Assessment of coupling coordination and spatial distribution characteristics between urbanization and ecosystem health in the Yellow River Basin

As an important ecological barrier and economic zone in China, the coordinated development of urbanization and the ecological system health of the Yellow River basin is crucial to the sustainable development of the region. Based on the data from 2000 to 2020, this study explores the interaction between urbanization and ecosystem health and its spatial distribution characteristics by using the coupled coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation analysis methods. The results of the study indicate that: (1) from 2000 to 2020, The urbanization level in the Yellow River basin has increased significantly, with Progressive improvement in the ecosystem health index, The coupling coordination degree changes from "moderate imbalance" to "moderate equilibrium" stage; (2) Spatially, Coordination presents significant positive correlation features, Four forms of high-value cluster area, low-value heterogeneous area, low-value cluster area and high-value heterogeneous area in the western region, It reflects the regional differences between the urbanization process and the ecological health in the east and the west; (3) Land tenure and land use/restoration policies have an important impact on the neutral effect of land degradation, Clear land ownership and effective restoration measures can significantly improve the health level of ecosystems. This study provides a theoretical basis and decision-making reference for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. It is suggested that the coordinated development of urbanization and ecological health should be realized by urbanization construction, optimization of ecological restoration policies, and regional collaborative governance according to local conditions.