Abstract: Evaluating the ecological health of Fujian Province, the first pilot demonstration zone and experimental area for ecological civilization in China, would contribute to the advancement of the ecological civilization process. The critical challenges in ecological health assessment are how to construct a rational indicator system and objectively select crucial evaluation indicators that align with the research area. Grounded in the pressure-stateresponse (PSR) framework and ecological hierarchical network (EHN) framework, coupled with a quantitative screening model of network indicator system based on goal optimization theory, we calculated the ecological health composite index (EHCI) for Fujian Province from 2001 to 2021, and analyzed its spatial and temporal dynamics. The results showed that: (1) The final indicators obtained through the indicator system and screening model effectively captured ecosystem characteristics of the study area. The spatial variation of calculated ecological health status aligned with existing literature and realworld conditions, affirming the rationality of the constructed indicator system and screening model for the effective construction of the indicator system and objective selection of key indicators. (2) Over the two decades, Fujian Province had maintained a favorable ecological health status, with over 82% of the area being classified as excellent. The overall spatial distribution of ecological health status exhibited a characteristic pattern of high values in inland and low values in coastal areas, showing significant correlations with both human and natural factors. (3) During the 21 years of implementing the ecological province construction in Fujian, the overall ecological health had been improved. The area of ecological improvement surpassed degraded areas, with Zhangzhou, Longyan, and Quanzhou exhibiting the most significant improvements. Ecological improvement was primarily attributed to the effectiveness of soil erosion control and the progress of policies and projects related to the ecological environment.

Key words: ecological health assessment, quantitative screening model of network indicator system, ecological hierarchy network (EHN), weight assignment