Construction of an indicator system and a case study of eco-environmental quality assessment of China’s grassland nature reserves

The destruction of eco-environments in China’s nature reserves is increasing in severity. Moreover, China’s grassland nature reserves have fragile ecosystems, which are difficult to restore once destroyed. Assessment of eco-environmental quality is important for the sustainable development of grassland nature reserves. On the basis of previous studies and literature on assessments of the eco-environment quality of grassland and characteristics of grassland nature reserves in China, we established an eco-environmental quality assessment system for grassland nature reserves, which includes 16 indicators (14 general indicators and 2 limit indicators). The eco-environmental quality change level was divided into seven grades. Model assessment clearly indicated that the eco-environment of Xilinguole Grassland Nature Reserve had deteriorated significantly from 2010 to 2015.