Study on the evaluation of ecosystem service values of typical lakes in Xinjiang

Arid zone lakes are important components of the regional water resources system, which not only play an important supporting role in maintaining the balance of the regional ecosystembut also have important indications for regional climate change and human activities. Therefore, in arid and semi-arid regions such as Xinjiang, calculating the ecosystem service value of lakes emphasizes the importance of lakes as valuable water resources that play a key role in maintaining regional ecological balance and biodiversity and preventing land degradation and desertification. This study focuses on the ecosystem service assessment of nine large lakes in Xinjiang (Bosten Lake, Ayakkumu Lake, Ulungur Lake, Jili Lake, Aksayqin Lake, Aqqikol Lake, Ebinur Lake, Sayram Lake, and Jingyu Lake) for the period 2000-2020. Utilizing the JRC Yearly Water Classification History dataset from the GEE platform, this study obtained the change in the water body area of each lake during the study period. This study assessed the lake's provisioning services and regulating role using the market value approach, shadow engineering approach, alternative cost approach, and outcome reference for approach service values in conjunction with socioeconomic statistics and literature from previous ecosystem service studies. The following conclusions were drawn: (1)The fishery provisioning service values of Bosten Lake, Ulungur Lake, and Jili Lake are relatively high and show an upward trend. (2)The water source conservation and flood regulation service values of highland lakes such as Ayakkumu Lake, Aqqikol Lake, Aksayqin Lake and Jingyu Lake showed an upward trend. The water source conservation and flood regulation service values of Sayram Lake, Jili Lake and Ulungur Lake remained stable. (3)The value of ecosystem services in Ebinur Lake fluctuated significantly from 2000 to 2020, showing an overall downward trend. Relevant departments should enhance the monitoring and protection of Ebinur Lake. (4)The ranking of ecosystem values for the nine lakes is as follows: water source conservation value > flood regulation value > fishery provisioning value.