Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China
China has executed large-scale ecological restoration projects (ERPs) to meet the goals of environmental protection and economic development. Yet, the integrated outcomes of these projects on the biodiversity–eco-environment–society dimensions remain unclear, but when available could be insightful f...
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Geography and Sustainability |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666683924000968 |
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| author | Yi Wang Changning Liu Biying Liu Tien Ming Lee |
| author_facet | Yi Wang Changning Liu Biying Liu Tien Ming Lee |
| author_sort | Yi Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | China has executed large-scale ecological restoration projects (ERPs) to meet the goals of environmental protection and economic development. Yet, the integrated outcomes of these projects on the biodiversity–eco-environment–society dimensions remain unclear, but when available could be insightful for adaptation and adjustments, particularly in this United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). Based on multi-source data, we identified the categories and quantities of large-scale ERP implementation in the county-level. By comparing the time-series multiple factors of implemented vs unimplemented counties, we quantify the contributions and compare the relative effects of up to six different ERPs. Combining random forest, spatial autocorrelation, and network analysis, we explore the key factors that affect the contributions of ERPs. Here, we show that the triple dimensions in the low ERP group (regions implementing 0–2 projects) produced better outcomes than the high ERP group (regions implementing 3–5 projects) in relatively developed regions, while the high ERP group has more gains than the low ERP group in relatively less-developed regions. Notably, regional characteristics and different social assets mediate the ERP contributions, while human capital and financial capital have important roles. Overall, the ERPs generated positive contributions and could increase the network stability of multi-dimensions in relatively less-developed regions, but it may lead to imbalances in some factors (i.e., mammal species conservation, and human capital). To continue to minimize the negative effects from past, and to improve the returns of ERP policy and investments, more timely and adaptive management of ERPs are needed, especially in relatively less-developed regions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4f37d0bbd81d48468348e09cbb65b957 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2666-6839 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Geography and Sustainability |
| spelling | doaj-art-4f37d0bbd81d48468348e09cbb65b9572025-08-20T02:09:52ZengElsevierGeography and Sustainability2666-68392025-06-016310024310.1016/j.geosus.2024.09.007Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in ChinaYi Wang0Changning Liu1Biying Liu2Tien Ming Lee3School of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Corresponding authors.School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, ChinaSchool of Life Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; Corresponding authors.China has executed large-scale ecological restoration projects (ERPs) to meet the goals of environmental protection and economic development. Yet, the integrated outcomes of these projects on the biodiversity–eco-environment–society dimensions remain unclear, but when available could be insightful for adaptation and adjustments, particularly in this United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). Based on multi-source data, we identified the categories and quantities of large-scale ERP implementation in the county-level. By comparing the time-series multiple factors of implemented vs unimplemented counties, we quantify the contributions and compare the relative effects of up to six different ERPs. Combining random forest, spatial autocorrelation, and network analysis, we explore the key factors that affect the contributions of ERPs. Here, we show that the triple dimensions in the low ERP group (regions implementing 0–2 projects) produced better outcomes than the high ERP group (regions implementing 3–5 projects) in relatively developed regions, while the high ERP group has more gains than the low ERP group in relatively less-developed regions. Notably, regional characteristics and different social assets mediate the ERP contributions, while human capital and financial capital have important roles. Overall, the ERPs generated positive contributions and could increase the network stability of multi-dimensions in relatively less-developed regions, but it may lead to imbalances in some factors (i.e., mammal species conservation, and human capital). To continue to minimize the negative effects from past, and to improve the returns of ERP policy and investments, more timely and adaptive management of ERPs are needed, especially in relatively less-developed regions.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666683924000968Restoration programsBiodiversity conservationPoverty alleviationEnvironmental protectionNature-based solutionsAdaptive management |
| spellingShingle | Yi Wang Changning Liu Biying Liu Tien Ming Lee Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China Geography and Sustainability Restoration programs Biodiversity conservation Poverty alleviation Environmental protection Nature-based solutions Adaptive management |
| title | Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China |
| title_full | Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China |
| title_fullStr | Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China |
| title_full_unstemmed | Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China |
| title_short | Integrated outcomes of large-scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity–eco-environment–society in China |
| title_sort | integrated outcomes of large scale ecological restoration projects on biodiversity eco environment society in china |
| topic | Restoration programs Biodiversity conservation Poverty alleviation Environmental protection Nature-based solutions Adaptive management |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666683924000968 |
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