Regional Ecological Security Assessment Based on Improved Method of Ecological Footprint--the Case of Shandong Chang Dao County

摘要

This article is an elementary exploration and practice of applying emergy theory and ecological footprint to assess regional ecological security. The ecological footprint, carrying capacity, and ecological deficit of Chang Dao County were calculated. Furthermore, the concept and model of ecological footprint pressure index (EFPI) as well as the grade system of regional ecological security was put forward based on ecological footprint so as to analyze the regional ecological security. From 2003 to 2008 the per capita ecological capacity and the per capita ecological footprint of Chang Dao show an increasing tendency. The per capita ecological deficit appears an increasing tendency. According to the ecological security grade system measured off by EFPI, the security degree of ecology system belongs to IV,and it is a worsening state. The improved method makes evaluation results more objective, precise and measurable. The improved models in this paper could make an important contribution to decision-making for Chang Dao's governors and to the development of the island regional planning incorporation assessment and prediction of ecological security. This study demonstrates the potential of the improved model for assessing ecological security.