Structure-instrument-efficacy: A three-dimensional perspective of ecological restoration policies in China's arid and semi-arid regions

Ecological restoration policies play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and ensuring ecological security in China's arid and semi-arid regions. This study examines 178 ecological restoration policy documents issued between 2004 and 2024. Utilizing a three-dimensional analytical framework of ''structure–instrument–efficacy,'' along with text mining, policy instrument analysis, the PMC index model, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this research conducts a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of these policies. The findings reveal: (1) In terms of policy structure, the number of policies has exhibited a phased growth trend, categorized into three stages—initial promotion, rapid growth, and consolidation—based on restoration content, concepts, and governance approaches; (2) Regarding policy instruments, there is a clear preference for environmental type and supply type instruments, while the use of demand type instruments remains relatively limited; (3) In terms of policy efficacy, while overall performance is satisfactory, improvements are needed in policy timeliness, coverage breadth, and multidimensional integration. To strengthen policy effectiveness, three recommendations are advanced: First, strengthening top-level design and regional coordination to improve policy timeliness and operability; Second, balancing the use of environmental, supply-side, and demand-side instruments to foster synergies among policy tools; Third, refining legal frameworks, implementing differentiated policy measures, and enhancing cross-regional collaboration to improve policy precision and execution. In conclusion, the study addresses the lack of quantitative evaluations of China’s ecological restoration policies by employing policy metrics and multidimensional analytical approaches, thereby providing a scientific foundation and valuable insights for policy formulation.