The Impact of Desertification Dynamics on Regional Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of Inner Mongolia (China)

Abstract

As one of the most important ecosystems of our planet, desert and desertified land have provided critical ecosystem services to support inhabitants of dry lands, and the desertification dynamics would have greatly impact on regional ecosystem services and economical-social development. In this study, the desertification dynamics in Inner Mongolia, China, and its impact on regional ecosystem services were analyzed by combining multisource data, GIS, and sensitivity analysis method. The results showed that the total ecosystem service value (ESV) decreased by 67.16 billion yuan from 1981 to 2010, and desertification dynamics had moderate linear correlation with ESV, which caused 23.7% decrease of ESV. The impacts of desertification dynamics on the change of ESV in different subregions had spatial heterogeneity, which had promoting effects in southwest of Inner Mongolia and reverse effects in northeast subregions. The sensitivity of ESV to desertification dynamics in different subregions also had obvious differences, and subregions with higher vegetation coverage always showed larger SAF (sensitivity coefficient). Different measures, such as reasonably utilizing water and soil resources, adopting water-saving technology, adjusting the industry structure, and developing the ecological industry, should be adopted by the government to control desertification and promote the ecosystem services.