Lack of systematic attention to water eco-environmental
protection
(WEEP) leads to the inadequate comprehension of the relationship between
urbanization and eco-environment, restricting sustainable development.
This study introduced an innovative multidimensional WEEP strategy
development model that simultaneously evaluated qualitative and quantitative
indices, such as socioeconomic development, pollutant emissions, water
resources, ecology, and environmental governance. The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei
(BTH) region was chosen as the case of urban agglomeration. Results
indicated that a transition from a threat-led approach to a strength-led
approach was essential to improve the WEEP level in BTH. Regional
strategic zoning minimized the suitability error caused by the random
error of regional environmental factors. WEEP strategies were further
proposed at an administrative city level based on the contribution
of specific indicators for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats, mitigating the suitability error caused by the random error
of specific factors in different cities. Similar dominant indices
may be identified in cities belonging to different strategic zones,
while they may vary widely in cities belonging to a strategic zone.
The integrated model established in this study provides valuable insight
into strategy development at both regional and administrative city
levels under systematic consideration, highlighting future WEEP development
pathways toward sustainable development in BTH.