Understanding and optimizing Cultural-Ecological patterns in protection Zones: A case study from Qiang CEPZ

• Propose CEP concept to merge heritage conservation with ecological sustainability. • Multi-source analysis identified 3 functional zones, 2 resistance surfaces in CEPZ. • Through resistance surfaces delineated 4 corridor types, 4 types of key nodes. • Base on spatial analysis and network analysis identified 2 types of key areas. • Proposed strategies/methodologies for CEPZ cultural-ecological balance. Ecosystems provide rich cultural services, which constitute the natural foundation for the formation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). China’s cultural ecological protection zones (CEPZ) initiative aims to protect of both intangible cultural heritage and natural ecology. However, these zones face critical gaps in systematic spatial governance frameworks, particularly in developing methodologies that address the interplay between cultural practices and ecological protection. Grounded in cultural ecology theory, this study introduces the concept of “cultural-ecological pattern” (CEP) to address the multifaceted conservation goals of China’s CEPZs. The CEP denotes the interconnected relationship between cultural practices and their embedded ecosystems, where human behaviors, traditions, and values mutually shape and are shaped by the natural environment, which revealing complex links between cultural and biological diversity to guide sustainable strategies that balance heritage and ecological integrity. Exemplified within the Qiang CEPZ, we identify three primary functional spaces by integrating Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), spatial analysis, and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling. Ecological and human activity resistance surfaces were constructed based on multiple environmental factors relevant to landscape impedance. Employing source-sink analysis and circuit theory, four types of critical landscape corridors and their intersection nodes were subsequently identified. Furthermore, ecologically fragile areas and key cultural-ecological protection areas were delineated using spatial and network analyses. Based on the specific characteristics and calculated thresholds associated with these identified spatial elements, targeted management strategies are proposed. This research offers a novel idea by deconstructing the spatial complexity of a cultural-ecological region through the lens of the cultural-ecological pattern concept. The findings provide crucial support for advancing the holistic protection of ICH and ensuring the sustainability of interconnected ecosystem services within such protected areas.