Research of Wetland Ecological Assets Appreciation Based on GEP Accounting: A Case Study of Xixi National Wetland Park

Taking Xixi National Wetland Park as a case study, this study explored pathways and strategies for the appreciation of wetland ecological based on Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) accounting. Within the GEP accounting framework and using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the functional quantities and value amounts of the supply, regulation, and cultural services of Xixi Wetland were quantified, and their spatial distribution and appreciation potential were still analyzed. The results showed that the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) of Xixi Wetland in 2023 was primarily composed of regulating services, accounting for over 60%, with climate regulation and flood regulation and storage being particularly prominent. Cultural services accounted for 39%, driven mainly by eco-tourism. Provisioning services contributed a relatively low proportion, comprising only a small amount of agricultural and sideline products. The study found that the core (high-value) areas of the wetland exhibited strong ecological functions, whereas the peripheral (low-value) areas affected by human disturbances showed weakened ecological service functions but demonstrated significant appreciation potential. To enhance the value of wetland ecological assets, a series of appreciation strategies were proposed, including vegetation restoration, water system connectivity, construction of small wetlands, intelligent dynamic monitoring, innovation of ecological-cultural formats, the use of green financial instruments to provide feedback for ecological protection, and the integration of GEP accounting results into wetland management decision-making. This study provides an innovative pathway for integrating GEP accounting with wetland ecological management and value appreciation. Future research will focus on dynamic GEP prediction and refined assessment using remote sensing technology.