Analysis of influencing factors of ecosystem services and ecological compensation standard : a case study of urban lake wetlands in Wuhan, China | |
| Author | Du, Juan |
| Call Number | AIT Diss no.DS-23-03 |
| Subject(s) | Wetlands--China Wetland ecology--China Natural resources--China--Management |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. DS-23-03 |
| Abstract | Urban lake wetlands provide vital ecosystem services and promote sustainable urban development. However, rapid urbanization has led to the degradation and loss of wetland areas and their ecosystem services. This study aimed to examine the influencing factors of ecosystem services and summarize its ecological compensations standard of urban lake wetlands in case studies of Wuhan by using the theory and the methods of eco-economics and resource economics to assess the value of the ecosystem service functions of three urban lakes – Zhangdu, East, and Ziyang – representing natural, semi-natural, and artificial lake types respectively. The study focused on three urban lakes – Zhangdu, East, and Ziyang – representing natural, semi-natural, and artificial lake types respectively. Remote sensing data Landsat 7 ETM+ and Sentinel -2 were used to study changes in wetland area. The theory and the methods of eco-economics and resource economics were also used to assess the value of the ecosystem service functions of the wetlands from the aspects of resources functions, environment functions, and social functions. Institutional economics was used to calculate the ecological compensation of three lake wetlands. Ecosystem service values were estimated for the three lakes using market price, replacement cost, travel cost, and contingent valuation methods. Direct use values comprised aquaculture production, water conservation, and recreational services. Indirect use values included carbon sequestration, climate regulation through transpiration, water purification, flood mitigation, biodiversity maintenance, study, and education. Non-use values reflected cultural heritage and existence benefits. A household survey using contingent valuation assessed local communities' willngness to pay (WTP) & willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for conserving urban lake wetlands. Remote sensing data revealed considerable decline in lake and wetland areas from 2002 to 2022 due to the expansion of built-up land. The total wetland area in Wuhan decreased by 231.89 km2, of which 80% converted to built-up land. The combined direct use value (DUV) of all three lakes reach a total of 843.20 million yuan per year. When it comes to indirect use value (IUV), the lakes collectively contribute a total of 1,552.61 million yuan per year. Meanwhile, non use value (NUV), which signify the lakes' intrinsic worth, add up to 1,175.78 million yuan per year. Viewing the total ecosystem service value as a whole, IUV form the largest portion at approximately 49%, followed by DUV at around 27%, and NUV making up about 25%. Natural lakes had the highest NUV (83% of total), while artificial lakes had the lowest (97%). Semi-natural lakes showed more balanced values across DUV (22%), IUV (31%), and NUV (47%) services. Existence value was identified as the most important non-use component. The results of the household survey indicated significant WTP for NUV, reflecting a strong desire to protect wetlands for intangible benefits. WTP was influenced by income, education levels, and environmental awareness. The quantitative valuation of ecosystem services provides an important tool for informed policy-making to balance wetland conservation and sustainable urban development. The study contributes valuable insights on managing multi-functional urban lake wetlands to maximize ecological, economic, and social benefits. Key challenges include unclear property rights, lack of public participation, and insufficient conservation funds |
| Year | 2023 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. DS-23-03 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development and Sustainability (DS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Ragendra Prasad; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon;Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarships; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |