Water eco-service assessment and compensation in a coal mining region – A case study in the Mentougou District in Beijing

In conjunction with ecological service, in this study a definition for water eco-service is proposed, as well as a novel model designed for water eco-service assessment and compensation in a coal mining region based on the complex ecosystem theory. As a case study, the model was applied to assess the impact of coal mining on local water eco-service, economy, and society in the Mentougou District through cost–benefit analysis. A multi-compensation system that includes financial compensation, water resource supplementation and industry support, as well as capacity-building was also designed. The results show that water eco-service in the coal mining region of Mentougou has been damaged in four aspects (resource, environment, habitat, and disaster) with the damage valued at $5.54 million. It was also found that coal enterprises and both the Mentougou and Beijing governments are responsible for the multi-compensation to the damaged mining region at specific proportions and in various ways. The multi-compensation measures and schemes in both temporal and spatial scales are outlined in this paper and this study provides new theories on and methods for water ecological compensation in coal mining areas where reconstruction is needed. This paper will provide decision-making basis for policymakers.