Exploration of ecosystem asset-economy coupling coordination and its endogenous and exogenous drivers in mountainous regions

Abstract

Sustainable development in mountainous areas is closely linked to human ecological well-being. The coordination of ecological conservation and economic development is an important issue that urgently requires exploration. This study, based on a re-examination of the relationship between ecological conservation and economic development, revises the coupling framework between ecosystem assets in mountainous areas and regional economic development. Utilizing county-level statistical data in conjunction with remote sensing data, the study employs the coupling coordination degree model to characterize the interactive relationship between mountainous ecosystem assets and regional economic development. Additionally, machine learning methods are integrated to measure the contributions of driving factors within different zones characterized by varying degrees of coupling and economic features. The study’s findings indicate: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the coupling coordination relationship between EA (Ecological Assets) and RE (Regional Economy) in the Qinling has been continuously improving. The northeastern part of the Qinling is an area where the coupling coordination status is relatively poor. (2) Urbanization contributes the most to the coupling coordination system across different zones, but this marginal impact is continuously diminishing with the increase in the urbanization rate. (3) The tourism industry, under the condition of lower secondary industry development levels, has a weaker driving effect on economic development. Moderate development of light industry would be more conducive to the coupling coordination of ecosystem asset protection and economic development in mountainous areas. The research findings can provide scientific reference for the formulation of green development strategies in mountainous regions.