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An Integrated Model for Constructing Urban Ecological Networks and Identifying the Ecological Protection Priority: A Case Study of Wujiang District, Suzhou

Author

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  • Liyu Pan

    (Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore)

  • Wenquan Gan

    (School of Design, Xi’an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
    School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK)

  • Jinliu Chen

    (School of Design, Xi’an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
    School of Design and Art, Suzhou City University, Suzhou 215104, China)

  • Kunlun Ren

    (School of Design, Xi’an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
    School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK)

Abstract

As a result of the rapid urbanisation in China, the ecological system in urban areas has become fragmented, posing a threat to ecological stability. Constructing ecological networks is considered a critical strategy to reconnect habitats, restore ecosystems and improve ecological capacity. This research aims to develop a GIS-based model that can inform urban ecological network construction and identify the priority areas for ecological protection in a given urban context. The methodological prototype considers land use, habitat conditions and human interventions from an integrated perspective and has been tested based on a case study in Wujiang District, Suzhou. The results show that (i) 30 critical ecological patches were identified, including 2 vital, 4 important and 24 general cores; (ii) 69 ecological corridors, including 15 vital, 36 important and 18 general corridors, 59 ecological nodes and 24 barriers were determined. Based on these results, this research identified priority restoration and protected areas that urgently require the restoration of ecological networks according to their importance. This research proposes further recommendations on management strategies for construction and protection guidance at macro and micro levels in accordance with existing territorial and spatial planning of Wujiang. The model developed in this research provides a scientific methodology for planning and optimising ecological networks and can serve as a basis for realising ecological protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Liyu Pan & Wenquan Gan & Jinliu Chen & Kunlun Ren, 2023. "An Integrated Model for Constructing Urban Ecological Networks and Identifying the Ecological Protection Priority: A Case Study of Wujiang District, Suzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4487-:d:1085965
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yuanyuan Liu & Caihong Ma & Zhonghua Yang & Xin Fan, 2023. "Ecological Security of Desert–Oasis Areas in the Yellow River Basin, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-13, November.

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