Ecological problems and ecological restoration zoning of the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world but it has shrunk dramatically as a result of irrational human activities, triggering the "Aral Sea ecological crisis". The ecological problems of the Aral Sea have attracted widespread attention, and the alleviation of the Aral Sea ecological crisis has reached a consensus among the five Central Asian countries(Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan). In the past decades, many ecological management measures have been implemented for the ecological restoration of the Aral Sea. However, due to the lack of regional planning and zoning, the results are not ideal. In this study, we mapped the ecological zoning of the Aral Sea from the perspective of ecological restoration based on soil type, soil salinity, surface water, groundwater table, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI), land cover, and aerosol optical depth(AOD) data. Soil salinization and salt dust are the most prominent ecological problems in the Aral Sea. We divided the Aral Sea into 7 first-level ecological restoration subregions(North Aral Sea catchment area in the downstream of the Syr Darya River(Subregion Ⅰ);artificial flood overflow area in the downstream of the Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅱ);physical/chemical remediation area of the salt dust source area in the eastern part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅲ);physical/chemical remediation area of severe salinization in the central part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅳ);existing water surface and potential restoration area of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅴ);Aral Sea vegetation natural recovery area(Subregion Ⅵ);and vegetation planting area with slight salinization in the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅶ)) and 14 second-level ecological restoration subregions according to the ecological zoning principles. Implementable measures are proposed for each ecological restoration subregion. For Subregion Ⅰ and Subregion Ⅱ with lower elevations, artificial flooding should be carried out to restore the surface of the Aral Sea. Subregion Ⅲ and Subregion Ⅳ have severe salinization, making it difficult for vegetation to grow. In these subregions, it is recommended to cover and pave the areas with green biomatrix coverings and environmentally sustainable bonding materials. In Subregion Ⅴ located in the central and western parts of the South Aral Sea, surface water recharge should be increased to ensure that this subregion can maintain normal water levels. In Subregion Ⅵ and Subregion Ⅶ where natural conditions are suitable for vegetation growth, measures such as afforestation and buffer zones should be implemented to protect vegetation. This study could provide a reference basis for future comprehensive ecological management and restoration of the Aral Sea.

Stepwise Ecological Restoration:A framework for improving restoration outcomes

Ecosystem degradation is one of the critical constraints for the sustainable development of our planet.However,recovering an ecosystem to a pre-impairment condition is often not practical.The International Restoration Standards provide the first framework for practical guidance on what constitutes the process of ecological repair and how this repair process can be influenced to improve net ecological benefits.In these Standards,Restorative Continuum is highlighted and it recognises that many do not,yet there is still value in aspiring to improvements to the highest extent possible,with some sites potentially being able to be improved in a stepwise manner.Here we elaborate on these Standards by providing a cross-ecosystem theoretical framework of Stepwise Ecological Restoration(STERE)for promoting higher environmental benefits.STERE allows the selection of suitable restorative modes by considering the degree of degradation while encouraging a transition to a higher state.These models include environmental remediation for completely modified and degraded ecosystems,ecological rehabilitation for highly modified and degraded ecosystems,and ecological restoration for degraded native ecosystems.STERE requires selecting tailored restorative modes,setting clear restorative targets and reference ecosystems,applying a systematic-thinking approach,and implementing a continuous monitoring program at all process stages to achieve a resilient trajectory.STERE allows adaptive management in the context of climate change,and when the evidence is available,to“adapt to the future”to ensure climate resilience.The STERE framework could assist in initiating and implementing restoration projects worldwide,especially in developing countries.

Feature extraction and analysis of reclaimed vegetation in ecological restoration area of abandoned mines based on hyperspectral remote sensing images

The vegetation growth status largely represents the ecosystem function and environmental quality.Hyperspectral remote sensing data can effectively eliminate the effects of surface spectral reflectance and atmospheric scattering and directly reflect the vegetation parameter information.In this study,the abandoned mining area in the Helan Mountains,China was taken as the study area.Based on hyperspectral remote sensing images of Zhuhai No.1 hyperspectral satellite,we used the pixel dichotomy model,which was constructed using the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI),to estimate the vegetation coverage of the study area,and evaluated the vegetation growth status by five vegetation indices(NDVI,ratio vegetation index(RVI),photochemical vegetation index(PVI),red-green ratio index(RGI),and anthocyanin reflectance index 1(ARI1)).According to the results,the reclaimed vegetation growth status in the study area can be divided into four levels(unhealthy,low healthy,healthy,and very healthy).The overall vegetation growth status in the study area was generally at low healthy level,indicating that the vegetation growth status in the study area was not good due to short-time period restoration and harsh damaged environment such as high and steep rock slopes.Furthermore,the unhealthy areas were mainly located in Dawukougou where abandoned mines were concentrated,indicating that the original mining activities have had a large effect on vegetation ecology.After ecological restoration of abandoned mines,the vegetation coverage in the study area has increased to a certain extent,but the amplitude was not large.The situation of vegetation coverage in the northern part of the study area was worse than that in the southern part,due to abandoned mines mainly concentrating in the northern part of the Helan Mountains.The combination of hyperspectral remote sensing data and vegetation indices can comprehensively extract the characteristics of vegetation,accurately analyze the plant growth status,and provide technical support for vegetation health evaluation.

An ecological value evaluation method based on ecological restoration:A case study of the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm in Chengde City

As China continues to develop its ecological civilization,it is crucial to quantitatively assess the ecological value to understand its potential impact on regional sustainable development.While previous studies have highlighted the importance of ecological value,they have not fully reflected the value of ecological restoration work or considered social costs and benefits,lacking a people-centered approach.Hence,this study analyzes the essence of ecological value from the perspective of sustainable development.By studying emblematic ecological restoration areas such as the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm in Chengde City,it aims to identify the significance of ecological restoration efforts in enhancing regional sustainable development capacity.The results underscore the necessity of comprehensively considering the value chain from ecological construction to ecological output,highlighting the value of ecological restoration in the ecological construction process as well as the well-being of people in the ecological output process.This approach assigns more economic and humanistic attributes to ecological value,thereby better serving the development of ecological restoration areas.

Ecological Restoration Technologies of Urban Artificial Landscape Lakes

Aiming at the problems of water pollution and ecological environment degradation in urban artificial landscape lakes,the ecological restoration technologies of artificial landscape lakes at home and abroad were studied to provide some reference for the ecological restoration of urban artificial landscape lakes in China.

Optimization of Wetland Plant Selection and Configuration in Urban Water Environment Ecological Restoration Projects

In urban water ecological restoration projects,the selection and configuration of wetland plants are crucial for water quality improvement,ecological diversity enhancement,and landscape beautification.Different plants have different characteristics,and a scientific and rational selection and optimization of plant species is needed.This paper proposes an optimized plant selection and configuration scheme for urban water ecological restoration based on the ecological characteristics and pollutant removal performance of wetland plants.It analyzes the diversity,removal mechanisms,and configuration modes of wetland plants,taking into account ecology,aesthetics,and cost-effectiveness,to provide scientific evidence for wetland plant configuration and support water environment management decision-making.

Landscape Design of Educational Research Base Based on Mine Ecological Restoration:Taking the Restoration of Datu Mine in Xinhe Village,Dadukou District as an Example

With the continuous development of the mining industry,the number of abandoned mines is increasing,which brings many impacts on the geology and ecological environment around the mines.It is urgent to attach great importance to the ecological management and environmental restoration of abandoned mines.The long-term traditional development path of rural areas,following the model of“pollution first,treatment later,”fails to meet the needs of sustainable development.The contradiction between mine economic development and ecological environment degradation is becoming increasingly prominent,which urgently needs to be solved.Under the guidance of the Party and the state,in order to implement the relevant policies of“green mountains and clear waters are gold and silver mountains,”we emphasize rural green development,and the transformation of rural green development path is imperative.This paper takes Datu Mine in Xinhe Village,Dadukou District,Chongqing as the research object,combines rural ecological development as the research basis,and innovatively integrates the“educational research”model,aiming to provide practical strategies for the sustainable development of rural landscapes in abandoned mines.

Problems and countermeasures on restoration of forest ecological environment of Jilin Province

Jilin Province is one of major forest regions of China. This paper analyzed the existing conditions and tendency in forest ecological restoration of the province and revealed the confronting problems in ecology and economy. The authors divided Jilin Province into three ecological economic zones, including nid-west farming and stockbreeding area, east hilly diversified-operation area, and Changbai Mountain national forest area, and discussed the direction and tasks of forest ecological restoration of each zone. Some Countermeasures and suggestions were put forward for restoration of forest ecology of the province.

On the Ecological Restoration Modes of Rocky Desertification in Chongqing Zhongliang Mountainous Area

In the Haishi Park Demonstration Base of Zhongliang Mountain in Chongqing, ecological restoration modes were established based on growth status of local plants and other natural environmental conditions, including forestry ecology, tourism ecology, agricultural ecology as well as the combined mode of various ecological types.

Ecological Regionalization of Suitable Trees, Shrubs and Herbages for Vegetation Restoration in the Farming-Pastoral Zone of Northern China

To provide materials for the selection of plant species for vegetation restoration and reconstruction in the farming-pastoral zone in northern China, where the eco-environment has been already deteriorated by over-farming and over-grazing, the suitable trees, shrubs and herbages were examined, screened and identified under the guidance of four principles of taking precedence for ecological conservation, being beneficial to economic production, matching species (trees, shrubs and herbages) with the site, and giving consideration to the integrity of local administrative division. According to the key ecological factors that determine species growth and distribution in the zone, i.e., the lowest daily mean temperature in a year, annual accumulated temperature, and water regimes represented by the moist index, the ratio between annual rainfall and accumulated temperature (>0 degreesC), as well as the soil type influenced by climate, surface substances and landform, the farming-pastoral zone was regionalized into seven parts: ( I) Western Songliao Plain and Da Hinggan Mountain Region; (II) Upper Liaohe River Sandy Region; (III) Mid-Eastern Nei Mongol Plateau and Northwestern Heibei Mountain Region; (IV) Luliang, Taihang and Yanshan Mountain Region; ( V) Ordos Plateau Sandy Region; (VI) Northern Shaanxi to Eastern Gansu Loess Plateau Region; and (VII) Mid Gansu to Eastern Qinghai Plateau Loess Region. And the suitable trees, shrubs and herbages for each region were selected and tabularly introduced in detail.

Riverine Ecology Restoration through Ecological Engineering and Naturalization

[Objective] The aim was to improve and restore destroyed riverine and water ecosystem and to prevent bio-diversity from deteriorating in Jari demonstration plot in Ethiopia. [Method] Biological engineering and naturalization were made use of to protect nature and restore wetland as per Succession Theory. [Result] Both of eco- environment and eco-functions of Mille River were restored through reconstruction of biocenosis in wetlands. [Conclusion] It is feasible to implement matched ecological projects in semiarid regions in East Africa, providing references for restoration and protection of local water resources.

Study on Ecological Restoration and Characteristic Agricultural Mode at Rocky Desertification Area of Chongqing City in China——A Case Study of Nanping Town in Nanchuan District of China

The paper had introduced geographical location,natural condition and social development status of Nanchuan District of Chongqing City,analyzed the development principle,necessity and feasibility of characteristic agriculture at rocky desertification area.In view of features of desertification area,it had discussed construction mode of ecological restoration in the perspectives of engineering management measures,development and utilization of water resources,and ecological restoration measures.In line with agricultural characteristic of Nanchuan District of Chongqing City,the development mode of characteristic agriculture had been discussed from the aspects of characteristic Chinese medicinal crops,fruits,breeding,poultries,and cultivation.It emphasized adopting corresponding planning measures,making the best use of advantages and avoiding shortcomings,with scientific planning,reasonable layout and highlighted emphasis,so as to strive to form circular economic development tendency of good environment and harmonious ecology.

Ecological Restoration Based on Minor Elements of Landscape Soil——A Case Study of Nan Hot Spring Park in Chongqing City of China

By taking Chongqing Nan Hot Spring Park as the research object,eight functional zones of the park has been selected as sampling spots,covering landscape facility zone at main entrance,garden zone at main entrance,lawn garden zone,river walking facility zone,activity landscape facility zone,natural garden zone,VILLA facility zone,and trees preservation zone which are recorded as LG1,LG2,LG3,LG4,LG5,LG6,LG7 and LG8,respectively.It has investigated soil pH,the content of B,Cu,Zn and Fe in soils of the eight sampling spots.The results show that soil pH of each spot is equal to or larger than 7.5,indicating that the soils are neutral and alkaline;available Cu,Zn and Fe are abundant while available B is insuff icient.In view of the actual situation of each spot,it has proposed ecological restoration based on soil improvement,so as to provide a reference for plants disposition,later maintenance and soil restoration in the park in the future.

Study on the Expression Forms of Landscape Elements in the Ecological Restoration of Han Yangling Mausoleum

Through analyzing the present landform and geological conditions of Han Yangling Mausoleum, investigating the features of gardening and mausoleum construction in Han Dynasty, this study elaborated expression forms of each landscape element in the ecological restoration of Han Yangling Mausoleum.

Research of Ecological Restoration of Jari Agricultural Demonstration Site in Ethiopia

In order to resolve the issue of soil erosion in East African plateau, a micro-landscape irrigation region was established in Ethiopia plateau to research status quo of agricultural demonstration site in Jari in Ethiopia and to analyze the relation between structure and function of inner elements in different landscapes of demonstration site. Furthermore, in accordance with ecology, silviculture, agriculture and economics, the ecological landscapes were classified as per landscape functions; lands returning from farming were classified and re-used; ecosystems of grassland, river, agriculture and courtyard were researched; the feasibility of ecological restoration and sustainable development in demonstration site was demonstrated; the model for rational irrigation and water conservation was proposed. The research guarantees sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry and provides references for undeveloped countries with similar problems.

Application Research of Restoration Materials on Degraded Land

[Objective] The paper aimed at researching on the ecological remediation materials and related technologies in degraded land.[Method] Pointing at the specific reasons for degradation of soil moisture and fertility conditions,the ecological remediation materials and related technologies for soil moisture had been studied using layered silicates as substrate materials and using straw turnover as the method.The application research had been carried out in degraded cultivated land,compacted land,saline-alkali soil and laboratory of nine provinces and regions on 26 species and 48 varieties.[Result] The materials and related technologies are environment-friendly in formula,processing,application with no hidden trouble as secondary pollution,which can be used for the restoration of positive balance of soil moisture conditions（water,fertilizer,gas,and heat）,establishment of the core of a stable circle and improving food production steadily.The materials are more suitable for plant growth than chemical fertilizers,applying of which helps plants obtain better adversity resistance.[Conclusion] The ecological remediation materials for soil moisture can reduce the application of chemical fertilizers effectively and improve the production and quality of crops remarkably.

Study on Ecological Restoration of the Landscape Water in Yuefei Temple of Hangzhou

On account of the existent problems of the small landscape water of 400 m2,with the recovery technique of submerged plants as the core,assisted by the measures of AquaMats ecological base,ecological floating bed construction,biological manipulation,the landscape water was treated comprehensively and the water quality obviously improved after the implementation and treatment of twelve month,CODMn,BOD5,NH3-N,TP,TN and SS respectively decreasing from 4.24,7.62,2.24,0.49,9.31,11.00 mg/L to 2.04,4.76,0.69,0.27,3.72,6.00 mg/L.After the treatment,the organic pollution and eutrophication of the landscape water was controlled to a certain degree,the eruption of the algal bloom was mitigated,and the color of landscape water changed from dark green to yellowish green,and the transparency degree increased from 50 cm to nearly 65 cm.The successful implementation of the restoration project provided certain guiding paradigm for the treatment of small landscape water in cities.

藏北高寒草原乡土生态草梭罗草播种量筛选试验研究

合理的播种量是天然草地生态修复效果评价和经济投入的前提,为探明乡土生态牧草品种梭罗草在那曲天然草地生态修复中最适宜的播种量。该研究设置播量分别为2 g/m^(2)(A)、3 g/m^(2)(B)、4 g/m^(2)(C)、6g/m^(2)(D)、7g/m^(2)(E)和8g/m^(2)(F),共6种处理。本研究结果表明:不同播种量对梭罗草生长和繁殖均有不同程度的影响。其中,以适宜机械化操作为目标的最佳播种量为4g/m^(2),以饲草生产为目标的最佳播种量为7 g/m^(2),以种籽生产为目标的最佳播种量为6 g/m^(2)。本研究可为那曲高寒草原乡土牧草品种用于天然草地生态修复重建提供基础科学数据支撑。

Restoration and Rational Use of Degraded Saline Reed Wetlands:A Case Study in Western Songnen Plain, China

The protection, restoration and sustainable use are key issues of all the wetlands worldwide. Ecological, agronomic, and engineering techniques have been integrated in the development of a structurally sound, ecologically beneficial engineering restoration method for restoring and utilizing a degraded saline wetland in the western Songnen Plain of China. Hydrological restoration was performed by developing a system of biannual irrigation and drainage using civil engineering measures to bring wetlands into contact with river water and improve the irrigation and drainage system in the wetlands. Agronomic measures such as plowing the reed fields, reed rhizome transplantation, and fertilization were used to restore the reed vegetation. Biological measures, including the release of crab and fish fry and natural proliferation, were used to restore the aquatic communities. The results of the restoration were clear and positive. By the year 2009, the reed yield had increased by 20.9 times. Remarkable ecological benefits occurred simultaneously. Vegetation primary-production capacity increased, local climate regulation and water purification enhanced, and biodiversity increased. This demonstration of engineering techniques illustrates the basic route for the restoration of degraded wetlands, that the biodiversity should be reconstructed by the comprehensive application of engineering, biological, and agronomic measures based on habitat restoration under the guidance of process-oriented strategies. The complex ecological system including reeds, fish and crabs is based on the biological principles of coexistence and material recycling and provides a reasonable ecological engineering model suitable for the sustainable utilization of degraded saline reed wetlands.

Evapotranspiration and Soil Moisture Balance for Vegetative Restoration in a Gully Catchment on the Loess Plateau, China

Evapotranspiration, soil moisture balance and the dynamics in a gully catchment of the Loess Plateau in China were determined with 6 land use treatments including natural grassland, shrubs （Caragana rnicrophylla）, two woodlands （Prunus armeniaca var. ansu and Pinus tabulaeformis）, cultivated fallow, and farmland （Triticum aestiuum L.） in order to obtain a better understanding of soil moisture balance principles and to improve vegetation restoration efficiency for ecological rebuilding on the plateau. Average runoff from cultivated fallow was very high, reaching 10.3% of the seasonal rainfall. Evapotranspiration under T. aestivurn was not significantly different from natural grasslands. Compared with natural grass, evapotranspiration was significantly greater （P 〈 0.05） in 2002 and there was an increase in soil moisture depleted in the 1-3 m soil under P. armeniaca, P. tabulaeformis and C. microphylla. During the two years of the study the average soil moisture （0-100 cm soil profile） of T. aestivurn was generally the highest, with P. armeniaca, P. tabulaeformis and C. rnicrophylla usually the lowest. Thus, according to the soil moisture balance principle for this area the planned reforestation project was not ecologically reasonable. Reducing human disturbance and restoration with grass could be more effective.