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An Empirical Study on the Coupling of Wetland Ecotourism and Resource–Environmental Carrying Capacity in Dongting Lake Wetland

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Listed:
  • Meixuan Chen

    (Law School, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
    Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jiacheng Wang

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xiaohua Fu

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    School of Resource Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Yingchun Fang

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
    Hunan Jascukin Technology Co., Ltd., Changsha 414000, China)

  • Hui Wang

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Haiyin Xu

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Peirui Zhao

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Jiahao Luo

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Yi Wu

    (School of Water Conservancy & Civil Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Jian Zhu

    (Ecological Environment Management and Assessment Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

Abstract

This study explores the coupling relationship between wetland ecotourism and resource–environmental carrying capacity in the Dongting Lake region. By constructing a comprehensive index system and utilizing a coupling coordination degree model, we analyzed the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics across 24 districts and counties from 2014 to 2022. The results indicate the following: (1) The quality of both ecotourism and environmental carrying capacity has steadily improved, though significant regional disparities remain. (2) The coupling coordination degree exhibits a “high in the center, low in the periphery” spatial pattern, showing a positive correlation between ecotourism levels and environmental capacity. (3) The region comprises three development types: balanced coordination, well-matched, and lagging. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing ecotourism pathways and achieving high-quality regional sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Meixuan Chen & Jiacheng Wang & Xiaohua Fu & Yingchun Fang & Hui Wang & Haiyin Xu & Peirui Zhao & Jiahao Luo & Yi Wu & Jian Zhu, 2026. "An Empirical Study on the Coupling of Wetland Ecotourism and Resource–Environmental Carrying Capacity in Dongting Lake Wetland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:6:p:3158-:d:1901707
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