The Spatiotemporal Evolution and Coupling Coordination of LUCC and Landscape Ecological Risk in Ecologically Vulnerable Areas: A Case Study of the Wanzhou–Dazhou–Kaizhou Region

Exploring the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of land use/cover change (LUCC) and landscape ecological risk (LER), and understanding their coupling mechanisms are crucial for sustainable development in ecologically vulnerable areas. This study examines the Wanzhou–Dazhou–Kaizhou (WDK) region from 1980 to 2020, employing intensity analysis, comprehensive index of land use intensity (LUI), and landscape index models to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of LUCC and LER systematically. A coupling research framework based on optimal evaluation scales was constructed to reveal the interactive mechanisms between LUI and LER. The results indicate that over the 40 years, the main land use categories were Crop and Forest. Crop was the primary stable source for the expansion of Built. LUI and LER exhibited a clear geographic gradient, higher in the south and lower in the north, with agricultural and urban areas showing higher risk levels. The coupling coordination degree between LUI and LER was generally moderate, spatially manifesting as a “strong coupling–weak coordination” pattern. Moderately unbalanced areas increased, with environmental improvements observed in some regions. However, typical ecological degradation zones also emerged. This study can provide a basis for environmental management and land use planning in the WDK region.