ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGE IN THE DEFORESTATION DYNAMICS OF UNIT 2 OF THE PINE FOREST IN HAITI (2000–2020)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n12-122Keywords:
Deforestation, Land Use, Forest Cover, Climate Variability, HaitiAbstract
Environmental degradation in Haiti represents an increasingly critical issue, intensified by anthropogenic pressures on natural ecosystems. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover in the Pine Forest, located in the La Selle Massif, between the years 2000 and 2020, with a focus on deforestation processes. Satellite images from Landsat 5, Landsat 7, and Sentinel-2 were used to calculate spectral indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), to assess changes in vegetation and land occupation. Land use and cover classification was performed based on the Global Land Cover and Land Use Change 2000/2020 dataset, developed by the University of Maryland – Global Land Analysis and Discovery (UMD GLAD), which provides detailed information with a spatial resolution of 30 meters on forest extent, agricultural lands, urban areas, and water bodies. The results revealed a progressive conversion of forest cover into anthropized areas, particularly for agricultural and urban purposes. Furthermore, changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures were identified as key factors influencing vegetation dynamics. It is concluded that effective environmental management strategies and public policies are essential to mitigate the observed impacts and promote the conservation of natural ecosystems.
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