Evaluation of ecosystem services and development of ecological security pattern in Beijing

Abstract

[Objective] Developing an ecological security pattern plays a crucial role in ensuring regional ecological security, species survival, and information exchange, thereby providing strong support for sustainable development across natural, social, and economic dimensions. [Methods] The InVEST model was employed to simulate various ecosystem services in Beijing, and the simulation result were quantitatively analyzed. Additionally, Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis(MSPA) analysis, the Minimum Cumulative Resistance(MCR) model, and circuit theory were integrated to develop an ecological security pattern for Beijing, providing a scientific basis for policy making. [Results] The result showed that high-value patches for water conservation, soil retention, carbon storage, water purification, and habitat quality covered areas of 1 984.59 km², 617.61 km², 8 041.22 km², 8 638.69 km², and 930.70 km², respectively, accounting for 12.09%, 3.76%, 49.00%, 52.64%, and 5.67% of the study area. These high-value patches were primarily located in the mountainous areas of western and northern Beijing. The ecological security pattern of Beijing was composed of 21 ecological sources, 46 ecological corridors, and 1 ecological pinch point. The total area of ecological sources covered 1 220.83 km², accounting for 7.45% of Beijing's total area, while the total length of ecological corridors extended to 1 003.78 km. [Conclusion] The ecological sources in Beijing are mainly distributed in the western and northern mountainous areas. Future efforts of ecological conservation are essential to further expand the area of ecological sources and enhance habitat quality.

Keywords

ecosystem services / ecological security pattern / InVEST model / MSPA analysis / MCR model / numerical simulation