Evaluation of Gross Ecosystem Product in Taiwan Island and Analysis of Impact of Urbanization

Abstract

Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) refers to the total value of products and services provided by ecosystems to human beings. With the emergence of the concept of gross ecosystem product, many researchers have continuously started calculating and analyzing it around the world. However, few scholars calculated the gross ecosystem product of Taiwan. This paper constructs a framework for GEP accounting in Taiwan based on land use information, rainfall conditions, soil data, statistical yearbooks, and the results of domestic and foreign research teams. The gross ecosystem product of the main island terrestrial ecosystem of Taiwan in 2000, 2010, and 2020 was calculated while we analyzed the relevance between urbanization level and GEP. In addition, we also analyze the Green Gold Index(GGI) and the correlation between ecosystem service functions. The relative results can be listed as follows. The GEP of the terrestrial ecosystem of Taiwan's main island in 2000, 2010, and 2020 were $104.12 billion, $97.66 billion, and $82.28 billion, respectively. And the overall distribution of GEP on Taiwan Island is uneven. Plus, The GGI of majority areas in Taiwan Island is less than 1 and shows a downward trend. In addition, Synergy relationship are the dominant type between ecosystem service functions in Taiwan Island, 18 groups are obviously correlated at the level of 0.05 and 4 groups are obviously positive correlation at the level of 0.01. Finally, the relationship between the three indicators of EPS, ERS, GEP and urbanization shows ༂inverse U༂ shape, and ETS is positively correlated with urbanization. The calculation results of GEP and analysis of correlation between GEP and urbanization can provide advice for sustainable development of Taiwan and reference for GEP accounting of other islands.