A Study to Assess the Conservation Effectiveness of Nature Reserves in Hainan, China, from 2000 to 2021

Abstract

Nature reserves are special habitats established for representative plant and animal ecosystems, and it is important to strengthen the monitoring and protection of nature reserves for ecological environmental protection. In this paper, 23 typical nature reserves of different levels and types on Hainan Island were selected as the study area. The InVEST model and LandTrendr algorithm were applied in habitat quality assessment and to anthropogenic disturbances of the study area from 2000 to 2021, respectively. Finally, an assessment mode was established, coupling the habitat quality assessment and anthropogenic disturbances, to analyze the spatial and temporal conservation effectiveness of the 23 nature reserves. The results indicate that the 23 nature reserves had good overall conservation effectiveness; 21 had an excellent effectiveness rating, and 2 had a good effectiveness rating between 2000 and 2021. Three of the nature reserves, namely, Dazhoudao, Dongzhaigang and Bangxi, have become significantly more effective. Provincial nature reserves are less effective than national nature reserves in terms of conservation, and are a key concern for follow-up. The conservation effectiveness of the four provincial nature reserves—Nanwan, Qinglangang, Dongfangheilianpilu and Qilinlai—is low, and there has been no significant trend of improvement over the past 21 years. The spatial and temporal changes in the conservation effectiveness of 23 nature reserves on Hainan Island over 21 years can provide scientific data support for the development of nature reserves and departmental supervision in Hainan Province.