Integrated assessment of ecological environment quality in the eastern coastal zone of Hainan Island (China) using GIS and the analytic hierarchy process

Introduction The core eastern coastal cities of Qionghai and Wanning on Hainan Island are facing escalating pressures on their ecological integrity and biodiversity due to intensifying human activities. Methods To evaluate the regional ecological environmental quality, this study established a comprehensive assessment framework based on a systematic analysis of local ecological-geological conditions. Multiple factors across topographic, geologic, hydrologic, pedologic, and anthropogenic dimensions—including topography, stratigraphy, water and soil quality, land use, and ecosystem type—were integrated. Using the Delphi method to determine factor weights and ArcGIS for spatial analysis. Results The assessment revealed that human activity is the dominant influence. The area was classified into four ecological quality categories: excellent, good, moderate, and poor. Notably, key coastal aquaculture zones such as Wancheng Town, Dongao Town, and Xiaohai Bay in Wanning were identified as having relatively poor ecological quality. Discussion/conclusion Consequently, future coastal management must prioritize regulating ecological risk in human-disturbed areas, enhancing pollution control in aquaculture, and strengthening land-use policies to foster sustained regional ecological improvement.