Hangzhou Bay Coastal Wetland Ecosystem Services Decline, Urgent Protection Needed.
The researchers studied the value of Hangzhou Bay coastal wetland from 2000 to 2015. They found that the total ecosystem service value decreased over time due to wetland area loss from over-reclamation and urban development. The main functions of the wetland were climate regulation, water purification, and soil conservation. The regulating service category accounted for over 60% of the total value, with climate regulation, water purification, and soil conservation making up over 80% of the total value. The study suggests the need for stronger ecological protection of Hangzhou Bay coastal wetland.