Developing ecological restoration strategies based on carbon storage assessment

Coastal zones play a crucial role in China's marine economy and ecological security. However, the intensification of the human activities has increased the burden on the ecosystems and carbon storage capacity of the coastal zones. In this pursuit, a case study was conducted in Lianyungang, wherein the carbon stocks were assessed using ArcGIS and InVEST model in view of the carbon neutrality targets. Remote sensing data for the years 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2020 was analyzed to assess the carbon storage capacity in the coastal zones of Lianyungang, and the causes of variation and the spatial evolution patterns were studied. The results showed that the carbon storage capacity of the coastal zones of Lianyungang showed a progressive decline with time. The carbon stock in 2020 was 6.245 × 106 TC (measured by CO2), which was more as compared to that of a decade ago. Based on estimation of the carbon stocks, several ecological restoration strategies were proposed for coastal zones of Lianyungang. The study area was divided as: ecological control space, ecological restoration space and ecological governance space. Ecological management requirements and suggestions were proposed for each type of space. Our research not only contributes to the sustainable management of coastal zones of Lianyungang, but also provides a scientific basis for achieving the carbon neutrality targets. •In this paper, ArcGIS and InVEST model were used to evaluate carbon stocks in the coastal zone of Lianyungang.•Remote sensing data for the years 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2020 were analyzed to assess the carbon storage capacity in the coastal zones of Lianyungang.•Based on the evaluation results of carbon storage capacity for coastal zones, the study area was divided into different types of spaces: ecological control space, ecological restoration space, and ecological governance space.