Terrain gradient variations in ecosystem services of different vegetation types in mountainous regions: Vegetation resource conservation and sustainable development

Natural vegetation plays a vital role in ecosystem services, while anthropogenic land-use change causes extensive damage to natural vegetation, decreasing ecosystem services, and impacting human well-being. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish protected areas and implement vegetation protection measures. Ecosystem services depend on the vegetation type and terrain, but this topic has not been considered in detail in policy implementations. In this study, the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model was used to evaluate water yield, carbon storage, soil conservation, and water purification in the Chuan-Dian ecological shelter. Statistical methods were applied to analyze the differences in ecosystem services of different vegetation types and determine spatial variations in ecosystem services along terrain (altitude, slope, landform relief, and terrain niche) gradients. The results showed that ecosystem services differed for different vegetation types, and natural forests provided higher ecosystem services than other vegetation types, except for water yield. The rational allocation of forests, shrubs, and grasses and the implementation of organic agriculture and agroforestry systems are important measures to ensure sustainable economic and ecological development. We used the ordered weighted average method to select priority conservation areas based on ecosystem services. The priority conservation areas can play an important role in vegetation management in mountainous regions. This study provides new perspectives for vegetation protection and sustainable development in large-scale mountain areas.