Ecological security pattern and spatial variation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (Chongqing Section), China

Scientists have paid attention to the evaluation of the ecological security for maintaining sustainable ecological development, yet the performance of the existing frameworks could be improved for tackling the challenges in the evaluation. In this study, the grid cells were used as evaluation units to overcome the boundaries of previous administrative units. The classic pressure–state–response framework was employed to devise the ecological security index. The framework was applied to evaluate the ecological security of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (Chongqing Section). Results show that spatial differences in overall ecological security were significant, and they gradually decrease from east to west. The state factors have the greatest effect on ecological security in the study area, followed by pressure factors. The areas of various grades in descending order were marginally secure, relatively secure, relatively insecure, secure, and insecure, accounting for 49.82%, 33.17%, 9.45%, 6.14%, and 1.42%, respectively. The various ecological security grades showed significant spatial variation characteristics in land use, elevation, slope, and population density. The global Moran’s I index for regional ecological security was 0.80. The regional ecological security shows a strong spatial correlation and exhibits continuity and an agglomeration effect. Ultimately, the outcome of the study provides a better understanding of ecological security in Three Gorges Reservoir Area that is helpful for policymakers in developing measures for eco-environmental management.