Abstract: Coastal tidal flats are critical wetland ecosystems that offer essential services, including carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and environmental regulation. However, climate change and human activities have accelerated their decline, eroding both their extent and ecological functions. This study systematically examines the natural formation and successional processes of China’s coastal tidal flats and analyzes annual changes in their coverage across provinces, with particular attention to seagrass beds, salt marshes, and vegetated flats. It then evaluates current conditions and key challenges in delivering multifaceted ecological benefits, including encompassing carbon sequestration, biodiversity maintenance and environmental regulation. Using Jiangsu, Shandong, and Guangdong as case studies, it explores sustainable management strategies and regional responses that accommodate diverse stakeholder interests. The review indicates that fluctuations in tidal flat areas closely correlate with their ability to store carbon and support biodiversity. Additionally, climate change and human interference are identified as the primary drivers influencing the ecological functions of these habitats. Looking to the future, the adoption of science-driven planning and adaptive management practices will be pivotal in restoring ecological integrity, enhancing functional resilience, and ensuring the sustainable use of China’s coastal tidal flats.

Key words: Tidal flats, Carbon storage, Ecological function, Climate change, Sustainability

摘要： 沿海滩涂湿地是全球重要的生态系统,具备碳汇、生物多样性保护及环境调节功能。然而,气候变化与人类活动共同导致滩涂湿地面积持续缩减及生态功能退化。本文系统梳理了我国沿海滩涂地的自然演替与变迁特征,详细分析了近年来各省份沿海滩涂的年际面积变化动态,以及海草床、盐沼和植被滩涂等典型类型。同时,评估了沿海滩涂在碳汇、生物多样性保护和环境调节等方面的现状、挑战及其多维度生态功能。最后,以江苏、山东和广东为案例区域,探讨了在多元利益主体背景下沿海滩涂的可持续利用与区域应对策略。研究结果表明：滩涂的碳汇能力和生物多样性保护功能与其面积变化密切相关,而气候变化与人类干扰是影响滩涂生态功能的主要驱动因素。未来应基于科学规划与适应性管理,推进滩涂湿地的生态修复与功能提升,以支持我国沿海滩涂地的可持续利用。

关键词: 沿海滩涂, 碳汇, 生态功能, 气候变化, 可持续性