Measuring gross ecosystem product of nine cities within the Pearl River Delta of China

Ecosystem plays a crucial role as capital asset in life-support system since it would properly manage and yield a sustainable flow of vital services. However, few studies have involved continuous quantification for its ecological services value using more precise local parameters. In this study, gross ecosystem product (GEP) accounting framework was constructed in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) based on the theory of green gross domestic product (GDP) and local key parameters. The GEP and green gold index (GGI) within the PRD region of China were subsequently calculated to evaluate the achievements of ecological civilization system construction within the PRD region. The regional GEP of the RPD was US$465.3 billion, and regional GGI of the PRD was 0.47. Obvious differences in GEP and GGI occurred among cities within the PRD. For example, Zhaoqing had the highest GEP and GGI, indicating the abundant ecological resources in this city, while Zhuhai and Shenzhen had the lowest GEP and GGI, respectively. The ecological service structures of Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai were well balanced, with close proportion in regulating service, provisioning service and cultural service. This was the first study that dealt with regional GEP accounting within the PRD region in China, which scientifically evaluated the achievements of urban ecological civilization construction, and further improved the market supply and ecological compensation of urban green products.