Assessing Conservation Effectiveness of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Landscape Metrics

Abstract

Assessing the effectiveness of protected areas is crucial for refining conservation policies, yet it remains challenging in remote, biodiversity-rich tropics due to logistical constraints. To address this challenge, we developed a remote sensing-based Pressure–State–Benefit (PSB) framework comprising four dimensions: human activity, ecosystem pattern, ecosystem quality, and ecosystem services. Using the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park (HTRNP) as a case study, we evaluated conservation effectiveness at the park scale by comparing ecological changes before (2015–2020) and after (2020–2025) its establishment. We further compared the Core Protection Zone (CPZ) and the General Control Zone (GCZ) to reveal differences in conservation outcomes under distinct management regimes. The establishment of HTRNP effectively curbed cropland and built-up land expansion. During 2020–2025, landscape patterns improved, characterized by enhanced connectivity and reduced fragmentation. Concurrently, fractional vegetation cover increased at an accelerated rate, indicating improved ecosystem quality, while key ecosystem services showed upward trends. Notably, the CPZ maintained superior ecological conditions with steady improvements under strict protection, whereas the GCZ, being more sensitive to human disturbances, exhibited fluctuating outcomes. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of HTRNP in enhancing regional ecosystem conditions and highlights the importance of zoned management. Furthermore, the proposed PSB framework offers a transferable approach for comprehensively assessing conservation effectiveness in other protected areas.