Ecological conservation pattern based on ecosystem services in the Qilian Mountains, northwest China

Qilian Mountains is an important ecological security barrier and water conservation area in western China, with an important ecological status. Conducting research on ecosystem services (ESs) in Qilian Mountains can help explore pathways for green development in Qilian Mountains. In this paper, we quantified the ESs of Qilian Mountains and constructed an ecological conservation pattern. The results show that: the ESs of Qilian Mountains were found to be gradually improving from 1980 to 2020. The average values of habitat quality, soil retention, and water conservation of the Qilian Mountains increased by 3.36%, 13.67%, and 41.66%, respectively from 1980 to 2020. Precipitation, NDVI, and NPP contribute significantly to ESs. We have developed an ecological conservation pattern for the Qilian Mountains with Priority Protection Area (PPA), Consolidation and Enhancement Area (CEA), and Coordinated and Optimization Area (COA) as the core, and proposed different management options. Furthermore, the conservation pattern based on double “E + G” (Enclose, Effects, Green development, and Guarantees)will provide new ideas and approaches for ecological management in alpine regions.