Applying the driver-pressure-state-impact-response model to ecological restoration: A case study of comprehensive zoning and benefit assessment in Zhejiang Province, China

Ecosystem degradation is a global problem that poses a significant threat to the sustainable development of human societies, particularly in developing countries, such as China. In response, China has implemented a series of ecological restoration (ER) policies over recent years. However, significant regional developmental disparities, pronounced spatial heterogeneity of ecological issues, and substantial historical debt for ER in China present considerable obstacles and financial burdens to the effective implementation of ER strategies. Delineating ER zones and assessing the ER benefits are essential for developing effective ER strategies and implementing ER projects. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive framework for ER utilizing the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, quantified the urbanization levels, ecological state, and restoration costs in Zhejiang Province to delineate ER zones, integrated the patch-generating land use simulation model with the ecosystem service value assessment method to quantify the benefits of ER, and ultimately developed tailored ER strategies. The results showed that: (1) The pattern of urbanization levels was characterized by high levels in the northeast and low levels in the southwest, which constrated with the ecological state. The areas of high restoration costs were located in the northeastern and southeastern regions, and the areas of low restoration costs were situated in the southwestern region. (2) The rate of construction land expansion is significantly curtailed under the ER scenario compared to the natural development scenario in 2035, while forest areas have seen effective protection and an increase from the levels of 2020. (3) The ER policy is projected to generate ecological benefits totaling CNY 8.23 billion by 2035, substantially reducing the rate of ecosystem degradation. (4) Zhejiang Province is divided into five zones at the county scale: ecological autonomous protection zone, ecological core protection zone, ecological priority restoration zone, ecological control zone, and moderate development zone. Strategies have been devised based on the forecasted benefits of ER, offering valuable insights into ecological management. These findings aim to enhance the understanding of ER and support the development and implementation of regional ecological policies.