How to Recognize and Measure the Driving Forces of Tourism Ecological Security: A Case Study from Zhangjiajie Scenic Area in China

Rapid regional development and intensified human activities increasingly disturb ecosystems, posing substantial threats to the integrity of large-scale ecological zones. As a World Natural Heritage site and a crucial national ecological zone, the Zhangjiajie Scenic Area plays a pivotal role in China’s environmental conservation efforts. To comprehensively assess tourism ecological security in the Scenic Area and strengthen the scientific basis for resource management and policymaking, this study developed a multi-dimensional ecological security evaluation system covering 2010–2024, incorporating dynamic changes in perturbation, reaction, and governance. Using entropy weight–TOPSIS and coupling coordination models, combined with obstacle degree analysis, we examined the temporal trajectory of ecological security and analyzed its underlying driving mechanisms. The study also examined factors influencing the sustainable development of the ecosystem. The results indicate the following: (1) Tourism ecological security in the Scenic Area followed a V-shaped trajectory of “rapid degradation—steady recovery—impact and rebound.” It declined sharply to an unsafe level between 2010 and 2014, steadily recovered from 2015 to 2019, briefly dropped in 2020, and then rebounded, reaching a peak evaluation value of 0.519 in 2024. (2) The co-evolution of perturbation, reaction, and governance subsystems has matured: their coupling coordination degree has increased annually and has remained at the level of “intermediate coordination” since 2020. The reaction subsystem plays a central role, serving as a bridge between perturbation and governance. (3) The driving factors exhibit a phased evolutionary pattern of “elements—facilities—structure—function.” Cultivated land area, total road mileage, and artificial afforestation area constitute the main long-term constraints. This research provides important insights for strengthening ecological security and sustainability in the Scenic Area while advancing regional ecosystem development. It also offers valuable guidance for ecological security management and policymaking in similar nature reserves.