An evaluation framework for urban ecological compensation priority in China based on meta-analysis and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation

This initiative seeks to attain a harmonious equilibrium of regional environmental pressures and improve resource utilization efficiency within the context of habitat and environmental preservation. The escalating urban population exposure underscores the significance of restoring human settlements, emerging as a critical concern in urban planning and development. However, a notable deficiency exists in both theoretical foundations and methodologies for identifying cities requiring greater support for environmental restoration. The evaluation of ecological compensation priority has thus become pivotal in accomplishing this objective. Consequently, this study endeavors to elucidate the research paradigm surrounding urban ecological compensation priority and proffer a framework for assessing and analyzing the spatial characteristics of such priority in China. Employing the meta-analysis method, the study established an evaluation index system for ecological protection importance (EPI) to delineate ecological compensation priority. Leveraging data sourced from literature findings and publicly available data from Google Earth Engine, an evaluation of EPI subsystems (HSEQ and ecological sensitivity) ensued via the application of a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. Ultimately, the EPI value was computed using a coupling coordination degree model, facilitating the determination of ecological compensation priorities for Chinese cities. The results showed that (1) Most cities displayed both low-grade human settlement environmental quality (HSEQ) and ecological sensitivity, especially about 59.8% cities in lowest grade HSEQ. And they showed aggregated distribution from both the aspects of the HSEQ(Moran’I = 0.16) and the eco-sensitivity(Moran’I = 0.297). (2) 53.5%(n = 53) cities in low compensation priority and 38.4%(n = 36) in medium compensation priority, only 8.1%(n = 8) cities in high compensation priority. (3) 83.75% cities accorded with the feature that cities with obvious population growth could upgrade the compensation priority. It indicates that cities and urban agglomerations with potential for population growth should receive more attention. This study presents an analytical framework for urban ecological compensation, aiming to offer valuable insights for urban HSEQ policy decisions related to urban ecological management.