Scientific Reports (Jul 2024)

Exploring the ecological security evaluation of water resources in the Yangtze River Basin under the background of ecological sustainable development

  • Jie-Rong Zhou,
  • Xiao-Qing Li,
  • Xin Yu,
  • Tian-Cheng Zhao,
  • Wen-Xi Ruan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65781-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 19

Abstract

Read online

Abstract The Yangtze River (hereafter referred to as the YZR), the largest river in China, is of paramount importance for ensuring water resource security. The Yangtze River Basin (hereafter referred to as the YRB) is one of the most densely populated areas in China, and complex human activities have a significant impact on the ecological security of water resources. Therefore, this paper employs theories related to ecological population evolution and the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to construct an indicator system for the ecological security of water resources in the YRB. The report evaluates the ecological security status of water resources in each province of the YRB from 2010 to 2019, clarifies the development trend of its water resource ecological security, and proposes corresponding strategies for regional ecological security and coordinated economic development. According to the results of the ecological population evolution competition model, the overall indicator of the ecological security of water resources in the YRB continues to improve, with the safety level increasing annually. Maintaining sound management of water resources in the YRB is crucial for sustainable socioeconomic development. To further promote the ecological security of water resources in the YRB and the coordinated development of the regional economy, this paper proposes policy suggestions such as promoting the continuous advancement of sustainable development projects, actively adjusting industrial structure, continuously enhancing public environmental awareness, and actively participating in international ecological construction and seeking cooperation among multiple departments.

Keywords