Assessing the spatial occupation and ecological impact of human activities in Chengguan district, Lhasa city, Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

In this study, the ecological impact of human activities and the space occupied by construction and arable land on the Tibetan Plateau were examined, focusing on changes in the net primary productivity (NPP) as a key indicator of ecological health. With the utilization of land use data and multiyear average NPP data from 2002 to 2020, we analyzed the effects of the conversion of zonal vegetation into construction and arable land on carbon sequestration and oxygen release in Chengguan District, Lhasa city. Our findings indicated a marked spatial difference in the NPP among different land types. Regarding the original zonal vegetation, the NPP ranged from 0.2 to 0.3 kg/m2. Construction land showed a decrease in the NPP, with values ranging from 0.16 to 0.26 kg/m2, suggesting a decrease in ecological productivity. Conversely, arable land exhibited an increase in the NPP, with average values exceeding 0.3 kg/m2. This increase suggested enhanced productivity, particularly in regions where the original zonal vegetation provided lower NPP values. However, this enhanced productivity may not necessarily indicate a positive ecological change. In fact, such increases could potentially disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences. The original zonal vegetation, with NPP values ranging from 0.12 to 0.43 kg/m2, exhibited higher ecological stability and adaptability than the other land types. This wider NPP range emphasizes the inherent resilience of native vegetation, which could sustain diverse ecological functions under varying environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate the urgent need for sustainable land use management on the Tibetan Plateau. This study highlights the importance of considering the ecological impact of land use changes in regional development strategies, ensuring the preservation and enhancement in the unique and fragile plateau ecosystem.