Integrating ecosystem services supply and demand into optimized management at different scales: A case study in Hulunbuir, China

Identifying relationships that exist between ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand at different scales is considered crucial to the sustainable management of ecosystem services. Five ecosystem services at three scales (local, township, and county) were evaluated based on spatial data and statistical data in Hulunbuir, which is a significant ecological function zone in Northeast China. Our results showed that (1) ES spatial patterns have more similarities between the local scale and the township scale than between the local scale and the county scale. The distribution of ESDR (ecological supply-demand ratio) values of carbon sequestration and landscape aesthetic (LA) services at the three scales is highly heterogeneous. (2) There are a higher number of significantly correlated ES supply and demand pairs at the local and township scales than at the county scale, but the ES pairs at the county scale are more highly correlated. The positive or negative correlation of different ESs sometimes changes as scales change. (3) Different factors affect ecosystem services at different scales. The built-up ratio has a dominant negative effect on GP (grain production), MP (meat production), NPP (net primary productivity), and LA at the township scale. Arable land and grassland have significant effects on NPP, WY, and LA at the county scale (4) For ecosystem service management, a combination of township and county scale assessments should be used. Considering the overall situation of supply of and demand for ecosystem services at a larger scale while implementing more precise management measures at a smaller scale can make the management of ecosystem services more effective. Natural forests and grasslands in the study area should be protected appropriately, and developing water-saving agricultural measures and appropriately raising the price of domestic water can help alleviate the lack of water resources.