Ecological Indicators (Sep 2024)
Integrating Risk-Conflict assessment for constructing and optimizing ecological security patterns of Polder landscape in the Urban-Rural fringe
Abstract
Jianghan Plain is an important grain-producing area in China, and the transformation of the natural environment by the long-term polder activities of the people in this area has created a characteristic polder landscape. After 2000, urbanization has led to the destruction of ecosystems in these polder landscapes, especially in sensitive areas at the urban–rural interface. ESP can help mitigate this threat by systematically identifying and connecting ecologically significant areas to enhance ecosystem stability and sustainability. In this paper, taking Dongxihu Polder as an example, we apply multi-source remote sensing data to develop LER and LUC models. Combining these with MCR model, we construct an ESP for Dongxihu Polder. The study shows that (1) the growth of LER and LUC in Dongxihu Polder is characterized by “strong dynamics, high complexity and weak protection”, which is closely related to the urban expansion of the urban–rural boundary area; (2) Watersheds, woodlands, and farmlands play an important role in controlling LERs and LUCs, so we identified 33 ecologically important source areas that are mainly concentrated in these regions; (3) In this paper, 46 ecological strategic nodes and 16 ecological corridors were extracted to construct the Dongxihu Polder ESP of “one ring, five axes, multiple points and multiple chains”, and suggested specific optimization strategies. The study provides feasible ecological management policy recommendations for the protection as well as sustainable development of Dongxihu Polder.
