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Monitoring and Evaluation of Ecological Restoration Effectiveness: A Case Study of the Liaohe River Estuary Wetland

Author

Listed:
  • Yongli Hou

    (Technology Innovation Center for Old Mine Geological Disaster Prevention and Ecological Restoration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Liaoning Nonferrous Geological Exploration and Research Institute Co., Shenyang 110013, China)

  • Nanxiang Hu

    (Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention of Hilly Mountains, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Fuzhou 350002, China
    School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China)

  • Chao Teng

    (Technology Innovation Center for Old Mine Geological Disaster Prevention and Ecological Restoration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Liaoning Nonferrous Geological Exploration and Research Institute Co., Shenyang 110013, China)

  • Lulin Zheng

    (College of Mining, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Jiabing Zhang

    (School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
    College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Yifei Gong

    (Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention of Hilly Mountains, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Fuzhou 350002, China
    School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China)

Abstract

The Liaohe River Estuary Wetland, located in Panjin City, plays a critical role in reducing pollution loads, maintaining biodiversity, and ensuring ecological security in China’s coastal regions, contributing significantly to the implementation of the land–sea coordination strategy. As key components of ecological restoration projects, monitoring and evaluating restoration effectiveness provide a reliable basis for decision-making and ecosystem management. This study established an innovative three-dimensional integrated monitoring and evaluation system combining satellite imagery, UAV aerial photography, and field sampling surveys, addressing the technical gaps in multi-scale and multi-dimensional dynamic ecological monitoring. Through systematic monitoring and the assessment of key indicators, including water environment, soil environment, biodiversity, water conservation capacity, and carbon sequestration capacity, we comprehensively evaluated the enhancement effects of ecological restoration projects on regional ecosystem structure, quality, and service functions. The findings demonstrated that the satellite–airborne–ground integrated monitoring technology significantly improved water quality and soil properties, enhanced soil–water conservation capabilities, and increased biodiversity indices and carbon sequestration potential. These results validate the scientific validity of ecological protection measures and the comprehensive benefits of restoration outcomes. The primary contributions of this research lie in the following: developing a novel monitoring framework that provides critical data support for decision-making, project acceptance, effectiveness evaluation, and adaptive management in ecological restoration; establishing transferable methodologies applicable not only to the Liaohe River Estuary wetlands, but also to similar ecosystems globally, showcasing broad applicability in ecological governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Yongli Hou & Nanxiang Hu & Chao Teng & Lulin Zheng & Jiabing Zhang & Yifei Gong, 2025. "Monitoring and Evaluation of Ecological Restoration Effectiveness: A Case Study of the Liaohe River Estuary Wetland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:2973-:d:1621868
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiang Jia & Zhengxu Jin & Xiaoli Mei & Dong Wang & Ruoning Zhu & Xiaoxia Zhang & Zherui Huang & Caixia Li & Xiaoli Zhang, 2023. "Monitoring and Effect Evaluation of an Ecological Restoration Project Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing: A Case Study of Wuliangsuhai Watershed in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Xu, F. & Yang, Z.F. & Chen, B. & Zhao, Y.W., 2011. "Ecosystem health assessment of the plant-dominated Baiyangdian Lake based on eco-exergy," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(1), pages 201-209.
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