Spatio-Temporal Changes in Forest Area and Its Ecosystem Service Value in Ganzi Prefecture, China, in the Period 1997–2017

It is possible to manage the forest ecosystem and promote sustainable development by keeping track of spatio-temporal fluctuation in area its service value (ESV). The ecology Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Ganzi Prefecture), which located northern Hengduan Mountains region, i.e., China’s most important ecological functional area, has seen significant alteration during past 20 years. However, little known about how ESV evolve. We obtained data regarding Prefecture’s forests using visual interpretation remote sensing images derived from 1997, 2007, 2017, we evaluated spatial–temporal changes 1997 2017 global coefficients adjusted local coefficients. results revealed that (1) increased 6729.95 km2, growth rate was 336.50 km2/a, while (2) experienced an overall increase 257.59 × 108 yuan. primary driver implementation forestry engineering protection policies. (3) Finally, spatial distribution density this period, with occurring Yajiang. scattered highest Yajiang lowest Shiqu. This study emphasizes crucial ecosystems are mechanisms for maintaining life. provided a scientific basis management Mountains.