Sustainability assessment for Yanbian forest region, Jilin Province, Northeast China, based on ecological footprint model

Abstract

Ecological footprint (EF) is one of the most important indicators in assessing the status and capacity of sustainable development. In this paper, the EF of Yanbian forest region, Jilin Province, Northeast China, was calculated and analyzed by statistical yearbooks and forest yearbooks from 1996 to 2002. Results showed that the EF per capita decreased, ecological carrying capacity (ECC) per capita almost kept a static status, and ecological surplus per capita increased year after year. The EF per 10 thousand Yuan GDP per capita in Yanbian decreased from 1996 to 2002. This trend was similar to that in western China, and distinctly higher than that in eastern China. The forest EF per capita kept a steady status, while the forest production footprint (FPF) and forest export footprint (FEF) decreased. Comparing the two years before and after the implementation of Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP) with the five years, the mean va1ue of FPF and FEF reduced by 0.341 (46.32%) and 0.327 hm² per capita (54.94%), respectively. In conclusion, the regional and forest development in Yanbian was sustainable, and the implementation of NFPP was favorable to improving sustainable development of forest region. However, the sustainability capacity was still lower than those in forest developed countries. Therefore, it is very necessary to improve forest productivity, resource use efficiency and management of forest ecosystems scientifically.

Keywords

ecological footprint, ecological carrying capacity, sustainable forestry, natural forest protection program, Yanbian forest region