Assessment and Optimization of Wetland Ecosystem Services in the Jianghan Lake Cluster

Abstract

Anthropogenic disturbances and morphological constraints pose significant threats to lake–wetland functions. However, conventional assessments often overlook the influence of wetland morphology on the spatial realization of ecosystem services, which limits effective ecological restoration. This study presents a multidimensional framework coupled with the InVEST model to evaluate the Integrated Ecosystem Service Capacity (IESC) in the Jianghan Lake Cluster. The assessment focuses on key ecosystem services, such as habitat quality, carbon storage, and water purification. The results reveal significant morphology-driven heterogeneity in IESC. Zonal optimization strategies, including ecological water replenishment, buffer-strip construction, and polder-to-lake conversion, significantly enhance IESC across conservation, regulation, and restoration zones. Model simulations indicate that these targeted interventions can reduce non-point source pollution by approximately 35%, and increase carbon sequestration and biodiversity indices by 15–20% and 30%, respectively. This study elucidates the coupling mechanisms between lake morphology and ecosystem service capacity and provides a spatial framework for restoring “lake–river–polder” composite wetland systems.