Research on ecological management zoning in Jilin Province based on a human well-being framework

Supply and demand analysis of different ecosystem services in Jilin province

Figure 2 demonstrates a notable spatial heterogeneity in the supply of ecological functions across Jilin Province. The eastern and southern areas of Jilin Province are distinguished by the presence of primary forests on ChangBai Mountain, featuring high vegetation cover, low population density, an ideal ecological environment, and a substantial supply of ecological functions. A more significant percentage of uncultivated land, diminished vegetation cover, and a deterioration in ecological quality mark the western region. The central region is marked by elevated population density, considerable ecological degradation due to anthropogenic activities, and a restricted availability of ecological functions. Among the six categories of ecosystem service provisions, water production services, carbon sequestration services, soil conservation services, habitat quality services, and recreational services demonstrate a distribution pattern characterized by lower levels in the west and higher levels in the east. The supply of food production services is greatest in the center, followed by the west, with the east exhibiting the lowest levels. The central region of Jilin Province features a level topography, nutrient-rich soil, elevated agricultural yield, and robust food production service capabilities. The capacity for food production services is comparatively robust. The primary land use categories are agricultural and developed land, distinguished by intensive human activities and lacking soil conservation services. A decrease in the quantity of land designated for recreational activities and a deterioration in the quality of recreational services; A decline in vegetation cover and a diminishment in the provision of carbon sequestration services; Human activities significantly impact the ecosystem, causing considerable disruption and a decline in habitat quality services. The western region of Jilin Province is marked by aridity and low precipitation, significant soil salinization, and a scarcity of tall vegetation, such as forests, which hinders soil conservation. Moreover, the region demonstrates a restricted ability for water generation and soil preservation services.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem service supply in Jilin Province.

A correlation exists between the supply of ecological functions and the distribution of water production service capacity, resembling that of soil conservation service capacity. Both exhibit a diminished distribution in the central western area of Jilin Province, a median distribution in the eastern sector, and an elevated distribution in the southern region. The ChangBai Mountain Range is known for its abundant flora and heavy precipitation, which improve its ability to produce water and preserve soil. The southeastern ChangBai Mountain Range exhibits high values for carbon sequestration services, which are comparable to leisure and recreation services. A significant supply of leisure and recreation services is produced by the region’s hilly terrain and abundance of natural spaces, which also improve carbon sequestration and support the local tourism sector. The quality of habitat services and the supply capacity of food production services are negatively correlated. Both factors are directly correlated with population density and the extent of arable land. Regions characterized by substantial food production service capacity and extensive arable land exhibit flat topography and high population density. This leads to significant human interference, extensive alteration of the natural environment, and a comparatively low capacity for habitat quality service supply.

Figure 3 demonstrates that the demand for ecological functions in Jilin Province is significantly associated with regional population density. Elevated values are noted in regions of high population density, especially in the central area, where the demand for water, carbon sequestration, food production, and recreational services is significantly pronounced. These services are distributed in the densely populated central region, which is highly urbanized and densely populated. In addition to concentrated businesses, more carbon emissions, and a greater requirement for sequestration services, this region also shows increasing demand for food, water, and recreational services. Conversely, the eastern region, characterized by a relatively low population density and more abundant natural resources, exhibits diminished demand for these four ecological functions. The demand for soil conservation services is predominantly elevated in the eastern and southern regions, characterized by more undulating terrain susceptible to soil erosion. Low values are predominantly found in the west, characterized by flat terrain and minimal demand for soil conservation services. The ChangBai Mountain Range region, despite its mountainous topography, also exhibits high vegetation cover and a comparatively low demand for soil conservation services. There is no established methodology for quantifying the demand for habitat quality services. It assumes that the average habitat quality level corresponds to the demand for these services, with Jilin Province’s demand quantified at 0.508768, indicating a relatively average demand for habitat quality services.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem services demand in Jilin Province.

Analysis and quadrant division of supply and demand of comprehensive ecosystem services in Jilin Province

Figure 4 demonstrates that the regional layout of integrated ecosystem service supply in Jilin Province shows a noticeable regional increase from west to east. The area exhibiting elevated supply values is situated in the east and south. This includes most of Baishan City, the majority of Tonghua City, Helong City, Wangqing County, and Hunchun City. These regions are located within the ChangBai Mountain Range. They display extensive vegetation cover and a resilient ecological environment. Furthermore, these regions are defined by diminutive urban areas, low population densities, and reduced anthropogenic environmental alterations. The moderate supply volume is situated in the central and selected eastern regions. The region is distinguished by various ecological mountains and vegetation, with Jiaohe City and Tumen City as prominent examples. Nevertheless, specific regions demonstrate elevated population density or vast cultivable land, coupled with significant human alteration of the natural landscape. Yanji County, Yu Shu City, and Huinan City exemplify this phenomenon. The center and western regions are where the reduced supply value is located. High population density, high rates of urbanization, vast tracts of agricultural land, and a significantly impacted natural environment are the characteristics of the central area. These regions include the Changchun urban area, the Jilin urban area, Nongan County, and Meihekou City. In the western region, despite a relatively low population density and a diminished impact on the natural environment, the foundational aspects of the ecosystem are more susceptible, natural resources are limited, and the supply of ecological functions is suboptimal. The demand for ecological functions in Jilin Province demonstrates a clear intra-regional layout pattern, characterized by lower levels in the eastern and western regions and elevated levels in the central and southern areas. Regions exhibiting significant demand for ecological functions are predominantly located in urban centers of major cities, marked by elevated population density, vigorous economic activity, and substantial demand for ecological functions. Regions characterized by a typical demand for ecological functions comprise arable land. These regions are chiefly accountable for food production activities and exhibit a considerable demand for ecological functions. In the east, increased vegetation cover correlates with lower population densities, reduced arable land, and diminished pressures on the natural environment. The western region possesses a deficient natural environment characterized by subpar soil conditions, a sparse population, and limited arable land, resulting in minimal demand for ecological functions. In summary, the demand for the regional integrated ecosystem is substantially influenced by two primary factors: the region’s population size and the agricultural land area.

Spatial distribution of supply and demand for integrated ecosystem services in Jilin Province.

A quadrant analysis of the availability and requirement for integrated ecological functions in Jilin Province is delineated according to the hierarchy of demand theory. Figure 5 demonstrates that the quantity of counties and cities in quadrants I and II is comparatively low, whereas those in quadrants III and IV are relatively high. Figure 6 depicts nine counties and cities in Quadrant I, primarily in the central area. These include urban regions and counties characterized by a comparatively high population density. They demonstrate a high economic status, a degraded ecological environment, considerable anthropogenic disruptions, and a land use composition that includes construction and agricultural land. This leads to a diminished supply of ecological functions and an elevated demand for them. Quadrant II consists of three counties and cities: Tonghua City District, Baishan City District, and Yanji City. Notwithstanding the elevated population density, the region is distinguished by substantial vegetation cover, leading to a significant availability and requirement for ecological functions. Quadrant III consists of 16 counties and districts, primarily situated in the western and central areas of the nation. This region’s primary land use is agriculture, accompanied by wetlands and barren land. A relative deficiency of natural resources marks a degraded ecological environment and minimal vegetation cover. Nonetheless, the population density is comparatively low, resulting in a correspondingly feeble demand for the natural environment. As a result, both the availability and requirement for ecological functions are minimal; Quadrant IV encompasses 19 counties and districts, collectively covering the predominant eastern and southern areas of Jilin Province. These regions are distinguished by elevated topography, dense vegetation, and a landscape primarily consisting of forests and grasslands. Furthermore, the region’s urban footprint is comparatively limited and characterized by low population densities, which results in an abundant supply of ecological functions and a correspondingly low demand.

Quadrant map of ecosystem services supply and demand in Jilin Province.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem service supply and demand quadrants in Jilin Province.

Ecological management zoning

This paper utilizes the availability and requirement of ecological functions, along with the coupled coordination degree value of availability and requirement across various counties and cities, as the clustering subject. The optimal number of clusters was ascertained through the Calinski-Harabasz Criterion (CH value)²³, Davies-Bouldin Criterion (DB value)²⁴, Gap value, and Silhouette Coefficient (SC value)²⁵. The samples were systematically grouped into 1–16 classes utilizing MATLAB software for each parameter, with each clustering executed over multiple iterations until convergence was achieved. Figure 7 illustrates the SC, DB, Gap, and CH values. The SC value measures the extent of similarity between a specific point and other points within the same cluster, ranging from -1 to 1. Figure 8 demonstrates that a more significant contour coefficient signifies improved clustering performance. When K = 5, the SC value demonstrates a significant upward trend and surpasses 1; the DB value measures the ratio of intra-cluster distance to inter-cluster distance. The ideal clusters demonstrate reduced DB values, as shown in Fig. 8, which indicates the initial point of decline when K = 5. The Gap value is utilized to ascertain the optimal number of clusters by assessing the difference between empirical data’s clustering effectiveness and random data’s expected clustering effectiveness. A reduced Gap value signifies a more effective clustering outcome, as demonstrated in Fig. 8, which shows that the Gap value is lowest when K = 4. The CH value denotes the ratio of inter-cluster variance to total intra-cluster variance. A more significant inter-cluster variance and a lesser overall intra-cluster variance characterize an optimal clustering K value. As depicted in Fig. 8. The CH value demonstrates the most significant increase when K = 5. Integrating the four criteria mentioned above demonstrates that the optimal clustering effect is attained when K = 5. Utilizing SC K-means, the cluster count was established at 5, resulting in the identification of ecological management zones in Jilin Province through multiple iterations of the availability and requirement for comprehensive ecological functions, with regional characteristics reflected in the vocabulary of the areas. This paper categorizes the regions based on the SC K-means clustering methodology to clarify the differences among the various ecosystem management zones. This methodology relies on the average coordinated relationship between the availability and requirement of integrated ecological functions across various ecosystem management zones (Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13). The resultant zones are as follows:

SC value, DB value, Gap value, and CH value for each iteration of the sample point.

Ecosystem services management zoning in Jilin Province.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem services supply and demand for in C1-ecological potential region at the raster scale.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem service supply and demand in C2-ecological restoration region at the raster scale.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem services supply and demand in C3-ecological consolidation region at the raster scale.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem service supply and demand in C4-ecological adjustment region at the raster scale.

Spatial distribution of ecosystem service supply and demand in the C5-ecological coordination region at the raster scale.

The C1 ecological potential region, comprising 15 counties and cities, is located in the central areas. It encompasses all of Changchun City, Liaoyuan City, and most of Siping City. At the raster scale, ecological functions are often scarce, with high levels of supply located in the north and east, where vegetation cover is quite dense, and low levels concentrated in urban and agricultural areas. The demand for ecological functions peaks in the central regions of major cities, exhibiting a gradual decrease in distribution as distance from the city center increases. The districts and counties in the ecological potential zone contain vast agricultural areas, reduced ecosystem service capacity, and significant human-induced disturbances. Simultaneously, the region is marked by increased urban centers, high population densities, and heightened demand for ecological functions. The mean value of the supply–demand coupling coordination is 0.532, indicating that the relationship between availability and requirement is reluctantly coordinated. This zone is suitable for developing a green agricultural economy and optimizing industrial structures. The C1 ecological potential region is the most densely populated region, with the highest population density (797 people/km²) and a relatively high GDP per capita. This zone is situated in a low-altitude area (1176 m) with relatively low forest coverage (20.92%) and a high soil erosion risk (0.62). The economy is primarily driven by the tertiary industry (67.44%), followed by a balanced presence of agriculture (24.65%) and industry (43.70%). Due to high human activity and ecological degradation risks, this region should focus on sustainable urban expansion, industrial upgrading, and ecological restoration initiatives, particularly in water resource conservation and soil protection.

The C2 ecological restoration region, comprising ten counties and cities, is located in the western parts. It encompasses Baicheng City, most of Songyuan City, and Shuangliao City. The supply of ecological functions at the raster scale is generally minimal, with low values predominantly located in the central region and a few areas in the east. In contrast, elevated values are situated in the eastern section of the region, and the supply generally escalates progressively from west to east. The demand for ecological functions is typically low across most regions, with elevated values primarily concentrated in western and central urban centers and fragmented distribution of high values in the eastern areas. The soil quality of the region determines how land use categories are distributed within the districts and counties. The region is marked by a scarcity of agricultural land, predominantly grassland, wetland, and barren land. These ecosystems exhibit a restricted ability to deliver ecological functions. Furthermore, the region demonstrates a low population density and a feeble economy, resulting in a concomitant low demand for ecological functions; the average value of the supply–demand coupling coordination is 0.238, signifying a moderately dysfunctional supply–demand relationship. The C2 ecological restoration region is a high-altitude region (1180 m) with the lowest forest coverage (14.07%) and the highest soil erosion risk (0.78), indicating a fragile ecological environment. Annual precipitation is 460 mm, and the population density is 610 people/km², with a strong reliance on agriculture (41.41%) and industry (44.30%). Due to the combined pressures of economic activities and a vulnerable natural environment, conservation efforts should focus on strengthening soil erosion control, afforestation programs, and sustainable land-use strategies.

The C3 ecological consolidation region, encompassing 18 counties and cities, is located in the eastern and southern areas. It includes most of Jilin City, the majority of Tonghua City, most of Baishan City, and the eastern and southern regions of Yanbian Prefecture; the availability and requirement of ecological functions are fundamentally inversely related. The region’s topography is predominantly elevated, with woodland and grassland as the primary land use types. It has a substantial capacity to provide ecological functions, is rich in natural resources, and has a solid ecological base. Simultaneously, the population density is comparatively low, and the extent of arable land constitutes a small fraction of the total area, leading to a minimal demand for ecological functions. The mean value of the supply–demand coupling coordination is 0.603, indicating a primary coordination between availability and requirement. The C3 ecological consolidation region has an elevation, relatively high forest coverage (52.08%), and moderate soil erosion risk (0.33). Annual precipitation is 613 mm, and the population density is 524 people/km². Agriculture (30.57%) and industry (22.60%) are relatively balanced, while the tertiary industry has the lowest share (24.88%). Given its strong ecological foundation and balanced economic structure, this zone should leverage its economic resources to strengthen environmental protection technologies, promote sustainable development policies, and advance ecological conservation strategies.

The C4 ecological adjustment region, comprising Antu County, is located in the eastern parts and is intersected by the ChangBai Mountain Range. The regional layout of ecosystem service provision exhibits low values in the central region and elevated values in the peripheral areas. The elevated values range from the north to the center, whereas the diminished values are predominantly concentrated in the south. The demand for ecological functions is comparatively low, exhibiting significant fragmentation in the distribution of high-value services; the region is distinguished by extensive vegetation cover, a robust ecological foundation, and a substantial capacity to provide ecological functions. Simultaneously, the area exhibits a sparse population density and a consequently diminished demand for ecological functions. The mean value of the supply–demand coupling coordination is 0.38, indicating a mild dysfunctional supply–demand relationship. The C4 ecological adjustment region has an elevation, the highest forest coverage (70.63%), and relatively high soil erosion risk (0.70). Annual precipitation reaches 759 mm, and the population density is 610 people/km2. The tertiary industry share (35.23%) is the lowest, while agriculture (17.99%) and industry (26.82%) dominate. This region is well-suited for eco-tourism development, strengthening ecosystem function protection, and promoting industrial restructuring.

The C5 ecological coordination region includes three counties and cities in the eastern and southern parts: Yanji City, Baishan City, and Tonghua City. The ecological coordination region is divided into the northeast and the southwest. The regional layout of ecological availability and requirement differs between the two segments. In the northeastern region, diminished ecosystem service provision is concentrated in urban areas, whereas the rest demonstrates a more excellent supply. The diminished values in the southwestern section of the supply are arranged in bands throughout the central region, demonstrating a distinct high-low–high distribution pattern. The demand for ecological functions is significantly elevated in both areas and demonstrates a strong negative correlation with their supply; the region possesses enhanced ecological attributes and a greater capacity to provide these services. Furthermore, it shows better economic growth and a more just industrial structure, which can help protect the environment while having little effect on natural systems. The regional average for the coupling and coordination of availability and requirement is 0.756, signifying a moderate coordination between availability and requirement dynamics.

To better illustrate the classification of ecosystem service areas, the C1 Ecological Potential Zone in central Jilin Province serves as an example. This zone encompasses Changchun City, Liaoyuan City, and most of Siping City, areas characterized by intensive agricultural activities, high population density, and significant human-induced ecological disturbances. The supply of ecosystem services in this zone is generally low, particularly for soil conservation and water production, due to extensive land cultivation and urbanization. However, food production services exhibit relatively high levels, given the fertile soils and large-scale agricultural operations. On the demand side, this region exhibits the highest demand for ecosystem services in Jilin Province, particularly for water resources, carbon sequestration, and recreational services, driven by urban expansion and economic activities. The supply–demand coupling coordination analysis reveals that this zone has a moderate imbalance, with high ecosystem service demand exceeding available supply. Based on this assessment, the C1 Ecological Potential Zone is classified as an area requiring green agricultural transformation, industrial optimization, and targeted ecological restoration efforts to enhance ecosystem function and sustainability.

This example demonstrates how the classification process integrates quantitative analysis of supply and demand, spatial clustering (SC K-means), and regional ecological characteristics to delineate distinct management zones. By using this framework, other ecological zones were classified based on their unique environmental conditions, supply–demand relationships, and strategic management needs.