Exploring Trade-Offs and Synergies in Social–Ecological System Services across Ecological Engineering Impact Regions: Insights from South China Karst

Large-scale ecological restoration programs in karst ecosystems have led to complex social–ecological systems (SESs), where ecosystem services (ESs) contribute significantly to regional well-being. A study of South China Karst (SCK) reveals that significant engineering impact regions (SEERs) exhibit higher synergy and lower trade-off intensity among six types of S–ESs compared to non-significant impact regions (NEERs). SEERs, concentrated in central and southern SCK—particularly Guizhou and Guangxi—showed pronounced increases in soil conservation but slight decreases in water retention. Land use changes emerged as a critical driver, while natural factors remained unpredictable yet essential. The findings suggest tailored sustainable development strategies for SES optimization, offering theoretical support for integrated ecological management.

Luo, L., Xiong, K., Chen, Y., Zhang, W., Li, Y., & Wang, D. (2024). Exploring Trade-Offs and Synergies in Social–Ecological System Services across Ecological Engineering Impact Regions: Insights from South China Karst. Land, 13(9), 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091371