Evaluation of coordinated development of forestry management efficiency and forest ecological security: a spatiotemporal empirical study based on China's provinces

Authors: CHEN, NI - Beijing Forestry University; QIN, FAN - Beijing Forestry University; ZHAI, YANXIN - Beijing Forestry University; Cao, Heping; ZHANG, RUI - Minzu University Of China; CAO, FANGPING - Beijing Forestry University

Submitted to: Journal of Cleaner Production
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2020
Publication Date: 7/1/2020
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/6866697
Citation: Chen, N., Qin, F., Zhai, Y., Cao, H., Zhang, R., Cao, F. 2020. Evaluation of coordinated development of forestry management efficiency and forest ecological security: a spatiotemporal empirical study based on China's provinces. Journal of Cleaner Production. 260(121042): 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121042.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121042

Interpretive Summary: Human society is inextricably linked to forest ecosystems, which provide an extensive array of services linked to societal and economic prosperity. Forest ecological security is an important basis for maintaining national ecological security and a necessary condition for human sustainable development. Forests not only support people with direct products, but also provide ecological services such as water conservation, carbon fixation, oxygen release, wind control, and erosion prevention. At present, research on the relationship between forestry management efficiency and forest ecological security is still in its infancy. Improving efficiency of forestry management, especially to meet demand for forest products while still considering environmental concerns, is a critical challenge in China. In this study, we constructed index system of forest ecological security and forestry management efficiency, based on 30 provinces. This study provides a theoretical reference framework for decision making for forest management in China.

Technical Abstract: Improving efficiency of forestry management, especially to meet demand for forest products while still considering environmental concerns, is a critical challenge in China. In this study, we constructed index system of forest ecological security and forestry management efficiency, based on 30 provinces. With the help of Super-CCR model, coupling coordination model and spatial panel models, the coupling coordination degree of forest ecological security and forestry management efficiency, and its spatiotemporal pattern characteristics and influencing factors of each province in China from 2003 to 2017 were measured and analyzed. Results showed that, first, in terms of forestry management efficiency, the number of DEA-efficiency provinces increased between 2003 and 2017, yet was still below 50% of all provinces. Efficiency values of most provinces in the Southern Forest Region increased significantly, whereas those of the Northern Forest Region decreased. In terms of forest ecological security, the index increased overall, with most high-value areas in the Northeast, Southwest, and Southern Forest Regions. Second, coupling coordination degree varied from near no coordination to intermediate coordination. Except for a decline in the Northern Region, the degree of coupling coordination in the other regions demonstrated an upward trend, with the growth from high to low in the Southern, Southwest and Northeast Forest Region. Spatially, high values appeared mainly in the Southern and Southwest Forest Regions, while low values mainly concentrated in the Northern Forest Region. Third, coupling coordination was affected by many factors, including nature, population, economy, society, and technological progress, driving temporal patterns and regional differences. This study provides a theoretical reference framework for decision making for forest management in China.