Identifying Nature–Community Nexuses for Sustainably Managing Social and Ecological Systems: A Case Study of the Qianjiangyuan National Park Pilot Area

Abstract

Designing policies for the sustainable development of social-ecological systems with complex human–land relations requires integrated management and nexus thinking; China’s national parks are typical social-ecological systems. Ecosystem services and community livelihood are two essential components of sustainable management in the nature–community nexus (NCN). This study focuses on the Qianjiangyuan National Park Pilot Area in eastern China. Following a systems approach and integrating qualitative (causal analysis and systems but dynamic methods) and quantitative (InVEST model, Spearman’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis) methods, we developed two causal mechanisms linking livelihood assets and ecosystem services, and verified them by exploring multi-dimensional linkages and revealing two types of NCNs. Results showed that the proportions of cropland and orchard areas have significant negative correlations with water and soil retention services, respectively, while forests significantly benefit both services. A positive NCN exists in areas where water and soil retention services perform well and the local community develops vibrantly with a considerable proportion of young, highly educated, or high-income (especially the income from secondary industries) residents. A negative NCN is seen in areas where the water and soil retention services values are low; a great many households do not have substantial income from secondary and tertiary industries, and few households have vast forest areas. These results can be used as scientific evidence for optimizing institutional arrangements and contributing to sustainable and harmonious development of national parks in China.

Conflict or coexistence? Synergies between nature conservation and traditional tea industry development in Wuyishan National Park, China

“…The transition of the tea industry must be rationalized in the direction of nature conservation objectives in achieving sustainable development. China's national parks spatially integrated multiple types of protected areas, and the development and transformation of local industries under the influence of management objectives in PAs was not an uncommon problem as a variety of traditional agricultural industries have developed in rural China to support a large population and contribute to the regional economy (Wei et al, 2019;He et al, 2020;Shen et al, 2021). In fact, all the current national parks and pilots in China have management plans to optimize traditional agricultural industries, which is essential to protect the basic rights of local residents and stabilize the regional economy.…”

Variability of Water Balance under Climate Change Scenarios. Implications for Sustainability in the Rhône River Basin

“…The methodological approach was based on the application of the "Water Yield" hydrological module of the InVEST model (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs [38]), by means of the assessment of five climate scenarios. This tool has been widely used for the study of socio-ecological systems [39,40] and, specifically, of the management of water resources [41,42].…”

Impact of Ecological Conservation Policy of Landscape Resources on the Behavior Intention of Stakeholders in Shennongjia National Park

“…With the development of national park system construction, each pilot area also began to pay attention to the satisfaction and perception of community aborigines on various policies of the national park. For example, the scholars study the role of resource development in promoting the well-being of residents [20]; Connect the sustainable ecosystem with social development [21], and explore the methods and degrees of indigenous people's active participation in the governance of various affairs in the national park, as well as the social and ecological adaptability of local residents [22][23][24]; begin to attach importance to the role of environmental education in promoting resource protection, clarify its positive impact on the environmental protection behavior of relevant interest groups, and drive the promotion of ecological compensation policies for national parks [25,26].…”