Abstract: Coastal zones, as transitional areas between the ocean and the land, are characterized by frequent land-sea interactions. Ecological protection zones within these areas act as critical barriers that maintain the health and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems but are particularly vulnerable to the combined pressures from both land and sea. Current research on ecological protection zones tends to focus primarily on ecological systems, with a significant gap in interdisciplinary studies that incorporate social dimensions. This study adopts a marine socio-ecological systems perspective, using the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao coastal area as a case study. First, it explores the challenges of "development and conservation" in ecological protection zones through field investigations and literature analysis, highlighting the current issues these zones face. Second, it develops a comprehensive evaluation framework for ecological protection zones based on socio-ecological systems theory, encompassing both natural and social dimensions (including disturbance sources and sustainability status). Furthermore, the study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the sustainability status of these zones (focusing on cumulative ecological effects) and employs scenario analysis (combining system dynamics and agent-based modeling) to investigate the driving mechanisms and identify sources of disturbance. Finally, based on the evaluation, a comprehensive governance framework is proposed, which includes multi-stakeholder participation, scientifically sound planning and management systems, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The feasibility and effectiveness of this framework are assessed through specific case studies. The study aims to provide insights into the current state of sustainable development in marine protection zones and to propose measures for spatial governance. The findings offer both theoretical and practical significance for the integrated management of coastal ecological protection zones and provide valuable guidance for other coastal regions. Future research could delve deeper into the economic benefits and long-term ecological impacts of specific management measures, offering more concrete recommendations for policy development.

Sustainable Development; Land-Sea Interaction; Ecological Protection Zones; Socio-Ecological Systems; Coastal Zones;