The protection zoning method of agricultural heritage from the perspective of biocultural diversity: A case study of Enshi Yulu Tea Culture System, Hubei

The research of biocultural diversity in agricultural heritage sites is of significant practical importance for the formulation of protection and development plans for agricultural heritage and the sustainable development of the social-ecological systems in these sites. This research focuses on the nationally important agricultural heritage "Hubei Enshi Yulu Tea Culture System" and uses employs methods such as ArcGIS spatial analysis, coupling coordination degree model, and geographically weighted regression model to establish a zoning method for the protection of agricultural heritage from the perspective of biocultural diversity. The research results indicate that: (1) The spatial differentiation characteristics of biocultural diversity in Enshi Yulu Tea Culture System are evident, with a high overlap between biodiversity and cultural diversity. High-value areas of biocultural diversity are primarily distributed in the northern and southwestern regions, specifically on slopes and in valleys at altitudes of 500 m to 1500 m, forming continuous planar areas along riverbanks. (2) Incorporating high-value areas of biocultural diversity into the heritage protection scope results in an optimized total area of 2925 km2, enhancing the spatial continuity and integrity of biocultural diversity. (3) The coupling coordination degree of biocultural diversity generally exhibits a distribution pattern of "high in the north and south, while low in the east and west", with high-value areas often showing a high-quality coupling state, while low-value areas tend to exhibit a general coupling state. (4) The heritage site is predominantly driven by factors such as relevant plants, traditional customs, and traditional crafts, leading to the formation of different coupling coordination relationships in the region, which in turn creates unique representations of biocultural diversity. The study recommends designating high-quality coupling coordination areas as core zones, emphasizing the integrated development of traditional agriculture and culture, with an area of 1256 km2. The general coupling coordination area, as a heritage buffer zone, emphasizes the dynamic balance between ecosystems and cultural traditions, with an area of 1669 km2.