Land use/land cover (LULC), change detection, and simulation analysis of Manila Bay’s Dolomite mining site in Cebu, Philippines using Sentinel–2 satellite

Abstract

Dolomite mining in Barangay Pugalo – Pasol, Alcoy, Cebu, and the Manila Bay beach project along Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines has long been controversial due to the ecological, environmental, and economic implications. From the threat of rising sea levels to questionable management solutions, this sand project cannot be fully measured because of the absence of an environmental impact study. The primary objective of this research is to develop a geospatial study of the Cebu mining site using Sentinel–2 satellite data utilizing remote sensing techniques and Quantum GIS where 2018, 2020, 2030, and 2050 classification and simulation analysis shows an increase in Soil and a decrease in Vegetation and Built-up classes. Dolomite sand sustainability and longevity in Manila Bay's Dolomite Beach, are also assessed using related literature. With the help of this analysis, it’s possible to identify specific changes and predict which land will be impacted by upcoming years when current practices in the area do not change. It can also be utilized as resource management, environmental policy, and regulation support tools in identifying ecological problems while serving as a source of historical information for future land management and support for the long-term use of natural resources and expanding populations.