Unveiling the Value of Nature: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Ecosystem Services and Ecological Compensation in Wuhan City’s Urban Lake Wetlands

Urban lake wetlands play an essential role in providing ecological services, promoting urban sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life. This study quantitatively assesses ecosystem services value (ESV) Zhangdu, East, Ziyang Wuhan, China, based on primary survey data methodologies, including market price, shadow engineering, travel cost methods. The ESV is categorized into direct use (DUV), indirect (IUV), non-use (NUV). Our findings reveal that proportion significant, amounting to 1.569 × 108 CNY yr−1 for Zhangdu Lake, 1.527 East 1.060 Lake. indicates a high willingness pay among respondents, reflecting recognition wetland services. In addition value, this underscores considerable material production, water conservation, leisure tourism these provide. assessment delivers scientific basis management protection wetlands. It also highlights challenges faced, such as pollution fragmented approaches due unclear property rights insufficient funding. concludes by emphasizing need future research explore mechanisms promote social participation management, with aim overall health