Trade-offs and synergies pattern evolution of ecosystem structure-resilience-activity-services (SRAS) in the Belt and Road Initiative region

Abstract

This study develops an analytical framework comprising “ecosystem pattern – trade-off and synergy process – multidimensional response mechanism – future risk management” to investigate the evolution of trade-off and synergy patterns of SRAS performance and its sustainability among BRI nations and 80 representative cities. The synergistic levels of SRAS in BRI countries declined, but will increase in the future, the increased trend of BRI cities will transfer to decline in the future. The interaction of multi-dimensional human urban activities could achieve a stronger impact on SRAS performance synergies of BRI countries and cities, and the PD-LU and PD-ED were the dominant interaction influence chains, respectively. This study was the first one to holistically reveal the evolution of trade-off and synergy patterns of SRAS performances, at both nation and city levels, in the BRI region. It also contributes new perspectives from the BRI region to the sustainable urban planning, terrestrial ecosystems conservation, and urban ecological governance programs.