Advancements in research on sustainable ecosystem development in the Three Parallel Rivers region based on bibliometric analysis

Located in Yunnan Province, the “Three Parallel Rivers region “ is a renowned tourist resort and World Natural Heritage site. It boasts the distinction of being the world’s most extensive geological and geomorphological museum, an invaluable repository for biological genes, and a natural alpine garden. With its significant vertical gradient and diverse environmental sensitive zones, this region exhibits relatively shallow soil depth, making it a focal point for research on sustainable development of regional ecosystems. In order to comprehensively assess the ecosystem development in the “Three Parallel Rivers region,” this study employs bibliometric analysis to examine 3918 papers published domestically and internationally over a span of 30 years. The analysis encompasses paper quantity, sources, citation frequencies, primary authors, research institutions, and research hotspots. The findings indicate that: (1) Since 2000, the Three Parallel Rivers region has garnered increasing societal attention, leading to a rapid surge in research publications on this topic, with an average annual output of 122 papers. Notably, Chinese researchers have contributed the most papers; however, there is room for further improvement in terms of paper quality.(2)The study of the three parallel rivers has been primarily advanced by prominent scholars such as He Daming, Sha Yucang, Li Yimin, and their colleagues. Collaborative efforts between research institutions including the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan University, and others have played a crucial role. However, there is limited collaboration among relevant scholars and research institutions with minimal communication or cooperation between different units and teams domestically or internationally.(3) The research primarily focuses on the resources, energy, and geology of the Three Parallel Rivers region, with a specific emphasis on three key research areas: water conservation and hydropower, topography and geomorphology, and bioecology. In order to enhance the international influence of our research findings in this area, it is crucial to prioritize originality and breakthrough contributions. Additionally, we should foster diverse collaborations among different research institutions and disciplines while promoting theoretical innovation alongside practical applications. These efforts will inject new momentum into Three Parallel Rivers region studies. It is anticipated that this paper will serve as a valuable reference for expanding both the breadth and depth of future research in this region.