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Studies that consider both the differences of evaluation systems and index weights among different ecological areas in different study periods for ecological vulnerability evaluation have not been reported yet. In addition, the comparability of vulnerability assessment results among different study areas is poor. This paper proposed a novel quantitative vulnerability evaluation method for multi-type and multi-temporal ecological functional areas using a dynamic weighting method: Three-River Source region grassland–wetland ecological functional area (TRSR), Guiqiandian karst rocky desertification control ecological functional area (GQD), Hunshandake desertification control ecological functional area (HSDK), and Chuandian forest and biodiversity ecological functional area (CD), and then introduced net primary productivity (NPP) to realize the determination of multi-type ecological vulnerability thresholds, which is helpful to compare the vulnerability evaluation results of different ecological functional areas in a unified and comparable level. The proposed novel quantitative vulnerability evaluation method had higher applicability in vulnerability assessment for multi-type ecological functional areas (91.1% for TRSR, 91.9% for HSDK, 91.7% for CD, and 94.2% for GQD) based on the dynamic weight determination method. The determination of vulnerability thresholds based on NPP could provide a comparable level to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of ecological vulnerability in multi-type ecological functional areas for different periods. The average ecological vulnerability of the TRSR, GQD, and CD was classified as mild vulnerability, while that of the HSDK was classified as moderate vulnerability. The research results could provide a novel method for the support of ecological protection for multi-type ecological zones on a national scale.

Most precious studies focused on one single type of ecological functional area during single period, which ignored the differences of evaluation systems and index weights among different ecological areas in different study periods. In addition, the comparability of vulnerability assessment results among different study areas was poor. This paper proposed a novel-quantitative vulnerability evaluation method for multi-type and multi-temporal ecological functional areas using dynamic weighting method: Three-River Source region grassland meadow wetland ecological functional area(TRSR), Guiqiandian karst rocky desertification control ecological functional area(GQD), Hunshandake desertification control ecological functional area(HSDK), and Chuandian forest and biodiversity ecological functional area(CD), and then introduced the net primary productivity (NPP) to realize the determination of multi-type ecological vulnerability thresholds, which is helpful to compare the vulnerability evaluation results of different ecological functional areas in a unified and comparable level. The results showed that: (1) The proposed novel-quantitative vulnerability evaluation method had higher applicability in vulnerability assessment for multi-type ecological functional areas(91.1% for TRSR,91.9%for HSDK, 91.7% for CD, and 94.2% for GQD) based on dynamic weight determination method;(2) The determination of vulnerability thresholds based on NPP could provide a comparable level to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of ecological vulnerability in multi-type ecological functional areas for different periods; (3) The average ecological vulnerability of TRSR, GQD, and CD belonged to mild vulnerability, while that of HSDK belonged to moderate vulnerability; (4) There were significant differences in the dominant factors of ecological vulnerability for multi-type ecological functional areas in different periods. The research results could provide data and method supports for ecological protection for multi-type ecological zones in national scale.

The Qinghai–Tibet plateau (QTP), as the “roof of the world” and the “Asian Water Tower”, provides important ecological resources for China and other Asian countries. The changing trend of ecological assets and their dominant influencing factors in different sub-regions and periods are not yet clear. In order to reveal the differences in driving mechanisms among sub-regions under the context of global changes, this study quantitatively analyzed the ecological assets and their spatial and temporal evolution patterns during 2000–2015 by using the value equivalent method. Then, the Geodetector was introduced to reveal and clarify the dominant factors of ecological asset changes in different ecological sub-regions. The results show the following. (1) From 2000 to 2010, the total value of ecological assets in Nakchu County was the highest, followed by Kangding County, while that in 2015 was the highest in Kangding County, followed by Nakchu County. (2) During 2000–2015, the average value of ecological assets of the Qinghai–Tibet plateau gradually decreased from east to west, while the average ecological asset value in the southern Qinghai–Tibet plateau was lower. (3) The QTP showed the highest value in 2005 with an increasing trend from 2000 to 2005, followed by a subsequent decrease from 2005 to 2015. (4) Between 2000 and 2015, the area of the stable zone (slight or no change) of ecological assets was the largest, followed by that of the decreasing zone. (5) During all the study period, the spatio-temporal evolution of ecological assets in different ecological sub-regions was mainly affected by natural factors, which were the main driving variables rather than human activities. These results could provide important support for decisions regarding the protection of ecosystems and resources in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau.