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Interactions of Ecosystem Services and Management Optimization in Complex Hilly Mountainous Environments: A Case Study from Southern China

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  • Yezi Wang

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    Hunan Big Data Engineering Research Center of Natural Protected Areas Landscape Resources, Changsha 410004, China
    Institute of Urban and Rural Landscape Ecology & Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Xijun Hu

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    Hunan Big Data Engineering Research Center of Natural Protected Areas Landscape Resources, Changsha 410004, China
    Institute of Urban and Rural Landscape Ecology & Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Zhao Wang

    (School of Life and Environmental Science, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Yali Zhang

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    Hunan Big Data Engineering Research Center of Natural Protected Areas Landscape Resources, Changsha 410004, China
    Institute of Urban and Rural Landscape Ecology & Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Cunyou Chen

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    Hunan Big Data Engineering Research Center of Natural Protected Areas Landscape Resources, Changsha 410004, China
    Institute of Urban and Rural Landscape Ecology & Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Baojing Wei

    (College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    Hunan Big Data Engineering Research Center of Natural Protected Areas Landscape Resources, Changsha 410004, China
    Institute of Urban and Rural Landscape Ecology & Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, Changsha 410004, China)

Abstract

Hilly mountainous regions are ecologically complex, featuring diverse environmental ecosystem services (ESs) and intricate interactions. However, the variability, drivers, and management of these ESs remain poorly understood, particularly in regions with significant topographical and climatic heterogeneity. This study focuses on the southern hilly mountain belt of China, examining five key ecosystem services: food production (FP), carbon storage (CS), water yield (WY), habitat quality (HQ), and soil conservation (SC). This study examines these ESs across long-term, pixel, and regional scales, exploring the interactive relationships and identifying the driving factors and cluster characteristics. The results indicate the following: (1) Over the past 23 years, although food production and carbon storage have increased, habitat quality has declined. (2) From a spatial perspective, the differences in trade-offs and synergies across the years are relatively small. However, significant differences are observed when considering continuous temporal change, and trade-off relationships are generally prevalent. Additionally, the distribution of trade-offs and synergies is also influenced by a combination of factors. (3) Climatic, vegetation, topographical, and socioeconomic factors are key factors influencing the distribution and changes in ESs. For instance, climate–vegetation interactions enhance carbon storage and soil conservation. Socioeconomic factors, though less impactful, optimize ESs through land management and policy. (4) We found that the ecological priority region covers the largest area, followed by the hilly agricultural development zone, the mountainous agricultural and forestry development zone, and the integrated ecological security zone. These findings deepen our understanding of ESs in hilly mountainous regions, providing actionable insights for enhancing conservation and sustainable management in complex landscapes.

Suggested Citation

  • Yezi Wang & Xijun Hu & Zhao Wang & Yali Zhang & Cunyou Chen & Baojing Wei, 2025. "Interactions of Ecosystem Services and Management Optimization in Complex Hilly Mountainous Environments: A Case Study from Southern China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:717-:d:1621721
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhou, Yang & Li, Xunhuan & Liu, Yansui, 2021. "Cultivated land protection and rational use in China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    2. Robert Costanza, 2006. "Nature: ecosystems without commodifying them," Nature, Nature, vol. 443(7113), pages 749-749, October.
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