In the vast and ecologically sensitive border regions of China, a delicate balance between human activity and environmental preservation is constantly at play. A recent study published in the journal *Resources, Environment and Sustainability* (translated from Chinese as *资源、环境与可持续发展*) sheds light on the intricate relationship between territorial space use (TSU) and land ecological security (LES), offering a nuanced approach to governance that could have significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
Led by Guobin Ma from the School of Natural Resources and Surveying and Mapping at Nanning Normal University, the research employs advanced modeling techniques to unravel the complex dynamics at work in China’s border areas. By utilizing Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and Structural Equation Models (SEM), Ma and his team identified the threshold effects of various TSU types on LES, providing a critical foundation for informed decision-making.
“The northern border is threatened by ecological degradation in arid regions; soil erosion affects more than half of the northwest border area; and rocky desertification in the southwest border region contributes to the desertification of cultivated land and the loss of soil fertility,” explains Ma. This spatial mismatch between land use patterns and ecological security requirements underscores the urgent need for effective governance strategies.
The study reveals that from 2008 to 2023, the proportion of Other Ecological Space (OE) in TSU types was the highest at 32.764%, concentrated in the Northern and Northwestern borders. Notably, the transformation from OE to Water Ecological Space (WE) reflects a systematic tendency, with spatial transfers dominated by Agriculture-to-Urban and Ecology-to-Urban transitions. These findings highlight the evolving nature of land use and the pressing need for adaptive governance frameworks.
At different scales, LES is characterized by a ‘high in the North and low in the West’ pattern, with Social Protection (SP), Economic Drive (EM), and Ecological Support (SS) showing strong effects on LES. The thresholds for LES in various TSU types, such as Agricultural Production Space (AP), Grassland Ecological Space (GE), OE, and Forest Ecological Space (FE), were identified as 0.457, 0.425, 0.330, and 0.345, respectively. These thresholds provide critical benchmarks for policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure sustainable land use practices.
The research also introduces a ‘grid-county-city’ governance approach, characterized by zonal control and hierarchical governance. This nuanced approach aims to offer a foundational theoretical framework and decision-making benchmark for the sustainable utilization of territorial space, harmonizing security and development in border regions. “Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the threshold effects of TSU on LES, which is essential for scientifically constructing a border ecological barrier management system,” says Ma.
For the energy sector, this research offers valuable insights into the ecological impacts of land use changes and the importance of sustainable practices. As energy projects often require significant land use, understanding the threshold effects on LES can help mitigate potential ecological degradation and ensure long-term sustainability. The ‘grid-county-city’ governance approach proposed by Ma and his team could serve as a model for integrating ecological security into energy development plans, fostering a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking research not only advances our understanding of the complex interplay between territorial space use and land ecological security but also provides a roadmap for effective governance in ecologically sensitive border regions. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study will be invaluable in shaping sustainable development practices and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all.