Integrated conservation of linear heritage landscapes from a biocultural diversity perspective: A case study of the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail, China

Linear cultural heritage landscapes embody the long-term coupling relationships between ecological processes and human cultural practices, yet conservation models guided by a single ecological or cultural goal fail to meet their holistic management needs. Based on the perspective of biocultural diversity, this study takes the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail (HHAT) as a case study and constructs a comprehensive conservation framework oriented toward spatial planning. Biodiversity and cultural diversity patterns are assessed and their spatial relationships are quantified using the coupling coordination degree model. The biocultural diversity index is further integrated with the Marxan systematic conservation planning model to identify Biocultural Core Protected Areas (BCCPA) and support differentiated spatial conservation strategies. The results indicate that biodiversity and cultural diversity along the HHAT exhibit a pronounced antagonistic coupling relationship: regions with antagonistic coupling account for 98.90% of the total study area, while coordinated regions make up only 0.02%. Based on the natural and cultural context of the study area, this pattern may be jointly influenced by rigid competition for small‑scale spatial resources, the dual effects of traffic corridors, and the cumulative effects of traditional livelihood activities. In response, an integrated conservation spatial pattern of one core area and two corridors is proposed, together with four conservation strategies: Conservation-Minimal Intervention, Conservation-Appropriate Revitalization, Restoration-Minimal Intervention, and Restoration-Appropriate Revitalization-enabling an effective translation from coupling diagnosis to spatial planning responses. This study advances understanding of biocultural interactions in mountainous linear heritage landscapes and provides a transferable methodological pathway for integrated conservation planning.