Analysis of the spatial characteristics and driving forces determining ecosystem quality of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Water shortage is one of the main hinder drivers of sustainable development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and ecological restoration is one of the main means to effectively curb ecological degradation. Addressing ecological degradation in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has been a major concern of the Chinese government, and this has led to a focus on intensified ecological restoration efforts in this area. However, the effect of these restoration actions is not clear. To understand how ecological restoration is impacting ecological quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, we used geographical information system technology, such as the vegetation index-biomass method and cumulative net primary production (NPP) method, to assess the change in ecosystem quality. We carried out the pixel binary model and Pearson's correlation coefficient analyses to understand the driving forces behind the change. Results showed that from 2000 to 2010, the quality of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei ecosystem has been improving, that natural vegetation is slowly re-establishing, and that there has been a slow increase toward climax communities. The change in ecosystem quality is positively correlated with the Sanbei shelterbelt and Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm control project and negatively correlated with socioeconomic and agricultural factors.