Research progress of ecological space and ecological land in China

Ecological space and ecological land are important components of land space and are interdisciplinary research topics in the domains of geography, landscape ecology, and applied ecology. However, in China, there is considerable controversy regarding the connotations of these two components, and there is both confusion and error in the relevant researches and its applications. Based on analysis of domestic literatures concerning ecological space and ecological land, this paper defined both concepts, studied their logical relationship, and examined the research progresses and limitations of the two concepts. Currently, domestic researches on ecological space and ecological land suffered from the following problems:understanding of the connotations of the concepts was still not unified, the identification methods and classification systems were still not perfect, and the research focused on urban areas. The research method focused on the use of spatial analysis and optimization models, and the application of multiple methods, such as psychological perception and social investigation, was lacking. In the new era, along with the new requirements for ecological civilization construction and a rural revitalization strategy, this paper proposed that future studies should focus on rural ecological space and ecological land. Researchers should concentrate on establishing an identification method, a classification system, an evaluation system, and a protection and utilization mechanism governed by the demands of science of sustainability and with human well-being at its core.