地理学报(英文版)

›› 2013, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (5): 771-774.doi: 10.1007/s11442-013-1043-5

• Special Research on Sanjiangyuan •     Next Articles

Landscape relations to eco-environmental dynamics of the Sanjiangyuan Journal of Geographical Sciences Editorial

Gary BRIERLEY1, HUANG Heqing2   

  1. 1. School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand;
    2. Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
  • Received:2013-05-20 Revised:2013-06-18 Online:2013-10-15 Published:2013-10-15
  • About author:Gary Brierley, Professor, E-mail: g.brierley@auckland.ac.nz|Huang Heqing, Professor, E-mail: huanghq@igsnrr.ac.cn
  • Supported by:

    International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of China, No.2011DFG93160; No.2011DFG20820

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Abstract:

The Sanjiangyuan is a very special place. Its distinctive geography, ecology and history imbue a suite of unique, irreplaceable values, in biophysical, socio-cultural and economic terms. Because of its high species richness and abundance of endemic species, this area, along with Southeast China and the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, is considered to be one of the 34 most important centres of biodiversity in the world (Myers et al., 2000). The challenging environmental setting, it terms of its altitude, tectonic setting and climate, alongside significant development pressures, present major challenges for sustainability and conservation planning. In this special issue we draw together a series of papers that outline how geomorphic (landscape) considerations present an integrative biophysical template with which to develop and enact scientifically informed environmental management activities in this region. The fundamental premise here is a simple one: geodiversity underpins biodiversity and land use potential, thereby fashioning ecosystem values and socio-cultural and economic opportunities.