Theory And Application Of Ecological Compensation: A Multiple Temporal-spatial Scales Perspective

As an important part and approach to the undertaking of regional ecologicalconstruction, ecological compensation is becoming one of key as well as multi-disciplineissues in the field of resources and environmental management. On the basis of extensivereview and reference to the existing theories, approaches and achievements, this essayfocuses on the theory and application of ecological compensation under the perspectivesof multiple temporal-spatial scales, of man-earth relation, and also of a balancedconsideration about the so called value dimension and material dimension in the analysisof ecosystem services.Firstly, it is pointed out that, as far as the connotation of ecological compensation isconcerned, the present academe home and abroad tends to lay particular stress on thevalue dimension rather than the material one, and on man-man relation rather thanman-earth relation. So the paper intentionally develops and redefines the connotation bydefining Man-earth Compensation parallel to the traditional Man-man Compensation, inthe hope that this would provide a tool or framework for researching into ecologicalcompensation issues from various dimensions.Secondly, the paper deals with the theoretical base with respect to the redefinedecological compensation concept. It is put forward and then demonstrated that thetheoretical base of ecological compensation should not be limited to the theories onlyrelating to economics discipline, but also relating to man-earth relation, sustainabledevelopment, regional differentiation and conjunction, and even environmental equity andjustice.Thirdly, some core theoretical issues, such as the stakeholders, mechanism andpattern, and ecological compensation standard, are studied, taking a dynamic andmultiple-scale perspective. This part takes the multiple-scale nature of ecosystem services,ecosystem management and decision making into full account. It is strongly argued thatthe temporal-spatial scale of any compensation pattern should be well matched with themultiple temporal-spatial scales nature of natural ecosystems, by which to guarantee thebest effects.Fourthly, two pieces of case study, namely Fujian province case and Changtingcounty case, are carried out, in order to apply and testify the theoretical findings made bythe author in regions at different level. The case study well demonstrates the necessity of a balanced consideration about man-man compensation and man-earth compensation, aswell as the importance of designing the ecological compensation pattern according to themultiple-scale nature of ecosystems.Finally, the present situation, limitations and causes of the implementation ofecological compensation in Fujian and Changting are further analyzed, and the reformand innovation directions of the current compensation institution are pointed out anddeeply expounded.