An integrated strategy maximises cobenefits of conservation and restoration for ecosystem services in coastal wetlands

Coastal wetlands are among the most valuable but threatened ecosystems globally. Here we address the need to move beyond isolated, site-based restoration by developing an integrated spatial strategy that co-optimizes conservation and restoration to maximize multiple ecosystem benefits. Using the Yellow River Delta as a case study, we combined systematic conservation planning with spatial optimization modeling to identify priority areas for both conservation and restoration under budget constraints. Restoration cost was assessed by added hydrological accessibility and we explored restoration feasibility by elevation-based habitat suitability for tidal vegetation. We find that an optimal integrated pattern, achievable under a 50% target level for mitigating ecosystem service losses, could enhance total ecosystem service value by 19% compared with the current baseline. We further proposed tailored management strategies, focusing on enhancing habitat connectivity, managing regional carbon and aquaculture wastewater. Our integrated conservation-restoration framework highlights co-benefits that are missed by separate strategies for conservation and restoration and facilitates informed decision making. Integrated optimisation of conservation and restoration in the coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta can mitigate up to half of historical losses of key ecosystem services and enhance ecosystem service value by almost 20%, according to analyses using spatial optimisation modelling