Effect and issue diagnosis in socio-ecological system of pastoral areas from ecology, production, and livelihood dimensions: A case study in ecological gradient grasslands of China

Understanding the trade-offs among ecological conservation, herder livelihoods, and production dynamics is critical for building resilient grassland socio-ecological systems, yet, comparative discussions across ecological gradient grasslands remain limited. Over the past two decades, grassland reservation projects have achieved notable progress, while new challenges, such as potential negative impacts on herders’ livelihoods, are emerging. This research aims to analyze the sustainable development of pastoral areas under the pressures of limited natural resources, increasing livelihood demands, and restrictions from grassland protection policies. Rooted in the harmonious nexus of grassland–livestock–herdsman, by integrating the multi-source data from remote sensing observation, statistical analysis, and household surveys, a Pastoral Ecosystem and Livelihood Sustainability Assessment System (PELSA) has been developed with ecology, production and livelihood dimensions and applied in Xilin Gol League of China. The results showed that: (1) the PELSA provides a comprehensive assessment framework for grassland areas with intensive human–environment interactions, supporting issue diagnosis and management strategy formulation; (2) in ecology dimension, production pressure still threatens local resource security, and the replenishment of artificial grassland provides effective but limited relief; (3) in production dimension, regions with better natural conditions face subtle problems such as lower resource utilization efficiency, indicating the need for enhanced site monitoring and diversified regulation; and (4) in livelihood dimension, subsidy strategy should combine with livestock market regulation, livelihood diversification, technical training, and youth engagement to achieve sustainability. The PELSA and the case study provide insights and transferable experiences for promoting ecosystem resilience and livelihood sustainability in pastoral regions. • A pastoral ecosystem and livelihood sustainability assessment system (PELSA) was established • The production pressure in Xilin Gol League is increasing, artificial grassland provides limited relief • Regions with better natural conditions are facing potential risks • Subsidy strategy should combine with livestock market regulation, livelihood diversification, technical training, and youth engagement to achieve sustainability