Framework and index system construction for evaluating ecological restoration effectiveness in cold-arid region in Qinghai Province based on nature-based solutions

Efficient ecological restoration is an important measure to promote the harmonious development of humans and nature in the cold and arid regions of Qinghai Province, and the evaluation of ecological restoration effectiveness is the key to ensure the realization of ecological restoration goals. Using literature review and expert surveys, this study analyzed the current situation and existing challenges of ecological restoration effectiveness evaluation in cold and arid areas of Qinghai, and proposed the framework system of ecological restoration effectiveness evaluation in cold and arid areas of Qinghai based on the theory of nature-based solutions (NbS). The results showed that: 1) Based on the analysis of the core objectives of the various criteria of the NbS global standards, a three-stage, three-scale, three-sustainable effectiveness evaluation framework was proposed, and three evaluation stages of base period, short-term and long-term were determined to meet the needs of adaptive management. 2) By determining three spatial assessment scales of region, protection and restoration unit, and site, a systematic and hierarchical assessment was achieved. 3) An evaluation index system including three levels of target layer, criterion layer and index layer was constructed. It included three target layers (ecosystem sustainability, socio-economic development sustainability, ecological restoration action sustainability), nine criterion layers (optimizing ecological spatial pattern, improving ecosystem quality in cold and arid areas, improving dominant ecological service function, eliminating ecological stress factors, promoting regional socio-economic development, responding to climate change, applicability management, economic feasibility, and social response), and a total of 23 indicators. The constructed evaluation framework system can provide guidance for ecological restoration management and the achievement of comprehensive effectiveness in the Qinghai cold and arid region, thus facilitating positive feedback and mutual promotion of the sustainability of ecosystems, socioeconomic development, and ecological restoration actions.