Abstract: The "ecological footprint(EF)" method which made its debut just in recent years is a useful means for measuring the pressure imposed by human on natural ecology and determining regional sustainability as well.The EF theory,including its method and model,is briefly introduced.With Wuqiaohe Catchment as a case for study,the EF at the scale of a small catchment was calculated.The results show that the EF demand was 1.020 7 hm²  per capita in 2004 while the ecological carrying capacity was only 0.465 2 hm² per capita,constituting an ecological deficit of 0.555 5 hm² per capita,of which forest and arable land accounts for more than 50%.The deficit posed a threat to sustainability of the natural resource and environment in Wuqiaohe Catchment.Finally,the advantages and the disadvantages of the EF theory are also discussed.

Key words: ecological footprint, ecological carrying capacity, small catchment ecosystem, sustainable development, Wuqiaohe Catchment