Review Reports - Coastal Wetland Conservation and Urban Sustainable Development Synergy Pathway Research: Insights from Qingdao and Weihai for Qinhuangdao

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Reviewing report

Manuscript entitled “Coastal Wetland Conservation and Urban Sustainable Devel-opment Synergy Pathway Research: Insights from Qingdao and Weihai for Qinhuangdao “.

Please make the first letter for the forst letter for each keyword capitalised while the second or third word is not capitalised “Coastal Wetlands; Urban Sustainable Development; Synergistic Pathways; 27 Qingdao; Weihai; Qinhuangdao”
Please combine lines 30-48 as one paragraph
Please talk about the main conflict: the intense pressure and degradation of coastal wetlands due to rapid urban development and human activities in coastal zones, particularly in fast-developing areas like China.
Please see the brackets at line 47
Line 57, please put a space before this “The above discussion can be found in Table 1”
In the table 1 caption, you need to capitalise just the first word. Please revise all captions.
Where are references in table 1 ? The same for all tables.
You need to make a concluded paragraph to talk about the need for this study and what you will made within.
Line 202, please add space here “ties[18-19].” And revise the whole manuscript about that.

Line 66,

You need to add study area part after introduction part and remember to add figures for maps.
Under subtitle “”

You need to add subtitle about :

Application (Coastal)

- Applying EES synergy to coastal wetland governance

- A three-dimensional perspective on coastal zone sustainability

- Theoretical foundation for synergy in coastal urbanization

Please talk about SDGs
Please make a subtitle about limitations.

GOOD LUCK

Author Response

Dear Review Experts, thank you very much for your review. We agree with your review comments and have made the following modifications in sequence based on your feedback (if not clearly stated here, please review our revised manuscript). Please point out any further corrections needed.

1.Please make the first letter for the forst letter for each keyword capitalised while the second or third word is not capitalised “Coastal Wetlands; Urban Sustainable Development; Synergistic Pathways; 27 Qingdao; Weihai; Qinhuangdao”

We have made the modifications, as follows:

Coastal wetlands; Urban Sustainable development; Synergistic pathways; Qingdao; Weihai; Qinhuangdao

[2]Please combine lines 30-48 as one paragraph

Please talk about the main conflict: the intense pressure and degradation of coastal wetlands due to rapid urban development and human activities in coastal zones, particularly in fast-developing areas like China.

Please see the brackets at line 47

We have made the following modifications:

Qingdao and Weihai, as frontrunner cities in coastal zone management within Shandong Province, have accumulated substantial experience in the conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands. In Qingdao, initiatives such as the “Blue Bay” Campaign and projects aimed at “returning aquaculture ponds to the sea” have significantly enhanced the ecological functioning of Jiaozhou Bay. Weihai has pioneered integrated coastal zone planning and management, establishing a balanced model that aligns natural shoreline preservation with urban growth[3]. These experiences offer valuable references for Qinhuangdao, which also lies along the Bohai Bay.Against the backdrop of intense pressure and widespread degradation of coastal wetlands—driven by rapid urban expansion and human activities in fast-developing regions like China—this study applies the Ecology-Economy-Society System Synergy Theory. Using methods such as systems analysis, comparative case studies, and policy deduction, it conducts an in-depth examination of the successful practices adopted by Qingdao and Weihai to harmonize coastal wetland conservation with urban development. By incorporating the specific conditions and challenges facing Qinhuangdao’s coastal wetlands, the research proposes context-appropriate pathways for synergistic development. The outcomes not only contribute to enriching the theoretical framework of integrated coastal zone management but also offer practical insights for Qinhuangdao and other Chinese coastal cities to advance ecological civilization and achieve high-quality development.

3.Line 57, please put a space before this “The above discussion can be found in Table 1”

In the table 1 caption, you need to capitalise just the first word. Please revise all captions.

Where are references in table 1 ? The same for all tables. You need to make a concluded paragraph to talk about the need for this study and what you will made within.

We have added the following summary paragraph and made the following modifications:

This study is imperative to resolve the pressing paradox confronting coastal zones: the vital ecological and economic functions of wetlands are being severely compromised by urban and industrial expansion. Focusing on China's context, the research will delineate and compare the effective conservation-urbanization paradigms established in Qingdao and Weihai. Through systems analysis and policy deduction grounded in the Ecology-Economy-Society Synergy Theory, it will formulate context-specific synergistic pathways for Qinhuangdao, thereby offering a transferable framework for sustainable coastal management that bridges theory and practice.

We made the following notes in Table 1 and other tables:（Note: The content of this table is derived from the author's summary and gener-alization.）

4.Line 202, please add space here “ties[18-19].” And revise the whole manuscript about that.

We have made comprehensive modifications.

Line 66,You need to add study area part after introduction part and remember to add figures for maps.Under subtitle “”

You need to add subtitle about :Application (Coastal)

- Applying EES synergy to coastal wetland governance

- A three-dimensional perspective on coastal zone sustainability

- Theoretical foundation for synergy in coastal urbanization

Please talk about SDGs

We have added the following content:

2.1.1 SDGs

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehen-sive and globally recognized framework for addressing the complex challenges in coastal wetland governance. While SDG 14 (Life Below Water) directly calls for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, the management of coastal wetlands is inher-ently interdisciplinary, intersecting with multiple goals. For instance, SDG 6 (Clean Wa-ter and Sanitation) is advanced through the water purification functions of wetlands, while SDG 13 (Climate Action) is supported by their role as carbon sinks and buffers against sea-level rise and storms. Furthermore, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Commu-nities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) underscore the need to harmo-nize urban and economic development with ecological limits. The degradation of coastal wetlands thus represents a failure to achieve these interconnected goals, while their sus-tainable management becomes a powerful vehicle for integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Therefore, using the SDGs as a guiding compass ensures that coastal wet-land governance is not treated in isolation but is embedded within a broader commit-ment to equitable and sustainable human development, providing a common language and a set of targets for international cooperation, national policy-making, and local ac-tion.

2.1.2 Applying Ecology-Economy-Society System synergy to coastal wetland gov-ernance

Applying the Ecology-Economy-Society System synergy theory to coastal wetland governance necessitates a fundamental shift from a siloed approach to a holistic, inte-grated management paradigm. This perspective posits that the health of the coastal eco-system, the vitality of the regional economy, and the well-being of local communities are not separate concerns but are deeply intertwined components of a single complex system. Ecologically, it requires governance that prioritizes the maintenance of key wetland functions—such as biodiversity habitats, water filtration, and storm surge attenua-tion—as the non-negotiable foundation for all other activities. Economically, it involves transitioning from short-term exploitative industries (like unchecked land reclamation or polluting aquaculture) to sustainable "blue economy" sectors such as eco-tourism, sus-tainable fisheries, and blue carbon financing, which derive long-term value from a healthy ecosystem. Socially, it demands inclusive governance that respects the rights and knowledge of local communities, ensures equitable access to ecosystem benefits, and fosters a sense of stewardship. The core of this application is to identify and strengthen positive feedback loops—for example, where investments in ecological restoration (ecology) create new tourism and fishery jobs (economy), which in turn improve com-munity livelihoods and support for conservation (society), thereby creating a virtuous cycle of synergistic development.

2.1.3 A three-dimensional perspective on coastal zone sustainability

A three-dimensional perspective on coastal zone sustainability moves beyond a narrow, compartmentalized view to simultaneously address environmental, economic, and social imperatives. The environmental dimension forms the foundational pillar, emphasizing the absolute necessity of preserving the structural integrity and functional resilience of coastal ecosystems. This includes maintaining biodiversity, protecting water quality, and safeguarding natural processes like sediment transport and nutrient cycling. It recognizes that these ecological functions are the life-support system upon which all other dimensions depend. The economic dimension focuses on fostering a sustainable and circular "blue economy" that operates within the carrying capacity of these ecosys-tems. It involves valuing ecosystem services, promoting resource efficiency, and devel-oping industries that do not degrade their natural asset base, thereby ensuring long-term economic prosperity rather than short-term windfalls. The social dimension centers on equity, justice, and quality of life. It ensures that the benefits of coastal resources are dis-tributed fairly, that local and indigenous knowledge is integrated into management, and that communities are resilient to environmental changes. True sustainability is achieved only when interventions are designed to create co-benefits across all three dimensions, avoiding the common pitfall of optimizing one at the expense of the others.

2.1.4 Theoretical foundation for synergy in coastal urbanization

The theoretical foundation for synergy in coastal urbanization is built upon the re-jection of the traditional, linear "develop first, clean up later" model in favor of an inte-grated, systems-based approach. This theory argues that urbanization and ecological health are not a zero-sum game but can be mutually reinforcing if strategically co-managed. It draws from ecological modernization theory, which posits that economic development can be reconciled with environmental protection through technological innovation, smart policy, and green infrastructure. For example, well-designed coastal cities can incorporate constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, use green belts as flood defenses and public spaces, and orient urban form to minimize ecological frag-mentation. Furthermore, the theory incorporates resilience thinking, emphasizing the need for urban systems to absorb shocks like climate impacts while maintaining essential functions. This requires protecting natural buffers like mangroves and salt marshes, which provide cost-effective, adaptive protection for urban assets. Ultimately, the syner-gistic foundation rests on strategic spatial planning that designates zones for strict con-servation, sustainable use, and intensive development, ensuring that urban growth is channeled appropriately. This creates a new urban paradigm where the city is not an antagonist to the coast but an integrated part of a thriving, resilient, and sustainable socio-ecological system.

[6]Please make a subtitle about limitations.

We add the following argument:

6.3 Limitations and Future Research

This study has several limitations. Primarily, its reliance on qualitative case studies of Qingdao and Weihai, while insightful, limits the generalizability of the findings. The proposed pathways for Qinhuangdao, though theoretically grounded, lack empirical validation and quantitative assessment of their potential socio-economic and ecological impacts. Furthermore, the research does not fully account for the dynamic pressures of climate change, such as precise sea-level rise scenarios and their specific implications for Qinhuangdao's coastal wetlands. The analysis of governance mechanisms also focuses on structural integration without deeply exploring the potential political and institutional barriers to their implementation.

Future research should prioritize developing quantitative models to simulate and predict the outcomes of the proposed synergistic pathways, integrating specific ecological and economic data from Qinhuangdao. Longitudinal studies are needed to monitor the long-term effectiveness of transferred strategies. Research should also expand its geographical scope to include a comparative analysis of other coastal cities within the Bohai Bay Rim and beyond, identifying transferable models under varying developmental contexts. Finally, interdisciplinary investigations that incorporate detailed climate adaptation models and robust policy implementation frameworks are essential to build resilient and sustainable coastal governance systems.

Greetings to you!

Liu Bangfan

2025-10-20

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The discussion in Table 1 directly outlines the primary threats to coastal wetlands and their impact levels. How was this data obtained?

2.The strategies for Qingdao and Weihai presented in this paper constitute a direct summary and analysis. Are there corresponding supporting strategies?

For the section on Qinhuangdao City's issues, could relevant literature be cited or supporting case studies provided to validate the authenticity of the data?

4.The implementation of relevant strategies involves directly transferring Qingdao and Weihai's approaches to Qinhuangdao. Is this approach locally appropriate? Could strategies be adapted to suit local conditions?

5.The overall strategy appears rather vague, lacking precise focus for implementation. Furthermore, while zoning is proposed, concrete planning details remain inaccessible.

All data must provide traceability to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of theoretical figures.
Please revise the references section, prioritising sources from recent years.

Author Response

The discussion in Table 1 directly outlines the primary threats to coastal wetlands and their impact levels. How was this data obtained?

We made the following notes below Table 1 and all other tables:（Note: The content of this table is derived from the author's summary and gener-alization.）

2.The strategies for Qingdao and Weihai presented in this paper constitute a direct summary and analysis. Are there corresponding supporting strategies?

We have made the following content supplements:

The strategies for Qingdao and Weihai are not merely abstract concepts; they are substantiated by concrete and multi-faceted supporting strategies that operationalize their guiding principles.

For Qingdao, the overarching "Five Ocean Usages" concept is supported by a robust framework of legal, regulatory, and practical action-based strategies:（1）Legal and Zoning Strategies: The formulation of "Qingdao Marine Functional Zoning" and the "Jiaozhou Bay Protection Regulations" provides a legal backbone. These documents translate the concept into enforceable spatial plans by delineating ecological red lines and defining zones for protection, restriction, and development.（2）Enforcement and Approval Strategies: The establishment of the "three no-approvals" system for sea area use is a critical enforcement mechanism. This strategy acts as a strict gatekeeper, rejecting non-compliant projects to ensure that all development aligns with the scientific planning and legal standards set forth by the concept.（3）Ecological Restoration Strategies: The implementation of the "Blue Bay" remediation action, including specific projects like "returning aquaculture ponds to the sea" and "south red north willow" planting, represents the on-the-ground execution. These are direct action-oriented strategies for rehabilitating degraded ecosystems, directly fulfilling the goal of "ecological and environmentally friendly ocean use" and leading to measurable outcomes like restored wetland area and enhanced ecological functions.

For Weihai, its approach is supported by a sophisticated spatial planning and management strategy: Zoning and Segmented Management Strategy: The "Weihai Coastal Zone Zoning Regulation Plan" is the core supporting strategy. It goes beyond general planning by classifying the coastline into distinct functional categories (ecological, living, production) and, most importantly, implementing a refined "one policy per segment" management model for 215.8 kilometers of coastline. This strategy provides the specific, differentiated control measures needed to balance competing interests, ensuring that ecological shorelines are protected while development needs are met in appropriate zones.

In conclusion, the governance models of both cities are defined by this clear hierarchy: a guiding philosophy is first established, which is then given force through a set of specific, interlocking supporting strategies involving legislation, enforcement, spatial planning, and direct ecological engineering.

For the section on Qinhuangdao City's issues, could relevant literature be cited or supporting case studies provided to validate the authenticity of the data?

We have added the following references and provided annotations and explanations for the tables and figures.

[1] Beidaihe National Wetland Park. The 2025 Synchronous Survey of Seabirds in the Yellow and Bohai Seas in the Beidaihe Wetland Area was Successfully Completed [J]. Hebei Forestry, 2025, (05): 38.

[2] Peng Hongli, Tan Haixia, Zeng Guangjuan, Wang Ying, Wei Jianmei. Distribution Characteristics of Soil Organic Carbon Content and Carbon Density in Beidaihe National Wetland Park [J]. Journal of Hebei Institute of Environmental Science, 2025, 35(02): 1-5.

[3] Kang Yuanyuan. Evolution of Landscape Pattern and Ecosystem Health Assessment of Coastal Wetlands in Hebei Province [D]. Hebei University of Geosciences, 2024.

[4] Wang Jinlin. Significance and Problems of Beidaihe Wetland in Development and Its Restoration and Protection [A]. Proceedings of the 23rd Academic Annual Conference of Environmental Science Societies of Five Provinces and Municipalities in North China [C]. Hebei Environmental Science Society, Hebei Environmental Science Society, 2023: 8.

[5] Li Liang. Two Wetland Parks in Qinhuangdao Pass the Pilot Inspection of National Wetland Parks [J]. Hebei Forestry, 2022, (12): 18.

[6] Zhou Jing, Xiao Guohua, Wu Dayong, Wang Junxia, Liu Cunqi. Seasonal Distribution and Influencing Factors of Metazoan Zooplankton Functional Groups in Beidaihe National Wetland Park [J]. Journal of Hebei University (Natural Science Edition), 2022, 42(02): 190-198.

[7] Hao Yingjun, Bai Xiang, Zhao Zhongbao, Yi Lili, Chu Mingjing. Evaluation of Ecosystem Service Function Value of Inland Wetlands in Qinhuangdao City [J]. Journal of Hebei Institute of Environmental Science, 2021, 31(05): 41-45.

[8] Liang Yue. A Brief Analysis of Sustainable Coastal Wetland Landscape: A Case Study of Qinhuangdao Coastal Wetland [J]. Home, 2021, (07): 105-106.

[9] Li Xian, Tang Yuqiang, Zuo Wanlu, Li Qingwei, Liu Yi, Wang Jian. Analysis of Main Pollutants in Water Bodies of Beidaihe National Wetland Park [J]. People's Yangtze River, 2020, 51(09): 28-33+145.

[10] Tang Yuqiang. Research on the Suitability of Water Body Functions in Beidaihe National Wetland Park [D]. Northeastern University, 2020.

[11] Dai Yufei, Wu Fuxing, Zhao Liyuan, Lei Wei, Zeng Qianhui, Wang Xianyan. Bird Diversity in Qilihai Lagoon Wetland of Qinhuangdao during Non-breeding Period [J]. Journal of Applied Oceanography, 2019, 38(04): 569-577.

[12] He Xu, Zhang Shouzhi, Han Ting. Research on Ecological Compensation Mechanism of Qinhuangdao Coastal Wetlands [J]. Green Technology, 2019, (12): 20-21.

[13] Tang Yuqiang, Li Qingwei, Zuo Wanlu, Liu Chang. Types, Characteristics and Protection Countermeasures of Coastal Wetlands in Qinhuangdao City [J]. Wetland Science and Management, 2019, 15(01): 27-30.

We have added the following argument:

Based on the preceding discussion, directly transferring Qingdao and Weihai's strategies to Qinhuangdao would not be locally appropriate. While the core principles of integrated management and ecology-economy synergy are universally valuable, a simple copy-paste approach is likely to fail due to significant contextual differences. Instead, the strategies must be, and can be, strategically adapted to suit Qinhuangdao's specific local conditions.

The inappropriateness of direct transfer stems from several key factors:(1)Unique Ecological Context: Qinhuangdao's coastal wetlands, such as those in Beidaihe or the Luanhe estuary, have distinct hydrogeological conditions, biodiversity (e.g., as a critical stopover for migratory birds), and degradation pressures compared to Jiaozhou Bay. A restoration technique perfect for one ecosystem might be ineffective or even damaging in another.(2)Differing Socio-Economic Drivers: The primary economic drivers and urban development pressures in Qinhuangdao, which may lean more heavily on specific types of tourism or different industrial structures, will not be identical to those of Qingdao (a major port and industrial hub) or Weihai. A zoning plan designed for Weihai's economic mix may not align with Qinhuangdao's development needs.(3)Varied Institutional and Governance Capacity: The specific legal frameworks, enforcement capabilities, and existing planning documents in Qinhuangdao will differ. Directly importing a complex regulatory system like Qingdao's "three no-approvals" without assessing local administrative capacity could render it unenforceable.

However, the successful strategies from Qingdao and Weihai provide an invaluable "toolkit" for adaptation, not a rigid blueprint. The adaptation process would involve:(1)Diagnosing Local Conditions: The first step is a thorough analysis of Qinhuangdao's specific challenges—identifying the most threatened wetland areas, key pollution sources, main economic sectors, and spatial conflicts along its coastline.(2)Selecting and Customizing Tools: From Qingdao, Qinhuangdao could adopt the principle of "ecological red lines" but must draw the lines based on its own critical habitats and ecological corridors. It could emulate the "Blue Bay" model but focus restoration efforts on its own most degraded and critical wetland segments, using native plant species suitable for its environment. From Weihai, the "one policy per segment" concept is highly transferable, but the segmentation must be based on Qinhuangdao's own coastline characteristics. The classification of shorelines into "ecological, living, and production" would need to be redefined according to Qinhuangdao's land-use plans and conservation priorities. (3)In conclusion, the correct approach is not direct transfer but intelligent, context-sensitive adaptation. Qinhuangdao should learn from the governance philosophies and methodologies of Qingdao and Weihai—such as integrated zoning, strict enforcement based on scientific planning, and targeted ecological restoration—and then tailor these approaches to fit its unique ecological landscape, economic aspirations, and institutional reality to forge its own synergistic development pathway.

5.The overall strategy appears rather vague, lacking precise focus for implementation. Furthermore, while zoning is proposed, concrete planning details remain inaccessible.

We add the following corresponding discussion in 5. Construction of Synergistic Development Pathways for Qinhuang-dao's Coastal Wetlands and the City

5.1 Implementing a Data-Driven "Wetland+" Multi-Format Integration Strategy

To resolve the core conflict between wetland protection and utilization in Qinhuangdao, a data-informed "Wetland+" integrated strategy must be developed, transitioning from resource exploitation to ecosystem-service-valued development. The strategy's core involves treating wetlands as quantifiable ecological assets, with diversified value realization through targeted models like "wetland + eco-tourism," "wetland + wellness," and "wetland + cultural education."

Specific, actionable measures include:

(1)Develop the "Qinhuangdao Coastal Zone Ecological Industry Digital Layout Plan": This plan will utilize GIS-based ecological sensitivity and ecosystem service value assessments to create a spatially explicit industrial suitability map.

High-Sensitivity Zones (e.g., Beidaihe, Golden Coast): Designate as Priority Eco-Tourism and Nature Education Zones. Implement a Digital Visitor Management System with real-time capacity monitoring, capping daily visitors at a scientifically determined threshold (e.g., X,000 visitors/day). Introduce AR-powered interpretive trails to minimize physical infrastructure.

Moderate-Use Zones (e.g., Qilihai, Luanhe Estuary): Permit "wetland wellness" and "precision eco-agriculture" only after achieving >80% restoration success rate on key indicators (e.g., water quality Grade III, native vegetation cover). Mandate continuous monitoring via IoT sensor networks tracking at least 5 core ecological metrics (e.g., turbidity, biodiversity index).

(2)Enforce a Smart "Three-Zone" Management Framework: Building on Weihai's concept, implement a dynamic zoning system:

Strict Protection Zones: Enforce no-development policies in critical bird habitats and breeding grounds, protected by electronic perimeter fencing (e-fencing) and AI-powered camera traps for 24/7 automated surveillance.

Ecological Restoration Buffers & Moderate Utilization Zones: Define clear, legally binding boundaries for each.

(3)Construct a Smart Ecological Network: Use circuit theory or least-cost path modeling to identify and design optimal ecological corridors. Integrate wetland parks and protected areas into a city-wide "Blue-Green Smart Grid," managed via a central platform receiving real-time data from environmental sensors, enabling proactive ecological management.

5.2 Promoting Smart Eco-Tourism and Wellness with an Ecological Carrying Capacity Focus

As a premier tourist destination, Qinhuangdao must align its tourism and wellness development strictly with the quantified ecological carrying capacity of its wetland ecosystems.

Key implementation actions are:

(1)Pilot a "Smart Wetland Park" Model at Beidaihe National Wetland Park: Implement an Integrated "Online Booking-Capacity Control-Intelligent Routing" System. This system will use real-time data from environmental sensors to dynamically manage visitor flow, redirecting paths automatically if activity is detected in sensitive zones. Develop a "Silent Docents" mobile app with GPS-triggered audio interpretation and virtual bird-watching features, drastically reducing the need for physical structures and human disturbance near core habitats.

(2)Develop Data-Informed Wellness Formats: Establish Wetland Wellness Bases only in zones pre-approved by the digital layout plan. Offer services like "Forest Bathing" and "Nature Therapy" while operating under a strict Environmental Performance Contract, which legally binds operators to maintain predefined ecological standards (e.g., noise levels < Y dB, water quality standards).

(3)Implement a Transparent Community Benefit-Sharing Platform: Use a digital platform to formalize benefit-sharing. Link local communities to wetland economies by: Prioritizing locals for stewardship jobs (e.g., park rangers, sensor maintenance). Creating a digital marketplace for community-run eco-enterprises. Establishing a digital ecological compensation fund, where a fixed percentage of tourism revenue is automatically allocated to community conservation projects, with transparent public reporting.

5.3 Establishing Market-Based Ecological Compensation and Green Finance Mechanisms

Qinhuangdao should pioneer innovative economic instruments to create a self-sustaining financing loop for wetland conservation.

The focused implementation plan is:

(1)Launch a Qinhuangdao Wetland Mitigation Bank Pilot: Within 3 years, establish a pilot bank in a designated moderate-use zone.

Action: Develop a standardized "Wetland Credit" metric based on hectares, functional units, and habitat quality scores. Create a digital trading platform for credit transactions, ensuring full transparency and regulatory oversight.

(2) Create a Multi-tiered Ecological Compensation Fund: Government Tier: Allocate municipal fiscal transfers specifically tied to achieving annual wetland health KPIs.

Market Tier: Explore the development of Wetland Carbon Sink Projects for verification and trading under national schemes.

Social Tier: Launch a "Qinhuangdao Wetland Guardian" online portal for corporate and individual donations, with project tracking and impact reporting.

(3)Mobilize Green Capital via a Coastal Wetland Fund: Formally establish the "Qinhuangdao Coastal Wetland Conservation Fund" with an initial government injection, aiming to attract private capital.

Focus: The fund will prioritize co-investing with the private sector in bankable green projects (e.g., sustainable aquaculture, eco-lodges) via PPP models.

Incentive: Work with financial institutions to create a "Green Project List" and offer tiered preferential loans and green bonds for listed projects, with interest rates tied to verified ecological performance.

5.4 Strengthening Digital-First Public Engagement and Science Education

Moving beyond traditional awareness campaigns, Qinhuangdao should leverage technology to foster a data-literate and actively engaged citizenry.

Targeted digital initiatives include:

(1)Deploy an Immersive Digital Education Toolkit: Transform the Beidaihe Bird Museum into a "Wetland Digital Experience Center" featuring: Interactive data dashboards showing real-time wetland health metrics. VR bird migration simulators and live streams from nest cameras. A dedicated educational app with gamified learning modules integrated into local school curricula.

(2)Launch a "Citizen Scientist" Digital Platform: Develop a comprehensive platform and mobile app to enable public participation. Features must include: A one-click violation reporting tool with GPS photo/video upload. Structured citizen science programs (e.g., bird count, water quality testing) where uploaded data is validated and integrated into official monitoring datasets. A "Community Co-management" module allowing neighborhood committees to report on and manage local wetland patches.

(3)Implement a Digital Incentivization System: Introduce a "Green Points" program to reward pro-environmental behavior.

Mechanics: Citizens earn points for actions like reporting issues, participating in clean-ups, or completing educational modules. Points are redeemable for rewards (e.g., public transport vouchers, park merchandise).

Transparency: Publish quarterly "State of the Wetlands" bulletins online and mandate the live-streaming or recording of public hearings on major development projects, with all EIA reports made available on an open data portal.

6.All data must provide traceability to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of theoretical figures.

Please revise the references section, prioritising sources from recent years.

We have provided explanations for the corresponding content and added and updated the references.

Greetings to you!

Liu Bangfan

2025-10-20

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The images and text in the literature are not clear, it is recommended to adjust the way to make the text clear. Suggest adding references for research citations.
The abstract section of the article needs significant revisions. Delete content such as "Objective:", "Methods:", "Results:", and "Conclusion:". The abstract section needs to further emphasize the significance, purpose, specific methods and processes of the research, as well as the results of the research. It is recommended to enhance the data representation of the experiments.
The introduction section is too short, it is recommended to add more content.
The paragraph connectors in the article are too singular. It is recommended to replace the connectors to make the paragraph logic more reasonable and clear.
The article uses systematic analysis, case comparison, and policy deduction methods for research. The methods of systematic analysis and case comparison are well reflected, and it is recommended to add language expression to highlight policy deduction.
The article can add language expression to highlight the significance of sustainable development and other related content of sustainable development theory.
For the images and tables in the article, it is recommended to use 1-2 paragraphs to mainly summarize and introduce the content of the images and tables.
For lines 235 to 244 of the article, the reasons for the degradation of Qinhuangdao wetlands are described. It is recommended to combine these reasons for analysis instead of simply listing them.
For the wetland degradation in Qinhuangdao and the policy improvement in Weihai and Qingdao, some cases or data can be added to provide more comprehensive explanations.
It is recommended to standardize the citation format of references in the article.

Author Response

1.The images and text in the literature are not clear, it is recommended to adjust the way to make the text clear. Suggest adding references for research citations.

We have made the modifications and added figure captions.

2.The abstract section of the article needs significant revisions. Delete content such as "Objective:", "Methods:", "Results:", and "Conclusion:". The abstract section needs to further emphasize the significance, purpose, specific methods and processes of the research, as well as the results of the research. It is recommended to enhance the data representation of the experiments.

Modifications have been made and the summary has been optimized as follows:

This study addresses the critical challenge of balancing coastal wetland conservation with urban sustainable development, a pivotal issue for ecological civilization in rapidly developing regions. Through an in-depth analysis of Qingdao and Weihai—exemplary cases in Shandong Province—this research systematically investigates mechanisms for achieving synergistic win-win outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including systems analysis to deconstruct governance frameworks, comparative case study to identify transferable strategies, and policy deduction to formulate actionable pathways, the study reveals how integrated approaches yield tangible results. Qingdao’s "Five Ocean Usages" concept and Weihai’s segmented coastal zoning have significantly improved key ecological metrics. By contrast, Qinhuangdao faces pronounced challenges, including degraded wetlands, spatial conflict between ports and core habitats, and underdeveloped synergistic governance. To address these, the study proposes a targeted strategy for Qinhuangdao, emphasizing a data-informed “wetland+” multi-format integration plan, the establishment of wetland mitigation banking and green finance instruments, digitally enabled public participation, and deeper policy alignment with national strategies such as Maritime Power. This research provides both a replicable analytical framework and practical guidance for coastal cities seeking to realize “development within protection and protection within development.”

2.The introduction section is too short, it is recommended to add more content.

We add the following argument:

Qingdao and Weihai, as frontrunner cities in coastal zone management within Shandong Province, have accumulated substantial experience in the conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands. In Qingdao, initiatives such as the “Blue Bay” Campaign and projects aimed at “returning aquaculture ponds to the sea” have significantly en-hanced the ecological functioning of Jiaozhou Bay. Weihai has pioneered integrated coastal zone planning and management, establishing a balanced model that aligns natu-ral shoreline preservation with urban growth[3]. These experiences offer valuable refer-ences for Qinhuangdao, which also lies along the Bohai Bay.Against the backdrop of in-tense pressure and widespread degradation of coastal wetlands—driven by rapid urban expansion and human activities in fast-developing regions like China—this study applies the Ecology-Economy-Society System Synergy Theory. Using methods such as systems analysis, comparative case studies, and policy deduction, it conducts an in-depth ex-amination of the successful practices adopted by Qingdao and Weihai to harmonize coastal wetland conservation with urban development. By incorporating the specific conditions and challenges facing Qinhuangdao’s coastal wetlands, the research proposes context-appropriate pathways for synergistic development. The outcomes not only con-tribute to enriching the theoretical framework of integrated coastal zone management but also offer practical insights for Qinhuangdao and other Chinese coastal cities to advance ecological civilization and achieve high-quality development.

This study is imperative to resolve the pressing paradox confronting coastal zones: the vital ecological and economic functions of wetlands are being severely compromised by urban and industrial expansion. Focusing on China's context, the research will de-lineate and compare the effective conservation-urbanization paradigms established in Qingdao and Weihai. Through systems analysis and policy deduction grounded in the Ecology-Economy-Society Synergy Theory, it will formulate context-specific synergistic pathways for Qinhuangdao, thereby offering a transferable framework for sustainable coastal management that bridges theory and practice.

3.The paragraph connectors in the article are too singular. It is recommended to replace the connectors to make the paragraph logic more reasonable and clear.

We will make the corresponding modifications.

4.The article uses systematic analysis, case comparison, and policy deduction methods for research. The methods of systematic analysis and case comparison are well reflected, and it is recommended to add language expression to highlight policy deduction.

We have made corresponding additions in 5. Construction of Synergistic Development Pathways for Qinhuangdao's Coastal Wetlands and the City, mainly adding the following content: