Construction of ecological security patterns in arid-region cities under water resource constraints

• We propose a framework to revolutionize the urban ecological security patterns (ESPs) under water resource constraints. • Water resource constraints can enhance the ESP performance, but with diminishing marginal returns. • The effectiveness of ecological corridors and networks follows an inverted U-shaped trend, peaking under medium constraints. • Our approach can promote the ecological protection and socio-economic development of cities in Arid Areas. The arid regions of Northwest China, as ecologically fragile areas, face significant challenges to urban development and ecological conservation due to water resource limitations. A robust ecological security pattern (ESP) is crucial for sustainable urban growth, yet existing studies often overlook water resource constraints, leaving the varying impacts of these constraints on ESP effectiveness unclear. This study constructed urban ESPs for Zhangye City under different water-constrained scenarios. Results indicate that water constraints enhance ESP performance with diminishing returns; ecological corridors and networks show an inverted U-shaped trend, where corridor length, robustness, connectivity, and efficiency peak under medium constraints. Based on these findings, the study develops an optimal urban ESP under medium water constraints. Policy implications include moderate water management, urban park enhancement, and improved connectivity in southeastern areas via green spaces. This framework supports Zhangye’s sustainable development and is transferable to other arid cities.