Study on the spatiotemporal evolution and convergence of value conversion efficiency of forest ecological products: a case study of the southern collective forest area

Enhancing the efficiency of value conversion of forest ecological products is a crucial strategy to implement the "Two Mountains" concept and foster Chinese-style modernization, promoting harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Using the southern collective forest region as the study sample, this paper employs the value equivalent method and the super-EBM model of unexpected outputs. The value conversion efficiency of forest ecological products in this region was calculated from 2012 to 2021, with 2011 as the base year. Additionally, Kernel density estimation, the Dagum Gini coefficient, and other analytical methods were utilized to examine the regional disparities, dynamic evolution, and convergence of value conversion efficiency in southern collective forest regions. Findings indicate that from 2012 to 2021, the value conversion efficiency demonstrated an overall upward trend with periodic fluctuations. Coastal provinces such as Fujian and Guangxi exhibited higher conversion efficiency, while inland provinces like Jiangxi and Guizhou lagged. Kernel density estimation revealed a gradual expansion of highly efficient areas and an overall improvement in efficiency levels. Convergence tests (σ-convergence and β-convergence) confirmed significant regional convergence in the value conversion efficiency of forest ecological products. Promoting regional coordination and cooperation is essential to developing a complementary advantage model, advancing the marketization of forest ecological products, and establishing differentiated ecological compensation standards. These measures aim to enhance overall transformation efficiency and ensure balanced regional development.