Integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process into ecosystem service-based spatial planning: A case study of the Shenyang metropolitan area, China

Incorporating ecosystem services (ESs) into spatial planning is crucial for effective environmental management and achieving sustainable development goals. While the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a commonly employed method for multicriteria analysis of ESs, it has faced criticism for its limited ability to handle inherent imprecision and uncertainties. Consequently, we proposed an assessment framework for ESs using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and implemented it in the Shenyang Metropolitan Area (SMA), a key political and economic center in Northeast China. We quantified eight types of ESs (water yield, food supply, water regulation, carbon storage, waste regulation, soil retention, habitat quality, and outdoor recreation) within SMA. The FAHP was utilized to determine the weights of these ESs. Subsequently, we presented a normalized index to identify priority conservation and development areas. Our results indicated that the primary areas for conservation were mainly located in the southwest and east of Benxi City, the southeast of Fushun City, and the southeast of Anshan City, whereas areas for development were primarily in the northwest of Shenyang City. Through comparing various ES integration methods, our study underscores the effectiveness of FAHP in ES evaluation. The research also highlights the challenge of managing uncertainties in ES-based policy-making and emphasizes the necessity for resilient and comprehensive planning approaches.