Quantifying Ecological Environment Quality Changes in China's National Parks Using Long-Term Nighttime Light Data and RSEI

Nighttime light remote sensing is widely employed to monitor human activities and light pollution within nature reserves. Previous research has predominantly focused on light pollution within reserves, neglecting the surrounding light pollution intensity and quantification of ecological quality changes in and around protected areas. This study, centered on China’s inaugural national parks, utilizes nighttime light data and the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) for a long-term assessment (2000-2022). Results reveal increased human activity and light pollution within the buffer zones but overall stable or improved ecological quality within most national park areas (>96%). Geodetector analysis explored factors influencing ecological quality changes, finding land use type, elevation, precipitation and their interactions most impactful. The establishment of reserves helped maintain ecosystem quality despite increased human pressures. This research provides an assessment of ecological impacts from recent conservation policies in China to support improved protected area planning and management.