Application of PCA integrated with CA and GIS in eco-economic regionalization of Chinese Loess Plateau

a r t i c l e i n f o Eco-economic regionalization (EER) is to divide an area into geographical zones. Each zone is linked to the others based on the eco-economic similarity and disparity. In this study, models of EER of the Chinese Loess Plateau were constructed. Data on 22 selected indicators were gathered for the 282 administrative counties. Then they were analyzed through an approach of PCA integrated with CA and GIS. In the generated model, the plateau was assigned to 4 belts and 18 eco-economic zones. The relationship among the subdivisions was able to represent the real situation. It demonstrates the division scheme is very comprehensive, concise and applicable. The work has established a novel methodological framework for EER of large-scale area. The Chinese Loess Plateau is an area congested with problems of overpopulation , scarce resources and harsh environment in China; however it is also the major region where large energy industry and heavy chemical manufactories are located. The ecological environment is very fragile under a situation of population growth out-control and environmental protection largely neglected. Human activities in terms of reproduction and daily life do not comply with the nature; and the consequential degradation in ecological environment is very serious. The recent economic development has not only exacerbated the deterioration process, but also made the environment more vulnerable. The complex ecological structure has been disrupted due to localized damages, and the ecosystem is slowly receding into a dysfunctional state. This situation also has made a tremendous negative impact on the overall ecological environment in China. The deterioration of natural ecological environment causes declining of productivity and other tangible economic losses; it also affects the price of the local products in the international market and the investment environment of the area. The resultant threat on living conditions will inevitably harm the quality of human life. Such unfavorable situation has formed a vicious circle in several locations on the Chinese Loess Plateau. In order to improve the situation, the Chinese government has implemented various measures albeit without much success on managing the Loess Plateau since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Among the many reasons, lack of a comprehensive agro-ecological economic regionalization map is the key factor. In the past 60 years the Loess Plateau was under the control of the central government. During this time period, no strategic management plan was executed. There …