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Degradation or evolution? Assessing ecological security network for a rapid urbanization region in Eastern China
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  • De Zhou,
  • Zhulu Lin,
  • Siming Ma,
  • Jialing Qi,
  • Tingting Yan
De Zhou
Zhejiang Gongshang University

Corresponding Author:zhoude520@163.com

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Zhulu Lin
North Dakota State University
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Siming Ma
Zhejiang Gongshang University
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Jialing Qi
Zhejiang Gongshang University
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Tingting Yan
Zhejiang Gongshang University
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Abstract

Rapid urbanization leads to fragmentation of large land patches, islandization of ecological landscape, and destruction of ecological security network. As a basic guarantee of life, a sound ecological security network promotes connectivity between ecological sources, improves ecological security patterns, and mitigates the degradation of an ecological system. The objective of this study was to improve a framework for assessing the ecological security network. We demonstrated the application of the proposed framework through a case study of the urban agglomeration around Hangzhou Bay (UAHB), a rapid urbanization region in Eastern China’s Zhejiang Province. We improved the identification method of ecological sources by integrating the evaluations of ecosystem services value and ecological sensitivity, while we screened ecological sources by using the rank-size rule and the natural breaks method. Based on the screened ecological sources, the ecological corridors were reconstructed and optimized for the UAHB region. Results from this study showed that the structure and function of the ecological security network were strongly influenced by human activities and urban sprawl. The ecological security network has deteriorated locally in eastern coastal areas of UAHB during the past 20 years with strong spatial variability in ecological security patterns. To maintain a well-protected and sustainable ecological quality, we proposed a set of 5 measures to improve the ecological security pattern and the sustainable development of the ecological system in Eastern China.
02 Jul 2020Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
02 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed
02 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
31 Jul 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Sep 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Oct 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
13 Nov 20201st Revision Received
13 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
13 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
21 Dec 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Jan 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Jan 20212nd Revision Received
28 Jan 2021Submission Checks Completed
28 Jan 2021Assigned to Editor
10 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
23 Feb 20213rd Revision Received
23 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
23 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
28 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Accept