Stability of Regional Ecological Supply–Demand Is Enhanced by Complex Network Modeling: Evidence From the Xuzhou Metropolitan Area, China

In the era of urbanization, the imperative to safeguard ecological security and navigate toward sustainable development is paramount. The emergence of remote sensing technologies has unveiled a nuanced approach to understanding and refining regional ecological networks, which are crucial for achieving these objectives. However, in constructing regional ecological networks, the spatial integration of ecological supply and demand frequently goes unaddressed. The balance of supply and demand for ecosystem services is a complex challenge. In addition, there is an absence of comprehensive effectiveness assessment for regional ecological networks constructed based on element evaluation. To address these challenges, this study focuses on the highly urbanized Xuzhou metropolitan area (XMA) in eastern China, utilizing remote sensing data to develop an ecological network focused on balancing ecological supply and demand. The study adeptly applies complex network theory to model the ecological network, analyzing its structure and function to propose thorough and specific optimization strategies. The results indicate that the ecological network in the XMA encompasses 20 ecological supply sources, 21 demand sources, and various corridors and nodes, displaying a “dense in the center, sparse on the periphery” spider-web-like distribution. After postoptimization, the network integrates further stepping stones and corridors, evolving into a denser and more intricate structure. The study emphasizes the significance of constructing regional ecological networks based on ecological supply and demand, aiding the balance of ecosystem services in urbanized areas. It highlights the transformative potential of complex network models in ecological network optimization, facilitating effective ecosystem management and spatial planning.