Towards Sustainable Integrated Watershed Ecosystem Management: A Case Study in Dingxi on the Loess Plateau, China

摘要: The Chinese government initiated a massive conservation program called “Grain-for-Green” in 1999 to reduce soil erosion and improve ecosystem function. Implementing practical sustainable development the loess plateau still remains problematic, particularly its eco-fragile areas. Here we discussed an approach for at watershed scale by integrating land use suitability, services public participation hilly area. We linked scenario analysis economic modeling compare outcomes of three scenarios, CLU (Current Land Use), GOLU (Grain-production Oriented Use) PSLU (Potential Sustainable Use). results indicated that compared PSLU, may provide higher productivity short-term, but not long-term. ranked lowest terms benefits did meet daily needs local farmers. To reconcile adjustments with farmers’ basic needs, labor-saving strategy is necessary. Since assumes slope cropland should be converted pastures or orchards, more time available off-farm work integrated management. Financial support farmers environmental modulated function their positive contribution