Eco-environment vulnerability assessment using remote sensing approach in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is the world's largest island country blessed with abundant natural resources. Coal is one of the largest natural resources and commodities with an increased production rate annually. On the other hand, coal mining activities in East Kalimantan, Indonesia have been identified as one of the causes of environmental damage. Without proper regulation and comprehensive study, the environmental damage is predicted to increase every year. In order to provide a scientific analysis of the environmental damage prediction and evaluate ecological environmental conditions using remote sensing and geospatial approaches, this study aims to construct Eco-environment Vulnerability Index (EVI) in East Kalimantan and investigate spatial conditions and changes during 2017–2019. Spatial Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) method was applied to construct EVI by integrating satellite imagery and socio-economic data like Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) per capita and population density. The results revealed that most of the areas in East Kalimantan are in good condition as indicated by very low EVI values (less than −0.0078). Meanwhile, very high EVI values (more than 0.4446) were found in the former mining, coastal, and urban areas. These areas have very high EVI because of lack of vegetation, high development of urban areas, and dense population. The mapping results of vulnerable areas are expected to be used as a guideline for governments, communities, and mining companies regarding the impacts exposed by coal mining activities and government plans for new capital city relocation towards the ecological environmental vulnerabilities.