Geospatial Inventory of the Galakand Forestry Area Utilizing GIS Database and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

This study investigated the dramatic reduction of forested areas in Azerbaijan, exceeding 50% over the past two centuries, largely due to increased wood production. Focusing on the period between 1880 and 1990, it analyzed the impact of timber harvesting on the composition of dominant tree species, with a special focus on beech trees, in the Galakand forestry area. Utilizing GIS databases and remote sensing techniques, the research assessed the changes in forest cover and species distribution, highlighting the critical transition from lush beech and oak forests to areas dominated by hornbeam, east hornbeam, oak-hornbeam, and juniperus-bush light forests. The study demonstrated the negative consequences of historical overexploitation, advocating for forest farming practices that promote the recovery and preservation of native forest ecosystems. Key findings revealed a marked decline in valuable wood species due to intensive logging activities, particularly between 1880 and 1914, and the detrimental effects of forest renewal cabins established from 1930 to 1970. The outlined measures in the study highlighted that the forest primarily comprises wooded areas (reserves with a completeness of 0.1-0.2, clearings, and clearings), non-forest lands repurposed as pastures and forested pastures with a density ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of sustainable forest management practices to reverse the adverse effects of historical overexploitation and preserve the biodiversity of Azerbaijan's ecosystems. The paper emphasized the necessity of sustainable forest management to reverse the damage and protect Azerbaijan's biodiversity to enhance measures for sustainable forestry, along with the critical role of advanced GIS and remote sensing in monitoring and conserving forest resources.