Remarkable Effects of Urbanization on Forest Landscape Multifunctionality in Urban Peripheries: Evidence from Liaoyuan City in Northeast China

Abstract

Forest landscape multifunctionality (FLM) provides multiple benefits, such as climate regulation, water storage, and biodiversity maintenance. However, the external factors limiting FLM have not been fully identified, although addressing them could contribute to sustainable development. The present study aimed to identify and quantify the role of urbanization as an external factor that affects FLM. To this end, impervious area changes in Liaoyuan, China, were observed from 2000 to 2018, and 10 buffer zones at 500 m intervals were established outside the city. Within each buffer zone, we analyzed changes in forest landscape functions, including habitat maintenance, carbon sequestration, and water yield, as well as changes in the multifunctionality of their composition. The urbanization of Liaoyuan was significant in 2000–2018. The functions of the forest landscape became stronger and more stable as they were located further away from the urban edge. We refer to this pattern as the gradient effect of urbanization. Specifically, urbanization affected the investigated functions at a distance of 1000–2500 m. The FLM showed a more significant gradient effect of urbanization. The impact distance of urbanization on the FLM increased from 3000 m in 2000 to over 5000 m in 2018. This impact distance increased significantly whenever urbanization strengthened significantly (i.e., in 2005–2010 and 2015–2018). These findings are instructive for forest and urban managers working to achieve multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Spatiotemporal changes of ecosystem service trade-offs under the influence of forest conservation project in Northeast China

“…It was owing to the prominent effects of land use on four ecological services. The rapid spread of urbanization was an important reason for forest ecosystem destruction, and the transformation of land use types was closely connected with the rapid urbanization (Yang et al, 2020;Han et al, 2021). In addition, population density and GDP density were also significant driving factors in the trade-offs, which was consistent with previously published studies (Yang et al, 2017;Zhang et al, 2020).…”

A Review of the Effects of Urban and Green Space Forms on the Carbon Budget Using a Landscape Sustainability Framework

“…Studies on the topological relationship between cities and green spaces have focused on the influence of the edge effect on carbon sinks during urbanization. Some researchers argue that the edge effect of green spaces during urban development causes the degradation of forest ecosystems, reduces landscape functions and productivity, and is detrimental to carbon sinks [232]. The opposing view is that under certain conditions, tree growth at the edges of suburb green spaces is enhanced due to higher temperatures.…”

Imagining Decent Work towards a Green Future in a Former Forest Village of the City of Istanbul

“…Literature on urban deforestation highlights the centrality of "ecosystem services" provided by urban forests from recycling to recreation, storage of nutrients, air filtering, and temperature regulation (Rusterholz et al 2020). Additionally referred to as "forest landscape multifunctionality (FLM)", the qualities of urban forests guarantee water storage and biodiversity maintenance (Han et al 2021).…”