Understanding the contrasting effects of policy-driven ecosystem conservation projects in northeastern China

Understanding the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics in ecosystem services can provide scientific guidance to promote the sustainable management of ecosystems. Comprehensive and detailed information of ecosystem services response to multiple development and conservation policies is needed for Liaoning. Therefore, this study examined land cover changes and documented ecosystem service dynamics associated with diverse policies in this region. The results revealed that agricultural development was considered to be the most significant factor leading to the degradation of natural vegetation. Moreover, large-area croplands recovered to natural vegetation under the guidance of ecological restoration policies, resulting in a net woodland area increase by 220.45 km2. Built-up land expanded markedly at the expense of cropland, while newly formed cropland was primarily converted from wetland and woodland. Furthermore, ecosystem carbon stock, soil retention and water yield were enhanced at the Liaoning scale, while habitat suitability experienced a slight decline. Ecological rehabilitation programs enhanced synergies between ecosystem services, while urban development strategy may be responsible for the trade-offs between supply services and regulation services. In terms of current policy and ecosystem service dynamics, it is worth considering how to weaken policy-driven natural ecosystem losses and promote the efficacy of ecological rehabilitation programs. The findings in this study are expected to benefit both ecological protection and socio-economic prosperity in Liaoning.

Automated summary

Understanding the changes in land cover and ecosystem service dynamics in Liaoning, this study found that agricultural development was the main driver of vegetation degradation. However, ecological restoration policies promoted the recovery of wetlands and forests. The expansion of built-up land resulted in a decrease in cropland. Additionally, ecosystem services such as carbon storage, soil retention, and water yield were enhanced at the regional scale, while habitat suitability slightly declined. Ecological rehabilitation programs improved synergies between ecosystem services, but urban development strategies led to trade-offs between supply services and regulation services.