Ecological protection on the West Coast of Taiwan Strait under economic zone construction: A case study of land use in Yueqing

Abstract

Abstract The economic and ecological implications of infrastructural development in the west coast of Taiwan Strait are critically important for both financial stakeholders and policymakers. This study explores the intricate balance between economic development and ecological sustainability in Yueqing, located on the Western Taiwan Strait. Leveraging remote sensing data for fiscal years 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, the analysis reveals stable land use patterns. The data shows that between 2005 and 2020, the predominant land use categories in Yueqing were forestry and agricultural assets, making up 53.30%, 52.81%, 52.85%, and 52.42% of the total study area, respectively. Both asset classes demonstrated an upward trend, contrasting with the diminishing trends observed in grasslands, aquatic zones, and areas allocated for construction. To address the challenges posed by population pressure and limited land resources, the Yueqing government has implemented policies like the “Implementation Measures for Yueqing’s Farmland Protection and Compensation” in 2016 and the “Land Greening Action Plan” in 2020. These policies have effectively managed land transitions and contributed to sustainable development.