Evaluation of Prioritized Natural Landscape Conservation Areas for National Park Planning in China

Ao Du, Weihua Xu, Yi Xiao, Tong Cui, Tianyu Song and Zhiyun Ouyang
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Ao Du: Center of Architecture Research and Design, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Weihua Xu: State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
Yi Xiao: State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
Tong Cui: Center of Architecture Research and Design, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Tianyu Song: Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing 100714, China
Zhiyun Ouyang: State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Protecting representative natural ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and unique natural landscapes are the main considerations in China’s national park planning. Here, we mapped the distribution of China’s natural landscapes and evaluated their protection values for national park planning and construction. Grading evaluation methods combining standard comparison, inventory method, and expert consultation were used, and four levels of natural landscapes were identified. Furthermore, priority areas for national parks establishment were also proposed. Of all the landscapes evaluated, 76 were extremely important, 481 were important, 2070 were moderately important, and 1213 were slightly important. A total number of 67 priority areas for natural landscapes were identified with a total area of 1,218,000 km 2 . They comprised land and sea areas of 1,148,000 and 69,000 km 2 , respectively. We suggest strengthening natural landscape protection by establishing natural parks in priority areas. Our study will contribute to the effective protection of natural landscapes in China.

Keywords: natural landscape; national park; evaluation; prioritized protected area (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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