Integrating Bio-Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Conservation in Karst Landscapes: Insights from the Miaoling Mountainous Region

 Karst landscapes, characterized by their distinctive geomorphology and biodiversity, also host rich cultural heritage represented by traditional villages. These villages reflect the complex interplay between human activity and the environment, shaped over centuries by geological, ecological, and cultural factors. However, karst regions face critical challenges such as ecological degradation, rocky desertification, and cultural homogenization, which threaten both biological and cultural diversity.This study conducts a multidimensional analysis of traditional village distribution across China’s karst landscapes and selects the Miaoling mountainous region as a representative area to explore integrated conservation strategies. Adopting a bio-cultural diversity framework, the research emphasizes the dynamic interactions between biodiversity and cultural heritage.A comprehensive evaluation of bio-cultural diversity was performed using an indicator-based approach. Biodiversity was assessed through factors such as karst lithologic development, habitats of endangered species (Andrias davidianus, Rhinopithecus brelichi, Abies fanjingshanensis, and Taiwania flousiana), and ecosystem services, including carbon storage, soil conservation, and habitat quality. Cultural diversity was analyzed based on the distribution of traditional villages, agricultural and intangible cultural heritage, historical relics, and ethnic minority communities. Priority conservation zones were spatially identified using the Zonation model.Results highlight that the central and western Miaoling regions, especially the Beipan River basin, demonstrate high biodiversity due to well-preserved karst habitats and the presence of critical species. Culturally, traditional villages—predominantly inhabited by Miao, Dong, and Bouyei ethnic groups—are clustered in areas with elevations of 600–800 meters and slopes less than 5°, such as Moon Mountain, Leigong Mountain, and along the Beipan and Douliu Rivers, reflecting their close relationship with the karst environment.Despite these overlaps, nearly half of the region exhibits limited coordination between biological and cultural diversity, with an average coupling coordination degree of 0.611. Higher coordination zones are concentrated in central Miaoling, while the eastern and western regions remain fragmented. Priority conservation zones, covering 2,286.76 km², are primarily located in small watersheds and agroforestry systems, revealing a fragmented spatial distribution.To address these challenges, a “source-corridor-network” conservation strategy was proposed, consisting of 29 primary corridors, 76 secondary corridors, and 25 key nodes to enhance connectivity and resilience. Additionally, a multi-stakeholder adaptive management framework was introduced, emphasizing policy support, community participation, and the integration of conservation with sustainable development.This study underscores the critical value of integrating bio-cultural diversity in conservation planning for karst regions. By bridging geosciences, ecology, and cultural studies, it provides strategic insights for global biodiversity and restoration initiatives, contributing to holistic and sustainable conservation practices in the face of climate change and anthropogenic pressures.