Quantitative assessment model of ecological vulnerability of the Silk Road Economic Belt, China, utilizing remote sensing based on the partition–integration concept

The various patterns of spatial heterogeneity in the eco-environment of the Silk Road Economic Belt of China differ greatly. In this study, a partition–integration concept was introduced to assess the ecological vulnerability of the Silk Road Economic Belt in China. To confirm the comparability of ecological vulnerability among different sub-regions, the net primary productivity (NPP) was utilized to determine the ecological vulnerability thresholds for different sub-regions. The results indicated that: (1) the new assessment model of ecological vulnerability based on the partition–integration concept was strongly operational and practical for the study region; (2) NPP was conducive to the continuous expression of ecological vulnerability, which can ensure better comparison and analysis of ecological vulnerability among the three sub-regions; (3) the spatial patterns of zones at different vulnerability levels differed greatly. The mild vulnerability zone was the most widely distributed, whereas the zone of slight vulnerability covered the smallest area. (4) Specific environmental protection and treatment measures should be conducted in the three sub-regions with different dominant ecological problems. These results can provide decision-making support in realizing the great strategy of the “one belt and one road” idea.