Search

The calculation of ecological compensation (EC) constitutes the core element of the EC mechanism, which is related to the practicability of the mechanism. Based on the comprehensive index of water quality and quantity, this study establishes a measurement method for EC across administrative divisions. First, the improved Nemerow pollution index (NPI) is adopted to assess the water quality of specific sections, while the water rights and GDP indicators are employed to characterize the water quantity of each section. Secondly, given the spatial relationship of each region within the basin, two compensation allocation schemes are established referring to the water intake and grey water footprint indicators. Finally, the EC amounts of each region in the Yellow River Basin from 2016 to 2021 are calculated using the proposed method. The results show that: (1) the improved NPI is significantly higher in the upstream than in the downstream, implying better water quality in the upstream region; (2) From 2016 to 2021, both Gansu and Ningxia exhibit negative EC coefficients, suggesting superior water quality in the upper section of these regions, while Henan Province demonstrates the opposite trend; (3) During the same period, Qinghai, Gansu, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Shandong experience an EC deficit, while Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Henan, and Yellow River Conservancy Commission exhibit an EC surplus. Using water quality and quantity indicators, this study includes the implementation of basin unification and regional environmental comprehensive management into the scope of responsibility of the basin government, which can effectively solve the drawbacks of unclear responsibilities of stakeholders and ineffective implementation of compensation in the basin EC. [Display omitted] • The Nemerow pollution index is improved to evaluate water quality. • An EC measurement model coupled with water quality and quantity is established. • The water quality of the Fenglingdu section needs to be monitored with attention. • Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Henan are in EC surplus, while others are in reverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The equivalent coefficient is revised according to ability and willingness to pay. • The Best-worst method is used to determine the weight of the allocated indicators. • A 10 km buffer calculation strip is established in the compensated payment area. • The overflow of hydrological adjusting is greater than that of erosion prevention. • Ecological compensation in 2010–2020 is higher than that in 2000–2010. Coordinated governance and horizontal ecological compensation are important ways to realize ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin. Taking the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River as the research object, this paper analyses the compensation relationship and amount of cities along the line in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan and Shandong provinces. Firstly, the spillover value of regulation of water flows and erosion prevention of 32 counties along the Yellow River in Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces were calculated during 2000–2010 and 2010–2020 from the perspective of land use/cover change (LUCC). Secondly, the compensation accounting index system was established based on the classification of ecological services given the beneficiaries' individual preferences, and each indicator's weights were determined based on the Best-worst method. Finally, setting the water ecological service value of the 10 km buffer zone on both sides of the Yellow River as the accounting scope, this paper calculated the amount of ecological compensation paid by 16 cities in Shandong and Henan provinces. The results show that: (1) The spillover value of Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces in 2010–2020 is greater than that in 2000–2010, and the values of erosion prevention in both stages are lower than that of regulation of water flows; (2) From the perspective of providers, the highest is 3.68e + 08 yuan in Lvliang from 2000 to 2010, while the highest is 3.60e + 09 yuan in Yulin from 2010 to 2020; (3) From the perspective of beneficiaries, Zhengzhou has the highest amount of compensation in Henan province, which is 2.28e + 08 yuan in 2000–2010 and 9.41e + 08 yuan in 2010–2020 respectively. In Shandong province, Heze pays the highest value of 1.27e + 08 yuan from 2000 to 2010, and Jinan pays the highest value of 9.56e + 08 yuan from 2010 to 2020. The ecological compensation scheme obtained in this paper is more sustainable than the vertical compensation and expands the scope of the existing ecological compensation standards, which can effectively stimulate the enthusiasm for ecological protection, and reduce the financial pressure on the central government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]