Estimating ecological compensation based on ecological product value: A case study of Shaanxi Province

【Background and Objective】Ecological products, which are natural elements maintaining ecological security and providing a healthy environment, have both natural and humanistic values. However, the realization of their value is still imperfect, with issues like unclear property rights and inadequate financial support. Transforming ecological values into economic benefits is essential. Ecological compensation accounting helps clarify compensation standards and scope, but current policies face challenges like vague spatial scope and overly high compensation standards based on ecosystem service values. This study aims to assess the value of ecological products and the ecological compensation quota in Shaanxi Province, providing a reference for improving the regional ecological product value realization and compensation system.【Method】This study evaluates the value of ecological products in Shaanxi Province based on the Technical Guideline on Gross Ecosystem Product. It analyzes the ‘consumption-output’ of ecological resources in different cities using ecological footprint and carrying capacity models. The ecological compensation limit is then calculated by combining the ecological product value and resource utilization in different cities.【Result】In 2020, the total value of ecological products in Shaanxi Province was 2 154.694 billion yuan, with material production at 405.661 billion yuan, regulation services at 1 227.833 billion yuan, and cultural services at 521.20 billion yuan. The highest values were found in Hanzhong (312.474 billion yuan) and Yan’an (304.552 billion yuan). From a land-use perspective, forest, grassland, and water were in ecological surplus, while farmland, construction, and fossil energy land were in deficit. Ecologically, only Ankang and Shangluo showed surplus, while other regions had deficits. Based on the ecological protection and economic development balance, regions like Xi’an, Xianyang, and Yulin need to pay ecological compensation (e.g., 2 011.07 billion yuan for Xi’an), while areas such as Yan’an and Hanzhong are entitled to compensation. 【Conclusion】Combining ecological footprint, carrying capacity, and product values allows for a more rational and accurate calculation of ecological compensation at both provincial and municipal levels, improving the efficiency of ecological compensation systems.