Research on groundwater ecological environment mapping based on ecological service function:A case study of five Central Asian countries and neighboring regions of China

The groundwater system is a unique ecosystem that serves both resource and ecological functions.Hydrogeologists have conducted extensive theoretical research and practical work on groundwater ecological mapping.This paper,based on the study of groundwater resources and surface ecology in the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China,introduces the concept of ecosystem service functions.It establishes a groundwater ecological zoning index system and conducts research of ecological mapping using the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China as examples.Through this process,the ecosystem service functions of groundwater can be more comprehensively reflected,which can better guide regional geological environment protection and industrial planning.This approach helps coordinate the relationship between socio-economic development and water resource protection,maintain the health of the groundwater ecological environment,enhance the value of groundwater ecological services,and promote the sustainable development of regional economies and societies.

Evaluation on the allocative efficiency of agricultural factors in the five Central Asian countries

Based on methods such as stochastic frontier production function,this paper analyses the changes of single factor productivity(SFP)and total factor productivity(TFP)of agriculture in the five Central Asian countries,during the period of 1992 to 2017.The research results show that the agricultural output in most of the five Central Asian countries has increased steadily,while agricultural labor productivity has shown a growth trend.With the exception of Kazakhstan,the land productivity of the other four countries shows a growth trend.In terms of factor input,the number of agricultural workers in the five Central Asian countries mainly shows a trend of decrease,with the input of chemical fertilizer increasing,and the amount of agricultural machinery increasing or decreasing within a small range.The total factor productivity in the five Central Asian countries has improved,but it is still at a low level.The policy suggestions contained in the research conclusions are as follows:(1)Promote the growth of agricultural TFP in the five Central Asian countries,and strengthen the emphasis on the input and allocation of agricultural factors;(2)be aware of the innovation of agricultural technology,as well as the promotion and diffusion of existing agricultural technologies,and improve the overall technical efficiency of agriculture;and(3)accelerate the effective flow of capital and other elements to the agricultural sector,improve infrastructure,better release the'dividend'of science and technology,and enhance the output efficiency.

Impact of climate change on food security in the Central Asian countries

The current and potential impacts of global warming have generated widespread concerns about food security among all sectors of society.Central Asian countries located deep in the interior of Asia with fragile ecological environments and lower agricultural technology are particularly more prone to severe threats from climate change.Based on panel data acquired in five Central Asian countries from 1990 to 2019,a C-D-C model was developed to study how climate change affects food security in the region and to predict future trends.The study found that the level of food security has generally increased for these five Central Asian countries over the past 30 years,with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan having the highest and lowest food security levels,respectively.The average annual temperature and precipitation exhibit an inverted U-shaped relationship with the region’s food security,with the most positive effect on the food security of Kazakhstan.Extremely high and low temperatures have significantly affected food security in the studied region,with Turkmenistan experiencing the most significant negative impacts.The number of frost days had no significant effect on food security.An analysis of future climate showed that the temperature and precipitation in Central Asia will continue to increase from 2030 to 2090,which will negatively impact the food security of these countries.It is recommended that the Central Asian countries enhance their understanding of climate risks,strengthen scientific climate research,and develop multiple adaptation strategies in advance.Simultaneously,they are encouraged to consolidate international cooperation,reducing greenhouse gas emissions effectively and maintaining the ability to ensure food security.