Landscape data were interpreted from Landsat MSS and TM satellite imagery, DEM data, and average grain yield records of the Lishui River watershed for the years 1980, 2000, and 2010. Using ENVI 4.7, ArcGIS 9.0, and Fragstats 3.3 software, landscape type maps for the Li River region in 1980, 2000, and 2010 were extracted, and the ecosystem service values for each landscape type were calculated for these three periods. The results show that between 1980 and 2010, the significant reduction in paddy field and woodland areas led to a continuous decline in ecosystem service value. Over the decade following 2000, the rate of decline was faster than in the previous twenty years. This trend poses serious resource and environmental challenges for the Lishui River watershed, including overharvesting of commercial timber, increased endangered species risk, degradation of aquatic vegetation, water pollution, and other ecological problems. To address these issues, it is necessary to strengthen policy support, establish sound legal frameworks, and implement strict management measures. Strategies should include developing eco-tourism to promote local economic growth, protecting biodiversity in key areas, conserving critical species resources, enhancing wetland and forest protection, and cultivating crops with lower water demand and higher water conservation capacity. These measures will help promote the sustainable economic, social, and ecological protection of the Lishui River watershed.
