Measures for the protection and utilization of geo-environment during the urbanization in Yunnan

ZHANG Weifeng; ZHANG Jie; DING Zhongkai; KANG Xiaobo; ZHANG Ruxiang

doi:10.11932/karst20240617

Abstract：Yunnan,a province with a vast territory,is located in the southwest of China.It serves as a convergence zone for the Eurasian Plate,India Ocean Plate,and Pacific Plate.The western part of Yunnan belongs to Tethys-Himalaya orogenic belt,which exhibits strong crustal activities,while its eastern part falls into the stable or semi-stable platform and portions of the Pacific Plate.Yunnan subordinates both the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in terms of geomorphology.It is one of the youngest,most active and continuously rising plateaus,and also an area characterized by rare grand canyons.In this area,strong tectonic movements and frequent magmatic activities have formed many geomorphologic landscapes such as plateau lakes,stone forest landforms,volcano vestiges,Sanjiang gorge in the northwest of Yunnan,and hot springs in Tengchong.However,the geological conditions in Yunnan are generally complex and highly fragile. Since China's reform and opening-up over the past 40 years,Yunnan's economy has achieved great progress,and its urbanization has developed rapidly.However,while enjoying various convenience brought about by economy development,people from different ethnic groups in Yunnan are also facing a range of geo-environmental issues.These include declining water levels,drying water sources,rising snow lines,and other geological disasters.Therefore,finding ways to reduce or prevent the occurrence of geo-environment problems and to protect geo-environment during urbanization has become an important issue. This study uses a comprehensive research and analysis methodology.The entire area is categorized into six major water system basins,serving as the first-level protection unit,plateau-lake basins as the second-level protection unit,and key geological relics as the third-level protection unit.Additionally,the area can be divided into development,protection,and utilization zones,each with clearly defined protection goals and levels corresponding to each unit within the zone.In this study,we have put forward measures for the protection and utilization of geo-environment during the urbanization in Yunnan.We will strengthen research on the coordinated development model of urbanization and geological environment,and focus on areas with fragile geological environment.The key areas of geological environment vulnerability and sensitivity in Yunnan Province are divided into three major regions:the geological environment vulnerability zone on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in northwest Yunnan,the geological environment vulnerability zone in the dry-hot valley of the Jinsha river in northeast Yunnan,and the geological environment vulnerability zone between Ailao mountain and Wuliang mountain in southern Yunnan. In order to protect and utilize geo-environment,it is essential to enhance comprehensive dynamic monitoring of the geo-environment in urban areas within the area.This includes setting reference values for dynamic monitoring indicators and accurately capturing the changes in geo-environmental elements over time.We should promptly initiate the comprehensive protection and management of the geo-environment.Through human intervention,we can select appropriate engineering and non-engineering measures to restore the capacity and ensure the sustainable utilization of the geo-environment.The development of urban areas should be grounded in the characteristics of the geo-environment and aligned with the advantages of geographical resources.Additionally,effective national spatial planning should be implemented.Most towns can be typically constructed in basins and river valleys,where the terrain is more expansive,while a smaller number can be constructed on slopes of mountainous areas.This mountainous terrain will create a magnificent landscape that harmonious blends nature and culture.According to the terrain and landform conditions,cities and towns can be categorized into four types:mountain basin,mountain slope,valley basin,and valley slope.This classification aims to facilitate the development of aesthetically pleasing urban areas.In the future,research will focus on geo-environmental issues,including key points,hotspots,and challenges.The scientific understanding of how human activities impact the geo-environment,the implementation of coordinated development between urbanization and the geo-environment,and the enhancement of comprehensive three-dimensional protection and governance of the geo-environment are crucial for the advancement of urbanization and the effective protection of geo-environment.The mechanism behind the formation of geo-environmental problems should be studied in order to prevent geo-environment from exacerbation or occurrence.Studies should be conducted to promote sustainable development that balances urbanization with the geo-environment and to propose effective countermeasures for addressing geo-environmental problems.