The educational attribute of landscapes: Exploring the path of cultural ecosystem services values evaluation empowering natural resources teaching innovation

Based on the theory of cultural ecosystem services (CESs) and the simultaneous development of five educations, this study constructs a comprehensive framework to elucidate the mechanisms among landscape education, CESs values, and natural resources teaching. It compiles expert evaluations of illustrations from middle school geography textbooks and a collection of study-tour itineraries for Gansu province. Using methods including categorical statistics, kernel density estimation, and MaxEnt model prediction, the study assesses the CESs values of natural resources featured in middle school geography curricula and Gansu study sites, and explores pathways through which value evaluation can advance natural resources teaching. Findings indicate: (1) Digital landscapes convey the digital CESs values in theoretical teaching through multimedia courseware, textbook illustrations, and other forms. Students perceive the physical CESs values via observation, experience and research. The values of CESs provide a pivotal basis for selecting teaching materials and field sites. (2) The illustrations in chapters such as "Resources Security and National Security" carry high value. Mixed multiple illustrations layouts better express educational and spiritual values. Chapter cover illustrations convey aesthetic values, and educational and spiritual are strongly linked. Values evaluation informs textbook revision through the selection of graphic and textual cases, innovative arrangement methods, optimized visual effects, and exploration of ideological and political elements. (3) Study-tour courses in Gansu show overall agglomerative spatial distribution. Lanzhou city and surrounding counties are the main high-value areas for five types of CESs. The high-value areas in the Hexi Corridor are concentrated in oases and cities. Value distribution is highly correlated with the density of primary and secondary schools in the region. Values assessment guides study-tour product development and practical education-based construction. The research has practical significance in refining teaching strategies and objectives across educational levels, optimizing teaching resources, and linking of theory with practice in teaching.