Wang, K.F., 2018. Investigation and evaluation of the ecological and geological environment quality of high-efficiency ecological economic zone (HEEEZ) coastal regions within the Yellow River Delta. In: Wang, D. and Guido-Aldana, P.A. (eds.), Select Proceedings from the 3rd International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE2017). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 84, pp. 169–180. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The high-efficiency ecological economic zone (HEEEZ) in the Yellow River Delta is an economic area that comprises the alluvial plain of the Yellow River, the northern coastal regions of Shandong Province, China. Of all delta-based economic zones in China, the HEEEZ boasts the greatest development potential. It plays a central role in driving the economic development in the Bohai rim area and the lower reaches of the Yellow River. Due to its location along the land–sea transition and the young age of the land, this zone's ecological and geological environment (EGE) appears to be changeable, unstable, and vulnerable. This study investigated the coastal EGE of the HEEEZ. Based on the investigation results, an ecological and geological environment quality (EGEQ) evaluation system was developed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). This system consists of 18 indicators, which are organized into 7 dominant factors, including water and soil environments, geological environment and hazards, coastal geological resources, coastal landform and ocean dynamics, coastline change, coastal wetland change, and engineering and economic activities. Grading criteria for these indicators were provided. Then the coastal EGEQ of the HEEEZ was evaluated using a weighted aggregate index (WAI), with each county-level administrative division being an evaluation unit. The results show that the coastal EGEQ of different evaluation divisions can be rated on a scale of excellent, good, fair, and poor. Kenli County is the only county with an excellent coastal EGEQ. Wudi and Changyi counties are rated as good. Zhanhua County, Hekou District of Dongying City, and Laizhou City have a fair coastal EGEQ. Regions rated as poor include Dongying District of Dongying City, Guangrao County, Shouguang County, and Hanting District of Weifang City. The findings prove reliable and can offer a helpful guide on how to improve the coastal EGE of these regions.