How does sports tourism development interact with fragile ecosystem performance? dynamic evidence from China's Yellow River Basin

Abstract As a typical ecologically fragile region, the Yellow River Basin requires systematic investigation of the relationship between sports tourism development (STDI) and ecosystem function performance (EFP). Using panel data from nine provincial-level regions in the basin from 2015 to 2024, this study applies the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, a panel vector autoregression model, and a Coupling Coordination Degree model to examine the dynamic relationship between STDI and EFP, as well as their coordinated evolutionary characteristics. The results show that: Cai et al. (2025a) (1) the intensity of STDI exhibits an overall upward trend with fluctuations, forming a spatial gradient characterized by relatively high levels in downstream areas, transitional levels in midstream areas, and catch-up growth in upstream areas; EFP shows fluctuating improvement, with marked regional heterogeneity in recovery trajectories. Cai et al. (2024b) (2) The two systems display a stable dynamic response process, and their interaction is transmitted gradually through lagged pathways. The ecological disturbance caused by STDI remains generally controllable, whereas EFP provides stronger support for STDI development. Cai et al. (2025c) (3) The Yellow River Basin remains at an intermediate coordination stage over the long term, with coordination improving slowly and the spatial differentiation pattern remaining stable. At the regional level, primary coordination remains dominant, while intermediate and higher coordination levels expand only during specific periods and in limited areas. Overall, STDI and EFP in the Yellow River Basin have formed a relationship of gradual dynamic equilibrium. These findings provide empirical evidence for promoting coordinated progress between high-quality STDI and ecological protection in ecologically fragile regions. Highlights • STDI rose with fluctuations, led by downstream growth and upstream catch-up. • EFP improved overall, but ecological recovery remained regionally uneven. • STDI and EFP interacted through lagged adjustment rather than instant feedback. • The basin stayed intermediately coordinated, with stable spatial disparities.