Characteristics and formation mechanism of spatial association network of coastal human-nature system resilience in the Bohai Rim region

Abstract

[Objective] At the core of geographic research, the theory of regional human-nature system is also an important theoretical basis for the study of sustainable development of the coastal zone, where the interaction between land and sea is intense. It is of great significance to clarify the characteristics of the spatial association network and the formation mechanism of coastal human-nature system resilience, which will help to grasp the cross-regional synergistic development of the resilience level and enrich the scientific research of the coastal zone. [Methods] Based on the panel data of 17 cities in the coastal zone of the Bohai Rim region from 2005 to 2019, this study used the variable fuzzy identification method to measure the level of coastal human-nature system resilience, and applied the modified gravitational model and the social network analysis method to study its spatial association network characteristics and formation mechanism. [Results] (1) There was a significant spatial association between coastal human-nature system resilience in the Bohai Rim region, but the network structure was relatively loose; (2) Tianjin, Qingdao, Yantai, and Dalian dominated the association network, and Cangzhou, Rizhao, and Dandong were in the periphery of the spatial association network; (3) Jinzhou, Yingkou, and Huludao belonged to the “net beneficiary” block, Weifang, Binzhou, and Dongying belonged to the “two-way spillover” block, Qingdao, Tangshan, and Tianjin belonged to the “net spillover” block, and Yantai and Dalian belonged to the “broker” block. (4) The QAP regression model revealed that geographic proximity, differences in economic development levels, differences in environmental quality, differences in human capital, and differences in informationization levels are the dominant factors in the formation mechanism of spatial association network of coastal human-nature system resilience. [Conclusion] To realize the development of a close-knit network of spatial linkages for coastal human-nature system resilience, it is necessary to promote the orderly flow of resource elements between regions and solve the problem of factor mismatch, so as to effectively enhance the complementarity of strengths and the mechanism for cooperation and exchange.

Keywords

• coastal resilience|human-nature relationship areal system|spatial association network|social network analysis|bohai rim region