Study on function evolution and coupling coordination degree of “Three Lives Space” in the upper reaches of Yangtze River in China

Analyzing the functional evolution characteristics and coupling coordination of the “Three Lives Space” in the upper reaches of Yangtze River (URYR) is crucial for achieving high-quality, coordinated development and ecological protection in the region. Based on the panel data of the production function, living function, and ecological function of 31 cities in the URYR from 2010 to 2020, this study establishes the evaluation index system of the “Three Lives Space” function and analyzes its spatio-temporal evolution characteristics and spatial correlation by utilizing the coupling coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation test. The results indicate that (1) the functional coupling coordination of 31 cities in the URYR exhibits a steady upward trend as a whole, which can be characterized by a sequence of stages, including the disordering decline in disorder, barely coordination, primary coordination, and intermediate coordination. (2) The 31 cities in the URYR have significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. Among them, most cities in Sichuan Province and Chongqing City have high-high gathering effects, and most cities in Guizhou Province and Yunnan Province have low-low gathering effects. Therefore, it is imperative to scientifically and rationally organize the production, living, and ecological space, collectively safeguard the crucial ecological barrier of the URYR, and promote its integrated development.