Abstract: The source area of the Yellow River is very important for water conservation in the Yellow River Basin. Under the coupled stresses of climate change and human activities, the ecosystem in the source area of the Yellow River has degraded significantly, which has a significant impact on the water conservation function. Based on previous studies, we elaborate the concept and connotation of water conservation, relate the change process for the subjects of water conservation in the source area of the Yellow River, discuss the response characteristics of water conservation function to the change of water conservation subjects, and analyze the situation facing the evolution of the water conservation capacity of the Yellow River source area in the future. Based on the above research, the countermeasures and suggestions for improving the water conservation capacity are put forward. It can provide support for further researches and references for the improvement of water conservation capacity in the source area.