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Title:
Mapping Wilderness Areas and Its Implication for Managing Wilderness Travel in China
Abstract:
The concept of wilderness is gaining traction in China, driven by the need to conserve biodiversity and provide authentic outdoor experiences. This study presents an integrated approach to mapping wilderness areas across China, employing both Boolean overlay and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) methods. The Boolean method identifies discrete wilderness patches based on land use, distance from settlements and roads, while the WLC model evaluates the relative wilderness quality within these patches using indicators such as biophysical naturalness and remoteness. The resultant wilderness map reveals over 86,000 patches covering approximately 42% of China's terrestrial area, with significant portions lying outside existing protected areas, highlighting conservation gaps. This research underscores the importance of wilderness mapping for planning wilderness travel that aligns with conservation objectives. Balancing wilderness protection with the growing demand for wilderness travel requires strategic planning, informed by the spatial data provided by this mapping effort. The study also calls for case studies to demonstrate effective wilderness travel management, ensuring sustainable practices that do not compromise the integrity of these pristine areas. By integrating spatial data with on-the-ground management strategies, this research aims to contribute to the sustainable development of wilderness travel in China, while preserving the ecological and experiential values of its wild landscapes.
