Multi-dimensional value assessment of natural landscape in Mount Wuyi National Park

Natural landscapes, as critical components of national parks, constitute the core assets protected and managed by these protected areas. To realize the effective conservation and sustainable management of natural landscapes, it is of great significance to scientifically assess their multidimensional values. In this study, Mount Wuyi National Park was taken as the research area. Based on the objective attributes of natural landscapes and human subjective perceptions, a comprehensive evaluation framework was established, which comprises four key value dimensions: scientific value, aesthetic value, perceptual value, and fundamental value (including authenticity and integrity). Furthermore, GIS spatial analysis, remote sensing data interpretation, field surveys, and public perception evaluation were combined to systematically assess the multi-dimensional values of natural landscapes and analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of both individual and integrated values. As revealed by the results, (1) the high and relatively high values of scientific, aesthetic, and perceptual aspects of natural landscapes are predominantly concentrated in the southeastern part of the study area. By virtue of unique geomorphological features such as the Danxia landforms and the meandering Nine-Bend River, along with their diverse combinations, the characteristic "Clear Water and Red Mountains" landscape is formed. Such a visually striking and ecologically significant setting serves as a major attraction for tourism and recreational activities. (2) The south-western sector of Mount Wuyi National Park exhibits the highest levels of authenticity, whereas the northern sector shows the most intact assemblages, which jointly constitute the core zones of prominent foundational value. While retaining near-pristine biophysical states (evidenced by minimal anthropogenic modification indices), these contiguous tracts are decoupled from high-intensity socioeconomic drivers such as population density, regional GDP, and road-network density. In this way, their high degree of natural integrity is maintained. (3) The high-value regions of the integrated natural landscape value are mainly located in the southeastern area, the medium-value regions are primarily situated in the northern, southwestern and some parts of the southern sections of the study area, while the remaining regions represented by the peripheral areas exhibit lower integrated landscape value. To quantify the multidimensional values of natural landscapes, this study presents a spatially explicit framework. Through integration of objective biophysical indicators with stakeholder-based perceptual data, it advances natural-capital accounting, facilitates spatial zoning decisions, and supports conflict-mitigation strategies between conservation objectives and visitor use in national parks. To conclude, our methodology and findings not only contribute to evidence-based protected-area governance and landscape stewardship, but also align with Chinese eco-civilization strategy and the global Sustainable Development Goals.