Ecological Zones Degradation Analysis in Central Sudan during a Half Century Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Since the last assessment of ecological zones of Sudan conducted in 1958 by Harrison and Jackson, the vegetation types, cover, and its distribution have undergone remarkable changes;this change occurs in most of the predominant ecological zones, particularly those which are currently affected by environmental degradation and desertification due to climate change impact on vegetation cover and rainfall amounts and its distribution. In addition, during the last five decades, Sudan has suffered from environmental devastating changes that have undermined food security, which is strongly linked to human displacement and related conflicts. In this study, SPOTVEG NDVI data acquired between 2000 and 2010 were used to produce a vegetation cover map, which was integrated with rainfall map to produce updated ecological zones map for the study area in 2010. This map was compared to that produced in 1958 to analyze the change during the last five decades. The obtained results showed drastic change concerning different ecological zones. The desert class increased by 11%. The Semi-Desert class decreased by approximately 13.2%. The woodland savannah class increased by 6.8%. While, the Mountain vegetation areas decreased approximately by 3%. Finally, the wetland areas completely disappeared in 2010. These results show that during the period 1958-2010, climate change impact increased desertification process, destroyed ecological zones, especially wetland, as well the ecosystems diversity in Central Sudan.

Influence of ecological function protection zone on the water conservation in Gansu-Qinghai Contiguous Region of the upper Yellow River

The implementation of Ecological Function Protection Zone(EFPZ)policy is significant for the ecological restoration and conservation of soil and water in the territory space.This manuscript analyzed and quantified the impact of EFPZ on the regional water conservation function,based on land use data from 2005,2008,2010,2015 and 2020,by conducting a counterfactual simulation along with the GeoSOS-FLUS model and the InVEST model.The results demonstrate that the delineation of EFPZ can significantly influence the water conservation.(1)From 2010 to 2020,as the EFPZ was implemented,the water conservation in the study area was increasing year by year,with a growth rate of 0.03×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).On the other hand,the simulated water conservation capacity without the implementation of EFPZ decreased year by year,with a decrease rate of 0.01×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).(2)The EFPZ accounts for only 23%of the total area,but the contribution rate of water conservation reaches 80%.The actual values of water conservation and average water yield per unit pixel in the EFPZ show an increasing trend both internally and externally,while the counterfactual simulation values exhibit a decreasing trend.(3)The water conservation is much higher within the EFPZ than without EFPZ.The implementation of EFPZ has a significant effect on the improvement of the water conservation capacity in Maqu EFPZ and Yellow River Source EFPZ.The protection effectiveness should be enhanced in Qilian Mountain EFPZ and afforestation activities need to be carefully considered in Loess Plateau EFPZ.

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.

Distribution and storage of soil organic and inorganic carbon under different ecological zones in Xinjiang,China

The objective of this study was to quantify both soil organic carbon(SOC)and soil inorganic carbon(SIC)stocks in different ecological zones in Xinjiang Region,the largest arid and semi-arid region in northwest China.The specific focus was on the vertical distributions of 641 typical soil profiles(0-100 cm).The study region covered five ecological zones:I-Altai/west Junggar;II-Junggar basin;III-Tianshan mountain;IV-Tarim basin;and V-Kunlun-Altun mountains.The zones are categorized by their specific geographical locations from north to south with terrains derived from mountains to basins.The data used in the study were obtained from the first(1960s)and the second(1980s)National Soil Surveys and partially from the field survey of this study conducted in 2013.The results suggest that there are 11.74 Pg SOC and 26.71 Pg SIC total stocks in the 0-100 cm surface soil over the entire study region.The distributions of SOC and SIC were found to be non-uniform.The Tianshan mountain zone has the highest SOC stock,followed by the Tarim basin,Kunlun-Altun mountains,Altai and west Junggar(Altai/west Junggar),and Junggar basin zones.In contrast,the Tarim basin zone had the highest SIC stock,followed by the Tianshan mountain,Kunlun-Altun mountains,Junggar basin,and Altai/west Junggar zones.The SOC content decreases gradually from northwest to southeast and from mountains to deserts;while the SIC content decreases gradually from south to north.The SOC and SIC contents also change with soil depth.Within a given ecological zone,the SOC content increased with increasing soil depth,peaked at about 20-40 cm,then it decreased with the bigger depths below 40 cm.The SIC contents increased gradually from 0 to 40 cm,and then decreased gradually with increasing soil depth over the 40-100 cm depth in all ecological zones except for the Tianshan mountain area.

Functional regionalization with the restriction of ecological shelter zones： A case of Zhaotong in Yunnan

Ecological shelter zones reconstruction is an ecosystem restoration and conservation project aimed to the ecological safety of nations, regions and basins. Reconstruction of ecological shelter zones of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River became one of the most important tasks of Western Development strategy. This article, taking Zhaotong as an example, studies the functional regionalization of ecological shelter zones. The study supplies a case for functional regionalization of small and medium regions whose main tasks are environment reservation. With the guidance of theories of functional regionalization, and based on the analysis of Zhaotong＇s natural, ecological and socioeconomic factors, the paper suggests five principles for factors selection. These principles include： （1） reversing order evaluation; （2） selecting main factors; （3） keeping the integrality of administrative regions of towns; and （4） making the products acceptable by local government. To analyze spatial status of selected factors, LUCC data in 2002, 1：50,000 relief maps and town-unit socioeconomic statistical data in 2004 are used. RS and GIS tools are also applied to melt traditional and modern geographical methods. This would be useful to functional regionalization research in mountainous areas. As a conclusion, the leading functional regions of ecological conservation or economic development are suggested, respectively. Zhaotong city is divided into two-level functional regions. The first-level includes three leading functional regions and they will lead developing direction of sub-regions. The second-level includes eight sub-regions, which are policy implemented regions, and will supply guidance to Zhaotong＇s ecological shelter zones reconstruction.

Review of Research on the Development of Tourism Resources in Ecological Economic Zone of Poyang Lake

Based on analyzing and summarizing the previous research results,the existing problems in the researches of tourism resources development in the ecological economic zone of Poyang Lake were analyzed. And then the research trend in the future was pointed out.

Integrated ecosystem assessment for western development of China

The objectives of Integrated Ecosystem Assessment for Western Development of China includes: (1) providing scientific basis for ecosystem protection, ecosystem management and ecological construction in the western development; (2) developing complete database and analytical tools and strengthening decision-making support capacity; and (3) improving ecosystem management in China, spreading ecological knowledge to the public, serving decision-making of local and central governments, and promoting socio-economic sustainable development. The design and implementation of the project are of significance under the macro background of western development of China. By the integrated assessment of western China, we can get the first-hand data covering all the environmental factors as well as disclose the situations and their changing trends of ecosystem in the western part of China, which will benefit the decision-making for the central and local governments in the implementation of the western development strategy. In other words, the implementation of the project, to a certain extent, can guarantee the regional sustainable development of western China.

Performances Analysis and Developmental Strategy of Hexi Cashmere Goats

The productive performances of Hexi cashmere goats for breeding nucleus groups and producing groups in different production areas were reviewed. At the same time, the productive performances were analyzed. Moreover, the existing problems and solving methods were put forward. In addition, the Hexi cashmere goats was an ancient and native breed, and it was necessary to further improve its productive performance to protect and utilize the breed resource effectively.

Eco-Climatic Factors Influencing the Distribution of Black Ants (Carebara vidua) in Western Kenya

Black ant, Carebara vidua (Smith) is an edible insect of critical value in nutrition. The population abundance of black ants has reduced drastically and they have become scarce in all the agro ecological zones in Western Kenya. Understanding factors influencing the distribution and abundance of C. vidua remains a challenge as C. vidua is an endangered species in many parts of Country Kenya. The decline in the insect population is worrying since black ants are an important source of food across the world. Our study aimed at determining the eco-climatic conditions influencing the distribution of black ants. Several factors and conditions have contributed to the decline in the population of black ants. The study was carried out in different agro ecological zones of Kisumu, Siaya, and Homabay Counties. The research presumed a cross-sectional approach to community representation. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the population for the qualitative study. Data was collected through Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews to get in-depth knowledge on the factors contributing to the change in the distribution of back ants. Verbatim transcription was done to the audio recorded data then data was translated into English. Thematic analysis was done using ATLAS.ti software version 7.5. The results showed various factors that led to the change in distribution and reduction of the population of black ants emerging across the lower midland zones, the factors include;climate change, advancement in agricultural equipment, land degradation, and habitat destruction. These factors made the emergence of the insect unpredictable. Over the years across the Lower midland zones, there have been changes in the distribution of C. vidua and the population of insects emerging has reduced hence the insect is disappearing.

Construction of ecological security patterns and ecological restoration zones in the city of Ningbo,China

Studying an ecological restoration zoning process under the background of ecological security patterns is of great significance to the rapid adjustment and optimization of a landscape pattern.In this study,a remote sensing ecological index and a morphological spatial pattern analysis method were used to assess the quality of habitats and identify ecological sources in the city of Ningbo;ecological corridors,ecological pinch points,and ecological barrier points were extracted by using a circuit theory to construct ecological security patterns and ecological restoration zones.The results indicate:(1)There were 47 ecological sources,and 83 key ecological corridors in Ningbo,and the ecological land area was about 1898.39 km^(2),accounting for 19.89%of the total study area.(2)The ecological source areas were distributed in“one patch and three belts”,and the low-resistance ecological corridors were concentrated in southern Yuyao city,western Haishu district,and central and western Fenghua district;the ecological network in the western and southern regions was dense.(3)There were four types of ecological restoration zones that need to be established,which were prioritized restoration zones,prioritized protection zones,key conservation zones,and general conservation zones distributed hierarchically from inner part towards outside.(4)Ninghai county,Yuyao city,and Fenghua district had large ecological land areas,however,prioritized restoration and protection zones in Ninghai and Fenghua were also large.The analysis results are expected to provide a reference for optimizing a territorial ecological space in a city.

Applying a salinity response function and zoning saline land for three fi eld crops: a case study in the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, China

Salinity is one of the major abiotic factors affecting the growth and productivity of crops in Hetao Irrigation District, China. In this study, the salinity tolerances of three local crops, wheat （Triticum aestinum L.）, maize （Zea mays L.） and sunflower （Helianthus annuus L.）, growing in 76 farm fields are evaluated with modified discount function. Salinity ecological zones appropriate for these local crops are characterized and a case study is presented for crop salinity ecological zoning. The results show that the yield reductions of wheat, maize and sunflower when grown in saline soils are attributed primarily to a reduction in spikelet number, 1 000-grain weight and seed number per head, respectively. Sunflower is the most tolerant crop among the three which had a salinity tolerance index （ST-index） of 12.24, followed by spring maize and spring wheat with ST-Indices of 9.00 and 7.43, respectively. According to the crop salinity tolerance results, the arable land in the Heping Village of this district was subdivided into four salinity ecological zones： the most suitable, suitable, sub-suitable and unsuitable zones. The area proportion of the most suitable zone for wheat, maize and sunflower within the Heping Village was 27.5, 46.5 and 77.5%, respectively. Most of the most suitable zone occurred in the western part of the village. The results of this study provide the scientific basis for optimizing the local major crop distribution and improving cultural practices management in Hetao Irrigation District.

Spatial identification and scenario simulation of the ecological transition zones under the climate change in China

Explicitly identifying the spatial distribution of ecological transition zones(ETZs)and simulating their response to climate scenarios is of significance in understanding the response and feedback of ecosystems to global climate change.In this study,a quantitative spatial identification method was developed to assess ETZ distribution in terms of the improved Holdridge life zone(iHLZ)model.Based on climate observations collected from 782 weather stations in China in the T0(1981–2010)period,and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Coupled Model Intercomparison Project(IPCC CMIP5)RCP2.6,RCP4.5,and RCP8.5 climate scenario data in the T1(2011–2040),T2(2041–2070),and T3(2071–2100)periods,the spatial distribution of ETZs and their response to climate scenarios in China were simulated in the four periods of T0,T1,T2,and T3.Additionally,a spatial shift of mean center model was developed to quantitatively calculate the shift direction and distance of each ETZ type during the periods from T0 to T3.The simulated results revealed 41 ETZ types in China,accounting for 18%of the whole land area.Cold temperate grassland/humid forest and warm temperate arid forest(564,238.5 km~2),cold temperate humid forest and warm temperate arid/humid forest(566,549.75 km~2),and north humid/humid forest and cold temperate humid forest(525,750.25 km~2)were the main ETZ types,accounting for 35%of the total ETZ area in China.Between 2010 and 2100,the area of cold temperate desert shrub and warm temperate desert shrub/thorn steppe ETZs were projected to increase at a rate of 4%per decade,which represented an increase of 3604.2,10063.1,and 17,242 km~2 per decade under the RCP2.6,RCP4.5,and RCP8.5 scenarios,respectively.The cold ETZ was projected to transform to the warm humid ETZ in the future.The average shift distance of the mean center in the north wet forest and cold temperate desert shrub/thorn grassland ETZs was generally larger than that of other ETZs,with the mean center moving to the northeast and the shift distance being more than 150 km during the periods from T0 to T3.In addition,with a gradual increase of temperature and precipitation,the ETZs in northern China displayed a shifting northward trend,while the area of ETZs in southern China decreased gradually,and their mean center moved to high-altitude areas.The effects of climate change on ETZs presented an increasing trend in China,especially in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Study on Optimization of Tourism Resources in Wanzhou District,Chongqing Municipality Based on Eco-conserving Division

On the basis of analyzing current situation of tourism resources in ecological conservation zones of Wanzhou District, this study explored causes of the tourism resource problems, and proposed corresponding suggestions for the optimization of local tourism resources against the background of ecological civilization construction and integrated multiple planning.

Protection of regional eco-culture preservation area: Based on the experience of overall protection of intangible cultural heritage

Eco-cultural preservation area is a synthesis of contradiction, which is the existing interregional coordination and conflict between the administrative divisions. Hence, it is quite different from the general integrity of the intangible cultural heritage protection. However, as one form of protection of intangible cultural heritage, it is connected with other forms of protection. Based on the cultural integration, the paper studied and summarized domain of intangible cultural heritage, and further research and investigation of the Eco-cultural preservation areas are discussed.

Assessment of river ecosystem health in Tianjin City,China:index of ecological integrity and water comprehensive pollution approach

Evaluation of the river ecological environment can provide a basis for river management and ecological restoration.To conduct a comprehensive health assessment of the rivers in Tianjin,their biological,physical,and chemical indicators are investigated on the basis of 32 river monitoring sites from August to September 2018.The comprehensive pollution and ecological integrity indexes of the rivers are analyzed.Results of the two evaluations,compared to achieve the river ecological environment evaluation,are as follows.1)Index of Ecological Integrity evaluation shows that among the sampling points,18.8%are"healthy",28.1%are"sub-healthy",40.6%are"fair",6.3%are"poor",and 6.3%are"very poor".2)The comprehensive evaluation of the chemical properties of the 32 river ecosystems in Tianjin shows severe overall river pollution and low standard water function area.Of the total sampling sites,16(50%)are heavily contaminated and 10(31.3%)are moderately contaminated.Excessive chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen are the main causes of water pollution.3)The Index of Ecological Integrity(IEI)has high correspondence with environmental factors.Pearson correlation analysis results show that the IEI index is significantly correlated with permanganate index(R=-0.453;P=0.023<0.05).Analysis results using BEST show that ammonia nitrogen is the best environmental parameter to explain the changes in IEI(R_(ho)=0.154;P=0.02<0.05)and those using RELATE show significant correlation between the biotic index and the environmental parameter matrices(R_(ho)=0.154;P=0.034<0.05).

Effects of environmental conditions and space on species turnover for three plant functional groups in Brazilian savannas

Aims Different plant functional groups display diverging responses to the same environmental gradients.Here,we assess the effects of environmental and spatial predictors on species turnover of three functional groups of Brazilian savannas(Cerrado)plants—trees,palms and lianas—across the transition zone between the Cerrado and Amazon biomes in central Brazil.Methods We used edaphic,climatic and plant composition data from nine one-hectare plots to assess the effects of the environment and space on species turnover using a Redundancy Analysis and Generalized Dissimilarity Modeling(GDM),associated with variance partitioning.Important Findings We recorded 167 tree species,5 palms and 4 liana species.Environmental variation was most important in explaining species turnover,relative to geographic distance,but the best predictors differed between functional groups:geographic distance and silt for lianas;silt for palms;geographic distance,temperature and elevation for trees.Geographic distances alone exerted little influence over species turnover for the three functional groups.The pure environmental variation explained most of the liana and palm turnover,while tree turnover was largely explained by the shared spatial and environmental contribution.The effects of geographic distance upon species turnover leveled off at about 300 km for trees,and 200 km for lianas,whereas they were unimportant for palm species turnover.Our results indicate that environmental factors that determine floristic composition and species turnover differ substantially between plant functional groups in savannas.Therefore,we recommend that studies that aim to investigate the role of environmental conditions in determining plant species turnover should examine plant functional groups separately.