Spatial response of urban land use intensity to ecological networks: a case study of Xi'an Metropolitan Region, China

Yaotao Xu; Peng Li; Jinjin Pan; Nibing Gong; Zixuan Yan; Junfang Cui; Binhua Zhao

doi:10.1007/s11356-024-33562-w

Spatial response of urban land use intensity to ecological networks: a case study of Xi'an Metropolitan Region, China

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 May 15. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-33562-w. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yaotao Xu¹, Peng Li^{2

3}, Jinjin Pan¹, Nibing Gong¹, Zixuan Yan¹, Junfang Cui⁴, Binhua Zhao¹

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, China. lipeng74@163.com.
³ Key Laboratory National Forestry Administration On Ecological Hydrology and Disaster Prevention in Arid Regions, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, China. lipeng74@163.com.
⁴ Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Biological Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, China Acadmey of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.

PMID: 38750273
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33562-w

Abstract

In the face of the persistent degradation of ecological environments and fragmentation of ecological networks brought about by rapid urbanization, this study focuses on examining the interaction between urban land use intensity and ecological networks in the Xi'an Metropolitan Region (XAMR), China, and their impact on ecological equilibrium and sustainable development. By comprehensively evaluating the changes in land use intensity in XAMR from 2010 to 2020, the aim is to underscore the pivotal role of ecological networks in maintaining urban ecological balance and promoting sustainable development. The findings indicate a transition in land use intensity in the XAMR from low to high concentration, reflecting an intensification in land resource utilization during urbanization. However, the establishment and management of ecological networks can significantly enhance urban ecological security and biodiversity. Notably, this research identified crucial ecological corridors and source areas, augmenting the connectivity of urban green infrastructure and providing vital support for urban biodiversity. Additionally, a significant finding of this study is the spatial spillover effects generated by socioeconomic factors such as the proportion of tertiary and secondary industries and per capita GDP through the ecological network, which have profound impacts on land use intensity in the surrounding areas. These insights offer a novel understanding of the complex interactions within urban ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of incorporating ecological network construction in urban planning. Overall, through a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the ecological network and land use intensity in the XAMR, this study proposes new directions for urban ecosystem management and land use planning, highlighting the significance of scientific ecological network planning and management in achieving long-term sustainable development in urbanization processes.

Keywords: Ecological safety network; Land use intensity; New urbanization; Spatial effects; Xi'an Metropolitan Region.

Abstract

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