Changes in Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area since the Reform and Opening Up in China

Ecosystem services provide important support for the sustainable development of humans; these are provided by various ecosystems, but they have been severely influenced anthropogenic activities globally in past several decades. To respond to Sustainable Development Goals United Nations, this study investigated changes ecosystem structure and estimated associated value (ESV) since China’s reform opening-up policy Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), one most developed populous areas China. Our results showed that dramatic occurred GBA, characterized unpresented construction land sprawl (an average 148 km2/yr) extensive farmland loss 111 km2/yr). The change size rate ecosystems from 2000 2010 was biggest fastest, followed 1990 2000. ESV area an overall decreasing trend, declining 464 billion yuan 346 yuan. supported forest water body made dominant contributions total ESV, ranging 92% 95%. Strong spatial heterogeneity GBA might be noted throughout period, with lower values central region higher surrounding region. realize GBA; strongly suggests local governments, public, scientifically use their services, focusing on vigorously protecting high ESVs, such as body, wetland, forest, ecosystems.