Multi-Objective Optimization of the Spatial Structure and Layout of the Protected Area Based on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Yellow River’s Headwaters Region in the Three-River-Source National Park

The optimization of the spatial structure and layout is to determine an optimal and cost-effective land-use allocation plan for protected areas. The key goal is to maximizing the value of ecosystem services. This paper establishes a framework for optimizing the spatial structure and layout of the protected area based on ecosystem services. With the objective of maximizing the value of ecosystem services, it uses the CoMOLA (Constrained Multi-objective Optimization of Land-use Allocation) model for multi-objective optimization under the constraints of area and conversion rules. Taking the Yellow River’s headwaters region in the Three-River-Source (Sanjiangyuan) National Park as the study area, this paper uses the data of the year 2015 as a benchmark, and obtains the optimization results of the study area by 2035. The results show that the total value of ecosystem services of the Yellow River’s headwaters region after optimization will reach RMB [Formula: see text], with a total increase of RMB [Formula: see text] (8.47%). The land covers that contribute most to the value of ecosystem services are rivers, lakes and wetlands (51.55%), and grasslands (40.71%). Among the various types of ecosystem services, the value of provisioning services will increase by RMB [Formula: see text], regulating services by RMB [Formula: see text], supporting services by RMB [Formula: see text], and cultural services by RMB [Formula: see text]. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the spatial optimization of protected areas and the management of national parks.