Coastal Vitality Evaluation System for Fujian Province, China Reveals Insights for Sustainable Development

Strategic Insights -

The coastal regions of China face significant challenges from global climate change, sea-level rise, and frequent storm surge events. To address these issues, researchers from the Ministry of Natural Resources, along with other authors, have developed a coastal vitality evaluation system for Fujian Province, China. This system assesses the spatiotemporal evolution of coastal vitality using the entropy weight method, integrating three dimensions: protective safety, ecological resilience, and economic vitality. Data from 2010 and 2020 were analyzed, revealing a spatial pattern of "low in the north, high in the center, and low in the south" with vitality values ranging from 0.20 to 0.67.

Key Takeaways:

  • The coastal vitality evaluation system for Fujian Province, China, uses the entropy weight method to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of coastal vitality.
  • Data from 2010 and 2020 reveal a spatial pattern of "low in the north, high in the center, and low in the south" with vitality values ranging from 0.20 to 0.67.
  • Ecological restoration projects have significantly improved coastal vitality, particularly in central and southern regions.
  • Key factors influencing coastal vitality include water quality, cyclone intensity, biological shoreline length, and wetland area.
  • NbS-aligned coastal management strategies and soft revetment practices have generated substantial ecological and economic benefits.
  • Region-specific approaches are recommended to enhance coastal vitality, emphasizing rational resource utilization, optimization of ecological and economic values, and the establishment of a sustainable evaluation framework.
  • The study provides scientific insights for improving coastal protection capacity, ecological resilience, and economic potential.

Statistics:

  • Vitality values for coastal regions in Fujian Province, China, range from 0.20 to 0.67.
  • Coastal vitality initially exhibited a "low in the north, high in the center, and low in the south" spatial pattern.
  • Ecological restoration projects have improved coastal vitality, particularly in central and southern regions, with high-vitality segments increasing markedly.
  • Key factors influencing coastal vitality include water quality, cyclone intensity, biological shoreline length, and wetland area.

Sources:

  • "Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2025,13(7):1307. DOI: 10.3390/jmse13071307.
  • "Ministry of Natural Resources Researchers Have Published New Data on Marine Science and Engineering (Characteristics and Evaluation of Living Shorelines: A Case Study from Fujian, China)." China Weekly News. August 12, 2025; p 212.