A Comparative Analysis of the Regional Integrated Rice–Crayfish Systems Based on Ecosystem Service Value: A Case Study of Huoqiu County and Chongming District in China

Abstract

This study evaluates regional differences in ecosystem service values (ESVs) between the integrated rice–crayfish systems of Huoqiu County (HQ) and Chongming District (CM) in China. The assessment was based on the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) V5.1, which categorizes ecosystem services into provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural services. In this framework, each service category was quantified using region-specific biophysical indicators combined with monetary valuation methods. The results showed that the ESVs in HQ and CM were 346,113.59 CNY/ha and 467,334.89 CNY/ha, respectively, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounted for as a negative value. Regulation and maintenance services dominated both regions (59% in HQ and 52% in CM), followed by provisioning services (22%) in HQ and cultural services (19%) in CM. Among these, temperature regulation, water storage and flood control, soil nutrient retention, social security functions, and greenhouse gas emissions were higher in HQ than in CM, with the key difference lying in social security value in HQ and greater tourism development value in CM. A SWOT-AHP analysis recommends a pioneering strategy leveraging strengths and opportunities for sustainable development. These findings inform region-specific policies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability, contributing to global discourse on integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA) systems. Future research incorporating primary data and refining model parameters would further enhance the precision and practical application of these assessments.

Affiliated Institutions

• Shanghai Ocean University CN
• Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs CN

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