Optimization of composite ecological network patterns in Anhui Province based on multi-functional coupling of ecology-climate-economy

Amidst global climate warming and rapid urbanization, ecological and environmental issues are becoming increasingly prominent. Constructing a multi-functional coupled ecological network pattern is essential for promoting the synergy among ecological protection, climate regulation, and economic development. This study focuses on Anhui Province, characterized by diverse topographical features. Utilizing “source and sink” theory, the study employs a combination of Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), landscape connectivity indices, local spatial autocorrelation, and circuit theory to construct single-factor networks for biodiversity conservation, thermal environment mitigation, and economic development. The analysis of spatial elements such as “source” areas, corridors, ecological strategic points, and ecological nodes led to the formation of an optimized multi-level, multi-functional composite ecological network pattern based on ecology, climate, and economy. The results indicate that: (1) Anhui Province has 14 ecological “source” landscapes and 31 ecological “sink” landscapes. There are 29 climate “source” landscapes and 21 climate “sink” landscapes. Additionally, there are 30 economic “source” landscapes and 22 economic “sink” landscapes. The biological migration corridors are primarily concentrated in Northern and Central Anhui Province, while climate corridors are distributed throughout the province. Economic corridors are relatively dense and dispersed across various cities in Anhui Province, showing a trend of expansion in all directions; (2) In the multi-level “source and sink” landscape network, the total length of economic corridors surpasses climate corridors, which in turn surpass biological migration corridors. In terms of total area, climate corridors exceed biological migration corridors, which surpass economic corridors. The optimal widths for first class and secondary corridors are outlined as follows: biological migration corridors at 1000 m and 6000 m, climate corridors at 2000 m and 6000 m, and economic corridors at 1000 m and 2000 m; (3) Overlaying the multi-objective corridors identified 228 ecological key points and 501 disturbance points. Approximately 7.52 % of the area in economic “source” locations should be allocated to ecological and climate corridors. (4) The proposed multi-functional composite ecological network optimization scheme identifies critical areas for the restoration of the multi-functional composite network. The lengths of the main corridors for biological migration, climate, and economy are 2130.20 km, 2606.14 km, and 1134.63 km respectively. The total area for core and critical restoration zones is 1166.42 km2 for ecology, 2999.95 km2 for climate, and 2902.11 km2 for economy. Constructing a multi-functional composite ecological network can effectively enhance regional ecosystem services, alleviate urban heat island effects, and promote sustainable regional economic development. This study addresses existing gaps in ecological network research and provides scientific basis and technical support for the coordinated optimization of ecological protection, climate regulation, and economic development in Anhui Province and globally.