Reconciling multiple planning objectives at the county level in China: A novel landscape functional zoning approach considering both landscape services synergy and landscape character integrity

As urbanization rapidly advances, the coordination issues among multiple spatial planning initiatives at the county level in China are becoming increasingly severe. Problems such as landscape fragmentation and the loss of distinct landscape characteristics due to improper management are becoming more pronounced. Therefore, reconciling the contradictions between various planning objectives is crucial for the effective overall governance of county landscapes. This study focuses on harmonizing multiple planning goals and priorities, proposing a new method for landscape functional zoning that takes into account both the synergy of landscape services and landscape integrity. Using Anlu County in Hubei Province as the empirical research site, cluster analysis based on six landscape character elements identified 34 landscape character types and 894 landscape character units. These units were used to assess seven key landscape services related to ecological maintenance, agricultural production, and human living conditions. Based on the systematic conservation planning, flexible scenarios were then created using Marxan with Zones to explore the trade-offs and synergistic effects among these services to establish primary landscape functional zones. Subsequently, secondary zoning was conducted in eCognition using the semi-automatic image segmentation technology based on the identified landscape character types, and tailored landscape management strategies for each zone were proposed. This method resulted in the delineation of 4 primary and 36 secondary landscape functional zones in Anlu County. Each zone maximizes the synergistic effects of landscape services while maintaining the integrity of landscape characters, transforming landscape management and protection from fragmented elements to a cohesive landscape space. This enhances zoning management efficiency and holds significant implications for the overall management and protection of county landscapes.