Spatial–Temporal Differentiation of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies in the Taihang Mountains, China

Mountains are crucial for essential ecosystem services that are foundational to ecological restoration and conservation. The Taihang Mountains are a key water recharge zone and ecological barrier in northern China. Yet, research on the spatial heterogeneity of ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in this region remains scarce. This study addresses this gap by examining the spatiotemporal evolution, spatial heterogeneity, and the dynamic interplay between ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in the Taihang Mountains, employing the multidimensional analysis method of time and space. Key findings from 2005 to 2020 show a significant CNY 2.665 billion increase in overall ecosystem service value in the Taihang Mountains. Spatially, soil conservation increased in the central and eastern regions, while water supply similarly increased in the northern region. Regarding spatial autocorrelation, the spatial distribution of these services was predominantly characterized by clusters of high–high and non-significant values. Regarding the spatiotemporal differentiation of trade-offs and synergies in ecosystem services, synergies prevail, with significant spatial disparities between trade-off and synergistic areas, where trade-offs are relatively scattered. Comprehending the interactions, trade-offs, and synergies among ecosystem services is crucial for natural resource allocation in the Taihang Mountains. This understanding facilitates resolving conflicts between economic and environmental goals, promoting harmonious regional development.