Unveiling the influence pathways of the evolution of human-nature relationships in the Yangtze river delta urban agglomeration

Understanding the interactions between human activities and ecosystems is crucial to enhancing human well-being and adaptive governance. This study employs the human footprint index (HFI) and the ecosystem quality index (EQI), along with multivariate statistical methods, to analyze human-nature relationships and their driving mechanisms in the Yangtze river delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA). The results show a steady increase in HFI and a decline in EQI from 2000 to 2020 in the YRDUA. The ratio of coordinated to conflicting areas has remained stable at approximately 3:5. Over 95% of the coupling coordination degree (CCD) were classified as primarily or moderately coordinated. Vegetation cover and human activity intensity were the main positive drivers of CCD in coordinated and conflicting regions, respectively, while terrain and climate were the dominant negative drivers. These findings deepen our understanding of human-nature interactions in urbanized areas, offering valuable insights for targeted ecosystem restoration.