Impacts of land use transitions on ecosystem services: A research framework coupled with structure, function, and dynamics

Rapid urbanization in China has resulted in drastic land use transitions (LUT) and has had a severe impact on the supply of regional ecosystem services (ESs). To improve ecosystem security and promote sustainable development regionally, it is essential to clarify spatial correlations between the multi-dimensional characteristics of LUT and ESs. We developed a theoretical framework to examine how LUT influenced regional ESs in three dimensions: land use structure, function, and dynamics. Using the Taihu Lake Rim urban agglomeration (TLRUA) as an example, we explored the process by which LUT affected the change in regional ESs. The results indicated that the TLRUA experienced accelerated urbanization between 2000 and 2018, with LUT and ESs exhibiting distinct characteristics in urban, suburban, and rural areas in different regions. The impact of LUT on ESs, as we analyzed them from different dimensions, embraced interactive effects and significant spatial spillover effects. The land use structural transitions were globally positively correlated with habitat maintenance, carbon sequestration, and recreation potential, whereas land use intensity and dynamics transitions exhibited negative correlations. Given their interactions at the local scale, we propose corresponding land management strategies, which can offer practical guidance for coordinating regional land resource development and ecosystem conservation.