Spatial resilience of coastal zones from landscape pattern perspective: Connotation, characteristics, key elements, and pathways for enhancement

The coastal zone is a critical ecological barrier at the land–sea interface. Nevertheless, its defensive and regulatory functions have been severely undermined by climate change and intensified human activities, which have caused landscape fragmentation and reduced connectivity. From the perspective of landscape pattern, this study defines the concept of coastal zone spatial resilience and develops a three-dimensional framework of “structure–process–function”, elucidating its attributes of stability, adaptability, recoverability, and dynamic evolution. By coupling ecological spatial resilience theory, the study identifies key landscape elements shaping spatial resilience and proposes an assessment framework consisting of sensitivity, structure, and ecological vitality and services. Building on this, five pathways for resilience enhancement are suggested: Optimizing landscape pattern, enhancing functional diversity, advancing nature-based restoration, optimizing supply–demand matching of ecosystem services, and strengthening collaborative governance. This research enriches the theoretical connotation of ecological spatial resilience, develops methodological approaches for assessment, and provides decision-making support for adaptive territorial spatial governance and the construction of ecological barriers in China’s coastal zones.