This paper investigates the expansion of human activities in Asian highlands from 2000 to 2020 using earth observation and socioeconomic data. Approximately 23% of human activity expansion occurred in highlands, largely converting ecological lands (76%). This expansion intensified habitat fragmentation, particularly impacting low and lower-middle income countries. However, it also contributed to Asian development by preventing cultivated land loss (54%) and providing living space for ~40 million people. The study highlights the dual effects of highland development and suggests implications for regional sustainable development.

Chao Yang, Huizeng Liu, Qingquan Li, Xuqing Wang, Wei Ma, Cuiling Liu, Xu Fang, Yuzhi Tang, Tiezhu Shi, Qibiao Wang, Yue Xu, Jie Zhang, Xuecao Li, Gang Xu, Junyi Chen, Mo Su, Shuying Wang, Jinjing Wu, Leping Huang, Xue Li, Guofeng Wu