4.3 The GFG strategy based on the SCP
The main purpose of the GFG is to control soil erosion and enhance the
SCE. Therefore, in combination with the above analysis, the focus of GFG
investment should be arranged in regions with high SCP in the future to
obtain the maximum benefits. As for the future development direction of
GFG in Yan’an, in this study, the future GFG investment is divided into
3 levels based on the SCP in 2015. Table 5 and Figure 5 provide the
classification and spatial distribution of the levels. For different
levels, the practical GFG investments strategy should be adopted.
[Table 5 near here]
[Figure 5 near here]
High-level regions are concentrated in the east, north and south of
Yan’an. These regions have the most range for soil erosion control.
Through the GFG, the best SCE will be achieved. Therefore, priority
needs to be given in policy formulation to increase the GFG investment
in these regions. The distribution of mid-level regions is similar to
that of high-level regions, but the scope is wider. The implementation
of GFG is still feasible in these regions. In the process of formulating
strategies, it is necessary to pay attention to the overall coordination
between mid-level and high-level regions, so as to generate economies of
scale and reduce costs. Low-level areas are mainly distributed in the
middle and northwest. For these areas, the SCE produced by intensive
artificial vegetation restoration is not obvious, the GFG investment in
these areas should be gradually reduced in the future. The focus should
be shifted to the natural restoration, management and maintenance of
vegetation.