Optimizing conservation planning: An integrated approach to cost-effective biodiversity and carbon sequestration management in Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative, integrated approach to optimizing conservation planning in Yunnan Province, China. By maximizing the synergistic benefits of threatened species protection and carbon sequestration while minimizing economic costs, the research identifies regions with the highest conservation cost-effectiveness. This is achieved by combining species distribution models (SDMs) for threatened species, carbon sequestration capacity estimates, and local economic data through an input-output (I-O) model at 1 kilometer resolution. The study highlights key regions within Yunnan—particularly in the northwestern areas of Shangri-la and Nujiang prefectures—as offering significant ecological benefits at relatively low opportunity costs. These findings provide a scalable framework for policymakers to prioritize regions for protected area (PA) expansion, thus enhancing conservation outcomes while minimizing financial expenditures. The proposed methodology improves conservation investments' cost-effectiveness and supports broader conservation and sustainable land management goals. This research underscores the necessity of integrating multiple ecological and economic factors to address the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss.