A case study of regional ecosystem health assessment based on PSR model

PSR model is a multivariate method that allows evaluation of a network of relationships between manifest and latent variables. Given the interesting features of this method and world-wide used, it is quite surprising that the number of proper applications in regional ecological health assessment is limited. As a case study in Hangu District, Tianjin, China, the index system was set up by using the frame of pressure, status and response. The principal components method was set up by using the frame of pressure, and optimally combined with fuzzy assessment model to assess the ecosystem health of Hangu District. Results showed that the PSR model can link various factors and be particularly useful to researchers when exploring ecological patterns or disentangling complex environmental management issues. Furthermore, considering the interactions is helpful to achieve a precise evaluation for regional ecological health. Finally, the output value by PSR model showed that healthy degree of Hangu District ecosystem rises continuously from 2004 to 2008.