Dual adaptation for biodiversity and people: Nexus in ecological protection using a case study of the Qilian Mountains in China

Yang, Zhenshan; Zhang, Yilin; Su, Huimin; Wang, Jieyong

doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109522

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 78 publications

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“…Between 2005 and 2015, cropland in the study area continued to decrease, while forests expanded, par- While the structure of land-use types in the study area, dominated by grassland and barren, remained constant from 2000 to 2020, changes in the scope of different land-use types were observed over time (Table 8). These changes suggested a range of transformations in the desert environment [74,75]. Between 2000 and 2005, the study area experienced a decrease in barren area and an increase in grassland and glacier/snow area.…”

Section: Spatial and Temporal Changes In The Risk Profile Of Desertif...mentioning

confidence: 96%

Assessment of Land Desertification and Its Drivers in Semi-Arid Alpine Mountains: A Case Study of the Qilian Mountains Region, Northwest China

Liu

Deng³

et al. 2023

Remote Sensing

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Land desertification associated with climate change and human activities significantly impacts ecosystem functioning in semi-arid alpine mountains. However, accurately revealing the state of desertification risk and the drivers of its evolution is frequently difficult, especially in the semi-arid alpine mountains. A new theoretical framework that combined qualitative and quantitative concepts has been developed to enhance ecological risk assessment in semi-arid alpine mountains and reveal the causes of desertification. The PSR model, multi-layer hierarchical theory, hierarchical analysis, inverse cloud generating principles, field surveys, structured questionnaires, and remote sensing techniques are all combined in this method. Our results showed that the risk of desertification in the study area exhibited a fluctuating trend between 2000 and 2020, with a period of decrease, followed by an increase, and then a subsequent decrease. However, the risk status remained overall stable, remaining at a light desertification level during the entire period. Desertification risk is driven primarily by climate warming and humidification, which can cause the melting of ice/snow. Additionally, increased rainfall and freeze–thaw cycles can enhance soil erosion, further exacerbating the risk. Conversely, the implementation of environmental protection projects, such as the establishment of protected areas, efforts to restore forests and grasslands, and initiatives to conserve soil and water, has been effective in limiting the increase in desertification risk. These efforts serve as a counterforce to the negative impacts of climate change and human activity, highlighting the beneficial effects of human intervention in preventing desertification. High-altitude, high-topographic relief places have considerable desertification risk, mainly in the alpine desert. Due to geography, grazing, rodent and pest infestation, and wildlife, there is still a risk of desertification expanding in low elevation areas. There will be a greater urgency in the future to enhance the management of anthropogenic activities in the local environment in order to handle the growing threat of desertification caused by climate change. This study combined the interactions of the natural environment and human activities, filled a research gap in assessing desertification risk, and revealed its driving mechanisms, as well as provided a theoretical foundation for improving the integrity and sustainability of ecosystems in semi-arid alpine regions and elsewhere.

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Section: Spatial and Temporal Changes In The Risk Profile Of Desertif...mentioning

confidence: 96%

Assessment of Land Desertification and Its Drivers in Semi-Arid Alpine Mountains: A Case Study of the Qilian Mountains Region, Northwest China

Liu

Deng³

et al. 2023

Remote Sensing

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Water-related ecosystem services interactions and their natural-human activity drivers: Implications for ecological protection and restoration

Liu,

Pei,

Zhu

et al. 2024

Journal of Environmental Management

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Dual adaptation for biodiversity and people: Nexus in ecological protection using a case study of the Qilian Mountains in China

Cited by 2 publications

References 78 publications

Assessment of Land Desertification and Its Drivers in Semi-Arid Alpine Mountains: A Case Study of the Qilian Mountains Region, Northwest China

Assessment of Land Desertification and Its Drivers in Semi-Arid Alpine Mountains: A Case Study of the Qilian Mountains Region, Northwest China

Water-related ecosystem services interactions and their natural-human activity drivers: Implications for ecological protection and restoration

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