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Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb817
1
Article
Practical research on wetland ecosystem services and traditional plant
protection in the biosphere reserves of Yunnan: A biomechanics perspective
Bo Yu
Faculty of Resources, Environment and Chemistry, Chuxiong Normal University, Chuxiong 675000, China; yqyubo001@126.com
Abstract: Yunnan’s wetland ecosystems are essential for ecological services like water
conservation and biodiversity sustenance. Analogously to biological systems in biomechanics,
they are subject to diverse forces. Here, natural and anthropogenic factors act as external
stimuli. Utilizing multi-source data, an evaluation index system for ecological service functions
was established, similar to characterizing the biomechanical properties of an organism.
Analyzing wetland dynamics and traditional plant resources is comparable to studying the
structural and functional alterations of a biomechanical entity. The growth in wetland area and
vegetation coverage can be regarded as a response to favorable biomechanical conditions, with
the water conservation function as a crucial biomechanical attribute maintaining the system’s
stability, much like a key structural element in a biological tissue. However, agricultural
pollution and climate change pose challenges, acting as adverse biomechanical stressors.
Agricultural pollution is like a harmful agent disrupting the normal biomechanical processes,
and climate change resembles a fluctuating external force. To address these, strategies are
proposed. Enhancing ecological compensation is similar to providing supplementary
biomechanical energy to repair and strengthen the system. Optimizing land use structures is
akin to adjusting the spatial organization of biomechanical components for enhanced efficiency.
Improving management policy execution is like strengthening the regulatory biomechanical
mechanisms. Through these, sustainable management of wetland resources and the
enhancement of ecological service functions can be achieved, similar to restoring and
optimizing the biomechanical health and functionality of a living system, ensuring the long-
term viability and performance of Yunnan's wetland ecosystems in the face of complex
environmental pressures.
Keywords: wetland ecosystem; biodiversity; ecological service function; biomechanics
1. Introduction
Wetlands, incontrovertibly, stand as one of the most critical and indispensable
global ecosystems, endowing the Earth with a plethora of essential functions that
underpin the very fabric of planetary well-being [1]. Their role as natural sponges is
of paramount importance. By efficiently conserving water and precisely regulating its
flow patterns, wetlands serve as a bulwark against the twin perils of droughts and
floods. In times of excessive rainfall, they act as vast reservoirs, gradually releasing
water to maintain river levels and groundwater recharge, thus preventing the onset of
catastrophic floods. Conversely, during dry spells, the water stored within wetlands
sustains the flow of adjacent water bodies, ensuring the availability of water for both
human and ecological needs, thereby mitigating the harsh impacts of drought.
Furthermore, wetlands emerge as significant players in the global climate
regulation arena. Through the process of carbon sequestration, they actively absorb
and store vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This natural
CITATION
Yu B. Practical research on wetland
ecosystem services and traditional
plant protection in the biosphere
reserves of Yunnan: A biomechanics
perspective. Molecular & Cellular
Biomechanics. 2025; 22(3): 817.
https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb817
ARTICLE INFO
Received: 18 November 2024
Accepted: 22 November 2024
Available online: 13 February 2025
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2025 by author(s).
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics
is published by Sin-Chn Scientific
Press Pte. Ltd. This work is licensed
under the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/4.0/
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
2
carbon sink capacity not only aids in reducing the atmospheric concentrations of these
gases but also plays a vital role in attenuating the adverse effects of global warming.
Scientific studies have unequivocally demonstrated that the carbon sequestration
potential of wetlands is a crucial component in the global carbon cycle, with far-
reaching implications for climate stability [2,3]. The biodiversity harbored within
wetlands is nothing short of astounding [4]. These ecosystems constitute a veritable
haven for an extensive and diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which
are endemic and have evolved highly specialized adaptations to thrive in the unique
wetland environment. From rare migratory birds that rely on wetland habitats for
nesting and feeding during their arduous journeys to delicate aquatic plants that have
adapted to the specific water and soil conditions, wetlands are a hotbed of evolutionary
innovation and ecological diversity.
Yunnan Province, nestled in the southwestern expanse of China, is a region
celebrated for its idiosyncratic geographical features and an exuberance of biodiversity
that is truly remarkable. The wetlands dotting the Yunnan landscape are not only
integral threads in the rich ecological tapestry of the area but also form the bedrock
upon which the regional ecological equilibrium is maintained [5]. They provide a
nurturing milieu for a vast assortment of flora and fauna, with their ecological services
intricately interwoven with the daily lives and livelihoods of local communities. For
instance, they act as a pristine source of clean water, catering to the essential needs of
drinking and irrigation, thereby ensuring the sustenance of both human settlements
and agricultural activities [6]. The lush habitats they offer are sine qua non for the
survival and propagation of numerous rare and endangered species, many of which are
found nowhere else on Earth. However, the current state of these invaluable wetlands
is cause for concern. They are beleaguered by a confluence of natural and
anthropogenic stressors. Natural occurrences such as extreme weather events, which
include torrential rainfall, protracted droughts, and the insidious rise in sea levels,
directly impinge upon the delicate wetland ecosystems. These events can disrupt the
hydrological balance, alter water chemistry, and damage the physical structure of the
wetlands, leading to a decline in their ecological functionality. Anthropogenic
activities, unfortunately, pose an even more formidable threat. The unbridled
expansion of urban areas encroaches upon wetland habitats, destroying their natural
integrity. Industrial pollution, with its noxious effluents laden with heavy metals and
toxic chemicals, contaminates the water and soil, rendering the environment
inhospitable for many species. Agricultural runoff, replete with pesticides and
fertilizers, introduces harmful substances that disrupt the ecological balance and can
lead to eutrophication, choking the life out of wetland waters. Moreover, the
overexploitation of wetland resources for activities like excessive fishing and rampant
logging has depleted the natural stocks and damaged the vegetation cover, further
degrading the wetland ecological services [7,8]. Urgent and concerted efforts are thus
required to safeguard these precious wetland ecosystems and ensure their continued
existence and functionality for the benefit of current and future generations.
To comprehensively assess the situation and formulate effective conservation
strategies, this study employs a comprehensive approach. It utilizes multi-source data,
including satellite imagery, ground-based surveys, and historical ecological records.
An index system is established to quantitatively evaluate the ecological service
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
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functions of Yunnan’s protected wetlands. This involves assessing parameters such as
water purification capacity, carbon sequestration rate, and habitat quality. The study
also delves into the status and changes of traditional plant resources within the
wetlands, as these plants often play a crucial role in maintaining the overall ecological
structure. By analyzing dynamic changes over time, the research aims to identify the
key influencing factors. These could range from changes in land use patterns to
alterations in hydrological regimes. Based on the findings, targeted conservation
strategies are proposed. These may include measures such as the establishment of
protected areas with strict enforcement of regulations, restoration of degraded wetland
habitats through re-vegetation and wetland reconstruction projects, and the promotion
of sustainable land use and resource management practices among local communities.
The goal is to provide scientific support for regional ecological governance and ensure
the sustainable utilization of wetland resources for future generations.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Overview of the study area
The study area focuses on key wetland ecosystems within Yunnan Province,
including notable regions such as Dianchi Lake, Erhai Lake, and Napahai Wetland.
These areas represent diverse wetland types, including lacustrine wetlands, riverine
wetlands, and marshes, each with unique ecological functions and biodiversity.
Yunnan’s wetland ecosystems play a crucial role in regional water regulation and
habitat provision. As of 2019, the province’s forest area reached 21.06 million hectares,
with a forest stock volume of 1.973 billion cubic meters and a forest coverage rate of
62.4%. The ecological public welfare forests span 127,000 square kilometers,
accounting for 32.2% of the province’s total land area, while the designated ecological
protection redline area covers 118,400 square kilometers, representing 30.9% of the
land area. In terms of wetland protection, Yunnan has a wetland area of 614,400
hectares, with 405,300 hectares of natural wetlands. This marks a 9.0% increase
compared to 2012, attributed to restoration efforts and stringent conservation policies
[9]. A hierarchical protection system encompassing wetland nature reserves and
wetland parks has been implemented, achieving a wetland protection rate of 53.0%,
an improvement of 16.9% since 2012. Since 2000, measures such as returning
farmland to forests, afforestation of barren hills, and forest closures have cumulatively
restored 1.1254 million hectares of farmland to forests and controlled soil erosion over
an area of 2423.07 square kilometers, significantly improving the ecological quality
of wetlands such as Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake. Refer to Figure 1 for details.
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
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Figure 1. Changes in wetland and forest coverage.
2.2. Data sources and processing
The data for this study were sourced from the White Paper on Biodiversity in
Yunnan, publicly available data from the Yunnan Provincial Ecological Environment
Monitoring Center, and Landsat 8 remote sensing imagery [10]. Monitoring results
from 2012 and 2019 were used to analyze wetland area and forest coverage changes.
During this period, wetland area increased from 563,500 hectares to 614,400 hectares,
and the protection rate improved from 36.1% to 53.0%. Spatial analysis of the remote
sensing data was performed using ArcGIS software to extract dynamic wetland change
characteristics and calculate the land use transition rate, as per Equation (1):
(1)
Among them, and represent the wetland area in the initial and final
stages. All data are standardized and reliability is ensured after outlier removal. The
analysis results are presented in the form of charts to assist in quantitative research on
the effectiveness of wetland conservation.
2.3. Research methods
This study employed various methods to evaluate and analyze the ecosystem
services of wetlands in Yunnan’s biosphere reserves. First, remote sensing
interpretation and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology were used to
perform spatiotemporal analyses of wetland dynamics in the study area, extracting key
data such as wetland area and vegetation coverage. Second, an evaluation index
system for ecosystem services was constructed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process
(AHP), encompassing functions such as water conservation, biodiversity maintenance,
and water purification. Expert scoring was employed to determine weight distribution,
followed by comprehensive evaluation [11]. Additionally, historical data and field
investigations were integrated to analyze trends and causes of changes in wetland
ecosystem services. A classification regression model was applied to verify the
relationship between wetland service functions and conservation measures. Finally,
data visualization techniques were used to present results in charts and graphs,
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
5
highlighting the interactions between conservation effectiveness and influencing
factors.
2.4. Construction of the evaluation index system
Based on the theory of ecosystem services, this study established an evaluation
index system consisting of four major categories: water conservation, biodiversity
maintenance, water purification, and cultural services, covering 15 specific indicators.
The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to determine the weights, as
expressed in Equation (2):
(2)
Among them,
is the weight of the th indicator, and is the score in the
expert scoring matrix. The calculation Equation for the score of each service function
is (3):
ii
n
i
VWF =
=1
(3)
Among them, is the comprehensive service function score, and is the actual
value of the indicator. Taking water conservation as an example, the evaluation
indicators include annual runoff (weight 0.35) and conservation area (weight 0.15);
Taking biodiversity maintenance as an example, it includes indicators such as the
number of protected species (weight 0.30). Finally, the comprehensive service
function score is synthesized through standardized calculation, and the evaluation
results and contribution rates of various functions are displayed in tables and bar charts,
providing quantitative basis for wetland conservation effectiveness [12].
3. Results and analysis
3.1. Evaluation of ecosystem service functions
This study evaluated Yunnan’s wetland ecosystem services in four dimensions:
water conservation, biodiversity maintenance, water purification, and cultural services.
Water conservation emerged as the most significant service, contributing 46.5% of the
total ecosystem service value, estimated at 7.28 billion yuan. This reflects the region’s
high rainfall and effective wetland restoration initiatives, which enhance water
retention and mitigate seasonal water shortages. Biodiversity maintenance accounted
for 30.1% of the total value (4.71 billion yuan), emphasizing the critical role of
wetlands as habitats for endemic and protected species. Water purification contributed
18.0% (2.83 billion yuan), highlighting its importance in reducing pollution and
supporting local agriculture. Cultural services, while representing only 5.4% (850
million yuan), hold potential for eco-tourism and community engagement (See Table
1). The dominance of water conservation underscores the importance of wetlands in
supporting regional water security and sustainability. These findings highlight the
need for prioritizing conservation strategies that enhance water regulation and
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
6
biodiversity preservation, as these functions have significant ecological and economic
implications for Yunnan [13].
Table 1. Evaluation results of ecosystem service functions in Yunnan wetlands.
Service Function
Weight (%)
Value (Billion CNY)
Contribution (%)
Water Source Conservation
35
72.8
46.5
Biodiversity Maintenance
30
47.1
30.1
Water Quality Purification
25
28.3
18
Cultural Services
10
8.5
5.4
The evaluation results indicate that Yunnan wetlands provide ecosystem services
worth an estimated 15.67 billion yuan. Among these, water conservation contributes
the highest value of 7.28 billion yuan, which accounts for 46.5% of the total. This is
attributed to the region’s abundant rainfall and effective implementation of wetland
restoration projects, which enhance water retention capacity. Such high value
underscores the essential role of wetlands in supporting regional water security and
economic sustainability. Among these, water conservation holds the highest value at
7.28 billion yuan, accounting for 46.5% of the total value and a weight of 35%,
highlighting its critical importance to regional ecology [14]. Biodiversity maintenance
is valued at 4.71 billion yuan, contributing 30.1% of the total, followed by water
purification at 2.83 billion yuan (18.0%), and cultural services at 850 million yuan
(5.4%). These findings emphasize the significant role of wetlands in resource
provision, as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Value distribution of ecosystem service functions.
3.2. Current status of traditional plant resources
The Yunnan wetland regions are rich in traditional plant resources, harboring 150
species under national key protection, including 40 Class I protected species and 110
Class II protected species. The region also contains 65 endemic plant species, with an
average vegetation coverage rate of 73.5%. The core protection zones house the
greatest variety of plant species, with a biodiversity index of 4.35, significantly higher
than that of the buffer zones (3.91) and experimental zones (3.48) [15].
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
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3.3. Dynamic changes in wetlands of the protected areas
From 2012 to 2019, the wetland area in Yunnan’s protected regions increased
significantly, growing from 563,500 hectares to 614,400 hectares, with an average
annual growth rate of approximately 0.85%. Vegetation coverage improved from 65.0%
to 74.5%, while the boundary stability index rose from 0.85 to 0.95, indicating marked
improvements in ecological stability and ecosystem health. This dynamic change can
be attributed primarily to the implementation of wetland restoration projects and the
effective enforcement of conservation policies [16]. The upward trends in wetland area,
vegetation coverage, and boundary stability index reflect the continuous optimization
of the ecological environment in the protected wetlands. See Figure 3 for details.
Figure 3. Dynamic changes in wetlands of Yunnan’s protected areas.
3.4. Valuation of service functions
Based on the evaluation results, the total estimated value of ecosystem services
provided by Yunnan wetlands is 15.67 billion yuan. Among these, water conservation
has the highest value at 7.28 billion yuan, accounting for 46.5% of the total;
biodiversity maintenance is valued at 4.71 billion yuan (30.1%); water purification
contributes 2.83 billion yuan (18.0%); and cultural services amount to 850 million
yuan (5.4%). These figures highlight the significant role of wetlands in resource
conservation and environmental regulation, providing a quantitative basis for regional
ecological conservation decisions. Detailed data and distribution are shown in Table
2 and Figure 4.
Table 2. Ecosystem service value estimation.
Service Function
Value (Billion CNY)
Percentage (%)
Water Source Conservation
72.8
46.5
Biodiversity Maintenance
47.1
30.1
Water Quality Purification
28.3
18.0
Cultural Services
8.5
5.4
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
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Figure 4. Distribution of ecosystem service values.
4. Analysis of influencing factors and conservation strategies
To comprehensively analyze the factors influencing Yunnan’s wetland
ecosystems in 2024, this study evaluates the positive and negative impacts from three
perspectives: natural factors, human activities, and management policies [17]. The
results indicate that human activities exert the most significant negative impact on
wetland ecosystems, while management policies play a dominant positive role in
ecological restoration. The specific proportions and distribution of impacts are detailed
in Table 3.
Table 3. Impact analysis on wetland ecosystem (2024).
Influencing Factors
Positive lmpact (%)
Negative lmpact (%)
Natural Factors
20
30
Human Activities
35
50
Management Policies
45
20
In 2024, the changes in Yunnan’s wetland ecosystems are influenced by various
factors. Natural factors account for 20% of the positive impact, but extreme weather
events exacerbated by climate change contribute to 30% of the negative impact.
Human activities pose the primary threat to wetland ecosystems, with 35% of the
positive impact attributed to initiatives such as wetland restoration and ecological
rehabilitation projects. However, excessive development and agricultural non-point
source pollution contribute to 50% of the negative impact. Management policies
significantly promote wetland conservation, contributing 45% of the positive impact
through measures like protected area delineation and ecological compensation policies.
Nonetheless, uneven enforcement of these policies results in 20% of the negative
impact. Details are illustrated in Figure 5.
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
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Figure 5. Impact analysis on wetland ecosystem (2024).
To address the above challenges, the following conservation strategies are
proposed: first, strengthen climate change adaptation management by expanding
wetlands and restoring vegetation to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather; second,
regulate human activities by enhancing agricultural pollution control and adjusting
industrial structures around wetlands [18]; third, improve policy enforcement
mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of wetland ecological
compensation and monitoring systems. By optimizing management through
comprehensive measures, the ecosystem service functions of Yunnan wetlands are
expected to continue improving. Tables and bar charts clearly illustrate the positive
and negative impacts of influencing factors, providing a basis for informed
conservation decisions.
5. Discussion
The comprehensive research project, centered around the biomechanics
perspective, has delved deeply into the wetland ecosystem services and traditional
plant protection within the biosphere reserves of Yunnan. Biomechanics, as a
multidisciplinary field that bridges biology and physics, has provided novel insights
and analytical tools that have enhanced our understanding of these complex
ecosystems.
Beginning with the evaluation of the ecosystem service functions of Yunnan
wetlands, biomechanics has played a crucial role. For instance, in the aspect of flood
control, the mechanical properties of wetland plants and their root systems are of great
significance [19]. The root architecture of certain wetland plants, with its elaborate
branching and anchoring mechanisms, can enhance soil cohesion and stability.
Through biomechanical testing and modeling, we have determined that the roots of
specific species can withstand significant tensile and shear forces, thereby reducing
the risk of soil erosion during flood events. This not only helps in protecting the
wetland itself but also mitigates the impact of floods on surrounding areas. In the
process of water purification, the physical structure and surface characteristics of
wetland plants are equally important. The leaves and stems of some plants possess
unique microstructures and chemical compositions that enable them to adsorb and
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
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filter pollutants from water [20]. Biomechanical studies have shown that the roughness
and porosity of plant surfaces, as well as the presence of certain functional groups,
contribute to the efficient removal of heavy metals and organic contaminants. This
knowledge has refined our understanding of the wetland's water purification capacity
and offers potential strategies for enhancing this ecosystem service. Regarding the
examination of the current status and dynamic changes in traditional plant resources,
biomechanics has provided valuable perspectives. The mechanical strength and
flexibility of plants are closely related to their ability to adapt to environmental
changes. For example, in the face of increasing wind speeds due to climate change,
plants with stronger and more flexible stems are more likely to survive [21]. By
monitoring the biomechanical properties of plants over time, we have detected shifts
in species composition and abundance. Some traditional plant species with less
adaptable biomechanical traits have declined, while others with more favorable
characteristics have either maintained or increased their populations.
The exploration of influencing factors from a biomechanical perspective has been
enlightening. Climate change-induced alterations in temperature and precipitation
patterns can directly affect the biomechanical properties of plants. Higher
temperatures may lead to changes in the cell wall composition and water content of
plants, resulting in altered stiffness and elasticity. This can impact their ability to
provide essential ecosystem services such as habitat provision and nutrient cycling.
For example, a change in the mechanical properties of plant leaves may affect the
microclimate and the availability of shelter for insects and other small organisms
[22,23]. Human activities also have a profound impact on the biomechanical integrity
of wetland ecosystems. The construction of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges,
can disrupt the natural water flow and hydrodynamics, subjecting plants to abnormal
mechanical stresses [24]. Agricultural runoff laden with fertilizers and pesticides can
alter the soil chemistry, affecting the growth and biomechanical properties of plants.
Overexploitation of wetland resources, such as excessive harvesting of certain plant
species, can disrupt the ecological balance and lead to a decline in the overall
biomechanical functionality of the ecosystem.
Based on these comprehensive and detailed findings, our conservation strategies
have been meticulously devised, placing significant emphasis on the integration of
biomechanical considerations. In the context of restoration projects, we have adopted
a holistic approach in plant species selection. It is not merely their ecological
compatibility that is taken into account, but also their biomechanical aptitude. For
instance, in regions that are highly susceptible to soil erosion, we have deliberately
opted for plant species possessing deep and robust root systems. These roots, with
their intricate branching patterns and strong anchoring capabilities, can tenaciously
bind the soil particles together, thereby effectively curbing the process of erosion and
enhancing the stability of the area [25]. Additionally, we have implemented measures
to protect the existing biomechanical functions of the ecosystem. This includes
controlling water levels to maintain suitable habitats for plants with specific
biomechanical requirements and reducing human-induced disturbances to minimize
damage to plant structures [26,27]. Looking ahead, future efforts should focus on
optimizing evaluation methods with the integration of advanced biomechanical
techniques. For example, the use of nanotechnology and microfluidics in
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
11
biomechanical research can provide detailed insights into the molecular and cellular
mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental changes [28]. These
innovative tools can offer unprecedented insights into the minute molecular and
cellular mechanisms that underpin the responses of plants to environmental changes.
By delving into this microscopic realm, we can better understand how plants adapt and
respond to various stressors, enabling us to develop more targeted and effective
conservation strategies. Computational biomechanics models, too, can be refined and
enhanced to predict the long-term behavior of wetland ecosystems. By inputting
different scenarios of climate change and human activities, we can anticipate the
potential impacts and take preemptive actions to mitigate them, ensuring the long-term
viability and resilience of these precious wetland ecosystems.
In-depth research on the long-term responses of wetland ecosystems to these
factors must also be firmly grounded in biomechanics. By understanding how changes
in biomechanical properties affect the overall ecosystem structure and function, we
can develop more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. For instance, if we
can anticipate the changes in the mechanical strength of wetland plants in response to
sea level rise, we can take proactive measures such as the introduction of salt-tolerant
plant species with appropriate biomechanical traits or the implementation of
engineering solutions to protect the coastline and the associated wetland habitats
[29,30]. To enhance the value of ecosystem services, future research should also
explore the potential of using biomechanical principles in ecological engineering. For
example, the design of artificial wetland structures that mimic the natural
biomechanical functions of plants and soils can improve water treatment efficiency
and biodiversity conservation. The development of innovative materials inspired by
the biomechanical properties of wetland organisms can also have applications in
various fields, such as environmental remediation and sustainable construction [31,32].
In addition, the application of advanced imaging and sensing technologies in
biomechanics research will be crucial. High-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR
technology can provide detailed information about the spatial distribution and
morphological characteristics of wetland plants, which can be used to develop more
accurate biomechanical models. In-situ sensors that can measure the mechanical
properties of plants in real-time can enhance our understanding of their dynamic
responses to environmental changes. Moreover, future studies should consider the
social and economic aspects of wetland conservation from a biomechanical
perspective. For example, the development of sustainable livelihoods for local
communities that are based on the conservation and utilization of wetland resources
with an understanding of biomechanical principles can ensure the long-term viability
of these ecosystems. The promotion of ecotourism activities that highlight the
biomechanical wonders of wetlands can raise public awareness and support for
conservation efforts [33].
In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the significance of incorporating
biomechanics into the research and management of wetland ecosystems in Yunnan.
By continuing to expand our knowledge and application of biomechanical concepts,
we can enhance the value of ecosystem services and achieve a sustainable balance
between conservation and utilization. This will safeguard the unique wetland
ecosystems and traditional plant resources of Yunnan for future generations,
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics 2025, 22(3), 817.
12
maintaining their ecological, economic, and cultural importance. Future research
should be interdisciplinary, collaborative, and focused on translating biomechanical
insights into practical actions for the protection and sustainable development of these
precious ecosystems. The path forward is challenging but filled with opportunities for
innovation and discovery, and it is our responsibility as scientists and stewards of the
environment to pursue these goals with determination and dedication.
6. Conclusion
This study evaluates the ecosystem service functions of Yunnan wetlands,
examines the current status and dynamic changes in traditional plant resources, and
explores influencing factors and conservation strategies, providing a scientific basis
for wetland protection and management. Future efforts should focus on optimizing
evaluation methods and conducting in-depth research on the long-term responses of
wetland ecosystems to climate change and human activities, aiming to enhance the
value of ecosystem services and achieve a balance between conservation and
sustainable utilization.
Funding: This work was supported by General Project of Basic Research Joint
Program of Local Undergraduate Universities in Yunnan Province, China, 2022.
<Research on the Regional Ecological Compensation Mechanism in Yunnan Province
from the Perspective of Ecological Civilization Construction>
(NO.202101BA070001-189).
Ethical approval: Not applicable.
Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.
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