Resilience evolution and optimization strategies of ecological networks in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area: A scenario-based simulation approach

With the intensification of human activities such as urbanisation, industrialization, and agricultural expansion, global ecosystems face habitat fragmentation and degradation, resulting in functional loss and decreased ecological connectivity, which compromises ecosystem service stability and sustainability. In response to these challenges, ecological networks (ENs) have gained widespread attention as comprehensive landscape conservation strategies. This study focuses on the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA), addressing human-land relationship conflicts by constructing an EN system and analyzing its spatiotemporal evolution from 2001 to 2023. To evaluate network resilience, this study employs node attack simulation methods, we dynamically assessed EN resilience through four functional and structural indicators. The results indicate that EN resilience in the TGRA varied according to the operational phases of the Three Gorges Project while maintaining relatively stable conditions between 2001 and 2023, thereby revealing the impact of different operational phases on regional EN resilience. This study establishes an EN evaluation framework for regions with complex human-land relationships, contributing by: (1) providing empirical evidence for ecological governance and sustainable development in the TGRA; (2) offering a scientific reference for optimizing ecological security patterns; (3) developing dynamic assessment methods with transferable value, thereby providing methodological guidance for EN construction and resilience assessment in similar regions. • Developed an integrated framework for ecological network construction and resilience assessment. • Implemented dual-scenario dynamic simulations to quantify ecological network resilience. • Proposed optimization strategies for the spatiotemporal evolution of ecological networks and associated resilience indicators. • The findings provide empirical support for ecological governance.