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Ecosystem Service Valuation in Plateau Lake Basins: A Multidimensional Accounting Framework with Empirical Verification

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  • Jianjun Sheng

    (School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
    Yunnan Key Laboratory for Pollution Processes and Control of Plateau Lake-Watersheds, Yunnan Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Shoujuan Li

    (Yunnan Key Laboratory for Pollution Processes and Control of Plateau Lake-Watersheds, Yunnan Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Qin Zhang

    (Yunnan Key Laboratory for Pollution Processes and Control of Plateau Lake-Watersheds, Yunnan Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Xiaoyu Zhang

    (Yunnan Key Laboratory for Pollution Processes and Control of Plateau Lake-Watersheds, Yunnan Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Jinxia Wu

    (Yunnan Institute of Forest Inventory and Planning, Kunming 650500, China)

Abstract

As a critical decision–support tool for sustainable development in alpine lake watersheds, ecosystem service valuation requires scientifically robust accounting systems to inform environmental management. This study addresses the significant interference caused by multi-source heterogeneity in indicator selection, methodology application, and parameter determination within current valuation systems. We innovatively developed a multi-dimensional accounting framework. Through establishing standardized systems for indicators, methods, and parameters, taking Xingyun Lake as the research area, we systematically elucidated the differential impact mechanisms of accounting elements on valuation outcomes. Empirical results demonstrate that structural differences in indicator systems induce 11.61% of valuation fluctuations. Methodological choices lead to 13.86% of deviations. Insufficient parameter localization generates errors up to 18.48%. The refined framework improved valuation accuracy by 16.22%. This study quantitatively evaluates the influencing factors of ecosystem services and confirms a cascading amplification effect of element sensitivity (parameters > methods > indicators) on valuation outcomes, establishing methodological foundations for alpine lake watershed ecological accounting benchmarks. It has important decision-making reference value for applying ecosystem service function evaluation to sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianjun Sheng & Shoujuan Li & Qin Zhang & Xiaoyu Zhang & Jinxia Wu, 2026. "Ecosystem Service Valuation in Plateau Lake Basins: A Multidimensional Accounting Framework with Empirical Verification," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-18, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:10:p:4793-:d:1940220
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