Study on the Trade-Off Synergy Relationship of “Production-Living-Ecological” Functions in Chinese Counties: A Case Study of Chongqing Municipality

Abstract

The trade-off and coordinated development of the “production-living-ecological” functions (PLEFs) of an area is an important basis for the optimization of the spatial pattern of the land, and helps to promote the harmonious symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature. This paper combines ecological niche theory, a coupling coordination model, and a trade-off synergy model to construct an evaluation index system for Chinese county PLEFs. Quantitative methods were used to measure spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, trade-off synergy of PLEFs in 38 counties in Chongqing, China, and the coupling coordination degree between PLEFs. The results showed that the ecological niche width of the “production-ecological” function revealed an overall growth trend. However, there was a mismatch in regional development of the “production-ecological” function, showing dislocation characteristics of “high in the west and low in the east” and “high in the east and low in the west.” The niche width of the life function is similar to the comprehensive niche width of PLEFs, showing the characteristics of fluctuation and partition change. PLEFs and both the aforementioned functions showed distribution characteristics of “high in the west and low in the east,” with the whole moving towards the stage of coordinated coupling, of which the “production-living” function has the highest coupling level. The functional coupling coordination degree of “production-living-ecological” is generally manifested as “high in the west and low in the east,” and changing from the primary stage of imbalance to well-coordinated development. The “production-ecological” and “living-ecological” functions are in low-level imbalance in the primary and moderate coordination stages. Additionally, the evolution trend of the “production-ecological” and the “living-ecological” functions are similar, showing alternating and fluctuating development characteristics. Overall, in the past 20 years, Chongqing’s “living-production” function has changed from a trade-off model to a collaborative development relationship, and the “living-ecological” function is generally based on a collaborative development relationship. The “ecological function” is manifested as a trade-off constraint relationship. Moreover, the coordinated development level of “living-production,” “living-ecological,” and “production-ecological” functions in the central urban area has been greatly improved, while counties have gradually shown different degrees of trade-offs.

Comprehensive Land Consolidation Zoning Based on Minimum Cumulative Resistance Model—A Case Study of Chongqing, Southwest China

“…Ultimately, Chongqing is categorized into seven types of CLC zones, encompassing areas dominated by a single function as well as regions with coordinated development of multiple functions. The resulting CLC zoning is in alignment with the local natural conditions and location factors, and it is generally consistent with the findings from previous studies [36,57]. This study is also in line with the spatial development pattern of "one zone and two groups" outlined in the "Territorial spatial planning of Chongqing municipality (2021-2035)".…”

“…This case study of Chongqing found that an integrated approach using the MCR model and PLES theory in the zoning of CLC was feasible and effective. Utilizing the PLES theory for suitability assessment is indeed helpful in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of diverse PLEF zones in different regions [36,55]. This assessment serves as a foundation for formulating distinct CLC strategies.…”

“…Therefore, the complex coordination between production, livelihoods, and ecology, as well as the quest for sustainable development in Chongqing, has received considerable attention from scholars. Moreover, Chongqing's practice of CLC has been at the forefront nationwide [36,37]. Exploring the violent conflicts and sustainable development paths among PLES in Chongqing makes the research more comprehensive and representative.…”

Spatiotemporal evolution and Sustainably comprehensive zoning optimization of production–living–ecological functions in the Mountain–Flatland areas

“…The research on FLEF has yielded fruitful results [ 7 ]. Scholars have primarily focused on identifying the functions of the production–living–ecological spaces [ 8 ], spatial structure evaluation [ 9 ], formation mechanism detection [ 10 ], spatial and temporal evolution characteristics [ 11 ], spatial simulation and optimization [ 12 ], interrelationships [ 13 ], among other areas of investigation.…”

“…Previous research has predominantly employed two methods: spatial superposition method or spatial clustering algorithm. These methods rely on the functional measurement of territorial functions [ 13 , 34 ] and correlation evaluation [ 11 ], symbiotic relationship [ 12 ], spatial heterogeneity [ 35 ], and carrying capacity [ 31 ]. By considering the functional value, clustering patterns, and various evaluation criteria, these methods effectively outline distinct zoning control programs.…”