Loess plateau hilly and gully region small watershed ecological function zoning treatment method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a loess plateau hilly and gully region small watershed ecological function zoning treatment method and device, and the method comprises the steps: calculating an ecological system health index of a target region based on an ecological system health index model; according to the ecosystem health index of the target area and the human footprint index of the target area, standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are calculated respectively; according to the standardized ecological system health index of the target region and the standardized human footprint index of the target region, determining the coupling coordination degree of the two; introducing the standard score of the ecological system health index and the standard score of the human footprint index into a four-quadrant model, and determining four-quadrant partitions of the target region; and based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant partition, determining the ecological characteristic regions to which the target regions belong, so as to carry out partition treatment. According to the method, the sustainability of the regional landscape can be scientifically improved, and benign interaction between people and a natural system is promoted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ecological management, in particular to a method and device for ecological function zoning management of small watersheds in hilly and gully regions of the Loess Plateau. BACKGROUND

[0002] Ecosystem Health (EH) is defined as the stability and sustainability properties of an ecosystem, with a focus on resilience to external disturbances and maintenance of structure and function. EH plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services, supporting effective ecosystem management, and promoting regional sustainability. However, human activities have been identified as the main external pressure source threatening EH. Recent studies have shown that human pressure on the Earth system has endangered EH and jeopardized regional sustainability. In this context, exploring human-nature interactions in watershed ecosystems and using these insights to guide regional landscape sustainability (LS) has become a pressing scientific task for the present age.

[0003] Although existing methods provide important analytical frameworks for understanding human-nature interactions, they often encounter limitations when applied to regional practices for sustainable landscapes. Many traditional frameworks rely on static partitioning of human and natural indicators based on isolated time points, without fully considering the spatiotemporal coupling dynamics between human and natural systems. This limitation restricts the ability of planners to fully address the uncertainty arising from the interaction between the Ecosystem Health Index (EHI) and the Human Footprint Index (HFI), thereby reducing the adaptability and effectiveness of zoning strategies for developing sustainable landscape goals. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a method and device for ecological function zoning management of small watersheds in hilly and gully regions of the Loess Plateau, which helps to scientifically improve regional landscape sustainability and promote benign interaction between human and natural systems.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present application provides a method for ecological zoning management of small watershed in hilly and gully region of Loess Plateau, which comprises: calculating an ecosystem health index of a target region of small watershed in hilly and gully region of Loess Plateau based on an ecosystem health index model; calculating standard scores of the ecosystem health index and a human footprint index of the target region respectively according to the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target region; determining a coupling coordination degree of the two according to the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index of the target region; introducing the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index into a four-quadrant model to determine a four-quadrant zoning of the target region; and determining ecological characteristic regions to which the target region belongs respectively based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant zoning so as to perform zoning management.

[0006] Preferably, the processing procedure of the ecosystem health index model is: calculating an ecosystem organization index EO according to formula , wherein LH is a landscape heterogeneity index, LC is a landscape connectivity index, and IPC is a patch connectivity index; calculating an ecosystem resilience index ER according to formula , wherein Resili is an ecosystem recovery force coefficient, Resist is an ecosystem resistance coefficient, and Pi is a weight value of different land use types; calculating a comprehensive ecosystem service index according to formula , . , wherein is a standardized result of each ecosystem service index, ES is an initial value of the ecosystem service index, ES max is a maximum value of the ecosystem service index, ES min is a minimum value of the ecosystem service index, ES bi is a standardized value of the i-th ecosystem service index, and is a weight of the j-th ecosystem service index.

[0007] calculating an ecosystem health index EH according to formula , wherein is an ecosystem vitality index, and w1, w2, w3 and w4 are corresponding weights.

[0008] Preferably, determining the coupling coordination degree of the two according to the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index of the target region comprises: calculating the coupling coordination degree by formula . , ,​

[0009] wherein CCD is the coupling coordination degree, C is the coupling degree, T is the coordination degree, U1 and U2 are the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index respectively, and a = b = 1 / 2.

[0010] Preferably, based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant partition, determining the ecological characteristic region to which the target region respectively belongs for partition management comprises: determining the coupling coordination degree at time t1 and the coupling coordination degree at time t2 to calculate the change rate of the coupling coordination degree; when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both greater than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, determining the ecological characteristic region as a landscape coordinated development region; when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both greater than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, determining the ecological characteristic region as a landscape degradation risk region; when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, determining the ecological characteristic region as a landscape ecological priority region; when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both less than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, determining the ecological characteristic region as a landscape alert degradation region; when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both less than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, determining the ecological characteristic region as a landscape restoration potential region.

[0011] Preferably, the change rate of the coupling coordination degree is calculated by the following formula: ,

[0012] wherein DCCD is the change rate of the coupling coordination degree, CCD t2 is the coupling coordination degree at time t2, CCD t1 is the coupling coordination degree at time t1.

[0013] This invention also provides an ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau. The device includes: a data calculation module, a standardization calculation module, a coupling coordination degree calculation module, a four-quadrant zoning calculation module, and an ecological characteristic zoning module. The data calculation module calculates the ecosystem health index of a target area in the small watershed of the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau based on an ecosystem health index model. The standardization calculation module calculates standardized scores for the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target area, respectively. The coupling coordination degree calculation module determines the coupling coordination degree between the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index of the target area. The four-quadrant zoning calculation module incorporates the standardized scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index into a four-quadrant model to determine the four-quadrant zoning of the target area. The ecological characteristic zoning module determines the ecological characteristic zones to which the target area belongs based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant zoning, for zoning management.

[0014] Preferably, the processing procedure for the ecosystem health index model is as follows: according to the formula Calculate the ecosystem organization index EO, where LH is the landscape heterogeneity index, LC is the landscape connectivity index, and IPC is the patch connectivity index; according to the formula... Calculate the ecosystem resilience index ER, where Resili is the ecosystem resilience coefficient, Resist is the ecosystem resistance coefficient, and Pi is the weight value for different land use types; according to the formula... , Calculate the integrated ecosystem service index ,in The standardized results for each ecosystem service index are given, with ES representing the initial value of the ecosystem service index. max The maximum value of the ecosystem service index, ES min The minimum value of the ecosystem service index, ES bi Let be the standardized value of the i-th type of ecosystem service index. The weights of the j-th type of ecosystem service index;

[0015] According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem health index ,in The index represents the vitality of the ecosystem, with w1, w2, w3, and w4 representing the corresponding weights.

[0016] Preferably, the coupling coordination degree calculation module is used to calculate the coupling coordination degree using the following formula: , , ,

[0017] Where CCD represents the coupling coordination degree, C represents the coupling degree, T represents the coordination degree, U1 and U2 are the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index, respectively, and α=β=1 / 2.

[0018] Preferably, the ecological feature zoning module is used to: determine the coupling coordination degree at time t1 and time t2, and calculate the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree; determine the ecological feature area as a landscape coordinated development area when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0; determine the ecological feature area as a landscape degradation risk area when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0; and determine the ecological feature area as a landscape degradation risk area when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0 and the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0. When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is identified as a landscape ecological priority area; when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is identified as a landscape warning degradation area; when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is identified as a landscape restoration potential area.

[0019] Preferably, the ecological feature zoning module calculates the rate of change of coupling coordination degree using the following formula:

[0020] ,

[0021] Where ΔCCD is the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree, and CCD t2 For the coupling coordination degree at time t2, CCD t1 Let t1 be the coupling coordination degree.

[0022] The above technical solution employs the method and apparatus for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau provided by this invention. Based on the ecosystem health index model, the ecosystem health index of the target area in the small watershed of the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau is calculated. Standard scores for the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target area are calculated respectively. The coupling coordination degree between the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index of the target area is determined. The standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are introduced into a four-quadrant model to determine the four-quadrant zoning of the target area. Based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant zoning, the ecological characteristic zones to which the target area belongs are determined, so as to carry out zoning management, which helps to scientifically improve the sustainability of the regional landscape and promote the benign interaction between humans and the natural system.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of an ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1-Data Calculation Module, 2-Standardization Calculation Module, 3-Coupling Coordination Degree Calculation Module, 4-Four-Quadrant Partitioning Calculation Module, 5-Ecological Feature Partitioning Module Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] This invention uses the Sanchuan River Basin as a representative small watershed in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau for illustration. The Sanchuan River Basin (37°40′–38°10′ N, 110°38′–111°37′ E) is a first-order tributary in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau, spanning the western part of Lüliang City, Shanxi Province. The basin area is 4161.40 square kilometers, of which 2800 square kilometers have been identified as areas affected by soil erosion. This basin is a key area for national soil erosion control, with a fragile ecological environment. The basin's topography is fragmented, characterized by steep slopes, deep gullies, numerous ridges, and crisscrossing ravines.

[0031] While recent protection and restoration projects have yielded significant ecological and social improvements, the effectiveness of integrated management in controlling soil erosion remains unclear. Furthermore, the inherent sensitivity and vulnerability of the regional environment, coupled with frequent extreme weather events and ongoing human disturbance, has severely threatened ecosystem stability. This further highlights the significant uncertainty surrounding regional sustainable development guided by the inherent dynamic characteristics of the human-nature system. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish an ecological functional zoning framework that systematically considers and integrates the coupling effects of the human-nature system to effectively address the complex human-nature-environment challenges in the region and support sustainable watershed development.

[0032] The data used in this embodiment of the invention includes land use, altitude, meteorology, soil type, annual maximum normalized vegetation index, and county and township-level administrative division data. To ensure data quality and enhance the reliability of the results, the reliability of the data sources was rigorously verified.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau, provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0034] Step S101: Based on the ecosystem health index model, calculate the ecosystem health index of the target area in the small watershed of the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau;

[0035] Specifically, the processing procedure for the ecosystem health index model is as follows:

[0036] The first step is to use the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to characterize the ecosystem vitality index EV. EV is a measure of the primary productivity and metabolic capacity of an ecosystem, and since NDVI reflects vegetation density and health status, it can be used to characterize EV.

[0037] The second step of this invention involves using quantitative indicators to assess the structural stability and complexity of regional ecosystems from two key dimensions: landscape heterogeneity and connectivity. Landscape heterogeneity is assessed using the Shannon diversity index and the area-weighted average patch fractal dimension. Landscape connectivity includes overall landscape connectivity and connectivity indices for key ecosystem patches. Overall landscape connectivity is measured using the landscape fragmentation index and the sprawl index. Since cultivated land, forest land, and grassland are the largest land types in the Suriname River region, the patch cohesion index and fragmentation index of cultivated land, forest land, and grassland are selected to measure the connectivity of key ecological function patches. Landscape heterogeneity and connectivity are equally important in landscape pattern analysis and are each assigned a weight of 0.35. Although the connectivity of cultivated land, forest land, and grassland patches is considered important, its relative priority is lower. Therefore, it is assigned a weight of 0.1. The Ecosystem Organization Index (EO) is calculated as follows:

[0038]

[0039] In the formula, LH, LC, and IPC represent the landscape heterogeneity index, landscape connectivity index, and patch connectivity index of important ecosystems, respectively. SHDI and AWMPFD represent the Shannon diversity index and fractal dimension, respectively. FI1 represents the overall landscape fragmentation. CONT represents the sprawl index. FI2, FI3, and FI4 represent the fragmentation indices of cultivated land, forest land, and grassland, respectively. CHOESION1, CHOESION2, and CHOESION3 represent the patch cohesion indices of cultivated land, forest land, and grassland, respectively.

[0040] The third step involves defining the ecosystem's ability to maintain its natural structure and function under stress, known as the Ecosystem Resilience Index (ER). Resistance and resilience are two components of ER, both widely recognized in EHI assessments. This invention quantifies ER by assigning different resistance and resilience coefficients to different land use types. Land use types, as carriers of ecosystem structure and function, inherently determine the ecosystem's ability to resist and recover from disturbances, forming the basis of ER. Therefore, ER is typically assessed by assigning resistance and resilience coefficients to various land use types. The weighting coefficients are shown in Table 1. The calculation method is as follows:

[0041]

[0042] Here, Resili represents the ecosystem resilience coefficient; Resist represents the ecosystem resistance coefficient; and Pi represents the weighting of different land use types. Resilience is emphasized when disturbances exceed the ecosystem's self-regulation threshold. Conversely, resistance becomes more critical when disturbances are less severe.

[0043] Table 1. Ecosystem resilience and resistance coefficients for land use types

[0044] Fourthly, ecosystem services are an important area of ​​scientific research, and their importance is increasingly recognized. The Loess Plateau has a fragile ecological environment, severe soil erosion, and scarce water resources. Improving the quality of the regional habitat is crucial for improving human well-being. At the same time, the Loess Plateau has become an important carbon sink area. Therefore, this invention quantifies four key ecosystem service indicators: water yield (WY), soil retention (SC), habitat quality (HQ), and carbon sequestration (CS), and calculates the composite ecosystem service index using a weighted summation method. The entropy weight method ensures that all relevant ecosystem service indicators are objectively incorporated into the evaluation system, thereby improving the consistency between the evaluation results and the actual contributions of the regional ecosystem. The specific calculation method for the Composite Ecosystem Services Index (CSCI) is as follows:

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] in The standardized results for each ecosystem service index are given, with ES representing the initial value of the ecosystem service index. max The maximum value of the ecosystem service index, ES min The minimum value of the ecosystem service index, ES bi Let be the standardized value of the i-th type of ecosystem service index. The weights of the j-th type of ecosystem service index;

[0048] Fifth, in order to ensure that the weights of each component in the VORS model can objectively reflect their relative importance in characterizing the overall EH, this study uses the entropy weight method to calculate EHI. This method can determine the importance of the indicators based on the inherent characteristics of the data.

[0049] According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem health index w1, w2, w3, and w4 are the corresponding weights.

[0050] The EHI is divided into 5 levels, as shown in Table 1.

[0051] Table 1. EHI Classification Standards

[0052] Step S102: Calculate the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target area, respectively;

[0053] Specifically, measuring the impact of human activities on the Earth's landscape can determine whether the Earth's ability to provide sustainable resources has been surpassed by human activities. This invention introduces a Human Footprint Index (HFI) covering eight dimensions: built environment, population density, nighttime light, farmland, pasture, roads, railways, and navigable waterways. A comprehensive HFI is constructed based on the relative contribution of each dimension to the impact of human activities, for example, by calculating the average value. The HFI is categorized into five types: low (0–0.2), relatively low (0.2–0.4), moderate (0.4–0.6), relatively high (0.6–0.8), and high (0.8–1).

[0054] The standard score is calculated as follows:

[0055]

[0056] Where Z is the standard score, X is the raw value, μ is the mean, and σ is the standard deviation.

[0057] Step S103: Determine the coupling coordination degree between the standardized target area's ecosystem health index and the standardized target area's human footprint index.

[0058] Specifically, this embodiment of the invention employs two nonparametric statistical methods—median test and trend test—to examine the EHI and HFI over 20 years. The former is used to estimate the rate of change, while the latter is used to assess the statistical significance of the trend. Significance is assessed using the Z-statistic. Absolute values ​​greater than 1.65, 1.96, or 2.58 correspond to 90%, 95%, or 99% confidence levels, respectively. The upward or downward trends in EHI and HFI values ​​indicate improvements or deteriorations in EH status and increases or decreases in human activity intensity during the study period, respectively.

[0059] This invention introduces a gravity model to analyze the spatial correlation strength between EHI and HFI. The spatial correlation strength between any two nodes is directly proportional to the product of their EHI and HFI values ​​and inversely proportional to their geographical distance. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0060]

[0061] Among them G abIt is the interaction between points a and b, N a and N b These are EHI and HFI at two points, D. 2 ab It is a measure of the squared distance between two points.

[0062] By coupling EHI and HFI, we explore landscape-scale change characteristics and reveal the intrinsic constraints and interaction mechanisms between human activities and key external disturbances to the ecosystem and EHI at the landscape scale. The coupling coordination degree is calculated as follows: , , ,

[0063] Where CCD represents the coupling coordination degree, C represents the coupling degree, T represents the coordination degree, U1 and U2 are the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index, respectively, and α=β=1 / 2.

[0064] Step S104: Introduce the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index into the four-quadrant model to determine the four-quadrant partition of the target area;

[0065] Specifically, the four-quadrant model divides the research object into four quadrants based on two-dimensional criteria, facilitating the analysis of the intrinsic relationships and interaction mechanisms among elements. This study utilizes this model to construct a two-dimensional coordinate system using EHI and HFI as indicators. Using standardized EHI and HFI data, four different spatial patterns were defined, with EHI as the horizontal axis and HFI as the vertical axis: High EHI-High HFI, High EHI-Low HFI, Low EHI-Low HFI, and Low EHI-High HFI.

[0066] A standard score "Z" > 0 indicates that the region is above the average, and "Z" < 0 indicates that the region is below the average. A standard score of Ecosystem Health Index (EHI) greater than 0 indicates a high EHI, and a standard score of Human Footprint Index (HFI) greater than 0 indicates a high HFI; conversely, a standard score below 0 indicates a low EHI and a low HFI.

[0067] Step S105: Based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant partitioning, determine the ecological characteristic zones to which the target area belongs, so as to carry out zoned governance.

[0068] Specifically, the coupling coordination degree at time t1 and the coupling coordination degree at time t2 are determined in order to calculate the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree;

[0069] A dynamic coupling partitioning method is employed to capture the change in coupling coordination degree (CCD) over time. To characterize the temporal evolution of the relationship between EHI and HFI, the dynamic rate of change of coupling density is introduced as an indicator. The calculation method is as follows: ,

[0070] Where ΔCCD is the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree, and CCD t2 For the coupling coordination degree at time t2, CCD t1 Let t1 be the coupling coordination degree.

[0071] ΔCCD > 0 indicates that the CCDs of EHI and HFI have improved, and the interaction between them is more orderly. Otherwise, it indicates that the interaction between them is more uncoordinated and chaotic.

[0072] To further improve management efficiency and operability, this invention adheres to the core principles of LS (Leadership in Ecosystem Management), while comprehensively considering the dynamic changes in CCD of EHI and HFI, as well as the potential commonalities in management strategies across sub-regions. Based on this, five ecological functional zones are integrated. This simplified classification provides a basis for developing more efficient and adaptive ecological management strategies. The five ecological functional zones are divided as follows:

[0073] When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as the landscape coordinated development area.

[0074] When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a landscape degradation risk area.

[0075] When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as the landscape ecological priority area.

[0076] When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a landscape warning degradation area.

[0077] When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a potential area for landscape restoration.

[0078] Using the methods of this invention, it was found that the Ecological Hierarchy Index (EHI) in the Sanchuan River Basin showed an upward trend from 2000 to 2020, with all four indices—Employment Potential (EV), Ecological Occurrence (EO), Energy Emission Rate (ER), and Energy Emission Rate (ES)—showing an upward trend. This upward trend in EHI may be attributed to the implementation of relevant ecological and environmental protection policies in the 21st century, such as the Grain for Green Program and soil and water conservation projects. These regulations restrict the conversion of natural areas such as grasslands and woodlands into cultivated land and construction land, thereby increasing the EHI of the SRW (Self-Protected Waterway). Furthermore, EHI exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity over time. Overall, some fragmented patches in the central and eastern parts of the basin are the main locations of areas with "lower" EHI levels. The increase in construction land due to economic development poses a significant threat to EHI, as confirmed in previous studies.

[0079] Land use change has been proven to have a significant impact on human activity patterns and the natural environment. Among these, the expansion of construction land is particularly important, not only placing enormous pressure on regional ecosystems but also serving as a concentrated area for human activity. According to the national spatial planning, the development strategy for Lishi District, as the core area of ​​the Sanchuan River Basin, is to promote regional economic growth by optimizing the land supply structure, strengthening spatial control, and meeting the land needs of key projects. However, despite the planning guidance, the continuous implementation of economic incentive policies and related practices has objectively accelerated the economic development of Lishi District. This development is closely related to the expansion of construction land, leading to a significant increase in the region's HFI (House-Based Interest Rate) from 2000 to 2020. Spatially, high-HFI areas exhibit a clear spatial pattern radiating outwards from the urban center, reflecting the gradual spatial expansion of the impact of human activities with urbanization.

[0080] The five identified ecological function zones and their governance measures can be implemented by relevant departments such as the ecological environment and natural resources departments. The effective implementation of these measures can be promoted by establishing cross-departmental coordination mechanisms and incorporating governance objectives into the performance evaluation system.

[0081] Landscape Harmonious Development Zone (Z1): Under significant human activity pressures, the relationship between Ecological Hierarchy Influence (EHI) and Human Environmental Impact Factor (HFI) in this area has reached a relatively stable level of harmony, representing a typical case of synergy between human and natural systems. Therefore, management strategies should focus on integration and optimization. (a) In terms of spatial structure and land use control, the unrestrained expansion of construction land should be strictly controlled, a compact urban development model should be promoted, and the encroachment on adjacent ecological spaces should be reduced. (b) In terms of industrial transformation and functional upgrading, areas with high HFI should be guided to develop low-impact industries such as ecotourism and value-added processing of agricultural products, based on their own characteristics.

[0082] Landscape Degradation Risk Zone (Z2): The two sub-zones under this category face a common core pressure of rising HFI, highlighting the urgent need for risk reduction and ecological restoration. (a) The approval and scale of high-pollution or high-intensity development projects should be strictly limited to prevent further deterioration of the CCD between EHI and HFI. (b) Ecological restoration efforts should focus on priority areas heavily impacted by human activities, including increasing vegetation cover and strengthening water and soil conservation efforts.

[0083] Landscape Ecological Priority Zone (Z3): This area is characterized by high EHI and low HFI, demonstrating a balanced interaction between humans and nature. Management strategies should focus on maintaining existing advantages through enhanced protection measures. (a) Coordination mechanisms that contribute to achieving balance should be identified and promoted to expand their application in the area. (b) A robust protected area system should be established, formally designating the area as a priority ecological protection zone, and strictly restricting any form of development, destruction, or resource extraction.

[0084] Landscape Alert Degradation Zone (Z4): Despite low HFI levels, the relationship between EHI and HFI in this area continues to show signs of imbalance. The area is largely high-altitude forest cover, which inherently limits the intensity of human activity. Therefore, management should combine status quo maintenance with targeted ecological interventions. (a) In high EHI areas, priority should be given to maintaining existing ecological conditions, protecting key habitats and species, and enhancing ES. (b) In low EHI areas, specific ecological limiting factors should be identified, and corresponding restoration measures should be implemented.

[0085] Landscape Restoration Potential Zone (Z5): Low ecological health index is the dominant pressure in this area, determining that improving the ecological health index is the primary objective to improve the overall human-nature interaction. (a) Integrated ecological management programs should be adopted, focusing on small watershed restoration through measures such as slope-to-terracing, sediment dam construction, vegetation restoration, and forest closure to enhance ecosystem stability. (b) Public participation in ecological restoration should be actively promoted to raise environmental awareness and community involvement, thereby fostering collaborative governance models.

[0086] To ensure the effective implementation of the proposed zoning strategy and promote regional sustainable development, a dynamic monitoring system based on EHI and HFI can be established to monitor the dynamic changes in the interaction between humans and nature in real time, thereby enhancing the responsiveness and adaptability of ecological governance.

[0087] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of an ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The device includes: a data calculation module 1, a standardization calculation module 2, a coupling coordination degree calculation module 3, a four-quadrant zoning calculation module 4, and an ecological characteristic zoning module 5. Specifically, the data calculation module 1 calculates the ecosystem health index of a target area in the small watershed of the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau based on an ecosystem health index model; the standardization calculation module 2 calculates the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target area, respectively; the coupling coordination degree calculation module 3 determines the coupling coordination degree between the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index of the target area; the four-quadrant zoning calculation module 4 introduces the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index into a four-quadrant model to determine the four-quadrant zoning of the target area; and the ecological characteristic zoning module 5 determines the ecological characteristic zones to which the target area belongs based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant zoning, for zoning management.

[0088] Preferably, the processing procedure for the ecosystem health index model is as follows: according to the formula Calculate the ecosystem organization index EO, where LH is the landscape heterogeneity index, LC is the landscape connectivity index, and IPC is the patch connectivity index; according to the formula... Calculate the ecosystem resilience index ER, where Resili is the ecosystem resilience coefficient, Resist is the ecosystem resistance coefficient, and Pi is the weight value for different land use types; according to the formula... , Calculate the integrated ecosystem service index ,in The standardized results for each ecosystem service index are given, with ES representing the initial value of the ecosystem service index. max The maximum value of the ecosystem service index, ES min The minimum value of the ecosystem service index, ES bi Let be the standardized value of the i-th type of ecosystem service index. The weight of the j-th type of ecosystem service index; according to the formula Calculate the ecosystem health index ,in The index represents the vitality of the ecosystem, with w1, w2, w3, and w4 representing the corresponding weights.

[0089] Preferably, the coupling coordination degree calculation module 3 is used to calculate the coupling coordination degree using the following formula: , , ,

[0090] Where CCD represents the coupling coordination degree, C represents the coupling degree, T represents the coordination degree, U1 and U2 are the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index, respectively, and α=β=1 / 2.

[0091] Preferably, the ecological feature zoning module 5 is used to: determine the coupling coordination degree at time t1 and time t2, and calculate the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree; determine the ecological feature area as a landscape coordinated development area when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0; determine the ecological feature area as a landscape degradation risk area when the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are both greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0; and determine the ecological feature area as a landscape degradation risk area when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0 and the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0. When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is identified as a landscape ecological priority area; when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is identified as a landscape warning degradation area; when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is identified as a landscape restoration potential area.

[0092] Preferably, the ecological feature partitioning module 5 calculates the rate of change of coupling coordination degree using the following formula:

[0093] ,

[0094] Where ΔCCD is the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree, and CCD t2 For the coupling coordination degree at time t2, CCD t1Let t1 be the coupling coordination degree.

[0095] The implementation of the small watershed ecological zoning management device in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau described above is similar to the implementation of the small watershed ecological zoning management method in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0097] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau, characterized in that, The method includes: Based on the ecosystem health index model, the ecosystem health index of the target area in the small watershed of the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau was calculated. Based on the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target area, standard scores for the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are calculated respectively. The coupling coordination degree between the standardized target area ecosystem health index and the standardized target area human footprint index is determined. The standardized scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are introduced into the four-quadrant model to determine the four-quadrant partitions of the target region; Based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant partitioning, the ecological characteristic zones to which the target areas belong are determined, so as to carry out zoned governance.

2. The method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing procedure for the ecosystem health index model is as follows: According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem organization index EO, where LH is the landscape heterogeneity index, LC is the landscape connectivity index, and IPC is the patch connectivity index; According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem resilience index ER, where Resili is the ecosystem resilience coefficient, Resist is the ecosystem resistance coefficient, and Pi is the weight value of different land use types; According to the formula , Calculate the integrated ecosystem service index ,in The standardized results for each ecosystem service index are given, with ES representing the initial value of the ecosystem service index. max The maximum value of the ecosystem service index, ES min The minimum value of the ecosystem service index, ES bi Let be the standardized value of the i-th type of ecosystem service index. The weights of the j-th type of ecosystem service index; According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem health index ,in The index represents the vitality of the ecosystem, with w1, w2, w3, and w4 representing the corresponding weights.

3. The method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index of the target area, the coupling coordination degree between the two is determined, including: The coupling coordination degree is calculated using the following formula: , Where CCD represents the coupling coordination degree, C represents the coupling degree, T represents the coordination degree, U1 and U2 are the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index, respectively, and α=β=1 / 2.

4. The method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant partitioning, the ecological characteristic zones to which the target area belongs are determined, so as to carry out zoned governance, including: Determine the coupling coordination degree at time t1 and time t2, and calculate the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree; When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as the landscape coordinated development area. When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a landscape degradation risk area. When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as the landscape ecological priority area. When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a landscape warning degradation area. When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a potential area for landscape restoration.

5. The method for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rate of change of coupling coordination degree is calculated using the following formula: ， Where ΔCCD is the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree, and CCD t2 For the coupling coordination degree at time t2, CCD t1 Let t1 be the coupling coordination degree.

6. A device for ecological zoning management of small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau, characterized in that, The device includes: The module includes a data calculation module, a standardization calculation module, a coupling coordination degree calculation module, a four-quadrant partitioning calculation module, and an ecological characteristic partitioning module. The data calculation module is used to calculate the ecosystem health index of the target area in the small watershed of the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau based on the ecosystem health index model. The standardized calculation module is used to calculate the standardized scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index of the target area, respectively; The coupling coordination degree calculation module is used to determine the coupling coordination degree between the standardized target area's ecosystem health index and the standardized target area's human footprint index. The four-quadrant partitioning calculation module is used to input the standard scores of the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index into the four-quadrant model to determine the four-quadrant partitioning of the target area. The ecological feature zoning module is used to determine the ecological feature zones to which the target area belongs based on the coupling coordination degree and the four-quadrant zoning, so as to carry out zoning management.

7. The ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processing procedure for the ecosystem health index model is as follows: According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem organization index EO, where LH is the landscape heterogeneity index, LC is the landscape connectivity index, and IPC is the patch connectivity index; According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem resilience index ER, where Resili is the ecosystem resilience coefficient, Resist is the ecosystem resistance coefficient, and Pi is the weight value of different land use types; According to the formula , Calculate the integrated ecosystem service index ,in The standardized results for each ecosystem service index are given, with ES representing the initial value of the ecosystem service index. max The maximum value of the ecosystem service index, ES min The minimum value of the ecosystem service index, ES bi Let be the standardized value of the i-th type of ecosystem service index. The weights of the j-th type of ecosystem service index; According to the formula Calculate the ecosystem health index ,in The index represents the vitality of the ecosystem, with w1, w2, w3, and w4 representing the corresponding weights.

8. The ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coupling coordination degree calculation module is used for: The coupling coordination degree is calculated using the following formula: ， Where CCD represents the coupling coordination degree, C represents the coupling degree, T represents the coordination degree, U1 and U2 are the standardized ecosystem health index and the standardized human footprint index, respectively, and α=β=1 / 2.

9. The ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ecological feature partitioning module is used for: Determine the coupling coordination degree at time t1 and time t2, and calculate the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree; When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as the landscape coordinated development area. When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a landscape degradation risk area. When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as the landscape ecological priority area. When the standard score of the ecosystem health index is greater than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is less than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, or when the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a landscape warning degradation area. When the standard scores of both the ecosystem health index and the human footprint index are less than 0 and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is greater than 0, or when the standard score of the ecosystem health index is less than 0, the standard score of the human footprint index is greater than 0, and the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree is less than 0, the ecological characteristic area is determined as a potential area for landscape restoration.

10. The ecological zoning management device for small watersheds in the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ecological feature partitioning module calculates the rate of change of coupling coordination degree using the following formula: ， Where ΔCCD is the rate of change of the coupling coordination degree, and CCD t2 For the coupling coordination degree at time t2, CCD t1 Let t1 be the coupling coordination degree.

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