Assessment on spatial differentiation of urban ecological security based on DPSIRM framework-the case of Dalian

The rapid urbanization process has resulted in innumerable ecological and environmental problems which are still worsening. This paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of several causal-chain models such as PSR, and introduces a new ecological-security assessment model-DPSIRM, which is a causal-network combined with GIS spatial analysis method. After investigating the healthy state of Dalian urban ecosystem, we draw the following conclusions: the network analysis model of “Driving force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response-Management” (DPSIRM) was developed based on analysis of the defects existing in previous chain models and the complexity of urban ecosystem, in which the essential role of human activities in urban ecological security was emphasized. The DPSIRM model reveals the internal correlations of all indicators and the relation of urban ecological security with the indicators. It reveals the ecological healthy-state of Dalian and its spatial differentiation of urban ecological security and suggests the essential role of urban management in urban ecological security.