Trade-Off Analysis of Ecosystem Services in Regulated River Areas: Supporting, Regulating, and Cultural Services

This study evaluates ecosystem services (ESs) in 10 municipalities within the Han River Basin, analyzes trade-offs, and proposes measures to enhance synergies in areas with ES imbalances. The research focuses on: (1) evaluating ESs in Namyangju and Yongin; (2) identifying vulnerable areas through conservation value assessment; (3) analyzing trade-offs in vulnerable and regulated areas; and (4) developing scenarios to mitigate imbalances, comparing ES evaluations before and after implementation. To enhance synergies, three scenarios were developed, focusing on mixed forest planting and integrating ecological tourism and recreational facilities. These were applied to vulnerable and regulated areas in Namyangju and Yongin. We utilized the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) Habitat Quality (HQ) model, InVEST Carbon model, ES evaluation methodology. Synergies were considered improved if all ES indicators showed positive changes post-implementation. The optimal proportions of mixed forest planting and tourism facilities varied by trade-off type and land cover characteristics, as determined by ES evaluation scores. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of ESs in water source protection areas, highlighting trade-offs and offering practical solutions to mitigate imbalances. By focusing on municipalities in the Han River Basin, it presents a novel approach to ES evaluation at the administrative district level and addresses sustainable river land management and key environmental management challenges.