Abstract:Since the implementation of the major function oriented zoning, the ecological space of key ecological functional areas has continuously expanded, with a significant increase in vegetation coverage. Concurrently, there has been a dual change in population dynamics, characterized by a decrease in total population and an increase in the urban population. Furthermore, significant achievements have been made in economic and social development, and there has been a steady improvement in the functions of ecological security barriers, contributing to an alleviation of tension in human-environment relationships. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, it is imperative to adhere to the functional orientation primarily focused on providing ecological services or products. While consolidating provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services, there is an increased emphasis on enhancing the quality of these services, thereby constructing a more diversified, stable, and sustainable ecological foundation. Furthermore, exploring compatible functions of eco-product development and utilization promote greening and decarbonization, aiming to establish an inclusive conservation approach that advances modernization characterized by harmony between humanity and nature. In the 15th Five-Year Plan period, ecological regions will not only be crucial components of the new territorial security pattern but also pillars of the new territorial development pattern. Optimization recommendations are as follows. From the perspective of strategic patterns, it is necessary to enhance the spatial connection and supply-demand interaction between ecological security barriers and the territorial development pattern. In detail, continued efforts are needed to consolidate the national ecological security barriers, optimize the pattern of key ecological functional areas, integrate the system of natural protected areas, and strictly adhere to ecological conservation red lines. Moreover, a greater focus should be on upgrading quality of ecosystem service functions through classification, fully implementing the holistic approach to protecting and restoring mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and sand, actively fostering new growth drivers for green development, accelerating the establishment of a refined zoning control system, and synergistically advancing reforms and innovations of institutions and mechanisms. These measures aim to support high-quality development in ecological regions through high-standard protection.