Ecological function regionalization of the core area of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal based on the leading ecological function perspective

A new method for ecological function regionalization (EFR) using the Leading Ecological Function (LEF) index has been developed, offering a more precise and practical approach to identifying dominant ecosystem services. Applied to the Core Area of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (CA-BHGC), this study found that biodiversity maintenance, food production, and water retention are the primary ecological functions, with grid proportions of 51.64%, 41.04%, and 6.93% respectively. The LEF index, calculated using the Maximum Value Composite (MVC) method, effectively represents the advantageous ecological functions of grid pixels, contributing over 50% to the comprehensive ecological function value in most cases. This approach enhances spatial guidance for ecological management, showing strong correlation with natural geographical environments and aiding in conflict resolution among economic development, ecological protection, and cross-administrative regions.

Yang, D., & Song, W. (2022). Ecological function regionalization of the core area of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal based on the leading ecological function perspective. Ecological Indicators, 142, 109247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109247