Balancing Hydrological Sustainability and Heritage Conservation: A Decadal Analysis of Water-Yield Dynamics in the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

A decade-long decline in water yield, driven by cropland fragmentation and tourism growth, threatens the hydrological sustainability of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Research using the InVEST model and geographic detector analysis revealed that while built-up areas exhibited the highest water yield (980 mm per unit in 2018), there was a significant 31% drop by 2020, with persistent-yield hotspots in forested central-eastern terraces. Land-use patterns accounted for 80–95% of yield variability, exacerbated by temperature interactions. Forests contributed 68.7 million m³ over the decade, underscoring their hydrological importance. The study advocates for reforestation in critical recharge zones, terrace restoration, and regulated tourism to balance water security with cultural heritage conservation.

Huang, L., Lyu, Y., Miao, L., & Li, S. (2025). Balancing Hydrological Sustainability and Heritage Conservation: A Decadal Analysis of Water-Yield Dynamics in the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Hydrology, 12(6), 135. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12060135