A Dual-Constraint Model for Water Resource Conservation and Compensation in Small and Medium-Sized River Basins: An Empirical Study of the Juzhang River

To overcome the limitations of categorizing compensation subjects and objects in small and medium-sized watersheds solely based on upstream-downstream relationships, this study employs a water resource ecological footprint model combined with K-means clustering analysis to quantitatively define compensation subjects and objects, thereby establishing a scientifically feasible basis for compensation quantification. A dual-constraint model is established, with the total cost of water resource protection as the lower limit and the value of water ecosystem services as the upper limit. The allocation ratio is determined by introducing a correlation coefficient adjustment factor to calculate the compensation amount. Using the 2023 Juchang River Basin as an example, Yuan'an County, Baokang County, and Nanchang County are designated as beneficiary areas, while Zhijiang City, Dangyang City, Yiling District, Dongbao District, and Duodao District constitute the compensating areas. The compensating areas must bear a minimum compensation amount of 6.7019 million yuan and a maximum of 76.3486 million yuan. This model transforms the qualitative upstream-downstream relationship between compensators and beneficiaries into a quantitative allocation of rights and responsibilities. The dual-constraint mechanism not only covers the basic protection investments of beneficiary areas but also reflects the potential economic value of water resources services, effectively balancing the interests of protectors and beneficiaries.