The Spatial Impact of Rural Landscape Patterns on the Provision of Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of Hangzhou Area

Objective（目的） Changes in landscape patterns often bring about alterations in the structure, processes, and functions of ecosystems. In the context of rapid urbanization, drastic changes in land use/land cover (LULC) significantly disturb the structure and function of rural landscapes, leading to a series of ecological and environmental issues in rural areas such as farmland transformation, landscape fragmentation, and habitat degradation. These issues, in turn, pose threats to the stability of the ecosystem. Therefore, understanding the impact of rural landscape patterns on the provision of ecosystem services is fundamental for managing and planning rural ecosystems under rapid urbanization. In light of this, our study uses Hangzhou as a case study to reveal the relationship between rural landscape patterns and ecosystem services under rapid urbanization. We hope to provide reference value for local decision-makers in terms of land use, and also offer a basis for planning and layout in the central and western regions that are about to undergo urbanization. Methods（方法） This study focuses on a typical area undergoing rapid urbanization—the rural region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. This area has experienced dramatic changes in land use/land cover over the past 20 years, resulting in significant ecological issues such as habitat degradation and landscape fragmentation. The research employs models such as InVEST and Fragstats to assess ecosystem services (including food production, water yield, carbon sequestration, habitat support, soil conservation, and cultural services) in relation to rural landscape patterns. Spatial relationships between the provision of ecosystem services and rural landscape patterns within the study area are identified using OLS (Ordinary Least Squares), GWR (Geographically Weighted Regression), and MGWR (Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression) models. Additionally, the performance of the MGWR model is compared with other global or local regression models. Results（结果） The results indicate:1) The spatial pattern of ecosystem service functions in rural areas of Hangzhou exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity. Areas with low service values for habitat quality, water yield, and soil conservation primarily occur in the northeastern part of Hangzhou and around the city. Conversely, cultural and carbon storage services show the opposite spatial distribution, with high-value areas mainly concentrated around the city.2) The rural landscape of Hangzhou is trending towards fragmentation and homogenization, with the most significant changes occurring at the edge of the urban area. This is mainly due to urban expansion and the scaling up of agricultural and forestry plantations, which weaken landscape fragmentation and reduce heterogeneity. Human activities such as the construction of new rural areas and tourism facilities have already had negative impacts on the landscape.3) The impacts of rural landscape patterns on different ecosystem services vary, which is reflected in both the landscape pattern indicators and their levels. Landscape pattern indicators (Slope degree, total landscape area, Shannon's Evenness Index, edge density, contagion) have a significant impact on ecosystem services, presenting a nonlinear relationship. However, the impact of rural landscape patterns on different ecosystem services varies. Among them, the Slope degree (SLOPE) has the most significant impact on services, showing a strong positive correlation. This is followed by total landscape area (TA), Shannon's Evenness Index (SHEI), edge density (ED), and contagion (CONTAG).4) The multiscale geographically weighted regression model can determine the pattern of landscape patterns and the degree of their impact on the provision of ecosystem services. It can effectively quantify the heterogeneous impact of landscape patterns in rural areas of Hangzhou on the provision of ecosystem services. Combined with advanced geospatial technology, it can improve the accuracy of landform changes and optimization. Therefore, assessing the relationship between rural landscape patterns and various ecosystem services can provide data support for rural land space and propose targeted practical planning, construction, and control strategies for different types of rural spatial units, ultimately achieving sustainable management of rural ecological landscapes. Conclusion（结论） This study is not a simple overlay of rural landscape patterns and ecosystem services. Rather, it distinguishes between the ecological conservation directions of rural landscapes and the priorities for regional development. It can serve as a theoretical basis for policy-making concerning ecosystem services and for the planning and management of rural landscapes, aiming to achieve healthy and sustainable management of rural ecosystem services. Admittedly, the study has limitations: it models the relationship between landscape patterns and ecosystem services using a 2.5×2.5 km grid as the basic geographic analysis unit. In practical applications, spatial planning may require adjustments, potentially utilizing existing planning management units, such as village-level scales, and incorporating more influencing factors of ecosystem services to build a more comprehensive and integrated assessment framework. Additionally, temporal scale considerations should be included to understand the evolution and mechanisms of rural ecosystem service provision under the pressures of urbanization. This approach will accurately reveal the complex relationships between ecosystem services and landscape patterns, further advancing methods for rural landscape planning and design to better promote the sustainable development of rural living environments and regional development.