Constructing an ecological security pattern by integrating ecosystem service values and ecological sensitivity: A case study of the Hexi Region, China

Critical ecological components can be comprehensively recognized and conserved by developing an ecological security pattern, thereby facilitating the establishment of a functional ecological network. The results of this study indicate that (1) within the Hexi region, 21 key ecological sources were situated, spanning a combined area of 253.5 km 2 . Spatially, they show a “western concentration and eastern dispersion” pattern, distributed across the oasis areas in western Jiuquan, the southeastern mountainous regions of Zhangye, and desert transition zones in northeastern Wuwei. (2) Analysis of the source areas showed 46 key ecological corridors, totaling 1432.6 km in length. Within this network, the longitudinal corridors traverse the three cities along the Hexi Corridor, whereas the transverse corridors connect the mountain systems in the north and south, effectively ensuring regional ecological connectivity. (3) A hierarchical management and control pattern of the “Three Belts and Multiple Areas” was established; the Ecological Protection Belt focuses on maintaining the water conservation functions of the Qilian-Altun Mountains; the Ecological Potential Belt centers on improving the stability of the oasis system in the corridor; the Economic Corridor Belt implements coordinated ecological-production management and control; and the Multiple Areas implemented the differentiated governance strategies for the desert-oasis transition zones. By optimizing the spatial configuration of the ecological network, this pattern substantially improves the region's ecosystem resilience to disturbances and its service provision efficiency. • A novel evaluation framework was proposed to create the ecological security pattern. • Analysis of the source areas showed 46 key ecological corridors, and 21 key ecological sources were located. • The “Three Belts and Multiple Areas” hierarchical management was established.