Identifying ecological risk and cost–benefit value for supporting habitat restoration: a case study from Sansha Bay, southeast China

Abstract Background Coastal wetlands with high biodiversity and productivity provide essential ecosystem services that have a significant positive socio-economic impact. However, coastal reclamation, pollution, and climate change are threatening coastal wetlands. Thus, it is critical to identify priority areas for restoration and improve habitat resilience to adapt to environmental changes. Here, we propose a general analysis framework integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) into habitat restoration to increase coastal resilience to multiple stressors in Sansha Bay, southeast China. Results The total loss of value in ecosystem services due to reclamation in Sansha Bay was US$162.18 million from 2000 to 2015. The coastal habitats were at medium risk of degradation, with some high-risk areas concentrated in the northwest and along the west coasts, which were prioritized for restoration. Conclusions Our proposed framework, which integrates hard and soft engineering such as mudflat renovation, mangrove afforestation, and an ecological seawall, can aid in the improvement of coastal resilience. The project cost was US$12.71 million and was estimated to generate US$36.75 million in environmental services. We recommend evaluating and monitoring shoreline changes, environmental factors, and marine biological resources using long-term sampling surveys and remote sensing methods. Our findings can serve as a guide for government decision-making in coastal restoration planning and management.