Ecosystem degradation or restoration? The evolving role of land use in China, 2000–2020

Dramatic land use change in China affects ecosystem degradation and restoration. Identifying the evolving role of land use in ecosystem degradation and restoration in China is essential for sustainable land policy making. However, it is not clear how land use affects ecosystem degradation and restoration over time. Here, we used the revised benefit transfer approach and spatial statistics based on land use data to determine the evolving role that land use plays in ecosystem degradation and restoration in China during 2000–2020. The study results pointed out that the deterioration of the forestland ecosystem during the study period was the main reason for ecosystem degradation, while the conversion of arable land to forestland was the main cause for ecosystem restoration. Every 1% increase of land use intensity in the periods 2000–2005, 2005–2010, 2010–2015, and 2015–2020 resulted in –1.754%, 0.697%, 1.098%, and –0.058% of the changes in ecosystem services, respectively. This study provided important policy implications for future sustainable land use management in China.