A landscape-based ecological hazard evaluation and characterization of influencing factors in Laos

The study of the spatiotemporal evolution of landscape ecological hazard and human and natural influences is essential for conservative management and regional sustainable development. This study applied a landscape pattern analysis method and geodetector to multi-source data for 2000, 2010, and 2020 to analyze changes in and drivers of landscape ecological hazard in Laos. The results indicated that: (1) There were more prominent changes in landscape types in Laos. Forest area decreased, whereas the areas of other landscape types increased. There was an overall steady change in the landscape patterns of Laos. Besides for significant changes in the artificial surface landscape index, landscape indices remained stable; (2) The cumulative high and extreme ecological hazard areas increased by 1,947.81 km(2), whereas the cumulative areas of low and minimal ecological hazard decreased by 8,461.8 km(2). Areas of low and moderate ecological hazard accounted for > 85% of the total area. Areas of low ecological hazard were mainly in the northwest and southeast. The area of high ecological hazard was concentrated in the central and northeastern regions. The distributions of different landscape ecological hazards in Laos during the study period were similar, with general patterns of decreasing hazard from north to south; (3) A positive Moran's I of landscape ecological hazard in Laos was obtained. While the agglomeration effect was pronounced, it decreased over time, resulting in a weakening in spatial autocorrelation. A significant positive autocorrelation was observed in the spatial distribution of landscape ecological hazard in the study area. Agglomerated areas of high and low ecological hazard were mainly concentrated in the northeast and southeast, respectively; (4) The spatiotemporal evolution of landscape ecological hazard in Laos over the last 20 years could be attributed to interactions between natural and anthropogenic influences. Natural influences were a significant driver of changes to landscape ecological hazard in Laos, with annual precipitation and average temperature being the most significant. Anthropogenic influences, including socioeconomic factors and regional accessibility, significantly impacted local ecological deterioration in Laos.