Integrating Ecological Restoration and Symbiosis Theory: Multi-Objective Framework and Pathway for Sustainable Development in Resource-Based Regions.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) exhibit both interconnectedness and heterogeneity, forming an internationally recognized goal system that integrates environmental restoration, economic transformation, and social coordination. Moving beyond a single-goal–oriented linear logic, the SDGs emphasize the investigation of interactive relationships among multidimensional objectives. However, resource-based regions have developed highly resource-dependent land-use structure through long-term resource exploitation, and now face compounded challenges including resource depletion pressures, economic structural imbalance, accumulated ecological degradation, escalating social risks, and insufficient development resilience. These challenges collectively represent a concentrated manifestation of conflicting objectives and coordination failures.. Although ecological restoration has increasingly been adopted as a key spatial governance instrument, theoretical frameworks and implementation pathways for supporting multi-dimensional goal coordination remain insufficiently integrated. To address this gap, this study introduces symbiosis theory, treating ecological restoration as a practical carrier linking goal systems with symbiotic mechanisms. Accordingly, a research framework is established following the logic of “symbiotic unit coordination - identification of symbiotic modes - classified and graded implementation - realization of symbiotic goals”. The results indicate that: (1) A coherent development logic is formed: resource elements as the foundation, ecological restoration as the instrument, and sustainable development as the ultimate objective. Based on differences in dominant resources, industrial structure, and spatial constraints in resource-based regions, three primary development modes are identified: agriculture-oriented, industry-oriented, and living–tourism-oriented modes. (2) Taking Fugu County as an empirical case, seven symbiotic modes are proposed under the three primary development modes, such as land consolidation + ecological agriculture, ecological industry, and ecological tourism. The suitability of symbiotic modes is assessed across three dimensions: resource allocation, ecological environment, and restoration potential. The results reveal significant spatial heterogeneity, with suitable areas overlapping with resource-rich zones, indicating effective alignment between resource utilization and spatial development conditions. (3) Based on the spatial configuration of symbiotic modes, restoration types are classified into three categories: coordinated, single-function, and other types, with context-specific measures implemented to balance development and restoration. In addition, according to symbiotic mode suitability, four levels of restoration priority are delineated: priority restoration, key restoration, general restoration, and restricted restoration, with guiding spatially targeted investment and orderly implementation. (4) For the three primary development modes, this study investigates the causes of symbiotic environmental imbalance from five critical interfaces: environmental restoration, material production, market exchange, information communication, and institutional support, and proposes corresponding pathways for achieving symbiotic objectives. Overall, this study provides a land-use–oriented theoretical and practical reference for promoting multi-objective coordination and sustainable development in resource-based regions.