Selection of optimal regulation scheme by simulating spatial network of ecological-economic-social compound system: a case study of Hunan province, China

The sustainable development of ecological-economic-social (EES) compound system has been increasingly significant because the ecological environment is increasingly worsening. The spatial network methodology based on scenario simulation has been applied to a specific southern region in China to select the control scheme addressing the adaptability and effectivity. The spatial network based on the EES compound system is constructed to explore effective regulation methods through regional interaction. The main reason behind choosing spatial network methodology is unique geographical location of its nodes, which contribute to analyse the spatial complexity. The prime idea of scenario simulation is to predict and compare the spatial networks of the EES composite systems under different scenarios. Three specific development scenarios are proposed: current planning (Scenario 1), high-speed development (Scenario 2), and adaptive regulating scenario (Scenario 3). The spatial networks in three scenarios are then compared to weigh different regulation modes of the EES composite system. The results indicated that Scenario 3 is superior in the effect of scenario simulation than Scenario 1 and takes full account of the adaptability of regulation compared to Scenario 2. In addition, the results of this study can show the effectivity of control scheme (focussing on nodes with the spatial effect intensity under 0.5 and the degree over 5) and provide theoretical guidance to optimise the spatial pattern of the EES compound system in this region. The uniqueness of the present research is to select the optimal control scheme by considering the adaptability as well as the effectivity. It will contribute to the further development of sustainability and spatial network.

Automated summary

This study uses a spatial network methodology based on scenario simulation to investigate the sustainable development of the ecological-economic-social compound system in a specific region of Southern China, focusing on adaptability and effectivity. The results indicate that Scenario 3, which considers both adaptability and effectivity, is the superior control scheme and provides theoretical guidance for optimizing the spatial pattern of the compound system in the region.