Ecological Assessment Based on the InVEST Model and Ecological Sensitivity Analysis: A Case Study of Huinan County, Tonghua City, Jilin Province, China

With the expansion of urban scale, forests and water areas have suffered a reduction. This reduction has resulted in insufficient carbon sequestration capacity. Strengthening environmental protection, especially enhancing the function of carbon sinks, is of great significance to the ecologically friendly development of the region. This study aims to clarify the distribution of regional ecological vulnerability and carbon storage capacity, and proposes a scientifically optimized ecological functional zoning plan. Specifically, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of land use and zoning in Huinan County by integrating ecological sensitivity with the InVEST model. First, based on the DPSIRM model, we evaluated the weights of ecological sensitivity influencing factors by combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM). Using ArcGIS, we overlaid these factors with their respective weights to obtain the distribution of overall ecological sensitivity. Referencing relevant literature, we classified Huinan County’s ecological sensitivity into five categories. These categories include insensitive areas, low-sensitivity areas, medium-sensitivity areas, high-sensitivity areas, and extremely sensitive areas. Second, the carbon sequestration capacity of this region was visualized using the InVEST model to analyze Huinan County’s carbon storage potential. Finally, using the ArcGIS spatial overlay, we combined sensitivity levels with carbon storage zones. Based on varying degrees of ecological sensitivity and carbon storage distribution, we established five ecological conservation zones. These five ecological protection zones were: ecological buffer zone, restoration zone, stabilization zone, potential zone, and fragility zone. We implemented differentiated measures tailored to distinct regions, thereby advancing ecological restoration and sustainable development. This study provides a policy basis for ecological restoration in Huinan County and offers a replicable framework for ecological conservation in urbanized areas. Consequently, it holds practical significance for enhancing landscape multifunctionality and resilience.