Ecological barrier of coastal zone in China: Concept, functions, and construction theory

Authors

Guangxuan HAN, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, ChinaFollow
Xiaoli BI, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
Xiyong HOU, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Xiaoli ZHANG, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Qianguo XING, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Yuan LI, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Haiqing MA, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Ting WANG, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
Song QIN, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, ChinaFollow

Keywords

coastal ecological barrier, land-sea continuum, coupled land-sea dynamic model, spatial zoning, functional enhancement

Document Type

Strategy on China's Coastal Zone Ecological Barrier Construction

Abstract

The ecological barrier of coastal zone serves as a critical defense line for safeguarding coastal ecological security and sustainable socio-economic development, with multifaceted functions including wave attenuation, shoreline stabilization, and climate regulation. This study systematically elaborates on the concept and essence of ecological barriers of coastal zone, highlighting their core as land-sea continuums that synergistically leverage ecosystem integrity, hydrological connectivity, and biodiversity to provide systemic deliver protective functions. Nevertheless, China’s coastal ecological barrier construction faces four major challenges, namely, (1) theoretical frameworks, often derived from inland models, inadequately represent the complex land-sea interactions and socio-economic drivers; (2) the absence of integrated land-sea zoning standards results in mismatches between ecological functions and spatial layout; (3) restoration technologies are often confined to single ecosystems, neglecting synergistic mechanisms within land-sea continuums; and (4) an over-reliance on macro-scale remote sensing limits the precise analysis of key processes. To address these issues, this study proposes four key theoretical and technological pathways: developing coupled land-sea dynamic models to enhance disaster early-warning capabilities; establishing multi-objective functional zoning techniques to optimize ecological security patterns; advancing synergistic restoration framework centered on the eco-engineered seawalls, biotic community rehabilitation, and hydrological regulation; and constructing a multidimensional monitoring system to support precise assessments. The study emphasizes that coastal ecological barrier construction must harmonize natural principles with societal demands, integrating theoretical innovation and technological solutions to strengthen coastal ecological security, thereby providing scientific support for addressing climate change, achieving “dual carbon” targets and advancing the maritime power strategies.

First page

2113

Last Page

2123

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

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Recommended Citation

HAN, Guangxuan; BI, Xiaoli; HOU, Xiyong; ZHANG, Xiaoli; XING, Qianguo; LI, Yuan; MA, Haiqing; WANG, Ting; and QIN, Song (2025) "Ecological barrier of coastal zone in China: Concept, functions, and construction theory," Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version): Vol. 40 : Iss. 12 , Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1000-3045.20250705004
Available at: https://bulletinofcas.researchcommons.org/journal/vol40/iss12/1