The"four principles"of engineering ecology and typical application

XU Mengzhen; WANG Guangqian; WANG Zhaoyin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2025.15.004

Abstract：Different river basins have different natural backgrounds and complex ecological and environmental issues.Against the changing climate and intensified human activities,river ecosystems are facing severe challenges.The protection and high-quality development of river basins urgently require theories that adapt to the harmonious development of human and nature.To understand ecology from an engineering perspective,help engineers establish the concept and disciplinary framework of engineering ecology,and promote the harmonious development of engineering ecosystems,we proposed the"four principles"of engineering ecology,namely"background,adaptability,systematization,and integrity".In engineering ecosystem,human is regarded as one of the key ecological elements.Accordingly,we explore the scientific principles of the nature-engineering composite ecosystem,and the connotation and assessment of the"four principles".Based on the typical application of the"four principles"of engineering ecology in the Qinghai-Tibetan rivers,we analyzed the background and adaptability of the plateau rivers,and proposed the nature-based solutions for enhancing the systematization and integrity of the rivers from the perspectives of hydropower cascade development.This study also provides a scientific basis for the protection and high-quality development of river basins,by coordinating development of energy,ecology,and socioeconomics in the mountainous areas of Southwest China.