A geographic identification of sustainable development obstacles and countermeasures in drylands: A case study in Inner Mongolia, China

Tong Li; Yuantong Jia; Francesco Fava; Zhihong Xu; Jiapei Zhu; Yaqian Yang; Li Tang; Yanfen Wang; Yanbin Hao; Xiaoyong Cui

Ecological Indicators (Dec 2021)

A geographic identification of sustainable development obstacles and countermeasures in drylands: A case study in Inner Mongolia, China

Tong Li,
Yuantong Jia,
Francesco Fava,
Zhihong Xu,
Jiapei Zhu,
Yaqian Yang,
Li Tang,
Yanfen Wang,
Yanbin Hao,
Xiaoyong Cui

Affiliations

Tong Li: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; Yanshan Earth Critical Zone and Surface Flux Observation Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Yuantong Jia: College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Forensices, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Francesco Fava: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Festa del Perdono, 7 - 20122 Milano, Italy
Zhihong Xu: School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
Jiapei Zhu: College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Yaqian Yang: College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Li Tang: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; Yanshan Earth Critical Zone and Surface Flux Observation Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Yanfen Wang: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Yanshan Earth Critical Zone and Surface Flux Observation Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Yanbin Hao: College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Yanshan Earth Critical Zone and Surface Flux Observation Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Xiaoyong Cui: College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Yanshan Earth Critical Zone and Surface Flux Observation Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Corresponding author at: College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 132
p. 108257

Abstract

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Drylands cover about 41% of the Earth’s land surface and are inhabited by more than two billion people, who rely on the diversified ecosystem services provided by drylands for their livelihoods. Achieving sustainable livelihoods (SLs) is a key component of achieving the sustainable development goals set by the agenda in 2030. Although it has aroused extensive interest, research on SLs in drylands at a regional scale is still limited. This paper aims to address this research gap by evaluating SLs through a geographic gradient of aridity in Inner Mongolia. A sustainable livelihood index (SLI) was developed using a wide range of indicators in a sustainable livelihood framework (SLF). The weight of the indicators was determined by the entropy weight method, and the characteristics of the spatial distribution of the SLI were analyzed. The results showed that the SLI varies greatly across aridity zones. In terms of livelihood assets, the SLI in the dry sub-humid zone was 15% higher than in the arid zones, while, surprisingly, semi-arid zones were found to have the most vulnerable livelihoods (rather than the arid zones). The reason for this is that land management and planning approaches are necessary in drylands. In further detail, Moran’s I index illustrated that the overall performance of the SLI of each league or city has a positive spatial correlation, while through local spatial correlation it was found that Hinggan and Chifeng are hot spot areas and Hohhot is a cold spot area. The lack of physical and social capital is an important obstacle for SLs. Based on the analysis of SLs in Inner Mongolia, the characteristics of the sustainable development of local residents were revealed. In this paper, we call for an integrated (i.e., focusing on natural and human capital) land management and planning approach for drylands to reflect the nature of the tightly coupled socio-ecological systems.

Published in Ecological Indicators

ISSN: 1470-160X (Print); 1872-7034 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General): Ecology
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/ecological-indicators

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