Evaluation of ecological restoration effectiveness of Zoige grassland wetland in the upper reaches of the Yellow River

Abstract In order to scientifically demonstrate the progress and effectiveness of ecological restoration in the Zoige grassland wetland, and to guide the standardized implementation, supervision, and management of ecological restoration projects in local or similar areas, this study selected multi-source remote sensing data from 2021 before ecological restoration and governance, and from 2023 during ecological restoration and governance. This enabled the accurate acquisition of the status quo and change information of ecological restoration, and the scientific construction of a monitoring index system and effectiveness evaluation model. The study focused on monitoring and evaluating the stage restoration effect, yielding the following results: (1) Utilizing multi-source remote sensing techniques including high-resolution satellite imagery, multi-spectral remote sensing, and 3D modeling, a scientifically constructed monitoring index system and evaluation model comprehensively, accurately, and chronologically obtained progress and effectiveness information of ecological restoration projects. (2) The area with a significant and good ecological restoration and management effect accounted for 9%, mainly located in the Heihe River basin, Hongyuan County, Baihe River basin, and Dadu River basin of Aba County. These areas showed significant improvements in water conservation, vegetation coverage, and a reduction in ecological and environmental problems such as land desertification and soil erosion. (3) The Zoige grassland wetland ecological restoration project has not been fully completed. The next steps include continuing to optimize the monitoring index system and evaluation model, and conducting further monitoring and evaluation research on the effectiveness of ecological restoration.