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Geospatial Drivers of China’s Nature Reserves: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Development

Author

Listed:
  • Shasha Ouyang

    (College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

  • Jun Wen

    (College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

Abstract

The establishment and management of nature reserves play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture. This study focuses on 2538 nature reserves in 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities directly under the central government in mainland China. Integrating GIS spatial statistics, imbalance index, and geodetector models, we reveal critical insights: (1) Pronounced spatial inequity is observed, where a small number of eastern provinces dominate the total reserve count, highlighting significant regional disparities in ecological resource allocation. The sparse kernel density in western regions, indicating sparse reserve coverage. The Standard Deviation Ellipse highlights directional dispersion and human-ecological conflicts in high-density zones. (2) Key sustainability indicators driving reserve distribution include: total water resources, water resources per capita, forest area. (3) The spatial distribution of China’s nature reserves, along with factors such as altitude, river distribution, and transportation infrastructure, plays a crucial role in their development. This research provides theoretical support for the scientific planning and policy-making of nature reserves in China and offers practical guidance for optimizing and adjusting sustainable agricultural development. The study emphasizes the vital functions of nature reserves in maintaining ecosystem balance, enhancing regional climate resilience, and serving as biodiversity reservoirs. This research offers strategic insights for integrating nature reserve spatial planning with sustainable agricultural development policies, providing a scientific basis for optimizing the eco-agricultural interface in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Shasha Ouyang & Jun Wen, 2025. "Geospatial Drivers of China’s Nature Reserves: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Development," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:15:p:1596-:d:1709331
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rui Wang & Jianwen Shi & Dequan Hao & Wenxin Liu, 2023. "Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Rural Industrial Integration in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-24, March.
    2. Siqi Liu & Qing Yu & Chen Wei, 2019. "Spatial-Temporal Dynamic Analysis of Land Use and Landscape Pattern in Guangzhou, China: Exploring the Driving Forces from an Urban Sustainability Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Fenggui Chen & Jinlong Jiang & Yuhuan Jiang & Chao Zhang & Qingsheng Li & Jianwei Wu, 2023. "Spatial Characteristics and Driving Mechanism of Hainan Tourism Development Under the COVID-19 Epidemic," Springer Books, in: Emiel L. Eijdenberg & Malobi Mukherjee & Jacob Wood (ed.), Innovation-Driven Business and Sustainability in the Tropics, chapter 0, pages 245-259, Springer.
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