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| ON RESTRICTING ELEMENTS OF THE ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM IN BAOTOU CITY |
| NING Xiao-li1, Qin Shu-hui2, Bao Yu-hai2 |
1. Department of Resources & Environmental Science, Inner Mongoli Science and Technology University, Baotou 014030, China;
2. College of Geography Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Huhehot 010022, China |
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Abstract A city is a complex ecological system.In order to develop,it must resort to a certain ecological support to maintain its fundamental structure and functions.The ecological support system can offer the most fundamental support,such as resources,energy sources,and space,and adjust the speed,scale,and direction of the city's development.Due to the rapid development and expansion of cities,as well as serious pollution in many cities,studying the ecological support system of the city contributes to a better understanding of ways to solve its problems.Baotou is situated in a semi-arid region.It is an important industrial city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,an important energy base,has the largest deposits of rare earth in the world,and is the economic hub of central Inner Mongolia.It is therefore important to Baotou,to Inner Mongolia,and even to other semi-arid regions of China to examine the quality of the ecological support system of Baotou.
The author combines static and dynamic methods to study the ecological support system of Baotou city on the basis of the understanding of natural environment,social and economic state of this city and relevant administrative levels,etc.The author also thoroughly analyzes and evaluates the development of the ecological support system from 1992 to 2001,according to geographical,economic,and ecological theory,and with the help of GIS,social and scientific software,and mathematical statistics.The author reaches the conclusion that the level of support of the ecological support system in Baotou is low.Furthermore,the author points out some restricting elements of the ecological support system in Baotou,and profoundly analyzes the main problems.These problems include a shortage of water resources,serious pollution of the environment,a low-quality economy and modes of production,a backward city infrastructure,poor quality of science and technology and related human resources,and a serious ‘brain drain’ of qualified technicians.The purpose of the paper is to clearly understand the problems of urban development,to promote urban construction and function,to enlarge the capacity of the restricting elements of the ecological support system of the city,and to offer some practical insights for the city's sustained development strategy through the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the ecological support system of Baotou.
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Received: 06 September 2004
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2005, Vol. 20 
