Comprehensive Evaluation of the Level of Water Ecological Civilization Construction in the Min River Basin, China

Abstract

Water Ecological Civilization Construction (WECC) is critical for promoting long-term resource, economic, and social development. The Min River is the longest in Fujian Province, China, and is known as the “golden canal” for shipping. In this study, data from cities around the Min River were used to build an evaluation index system for WECC in the Min River, incorporating the Pressure–State–Response model, and the matter element extension model was used to examine the WECC level in the Min River Basin. The results indicate that notable progress has been made for WECC in the Min River Basin, despite evident regional variation. The upper parts of the Min River have seen the most development; however, the downstream regions have been mainly stable and retained a high WECC level. Changes in industrial structure and government actions substantially affect the degree of WECC. This study can act as a reference for river basin WECC.