Basic logic and implementation path of ecological red line management

To safeguard national ecological security and optimize territorial spatial planning, the Chinese government has introduced and implemented the ecological red line (ERL) strategy. Since the delineation of ERL was completed in 2022, ensuring effective and sustainable long-term management has become a critical challenge. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental logic, conceptual framework, and implementation pathways of ERL management. The findings indicate that although the ERL delineates explicit spatial boundaries in territorial spatial planning, effective management requires adherence to three key principles: baseline thinking, systematic thinking, and flexible thinking. It is crucial not only to focus on the internal protection of ecological functions but also to consider ecological synergy with surrounding areas. Additionally, while strict regulatory enforcement is essential, management strategies must balance ecological conservation with socio-economic development needs. Given the complexity of coordinating ecological protection across diverse regions and stakeholders, a structured approach to ERL management is essential. To achieve this, the management framework should at least encompass three levels: protecting critical ecological spaces by strictly controlling land-use changes and minimizing human disturbances, optimizing ecological security patterns through the restoration and enhancement of ecosystem functions, and enhancing ecosystem services to maximize their long-term environmental and economic benefits. Furthermore, an integrated governance support system is necessary to ensure effective implementation. This system should include legal mechanisms to establish regulatory authority, define responsibilities, and enforce compliance; administrative measures to strengthen spatial planning supervision, land-use control, and ecosystem restoration initiatives; and technological innovations such as remote sensing monitoring, ecological assessment models, and early warning systems to enhance real-time oversight and adaptive management. Ultimately, the implementation of ERL management is a comprehensive, systematic, complex, and long-term task.