Assessing ecological vulnerability in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay area: an ESA framework approach

Assessing ecological vulnerability is crucial for targeted ecological restoration and management within a region. This study utilizes GIS and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) within the "Exposure-Sensitivity-Adaptability" (ESA) framework to assess ecological vulnerability in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. By incorporating nine impact factors across human, social, and ecological dimensions, we developed a five-tiered assessment system to identify and analyze the distribution patterns of ecological vulnerability across the region. The data is progressively organized to quantitatively analyze the overall distribution patterns of ecological vulnerability. Findings indicate that areas of higher ecological vulnerability in the northern regions of the Greater Bay Area necessitate stringent protective measures for the natural environment. Conversely, the central and southern regions, characterized by higher levels of urban development, stable ecological structures, and strong self-regulatory capacities, require careful planning and construction while preserving the existing ecological environment. This detailed evaluation supports informed decision-making for sustainable urban development and ecological management, fostering regional coordination and sustainability.