IMPACT OF VEGETATION CHANGE ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN LAOS FROM 2000 TO 2020

Changes in vegetation have a significant effect on the functions of ecosystem services. The evaluation of the ecosystem service functions provided by vegetation is crucial for promoting sustainable development in the region. This research focuses on Laos as the area of study. Initially, the spatiotemporal changes in vegetation over the last 20 years are analyzed, and the influencing factors are determined using the geographic detector model. Subsequently, the InVEST model is utilized to quantitatively evaluate four essential ecosystem services: carbon storage, habitat quality, soil conservation, and water yield. The balance of these services is analyzed by studying transitions between various vegetation types and non-vegetated land categories. The results show that: (1) In Laos, the extent of forest and shrubland is declining, with the most noticeable reduction occurring in forested areas. Vegetation degradation is mainly concentrated in cities and their surrounding areas. (2) The primary driving factors behind vegetation changes in Laos include average annual temperature, average annual precipitation, and the human footprint. (3) Forest restoration has positively impacted the carbon storage, habitat quality, and soil conservation functions of Laos' vegetation. The expansion of vegetation cover has strengthened nearly all ecosystem services within the area under study. This research offers valuable insights for promoting sustainable ecological development in Laos, as well as for the effective management and use of vegetation resources.