Lihong Guo a, Yaqi Hao b, Xiaohua Yan c*
College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, Shanxi, China
aEmail: 13994465949@163.com
bEmail: 17735446725@163.com
cCorresponding author Email: yy9949944@163.com
Funding:
- In 2021, the Postgraduate Education Reform Project in Shanxi Province: “Innovative Research and Practice of Postgraduate Ideological and Political Education from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization” (Project Number: 2021YJJG083)
- In 2022, the Key Project of the Teaching Reform Project in Colleges and Universities in Shanxi Province: “Construction of the Aesthetic Education System in Agricultural and Forestry Universities from the Perspective of the Great Ideological and Political System” (Project Number: J20220229)
Abstract
This content focuses on the construction of an ecological benefit evaluation system for cherry science parks based on existing research in the thesis. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and combining the characteristics and needs of cherry science parks, evaluation indicators are selected, judgment matrices are constructed, and hierarchical sorting and consistency checks are carried out. The weights of each indicator are clarified, and the importance of natural ecological elements, artificial landscape elements, etc., in the evaluation of ecological benefits is obtained. Thus, planning and design strategies for cherry science parks are proposed to provide a scientific basis for improving the ecological benefits of the parks and achieving sustainable development, helping the integrated development of the cherry industry and science education, and providing a reference for the construction of similar theme science parks.
Keywords:
Cherry; Science Park; Evaluation System; Planning and Design Strategy
- Introduction
Against the backdrop of the coordinated development of science education and ecological construction, cherry science parks, as special venues integrating scientific research and production, science education, and leisure tourism, require crucial evaluation of their ecological benefits. A scientific and reasonable ecological benefit evaluation system can provide effective guidance for the planning, design, construction, and operation of cherry science parks, promoting the unity of ecological, economic, and social benefits of the parks. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process, this study aims to construct a systematic and scientific ecological benefit evaluation system for cherry science parks, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for their sustainable development.
- Principles for Selecting Evaluation Indicators
2.1 Scientific Principle
The selection of evaluation indicators must be rooted in rigorous scientific theories and cutting-edge research results, accurately targeting the core characteristics and internal operating laws of the ecological benefits of cherry science parks. In the field of ecological benefit evaluation, the interdisciplinary integration of theories from ecology, environmental science, landscape planning, and other disciplines provides a solid theoretical framework for indicator construction. For example, when measuring plant diversity, not only the number of plant species is considered, but also professional calculation methods such as species richness index and Shannon-Wiener index are introduced to reflect the complexity and stability of the ecosystem through quantitative analysis. In terms of data sources, priority is given to using monitoring data from authoritative scientific research institutions, long-term ecological positioning research results, or first-hand data obtained through standardized sampling and experimental analysis to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the data. At the same time, the definition of indicators must follow academic norms, with clear definitions of statistical scopes and calculation boundaries. For example, when evaluating soil fertility, scientific parameters such as soil organic matter content, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrient indicators, and microbial activity must be comprehensively considered to avoid subjective assumptions or vague expressions, thereby ensuring that the evaluation results can truthfully and objectively reflect the scientific nature of the ecological benefits of cherry science parks.
2.2 Systematic Principle
The ecological benefits of cherry science parks are complex systems with multi-dimensional interweaving and dynamic balance, involving interactions at multiple levels such as natural ecology, human intervention, and human activities. The evaluation indicator system must comprehensively cover all elements of the ecosystem and their interrelationships, forming an organically unified overall framework. In the natural ecological dimension, attention must be paid not only to basic elements such as plant resources, climate environment, soil, and water resources but also to the synergistic effects between elements, such as the regulation of microclimate by plant communities and the restrictive relationship between soil conditions and plant growth. In terms of artificial landscape elements, everything from the ecological design of science facilities to the energy consumption management of landscape architecture, from the layout optimization of 休憩 spaces to the connectivity planning of ecological corridors, must be included in the evaluation scope. In addition, the impacts of human factors such as tourist behavior and science activities on the ecosystem cannot be ignored. Indicators covering ecological disturbances, environmental awareness cultivation, and science education effectiveness must be established to fully present the overall picture of the park’s ecological benefits, avoiding evaluation result deviations caused by indicator one-sidedness and providing a comprehensive basis for the park’s systematic planning and management.
2.3 Operability Principle
The practicality of evaluation indicators is the key to their effective guidance of practice. In the evaluation of the ecological benefits of cherry science parks, the selected indicators must have the characteristics of easy data acquisition and simple calculation methods. In terms of data collection, priority is given to data items that can be directly obtained through field investigations, conventional monitoring equipment, or public statistical data, such as microclimate parameters recorded by the park’s meteorological station, soil fertility data obtained through soil sampling and analysis, and tourist satisfaction information collected through questionnaires, reducing reliance on complex experiments or special technical means. The calculation process should be as simple as possible, avoiding cumbersome mathematical models or professional analysis tools, ensuring that park managers, planners, designers, and relevant personnel can quickly master and apply them. For example, when evaluating water resource utilization efficiency, intuitive indicators such as “irrigation water consumption per unit area” and “rainwater collection and utilization rate” can be used, and results can be obtained through simple data statistics and comparison. At the same time, the indicator system must be connected with the park’s daily operation and management processes to facilitate the transformation of evaluation results into specific decision-making bases and enhance the practical value of ecological benefit evaluation.
2.4 Targeted Principle
Cherry science parks focus on core functions such as cherry germplasm resource protection, science education promotion, and ecological leisure experience, so their ecological benefit evaluation indicators must be closely centered around this thematic characteristic. In the design of plant resource indicators, the protection and display of cherry variety diversity are highlighted, and exclusive indicators such as “number of cherry varieties conserved” and “proportion of special varieties” are set to reflect the park’s unique value in germplasm resource protection. In soil and ecological environment indicators, the impact of cherry planting on soil structure and nutrient cycling is concerned, and targeted parameters such as “soil microbial community characteristics in cherry planting areas” and “soil and water conservation effects of cherry roots” are added. In addition, combined with the function of science education, indicators such as “coverage rate of ecological knowledge dissemination in cherry science activities” and “improvement degree of tourists’ awareness of cherry ecological value” are designed to quantitatively evaluate the promotion effect of science activities on ecological benefits. By strengthening the relevance to the cherry theme, the evaluation system can accurately reflect the core functional needs of the park, providing targeted guidance for the deep integration of the cherry industry and science education and the coordinated development of ecological and social benefits.
- Construction of the Evaluation Indicator System Model
3.1 Determination of Evaluation Indicators
Based on the above principles, combined with the research on cherry science parks in the thesis and relevant literature, the hierarchical structure of the ecological benefit evaluation indicator system for cherry science parks is determined. The target layer is the evaluation of the ecological benefits of cherry science parks (A); the criterion layer includes natural ecological elements (B1), artificial landscape elements (B2), tourist behavior and psychology elements (B3), and science influence and effects (B4); the indicator layer further subdivides the specific indicators included in each criterion layer.
Natural Ecological Elements (B1)
Plant Resources (C1): Including indicators such as cherry variety diversity (C11), richness of plant species in the park (C12), and proportion of native plant application (C13). Cherry variety diversity reflects the park’s achievements in germplasm resource protection and display, a rich variety of plants can enhance biodiversity, and native plants have strong adaptability, which is conducive to ecological stability.
Climate Environment (C2): Including indicators such as microclimate regulation ability (C21) and air purification effect (C22). Good microclimate regulation ability and air purification effect help provide a comfortable and healthy environment for tourists and are also important manifestations of ecological benefits.
Soil and Water Resources (C3): Including indicators such as soil fertility status (C31), water resource utilization efficiency (C32), and water ecological quality (C33). Reasonable soil and water resource management is crucial for cherry planting and the stability of the park’s ecosystem.
Artificial Landscape Elements (B2)
Landscape Facilities (C4): Including indicators such as the ecological friendliness of science facilities (C41), energy-saving design of landscape architecture (C42), and rationality of 休憩 facility layout (C43). Ecologically friendly science facilities and energy-saving landscape architecture can reduce negative impacts on the environment, and a reasonable layout of 休憩 facilities can optimize the tourist experience while reducing interference with the ecology.
Landscape Design (C5): Including indicators such as the rationality of the landscape ecological pattern (C51) and the richness of landscape seasonal phase changes (C52). A reasonable ecological pattern and rich seasonal phase changes can enhance the ecological value and aesthetic effect of the landscape.
Tourist Behavior and Psychology Elements (B3)
Impact of Tourist Activities (C6): Including indicators such as the degree of ecological interference caused by tourist activities (C61) and the participation rate of tourists in environmental protection behaviors (C62). Understanding the impact of tourist activities on the ecology and guiding tourists’ environmental protection behaviors helps achieve a balance between ecological protection and tourist experience in the park.
Tourist Satisfaction (C7): Including indicators such as satisfaction with the ecological environment (C71) and satisfaction with the ecological education effect of science activities (C72). Tourist satisfaction reflects the effect of the park’s ecological benefits at the tourist perception level and is of great significance for the park’s sustainable development.
Science Influence and Effects (B4)
Science Education Achievements (C8): Including indicators such as the improvement degree of public ecological knowledge (C81) and the effect of enhancing environmental awareness (C82). Science education is an important function of cherry science parks, and its achievements are directly related to the social influence of the park’s ecological benefits.
Ecological Effects of Science Activities (C9): Including indicators such as the promotional role of science activities in ecological protection publicity (C91) and the impact of activity development on the ecological environment (C92). Evaluating the ecological effects of science activities helps optimize activity design and achieve a positive interaction between science education and ecological protection.
3.2 Construction of Judgment Matrices
According to the Analytic Hierarchy Process, experts in related fields, such as landscape planning designers, ecologists, and science education experts, are invited to conduct pairwise comparisons of the relative importance between indicators at each level, and the 1-9 scale method (Table 1) is used to construct judgment matrices. Taking the criterion layer as an example, the judgment matrix A-B of B1-B4 is constructed (Table 2), where the element aij in the judgment matrix represents the importance of indicator Bi relative to Bj.
Table 1: 1-9 Scale Values and Their Meanings
| Scale Value | Meaning |
| 1 | The two elements are equally important. |
| 3 | The former element is slightly more important than the latter. |
| 5 | The former element is obviously more important than the latter. |
| 7 | The former element is strongly more important than the latter. |
| 9 | The former element is extremely more important than the latter. |
| 2, 4, 6, 8 | Intermediate values between the above adjacent judgments. |
| Reciprocal | If the importance ratio of element i to j is aij, then the importance ratio of element j to i is aji = 1/aij. |
Table 2: Judgment Matrix A-B
| B1 | B2 | B3 | B4 | |
| B1 | 1 | 3 | 1/2 | 2 |
| B2 | 1/3 | 1 | 1/5 | 1/3 |
| B3 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| B4 | 1/2 | 3 | 1/3 | 1 |
Using the same method, judgment matrices between each criterion layer and the indicator layer are constructed, such as B1-C1-C3, B2-C4-C5, etc.
- Hierarchical Single Sorting and Consistency Check
4.1 Hierarchical Single Sorting
Methods such as the root method or the sum product method are used to calculate the eigenvectors and maximum eigenvalues of the judgment matrices, carry out hierarchical single sorting of each indicator, and determine the relative importance weights of each indicator in its respective criterion layer. Taking the judgment matrix A-B as an example, the calculation steps are as follows:
Calculate the product Mi of each row of elements in the judgment matrix:
M1 = 1×3×1/2×2 = 3
M2 = 1/3×1×1/5×1/3 = 1/45
M3 = 2×5×1×3 = 30
M4 = 1/2×3×1/3×1 = 1/2
Calculate the nth root Wi of Mi:
W1 = 3^(1/4) ≈ 1.316
W2 = (1/45)^(1/4) ≈ 0.398
W3 = 30^(1/4) ≈ 2.340
W4 = (1/2)^(1/4) ≈ 0.841
Normalize the vector W = (W1, W2, W3, W4)^T to obtain the weight vector W’:
∑Wi = 1.316 + 0.398 + 2.340 + 0.841 = 4.895
W1′ = 1.316/4.895 ≈ 0.269
W2′ = 0.398/4.895 ≈ 0.081
W3′ = 2.340/4.895 ≈ 0.478
W4′ = 0.841/4.895 ≈ 0.172
The weight vector W’ = (0.269, 0.081, 0.478, 0.172)^T is obtained, that is, the weights of natural ecological elements (B1), artificial landscape elements (B2), tourist behavior and psychology elements (B3), and science influence and effects (B4) in the target layer are 0.269, 0.081, 0.478, and 0.172, respectively.
4.2 Consistency Check
To ensure the consistency of the judgment matrix and avoid logical contradictions, a consistency check is required. Calculate the consistency index CI = (λmax – n)/(n – 1), where λmax is the maximum eigenvalue of the judgment matrix, and n is the order of the judgment matrix. Look up the average random consistency index RI (Table 3), and calculate the consistency ratio CR = CI/RI. When CR < 0.1, the judgment matrix is considered to have satisfactory consistency; otherwise, the judgment matrix needs to be readjusted.
Table 3: Average Random Consistency Index RI Values
| n | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| RI | 0 | 0 | 0.58 | 0.90 | 1.12 | 1.24 | 1.32 | 1.41 | 1.45 | 1.49 |
For the judgment matrix A-B, the calculated λmax ≈ 4.123, CI = (4.123 – 4)/(4 – 1) ≈ 0.041, RI = 0.90, CR = 0.041/0.90 ≈ 0.046 < 0.1, indicating that this judgment matrix has satisfactory consistency. Using the same method, consistency checks are carried out on other judgment matrices to ensure that all judgment matrices meet the requirements.
- Hierarchical Total Sorting
On the basis of completing hierarchical single sorting and consistency checks, hierarchical total sorting is carried out to determine the comprehensive weights of each indicator in the target layer. By 加权计算 the weights of the indicators in the indicator layer within the criterion layer and the weights of the criterion layer in the target layer, the total weights of the indicators in the indicator layer are obtained. For example, for the indicator C11 (cherry variety diversity), its weight in B1 (natural ecological elements) is 0.35, and the weight of B1 in A (evaluation of ecological benefits of cherry science parks) is 0.269, so the total weight of C11 is 0.35×0.269 = 0.094. The total weights of each indicator are calculated in turn to obtain a complete indicator weight system (Table 4).
Table 4: Total Weight of Ecological Benefit Evaluation Indicators for Cherry Science Park
| Criterion Layer | Weight | Index Layer | Index Layer Weight | Total Weight |
| B1 Natural Ecological Elements | 0.269 | C11 Cherry Variety Diversity | 0.35 | 0.094 |
| C12 Park Plant Species Richness | 0.30 | 0.081 | ||
| C13 Proportion of Native Plant Application | 0.35 | 0.094 | ||
| C21 Microclimate Regulation Capacity | 0.40 | 0.108 | ||
| C22 Air Purification Effect | 0.60 | 0.161 | ||
| C31 Soil Fertility Status | 0.30 | 0.081 | ||
| C32 Water Resource Utilization Efficiency | 0.40 | 0.108 | ||
| C33 Water Body Ecological Quality | 0.30 | 0.081 | ||
| B2 Artificial Landscape Elements | 0.081 | C41 Ecological Friendliness of Science Facilities | 0.40 | 0.033 |
| C42 Energy-Saving Design of Landscape Architecture | 0.30 | 0.024 | ||
| C43 Rationality of Rest Facility Layout | 0.30 | 0.024 | ||
| C51 Rationality of Landscape Ecological Pattern | 0.50 | 0.041 | ||
| C52 Richness of Landscape Seasonal Changes | 0.50 | 0.041 | ||
| B3 Tourist Behavior and Psychology Elements | 0.478 | C61 Degree of Ecological Disturbance from Tourist Activities | 0.60 | 0.287 |
| C62 Participation in Tourist Environmental Protection Behaviors | 0.40 | 0.191 | ||
| C71 Satisfaction with the Ecological Environment | 0.50 | 0.239 | ||
| C72 Satisfaction with the Ecological Education Effect of Science Activities | 0.50 | 0.239 | ||
| B4 Science Popularization Impact and Effects | 0.172 | C81 Enhancement of Public Ecological Knowledge | 0.50 | 0.086 |
| C82 Effect of Enhancing Environmental Awareness | 0.50 | 0.086 | ||
| C91 Promotional Role of Science Activities in Ecological Protection | 0.60 | 0.103 | ||
| C92 Impact of Activity Implementation on the Ecological Environment | 0.40 | 0.069 |
- Discussion on Data Results of Evaluation Index Weight Values
The results of the hierarchical total ranking show significant differences in the weights of indicators within the ecological benefit evaluation system for cherry science parks. Tourist behavior and psychology elements (B3) have the highest weight at 0.478, indicating that tourist behavior and psychological factors play a crucial role in the park’s ecological benefits. Among them, the degree of ecological disturbance from tourist activities (C61) has a weight of 0.287, and satisfaction with the ecological environment (C71) has a weight of 0.239. This highlights that controlling tourist activities’ ecological impact and improving visitors’ satisfaction with the ecological environment are key to enhancing ecological benefits.
Natural ecological elements (B1), with a weight of 0.269, also account for a large proportion. In plant resources (C1), cherry variety diversity (C11) and the proportion of native plant application (C13) have higher weights at 0.094 each. This reflects the importance of protecting and displaying rich cherry varieties and rationally using native plants for ecological benefits in cherry science parks. In the climate environment (C2), the air purification effect (C22) has a weight of 0.161, indicating that good air purification capacity is a vital manifestation of ecological benefits.
Science popularization impact and effects (B4), with a weight of 0.172, show that the enhancement of public ecological knowledge (C81) and the promotional role of science activities in ecological protection (C91) have weights of 0.086 and 0.103, respectively. This demonstrates that improving public ecological awareness and promoting ecological protection actions through science education are of great significance for the long-term development of the park’s ecological benefits.
Artificial landscape elements (B2) have a relatively lower weight of 0.081. However, the rationality of the landscape ecological pattern (C51) and the richness of landscape seasonal changes (C52) within this layer both have weights of 0.041, indicating that reasonable landscape design also plays a role in enhancing ecological benefits.
VII. Planning and Design Strategies
(1) Focus on Tourist Behavior Guidance and Management
Given that tourist behavior and psychology elements account for 0.478 of the ecological benefit evaluation system in cherry science parks, their impact on the park’s ecological environment cannot be ignored. During the planning and design phase, tourist behavior guidance and management should be integrated into the overall framework to establish a scientific and systematic control system. First, tourist activity areas should be reasonably demarcated based on the park’s ecological sensitivity and functional zoning. For example, ecologically fragile areas such as cherry germplasm resource protection zones and wetland ecological areas should be set as restricted or closed management zones, using a combination of physical isolation facilities (e.g., ecological fences, warning stakes) and intelligent monitoring systems (e.g., infrared sensors, drone patrols) to strictly control tourist activity ranges. In open areas such as leisure sightseeing zones and science experience zones, visitor flow pressure should be dispersed through optimized route design using circular or branch-shaped layouts to avoid congestion and route intersections.
In terms of guidance facility construction, a hierarchical and clear signage system should be established. Large panoramic guide maps should be set at main entrances, marking ecological protection areas, activity zones, and emergency shelters. Along tourist routes, ecological protection signboards with 图文并茂 (graphic and text) displays of cherry growth habits, the park’s ecological value, and visitor codes of conduct should be installed. In key areas (e.g., viewing platforms, interactive experience zones), intelligent navigation devices should be added to provide real-time guidance for civilized tourism through AR technology, voice explanations, and other means. Additionally, a dynamic tourist flow monitoring system can be introduced, which uses big data analysis to predict peak periods and popular areas, allowing advance crowd-diversion measures to prevent negative impacts such as trampling and vegetation damage caused by overcrowding.
To enhance visitors’ environmental awareness, science education should be deeply integrated with behavior guidance. Themed science activities such as the “Cherry Guardian” environmental protection campaign can be designed, organizing visitors to participate in park cleanups and plant maintenance. Interactive experiences like “Ecological Footprint” simulations can use VR technology to visually demonstrate the impact of tourist behavior on the environment and convey environmental protection concepts. Meanwhile, an incentive mechanism for tourist environmental protection should be established, offering point rewards for visitors who actively practice waste sorting and plant care. These points can be exchanged for cherry-themed cultural products or park services, forming a 良性循环 (virtuous cycle) of “education-practice-incentive” to effectively improve visitors’ satisfaction with the ecological environment and their protection awareness.
(2) Strengthen Natural Ecological Protection and Construction
As the core support for ecological benefits in cherry science parks (weight 0.269), the protection and construction of natural ecological elements should follow the principles of ecological priority and systematic restoration. In plant resource management, cherry germplasm resource protection should be central, with the establishment of a diversified plant community system. On one hand, cooperation with scientific research institutions can be leveraged to build a cherry germplasm resource bank, collecting rare and characteristic varieties at home and abroad for germplasm innovation and conservation research. On the other hand, the proportion of native plants should be increased, giving priority to 乔木 (trees) and 灌木 (shrubs) (e.g., Chinese scholar tree, arborvitae) and herbaceous plants (e.g., Chinese iris, common primrose) adapted to local climate and soil conditions, forming a composite community structure of “cherry-themed plants + native plants” to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Additionally, plant configuration models should be optimized using near-natural forestry techniques to simulate the vertical stratification of natural vegetation, paired with nectar and food source plants to provide habitats for insects, birds, and other species.
The protection of the climate environment, soil, and water resources is a key link in enhancing ecological benefits. For microclimate regulation, natural ventilation corridors can be formed through the rational layout of large trees, water landscapes, and windbreak belts to mitigate the heat island effect. Plant transpiration and water body evaporation can be used to regulate temperature and humidity within the park and improve local microclimates. For air purification, plants with strong dust adsorption and negative oxygen ion release capabilities (e.g., ginkgo, cedar) should be prioritized, combined with ecological wetlands, green walls, and other facilities to build a multi-layered air purification system. In soil management, organic farming practices should be promoted to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing soil organic matter content through straw mulching and green manure planting. A soil monitoring network should be established to regularly detect indicators such as soil fertility and heavy metal content, with targeted soil restoration and improvement measures. In water resource utilization, a rainwater collection-storage-purification-reuse system should be built, along with rain gardens and permeable pavement to improve rainwater infiltration and utilization rates. Water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation should be adopted for irrigation to reduce water consumption.
If you need the full translation of the remaining content (Strategies 3-4, Conclusion), please provide a file receiving method or confirm the continuation in the chat. The translation maintains academic terminology accuracy and professional writing style, with a total word count of approximately 6,000 words when completed.
(III) Enhancing the Ecological Influence of Science Popularization Education
The impact and effectiveness of science popularization carry a weight of 0.172 in the ecological benefit evaluation, serving as a crucial pathway to promote public participation in ecological protection. In the design of science popularization education activities, the core objectives should be the dissemination of ecological knowledge and the cultivation of environmental awareness, and a multi-level and diversified science popularization curriculum system should be developed.
For the adolescent group, “Cherry Ecology Exploration” research activities should be designed. Through on-site observation of the cherry growth cycle, dissection of fruits to explore their structure, and participation in grafting and seedling-raising practices, these activities aim to cultivate their interest in plant science. For adult visitors, themed lectures on “Ecological Agriculture and Sustainable Development” should be held. By combining cherry cultivation cases, the concepts of ecological cycles and low-carbon production technologies should be explained. For parent-child families, interactive “Nature Classroom” activities should be carried out. Through parent-child handicrafts (such as making cherry leaf vein bookmarks) and ecological painting competitions, these activities enhance the family’s sense of identity with ecological protection.
To enhance the ecological influence of science popularization activities, it is necessary to innovate communication methods and carriers. By leveraging digital technologies, develop cherry science popularization apps and WeChat mini-programs, providing functions such as online virtual tours, knowledge quizzes, and ecological games to broaden the coverage of science popularization. Install interactive science popularization devices within the park, such as solar-powered science popularization screens and AR science popularization display boards, to improve the effectiveness of knowledge dissemination through immersive experiences.
In addition, a feedback mechanism for science popularization education achievements should be established. Through methods such as questionnaires and behavioral observations, quantitatively evaluate the improvement of the public’s ecological knowledge and the changes in their environmental protection behaviors. Optimize the content and form of science popularization based on the feedback results. At the same time, strengthen cooperation with communities, schools, and enterprises, and carry out the “Ecological Science Popularization for All” activities to radiate the ecological concepts of the cherry science popularization park to a wider range of groups, creating a favorable atmosphere for 全社会参与生态保护.
(IV) Optimizing the Ecological Design of Artificial Landscapes
Although the weight of artificial landscape elements is relatively low (0.081), their ecological design plays an important auxiliary role in enhancing the overall ecological benefits of the park. In terms of improving the ecological friendliness of landscape facilities, efforts should be made in three aspects: material selection, functional design, and layout planning.
In material selection, prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo and wood, recycled concrete, and degradable plastics to reduce carbon emissions during the production and disposal stages. Use solar-powered LED displays for science popularization signboards to reduce electricity dependence. For the exterior facades of landscape buildings, adopt ecological materials such as vertical greening and photovoltaic glass to achieve the unity of energy conservation and aesthetics.
In functional design, science popularization facilities should incorporate ecological education elements. For example, design rainwater collection devices as science popularization display points, and display the rainwater purification process in real-time through transparent pipes and display screens. Integrate plant planting troughs into rest seats to combine ecological and practical functions.
In layout planning, follow the principle of “minimum intervention.” Avoid large areas of hardened ground and use permeable concrete, grass pavers, and other paving materials to ensure rainwater infiltration and soil respiration. The layout of rest facilities and tourist routes should be fully integrated with the natural terrain and plant communities to minimize damage to the original ecological texture.
The optimization of the ecological pattern of landscape design should be guided by landscape ecology theory to construct an ecological network of “patches – corridors – matrix.” Set up ecological corridors to connect different plant communities. For example, lay out tree and shrub green belts along water systems and roads to provide channels for animal migration. Create diverse micro-topographies and water landscapes, such as building undulating hills and excavating ecological ponds, to form heterogeneous habitats such as wetlands and shoals, attracting a variety of organisms to inhabit.
At the same time, pay attention to the design of seasonal changes in the landscape. According to the phenological characteristics of plants in different seasons, match spring-flowering plants (such as cherry blossoms and crabapples), summer-green plants (such as goldenrain trees and crape myrtles), autumn-leaf plants (such as ginkgoes and maple trees), and winter-fruit plants (such as Ilex verticillata and honeysuckle), to form a landscape sequence with scenery in all seasons and distinct seasonal phases.
In addition, integrate ecological concepts into landscape art creation. Design sculptures and ornaments themed on cherry culture and ecological protection, and convey ecological values through art forms. While enhancing the aesthetic quality, strengthen the integration of artificial landscapes and the natural ecology, and achieve the coordinated improvement of ecological and landscape benefits.
VIII. Conclusion
This study constructs an ecological benefit evaluation system for cherry science popularization parks based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Through scientific screening of evaluation indicators, construction of judgment matrices, and rigorous hierarchical ranking and consistency testing, the weights of each indicator in the ecological benefit evaluation are determined. The research results show that factors such as tourist behavior and psychology, natural ecology, the impact and effectiveness of science popularization, and artificial landscape elements have different degrees of influence on the ecological benefits of cherry science popularization parks, and the specific indicators under each factor also exhibit different levels of importance.
The planning and design strategies derived from this evaluation system provide practical guidance for the construction of cherry science popularization parks. Following these strategies in actual planning and design can effectively enhance the ecological benefits of the park and achieve the organic unity of ecological, economic, and social benefits. At the same time, the evaluation system constructed and the planning and design strategies proposed in this study also provide useful references for the ecological benefit assessment and planning and construction of other themed science popularization parks, contributing to the sustainable development of the science popularization park industry.
Future research can further expand the application scope of the evaluation system, verify and improve it by combining more practical cases. At the same time, deeply explore how to better implement these planning and design strategies in the park operation and management process, and continuously enhance the ecological benefits and comprehensive value of science popularization parks.
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