Temporal and spatial characteristics of ecological footprint of water resources in Sichuan Province

Abstract

In order to deeply study the sustainability of water resources in Sichuan Province, this study aims to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of the ecological footprint of water resources in Sichuan Province. Using data from the Sichuan Water Resources Bulletin and Statistical Yearbook from 2011 to 2019, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the ecological footprint of water resources in Sichuan Province and its cities and states were evaluated by constructing the ecological footprint model of water resources and the three-dimensional ecological footprint model. It was found that the EFw, ECw and 10,000 yuan GDP of Sichuan Province peaked in 2011 and stabilized between 2012 and 2019; meanwhile, the WESI showed significant instability. In terms of ecological footprint distribution, Sichuan province is mainly biased towards agriculture. Chengdu city has a more significant water consumption than other cities and states due to the special characteristics of tourism and population structure. Ganzi and Aba are relatively better than other cities and states in terms of water sustainability due to geography, population and economic structure. In summary, the changes in the ecological footprint of water resources in Sichuan Province and its cities and states between 2011 and 2019 show obvious regional differences. Therefore, in order to enhance the sustainability of global water resources, in addition to the need for macro-control at the national and provincial levels, it is necessary to implement precise management strategies for individual cities and states.