Implementation Effects of China’s Forest Ecological Compensation Policy——Literature Analysis from CNKI and other databases

Forest ecological compensation（FEC） policies serve as a critical instrument to reconcile ecological preservation with economic growth, enhancing ecosystem service value（ESV） and facilitating industrial restructuring. However, existing research remains largely theoretical, with limited quantitative assessment of policy efficacy, insufficient cross-regional comparative analysis,and inadequate analysis of spatiotemporal variations in multidimensional outcomes. This study systematically analyzes 206 peer-reviewed articles（1988—2024） from the CNKI and Wanfang databases using CiteSpace, constructing a tripartite framework encompassing ecosystem services,policy tools, and performance evaluation. Key findings reveal that FEC policies significantly elevate ESV（e. g., pronounced carbon sequestration benefits in high-latitude regions） and optimize economic structures by promoting non-agricultural labor transfer and income diversification. Yet regional heterogeneity persists: particularly in ecologically fragile western China where outcomes remain suboptimal due to mismatches between compensation standards and restoration costs. To address these disparities, we propose institutional innovations, such as cross-regional coordination mechanisms, standardized ecological valuation protocols, and digital monitoring systems, to improve policy precision and long-term sustainability.