Trade-Offs and Synergies Among Grassland Functions: A Case Study in the Three River Headwaters Region

Conflicts among the “production–living–ecological” functions (PLEFs) of grasslands significantly constrain regional economic, social, and ecological security. Therefore, scientifically quantifying and clarifying the trade-offs and synergies among grassland PLEFs in the Three River Headwaters Region (TRHR) is particularly crucial for promoting the realization of regional sustainable development goals. Based on data from 2000 to 2023, this study constructed a grassland PLEFs evaluation index system covering the natural, economic, and social security dimensions of the TRHR. The research calculated the grassland PLEFs and their total functional values, analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of trade-offs and synergies among these functions. The results indicate significant regional differences in the spatial distribution of grassland PLEFs within the TRHR, with all functions exhibiting an overall upward trend, and the total function is ultimately improved by 35.97%. In addition, against the background of ecological civilization construction, the overall development level of the grassland complex system in the TRHR has continuously improved, and the conflict between pastoral production and living function has been effectively alleviated. However, the conflict between ecological and living function remains a significant bottleneck that constrains the coordinated development of the region. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the sustainable use and spatial optimization of grassland resources in the TRHR.