Land use and land cover changes drive ecosystem services value in the Chinese county of Qianyang

Abstract Understanding how land use changes affect ecosystem services is essential for guiding sustainable development and environmental policy. In rapidly urbanizing regions, quantifying these impacts helps inform land management decisions. This study aims to analyze the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on Ecosystem Services Value (ESV) in Qianyang County, China. We utilized land use data from 2007 to 2022 with a spatial resolution of 30 m. The spatial distribution and clustering of ESV were examined using spatial statistical methods. The Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, which simulates LULC changes under three scenarios for 2050, was employed to calculate ESV and identify driving forces. Results show that urbanization and topography were the main driving factors for LULC changes in Qianyang County. Our findings provide valuable insights into sustainable land management and ecosystem conservation in the region.