
  • Qi, Rui
  • He, Chao
  • Yang, Mingmei
  • Cai, Yuanyuan
  • Chai, Guohui

Abstract

Sustainable management of natural resources (NRs) is essential for coordinating urban economic and environmental systems. Drawing from the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting, this study integrated resource consumption and environmental factors into an urban NR accounting framework. For our case study of Wuhan, we developed the Natural Resources Balance Sheet (NRBS), applicable to the city in Central China. We established two accounts in the NRBS, including NR assets and NR liabilities, and assessed the NR management efficiency of Wuhan. The results showed the monetary value of NRs decreased by USD 1293.83 million over 10 years. Specifically, the values of land resources, mineral resources, and biological resources decreased by USD 307.09 million, USD 1515.79 million, and USD 222.30 million, respectively. Meanwhile, the environment restoration obligation reached USD 3730.70 million. Our specific accounting of urban NRs facilitates comprehension of the complex relationships between urban development and natural ecosystems. The findings of this paper will inform policy formulation to enhance NR management, while simultaneously underscoring the need to standardize accounting systems and formats to aid transferability and comparability across cities in China and globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Hao & Wang, Yanwen & Qi, Rui & He, Chao & Yang, Mingmei & Cai, Yuanyuan & Chai, Guohui, 2026. "Natural resource accounting for urban ecosystem: A case study in Central China based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:247:y:2026:i:c:s0921800926001072
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.109022
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