Zoning technology for the management of ecological and clean small-watersheds via k-means clustering and entropy-weighted TOPSIS: A case study in Beijing

In the functional zoning and comprehensive management of ecological and clean small-watersheds (ECSWs), measures to increase the carrying capacity of the environment should be taken around water resources protection and ecological risk governance. An objective zoning technology for ECSWs was recommended in this paper to tackle problems such as soil erosion and water pollution efficiently. Taking eight typical ECSWs in Changping District of Beijing as a case study, the essential data, including the land use, digital elevation, administrative division, leaf area index and annual precipitation, can be initially accessed. Subsequently, two topographic features (i.e., elevation and slope) and seven ecosystem disservices (i.e., collapse risks, debris flow risks, nitrogen pollution, phosphorus pollution, sediment export, quick flow and surface runoff) were evaluated and quantified based on Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The quantitative attribute matrix was herein operated as a calculation object of k-means clustering and entropy-weighted TOPSIS for the classification and delineation. According to the analysis results, the category and hierarchical control zones of each ECSW were determined, deducing the preliminary management layout. Several practical measures that have been verified to be available were marked in the layout map based on the high-resolution remote sensing technology, contributing to guiding the high-efficiency construction of ECSWs in the future. •InVEST and GIS models were used to evaluate the ecosystem disservices in ecological and clean small-watersheds (ECSWs).•K-means clustering and entropy-weighted TOPSIS methods were used to classify and delineate ECSWs in the study area.•Comprehensive management of ECSWs can be achieved systematically and standardly based on the classification and delineation.