Objective This study clarified the functional evolution patterns and ecological effects of “production-living-ecological” spaces in Tibetan nature reserves of southwestern China to reconcile socio-economic development with ecological conservation, thereby providing decision-making support for optimizing spatial configurations.

Method Focusing on 11 national-level nature reserves in Tibet, we established a “production-living-ecological” classification system and quantified functional transitions and ecological impacts using transfer matrices, dynamic degree, ecological quality indices, and ecological contribution rates.

Result ①From 2000 to 2020, the evolution of “production-living-ecological” spaces in Tibet nature reserves was characterized by a reduction in ecological space and rapid expansion of living and production spaces. Among these periods, 2015–2020 was the most drastic phase, with a comprehensive dynamic degree of 0.26%. Spatial transformations were concentrated in reserves such as Qiangtang, Selincuo, and the black-necked crane nature reserve in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. (2)The eco-environmental quality index of Tibet nature reserves rose from 0.581 3 in 2000 to 0.589 4 in 2020, showing a spatial pattern of “higher in the east and lower in the west”. The area of improved regions was 2.3 times of degraded regions. (3) The eco-environmental effects of Tibet nature reserves exhibited significant regional differences. High-quality areas were concentrated in reserves including Riwoqe Red Deer, Markam Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey, Maidika Wetland, Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, and Zayü Cibagou. Medium and low-quality areas were mainly distributed in the Black-Necked Crane Nature Reserve in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley, Selincuo Nature Reserve, northern Qiangtang, and southern Mount Qomolangma Nature Reserve.

Conclusion The eco-environmental quality of Tibet nature reserves presents a trend of “overall improvement with local deterioration”. The uncontrolled expansion of urban-rural living spaces and agricultural production is the key factor leading to local ecological degradation. In the future, we should strictly adhere to ecological protection red lines and development-construction boundaries, and continue to promote forest and grassland protection and construction projects. The research results can provide a reference for promoting regional ecological restoration and optimizing territorial spatial layout.