Advancing the optimization of urban–rural ecosystem service supply-demand mismatches and trade-offs

Abstract

Context: Intensified human activities have disrupted landscape patterns, causing a reduction in the supply of ecosystem services (ESs) and an increase in demand, especially in urban agglomerations. This supply-demand imbalance will eventually lead to unsustainable landscapes and needs to be optimized. Objective: Based on ES supply-demand mismatch and trade-off relationships across urban–rural landscapes, this study explored which ESs need to be optimized and identified priority restoration regions of ESs that require optimization to promote landscape sustainability in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration. Methods: A methodological framework for ES supply-demand optimization in urban–rural landscapes was developed. urban–rural landscapes were identified using Iso cluster classification tool. ES supply was quantified using biophysical models and empirical formulas, and demand was quantified through consumption and expectations. Restoration Opportunities Optimization Tool was then adopted to identify priority regions. Results: From 2000 to 2020, most of ES supply were lowest in urban areas and highest in rural areas, while demand exhibited the opposite. Although supply was increasing, it did not match demand. ES deficits were dominant in urban areas; both deficits and trade-offs were dominant in urban–rural fringe; and trade-offs were dominant in rural areas. There were 13,175 km2 of priority regions distributed in urban–rural landscapes, and their spatial heterogeneity was influenced by ES deficits and trade-offs. Conclusion: Differences in ESs supply-demand relationships affected the necessity of optimizing ESs zoning in urban–rural landscapes. Assigning weights reasonably according to trade-off curves to determine priority regions could facilitate both efficient use of resources and sustainable ES management for urban–rural regions.