New framework helps balance conservation and development in cold regions

Scientists have developed an innovative planning framework that could help protect fragile ecosystems in cold regions while supporting sustainable development. The study, published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment, introduces a new “connectivity–ecological risk–economic efficiency” (CRE) approach that integrates environmental, economic, and climatic factors into a single model for ecological security planning.

Cold regions such as Northeast China’s Songhua River Basin are vital for national food production and biodiversity, yet they face mounting pressures from urban expansion, intensive farming, and climate change. Until now, most ecological planning tools have focused on either conserving habitats or reducing risks but have rarely combined connectivity, economic feasibility, and climate adaptation. The new CRE framework bridges that gap.

Led by researchers from Northeast Agricultural University, the team designed a comprehensive model that uses satellite data and advanced algorithms to identify key ecological “sources” and corridors connecting them. The approach integrates ecosystem services such as water yield, soil conservation, carbon storage, and habitat quality, while also accounting for snow cover days, a novel factor that represents the seasonal challenges unique to cold climates.

“Our goal was to create a method that not only identifies where ecosystems are most valuable but also optimizes how to protect and connect them under real-world constraints,” said corresponding author Prof. Song Cui. “By balancing ecological and economic factors, this framework helps policymakers design strategies that are both scientifically sound and cost-effective.”

Using the Songhua River Basin as a test region, the researchers found that their optimized network included nearly 500 ecological corridors spanning over 18,000 kilometers. When future development and climate scenarios were simulated, the framework revealed how conservation strategies could strengthen or weaken ecosystem connectivity. Under low-emission, ecology-focused scenarios, key habitats expanded by more than 25 percent, while high-emission scenarios led to greater fragmentation and ecological risk.

The study also introduced a new optimization process using genetic algorithms to determine the ideal width of each ecological corridor. This adjustment allows for narrower corridors that maintain ecological function but require fewer resources to protect. The results suggest that smarter design, rather than more land use, can enhance ecological resilience and reduce costs.

The team proposes a strategic spatial plan called “one barrier, two regions, multiple islands, and one center.” This concept envisions a protective ecological barrier in the west, two core ecological regions along the Songhua River, scattered habitat “islands” in the southwest, and a highly connected central hub that maintains landscape stability. Together, these zones create a blueprint for restoring and safeguarding the region’s natural infrastructure.

By combining cutting-edge modeling, network theory, and climate data, the CRE framework offers a replicable tool for ecological planning in other regions facing similar challenges. The authors emphasize that integrating such data-driven approaches into land-use and conservation policies can help balance human needs with long-term environmental security.

This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China and the Distinguished Youth Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province.

=== 

Journal Reference: Jia Z, Guo L, Fu Q, Liu D, Du X, et al. 2025. Integrating ecological networks and multi-scenario optimization: a novel framework for constructing ecological security patterns. Agricultural Ecology and Environment 1: e007  https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/aee-0025-0007   

=== 

About Agricultural Ecology and Environment: 

Agricultural Ecology and Environment is a multidisciplinary platform for communicating advances in fundamental and applied research on the agroecological environment, focusing on the interactions between agroecosystems and the environment. It is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the complex interactions between agricultural practices and ecological systems. The journal aims to provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge forum for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse fields such as agronomy, ecology, environmental science, soil science, and sustainable development. 

Follow us on Facebook, X, and Bluesky.