Rapid Urbanization and Implications for River Ecological Services Restoration: Case Study in Shenzhen, China

Abstract

This descriptive case study examines the linkage between rapid urbanization and alterations of river networks. It is intended to address ecological services changes in a highly urbanized catchment of Shenzhen, China. Using remote sensing and GIS, urban development and the river network between 1980 and 2005 were analyzed. Furthermore, an analysis of vegetation coverage, biological resources value, ecosystems service value, and ecological capital in the highly urbanized Guanlan River subbasin was performed to indicate the ecological consequences of urban sprawl. Results show that rapid urbanization has resulted in a clear decline of drainage density and an obvious ecological degradation in river ecosystems. Geographically, there is a shifting of urban land, and the extent of drainage density decreases from the core of towns to the outskirts. The outward expansion of the urban land and the decrease/disappearance of wetland and water bodies are found to be among the most important driving forces explaining the ecological degradation in river ecosystems in this region of China. Human activities driven by socioeconomic factors should be considered responsible for the degradation of river ecological services. It is irrational to encourage encroachment of river lands in the process of urbanization, and it is also urgent to effectively restore the natural rivers to build healthy cities.