The hidden costs of land use transformation: Ecological degradation in arid and semi-arid areas

Abstract

This study uses remote sensing data to analyze land use changes in Wuwei City from 1980 to 2020, employing the "Production-Living-Ecology" framework with methods like land-use transfer matrix and ecological quality indices. The results show that the distribution of Wuwei's “Three-Life Space” remains relatively stable over time, though ecological space has decreased, mainly due to declines in grassland and forest areas. Living space has primarily expanded in urban regions and their peripheries. Production space, initially declining, began increasing in the central urban and eastern areas. Land use transitions mainly occur from ecological lands to agricultural and urban areas. The reduction in ecological space is largely driven by the conversion of grasslands and forests to agricultural and industrial lands, particularly in core urban areas and their surrounding zones. Ecological environment quality in Wuwei exhibits both improvement and degradation, with regional variations. The primary positive change results from converting agricultural lands and grasslands into forests. However, the transformation of ecological land into agricultural areas has led to environmental degradation, including biodiversity loss and the decline of ecosystem functions. Future land-use planning should prioritize ecosystem protection and restoration while promoting sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth and environmental conservation.