Table 8.

Development strategies for each natural suitability zone in central Hunan.

Zone	Development strategy
U.Z.	Prioritize ecological restoration, forest conservation, and the development of a carbon sink economy, given the zone’s low agricultural productivity and limited carrying capacity
M.S.Z.	Emphasize the sustainable use of forest resources and integrate ecological agriculture with biodiversity conservation to promote a sustainable development model tailored to the region’s characteristics
G.S.Z	Promote characteristic high-efficiency agriculture, strengthen soil and water conservation and ecological restoration projects, and improve living conditions to enhance overall human settlement suitability
M.D.S.Z.	Further optimize land use, develop high-efficiency cash crops and integrated farming systems, and implement soil and water conservation measures to improve sustainability. Strengthen small-scale water conservancy infrastructure to increase agricultural stability and disaster resilience
H.S.Z.	Focus on optimizing the agricultural structure, advancing modern agricultural technologies, improving infrastructure, and enhancing environmental governance to further improve the living environment and promote sustainable regional economic development