Author(s):
1. Hamayun Shaheen:
Dept. of Botany, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
Abstract:
Forest ecosystems are crucial for the sustainability of the Himalayan region owing to immense ecosystem services and ecological functioning. It is vital to monitor the ecosystem health and overall changes in forest cover to ensure environmental sustainability of any region. Remote Sensing technology (RST) and Geographical Information System (GIS) are robust and efficient tools to investigate forest cover change using GIS. Current study aimed to address the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of the afforestation and deforestation dynamics in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The research objectives include determining forest cover, assessing vegetation density using Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI), and analyzing the spatiotemporal changes in AJK's forest cover using ArcGIS 10.8 and ENVI 4.7. In this study, we have used the Landsat data for the detection of forest cover change from 1990 to 2020, using 1990 as a base year. Each satellite image was classified into three land cover categories, and post-classification implemented to analyze and interpret change detections. The GIS analysis has revealed that the Re and Afforestation/deforestation equation for the state of AJK is highly tilted towards deforestation as almost 2 times more area has undergone forest loss over the last 3 decades. The cover of the primary forests of the state have undergone a -11.4% change for 3 decades as compared tochange for 3 decades as compared to <5% increase in ReAfforested area. GIS analysis also revealed a highly significant increase in the barren land area as well as the built area causing severe forest loss. Historical data suggests that the earthquake of 2005 had immensely devastating impacts on the forest cover of Muzaffarabad division which comprises about 71% of the total state forest. However, the NDVI analysis indicated a significant increase in the private/rural forest cover linked with the socioeconomic transformations in the region. This comprehensive assessment of forest cover dynamics in AJK provides valuable insights for sustainable natural resource management, supports conservation initiatives, and lays the groundwork for evidence-based policy recommendations. The study underscores the importance of balancing development with habitat conservation to ensure sustainability of AJK's forests.
Page(s):
8-8
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 4th International Conference of Sciences “Revamped Scientific Outlook of 21st Century, 2025” , November 12,2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025
Keywords:
geographical information system
,
Satellite image
,
Forest ecosystems
,
Socioeconomic transformations
References:
References are not available for this document.
Citations
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