Objective This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem services in the Changjiang River Basin over the past two decades and quantifies the trade−offs and synergies among these services. The aim is to provide a robust theoretical foundation for ecological resource management and environmental protection within the basin.

Methods Leveraging the InVEST model, this study evaluates four key ecosystem services—habitat quality, carbon storage, soil retention, and water conservation—in the Changjiang River Basin from 2000 to 2020. Hotspot analysis was conducted to identify spatial patterns of ecosystem services, while correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between them. Additionally, the geographical detector method was utilized to examine the driving forces behind changes in ecosystem services.

Results ① With the exception of water conservation services, the other three ecosystem services exhibited a distribution pattern characterized by higher values in the northeast and lower values in the southwest. ② Over the study period, all ecosystem services experienced fluctuations. Habitat quality demonstrated a consistent downward trend, whereas carbon storage, soil retention, and water conservation followed a decrease−increase−decrease trajectory. ③ Apart from Ⅳ−class hotspots, the areas of other hotspot categories were relatively consistent. Although the sizes of various hotspots varied across periods, their overall trends remained stable with signs of improvement. ④ Significant correlations were observed among the four ecosystem services (p ≤ 0.01), indicating synergistic relationships. However, the synergistic relationship between water conservation services and the other three services was relatively weaker. Land use type and digital elevation model (DEM) were identified as primary drivers of ecosystem services, while topographic and meteorological factors played crucial roles in shaping soil retention services. These findings can serve as valuable theoretical references for ecological resource management and environmental protection in the Changjiang River Basin.

Conclusions To enhance the functionality of ecosystem services in the Changjiang River Basin, it is recommended to curb the expansion of urban construction land. Simultaneously, scientific forest management should be prioritized in the northern part of the basin, basic farmland in the southern region should be protected, and habitat quality in suburban areas should be emphasized. Sustained efforts are necessary to improve basin governance and maintain soil retention capacity.