From pixels to Policy: Unveiling the interplay of Production, Living, and ecological functions in Nanjing metropolitan area

• Published in: Ecological indicators 2024-09, Vol.166, p.112443, Article 112443
• Main Authors: Yu, Tonghui, Huang, Xuan, Cui, Xufeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: decline; Dynamic evolution; ecological function; ecological restoration; economic development; gravity; issues and policy; livelihood; metropolitan areas; Nanjing metropolitan area; Optimized zoning; production functions; Production, living, and ecological space
• ISSN: 1470-160X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112443

•Utilizes multi-source data to quantify PLEFs at the grid scale.•Constructs identification system using equilibrium model & index.•Identifies 6 dominant & 12 composite spaces in NMA.•Proposes NMA optimization into 4 zone types. Based on the need for optimal spatial configuration of national land, this study utilizes a multi-source data integration method at the grid scale to precisely assess the levels of production, living, and ecological functions (PLEFs) in the Nanjing Metropolitan Area (NMA). Simultaneously, we develop an identification system for both the mechanistic equilibrium model and the comparative advantage index, which is applied to identify and enhance the zoning of production, living, and ecological space (PLES) within the NMA. The findings indicate that: (1) The production function in the NMA has shown a significant growth trend, while the increments in living and ecological functions are relatively modest, with each function transitioning from concentration to dispersion. (2) The spatial distribution of PLEFs in the NMA exhibits distinct characteristics: High production function values are concentrated in the northeast, while the southwest exhibits lower values. Living function values are elevated in the central region but diminish toward the northern and southern regions. Ecological function values are elevated in the south and decline toward the central and northern regions. There are also significant variations in the centers of gravity for these functions. (3) The NMA consists of six functionally-dominant spaces and twelve functionally-composite spaces, each showing significant fluidity during the study period. (4) In response to the demand for orderly development of national land and sustainable economic growth, this study categorizes the NMA into four zones: production priority, livelihood protection, ecological preservation, and ecological restoration. The production priority zone comprises the largest proportion, while the livelihood protection zone comprises the smallest. Additionally, this study proposes a tailored optimization strategy, designed to serve as a scientific benchmark for advancing and harmonizing the development of national land space.