Protection Of Vegetation Research Articles

Exploiting Legal Reserve Compensation as a Mechanism for Unlawful Deforestation in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome, 2012–2022

This research investigates the illegal Vegetation Suppression Authorization (VSA) for Legal Reserve Compensation (LRC) in Tocantins, Brazil, between 2012 and 2014. The VSA is a license issued by state environmental agencies that authorizes the removal or clearing of native vegetation. This infraction resulted from the state environmental agency’s mistaken interpretation of Resolution 07/2005 of the State Environmental Council and the Native Vegetation Protection Law, which operates nationally and takes precedence over state resolutions and laws. The study area focuses on eight municipalities contained in the Formoso, Pium, and Javaés river basins. The methodology examines irregular VSA-LRC cases through geospatial data analysis, multitemporal analysis using remote sensing data, and economic assessments in both the origin and destination areas of the compensatory reserve. The results showed that among the 217 VSA-LRC applications during the period, 93 had corresponding geospatial data, indicating that 57.1% of the geospatial data were missing. This discrepancy between the authorized area and the available geospatial information restricts the oversight capability of the regulatory agency. A decade-long deforestation analysis of VSA-LRCs using remote sensing data considered three phases: 2012–2014 (application and issuance of VSA-LRCs), 2015–2018 (operational issuance), and 2019–2022 (post-expiration of VSA-LRCs). The results revealed a total VSA-LRC area of 343.291 km2 (34,329.10 ha), with 229.1169 km2 (22,911.69 ha) of deforestation. Notably, 54.877 km2 (5487.70 ha) of this deforestation occurred in 2019–2022, after the VSA-LRC had expired. The analysis of the LRC origin and destination areas demonstrates a unidirectional strategy, from economically more valuable areas to less valuable ones, according to land market dynamics. Therefore, this investigation concludes the need for greater administrative transparency, the development of a reliable geospatial data system for monitoring, and policy changes and actions to enhance environmental protection.

Protection of understory vegetation by deer exclosure fences prevent the reduction of beech growth due to soil erosion

Overbrowsing by ungulates has degraded understory vegetation in worldwide forests. Understory degradation causes soil erosion and environmental degradation, causing mature tree decline. Although ungulate exclosure fences are installed to protect vegetation, their effectiveness in preventing tree decline associated with soil degradation remains unclear. We aimed to fill this gap on slopes of Mt. Shiraga, Japan, where sika deer have overbrowsed for >20 years. Tree-ring records in 1960–2022 for eight beeches per each of inside and outside fences were analyzed to compare stem basal area increment (BAI, cm−2 yr−1) and trend change timings for BAI (i.e., break-point). Soil properties, exposed root height (ERH) as cumulative soil erosion index, and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) as water limitation proxy were also compared. Compared with areas inside fences, areas outside fences had no understory vegetation, higher ERH, and higher soil hardness and moisture. BAI outside fences turned their growth trend from positive to negative since 2004, but not inside fences. Break-point of BAI outside fences matched the understory degradation period in the field. The long-term BAI trend (i.e., regression slope of BAI) after the break-point was negatively related to ERH but not to soil properties (e.g., soil hardness and moisture). Furthermore, BAI outside fences was negatively related to iWUE after the break-point, whereas BAI inside fences was not. These results indicate that the maintenance of understory by fencing prevents overbrowsing-associated mature tree decline through mitigating root exposure and related water limitation, despite the potential of water competition with understory.

Monitoring of areas in conflict with the Legislation for the Protection of Native Vegetation in Brazil: opportunity for large-scale forest restoration and for the Brazilian global agenda

Monitoring of areas in conflict with the Legislation for the Protection of Native Vegetation in Brazil: opportunity for large-scale forest restoration and for the Brazilian global agenda

Unrevealing the water-use strategies for typical ecological restoration plants and cash crops in the Eastern Chinese Loess Plateau region

Study regionFour geomorphic types in the eastern Loess Plateau (ECLP). Study focusquantitatively study the water-use strategies of typical plants (ecological restoration plants, food crops) based on stable isotope technology. New hydrological insights for the regionSignificant spatial-temporal heterogeneity appeared in regional soil water content and stable isotopes, with more significant fluctuations in soil water isotope values appearing in the rocky mountain region. Regional tree growth (including natural and plantation forests) was mainly influenced by precipitation (35±14 %) and surface layer (0–40 cm depth) soil water (25±11 %) during April and June, whereas deep soil water gradually became the main water source (> 20 %) in autumn and winter. A. Lavandulifolia mainly uses surface soil water (> 23 %), and the proportion of deep soil water utilization has increased after September. Surface soil water (0–40 cm) was the primary water source for T. aestivum during the overwintering (> 16 %) and reviving periods (> 26 %), and Z. mays utilized the largest proportion of soil water from 0 to 20 cm depth layer during the seeding (> 60 %) and maturation stages (> 35 %). Collectively, the results of this study have important implications for sustainable vegetation protection and the optimal allocation of water resources in the arid region.

Post-fire vegetation dynamic patterns and drivers in Greater Hinggan Mountains: Insights from long-term remote sensing data analysis

Fire has become a major disturbing factor in boreal forests, and giant forest disturbances play a vital role in regulating the climate under global warming. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and main drivers of post-fire vegetation recovery for forest ecological research and post-fire recovery management. However, previous studies have focused on the post-fire forest change within the entire fire perimeter, lacking separate analysis and comparison of the burned zone (BZ) and unburned zone (UNBZ). Here, we propose the utilization of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer land cover type and vegetation index data to monitor vegetation dynamics and explore its drivers after the most serious forest fire in the history of P.R. China in the Greater Hinggan Mountains (GHM). The temporal and spatial patterns of vegetation recovery in the BZ/UNBZ in the GHM were analyzed using the Sen & Mann-Kendall method, Hurst index and coefficient of variation, and their driving mechanisms were explored using GeoDetector and geographically weighted regression. The results showed that there were significant differences in the spatial distribution and fluctuation of vegetation between the BZ and UNBZ, and that the BZ exhibited higher productivity and vigor. Vegetation recovery was influenced by different dominant factors and changed over time, in which land surface temperature and precipitation dominated all the time, whereas topographic relief and elevation had a more significant contribution to vegetation recovery in the BZ and UNBZ, respectively. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection and management of vegetation in disturbed forested areas, particularly after fires.

Assessment of the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Suitable Habitats for Typical Halophytic Vegetation in China Based on Maxent Model and Landscape Ecology Theory

The widespread and complex formation of saline soils in China significantly affects the sustainable development of regional ecosystems. Intense climate changes and regional land use further exacerbate the uncertainties faced by ecosystems in saline areas. Therefore, studying the distribution characteristics of typical halophytic vegetation under the influence of climate change and human activities, and exploring their potential distribution areas, is crucial for maintaining ecological security in saline regions. This study focuses on Tamarix chinensis, Tamarix austromongolica, and Tamarix leptostachya, integrating geographic information systems, remote sensing, species distribution models, and landscape ecological risk (LER) theories and technologies. An optimized MaxEnt model was established using the ENMeval package, incorporating 143, 173, and 213 distribution records and 13 selected environmental variables to simulate the potential suitable habitats of these three Tamarix species. A quantitative assessment of the spatial characteristics and the area of their potential geographical distribution was conducted. Additionally, a landscape ecological risk assessment (LERA) of the highly suitable habitats of these three Tamarix species was performed using land use data from 1980 to 2020, and the results of the LERA were quantified using the Landscape Risk Index (LERI). The results showed that the suitable areas of Tamarix chinensis, Tamarix austromongolica, and Tamarix leptostachya were 9.09 × 105 km2, 6.03 × 105 km2, and 5.20 × 105 km2, respectively, and that the highly suitable habitats for the three species were concentrated in flat areas such as plains and basins. Tamarix austromongolica faced increasing ecological risk in 27.22% of its highly suitable habitat, concentrated in the northern region, followed by Tamarix chinensis in 16.70% of its area with increasing ecological risk, concentrated in the western and northern highly suitable habitats; Tamarix chinensis was the least affected, with an increase in ecological risk in only 1.38% of its area. This study provides valuable insights for the protection of halophytic vegetation, represented by Tamarix, in the context of China’s national land development.

Analysis of land use changes and soil erosion using the EPM-IntErO model in the Sokobanja Basin, Serbia

Soil erosion, with the progressive loss of fertile topsoil and its negative impact on agricultural productivity, has become a critical global environmental problem. In the second half of the 20th century, many municipalities in Serbia experienced significant changes in land use, vegetation, and environmental conditions. The drive towards industrialization and urbanization aimed to improve the living standards of the population, but as a consequence, it led to substantial depopulation of rural areas and the adoption of inadequate agricultural practices, which, in turn, further intensified soil erosion. This study focuses on the Sokobanjska Moravica River basin (Eastern Serbia), extending to the Bovan Lake Dam and upstream, with a total area of 540.4 km². The basin is situated in a characteristic karst landscape. Changes in erosion intensity and runoff from this basin are analyzed using the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model, which algorithmically integrates the widely used Erosion Potential Method (EPM) with innovative computational techniques to predict sediment production and runoff from the river basin accurately. This analysis utilizes GIS software and official statistical yearbook data, focusing on the period from the second half of the 20th century, including the analysis of the current state. According to our research, the most intensive changes in land use occurred between 1961 and 1971, marking the beginning of the period of a decline in rural population and, consequently, a decrease in erosion intensity. Key findings indicate that predominant changes in land use and vegetation led to a shift from crop farming to animal husbandry. After 1971, ongoing depopulation, particularly in rural areas, resulted in a gradual and steady decrease in erosion intensity. The primary aim of this study is to support policymakers in developing more effective soil and water conservation regulations. By making recommendations for the protection of vegetation, and thus the soil within this river basin, this research helps ensure their long-term preservation. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of current land use practices and develop strategies to mitigate erosion in the context of changing climate conditions.

Controlling soil erosion and landslides through ecosystem-based adaptation interventions in the hilly landscape of western Rwanda

Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions such as protective vegetation, soil and water conservation measures and re-vegetation of degraded land have shown promise in reducing soil erosion and landslides occurrence. The western province of Rwanda has experienced destructive natural hazards especially soil erosions, floods and landslides. This study aimed to assess the contribution of Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions on the reduction of soil erosion and landslides in the hilly landscape of Western Rwanda with a case study of Rubyiro sub-catchment in Rusizi District. Methods used in data collection comprised remote sensing techniques combined with a questionnaire survey to collect perceptions of farmers conducting agricultural activities in the catchment where Rusizi District has implemented Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) interventions. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing tools were used to assess soil loss pre- and post-EbA interventions. The results of the survey indicated that after four years of EbA interventions, the number of landslide occurrences was reduced at a rate of 62.6 %. The respondents who appreciated forest restoration to minimize landslides were 72.4 %, progressive terraces 26.1 % and bench terraces 1.5 %. The estimated average annual soil losses were 11.9 tons/ha/year, 17.6 tons/ha/year, 10.1 tons/ha/year, 9.3 tons/ha/year in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022, respectively. This indicates a reduction of 8.3 tons/ha/year from 2018 to 2022 as opposed to an increase of 5.7 tons/ha/year recorded from 2017 to 2018. Thus, EbA interventions made a great contribution to the reduction of soil erosion and landslides in the Rubyiro sub-catchment, and they can be recommended in other similar hilly landscapes.

Livestock in Riparian Areas: A Neglected Environmental Issue.

The presence of livestock in riparian areas raises several questions about the conservation and sustainable use of water resources and biodiversity in Brazil. Although the Native Vegetation Protection Law (No. 12,651) focuses on riparian vegetation, protected as Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), it does not exclude the presence of livestock in these fragile areas. Here, we provide an overview of APPs in Brazil and analyze the legal instruments that enable livestock in these areas, gathering the scientific evidence on associated environmental impacts. Currently, cattle in riparian areas represent a direct threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services, especially because these animals promote trampling, loss of vegetation, soil erosion, siltation, and pollution through urine and feces. To avoid cattle in APPs, legislation should be revised to implement more stringent restrictions; in parallel, alternatives for watering the animals must be sought, such as, for example, the installation of artificial ponds and drinking fountains. It would be appropriate to propose legislation or create incentives to fence livestock in pasture areas to preventing it from accessing APPs. Increasing cattle confinement is an alternative measure to traditional ranching in open pasture. Riparian zones represent a critical environment for biodiversity and society, so the presence of cattle and its associated negative impacts should be seriously considered by authorities.

The threat from ozone to vegetation in Ireland

Ozone is the most damaging air pollutant to vegetation globally. Metrics of accumulated ozone above a concentration threshold (e.g. AOT40, ppb·h) have been widely used to assess ozone risk. However, there is growing consensus that accumulated Phytotoxic Ozone Dose (POD) above a receptor-specific critical stomatal flux threshold (y; nmol O3 m−2 s−1), expressed per unit of projected leaf area, provides a more reliable risk assessment, as it considers ozone entering the leaf (PODy, mmol m−2 leaf area). Few studies have assessed both concentration- and flux-based metrics using site-specific observations of ozone and meteorology. In this study we assessed the risk that ozone poses to five vegetation types across eight sites in Ireland during 2005–2021, using AOT40 and PODy risk metrics, and we predicted impacts using dose–response relationships. Long-term trends in both metrics were also assessed. The PODy critical level for vegetation protection was exceeded for all vegetation types, with exceedances most common at Atlantic coastal sites, and for tree species (beech POD1 15.7–25.7 mmol/m2 PLA). When PODy and AOT40 results were normalised based on their respective critical levels, predicted impacts were higher for PODy. There were significant increases in PODy for three vegetation types at rural sites during the study period, which also experienced increases in temperature and global solar radiation. The long-term trends were consistent with other European studies that show decreases in AOT40 and increases in PODy. While ozone concentrations in Ireland are relatively low (39–75 μg/m3 five-year average range), the humid climate and longer growing season may lead to elevated stomatal ozone uptake and thereby a risk to vegetation.

Habitat suitability and flood risk modeling for Gazella conservation actions in Mond protected area

Extreme floods are recognized as a major factor contributing to high mortality rates in mammalian populations. The primary objective of this study is to map flood hazards and evaluate habitat suitability within the Mond Protected Area (MPA), near the Mond River. This region is particularly important as it serves as a habitat for the vulnerable gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). Through field surveys and information gathering, the study examines the effects of flooding on the mortality, distribution, and abundance of this gazelle population.The MaxEnt approach was used to assess habitat suitability, while flood hazard zoning was conducted using the HEC-RAS model. Field studies and the resulting flood hazard map identified three specific locations "Barid," "Rudbor," and "Cham Sheikh" where floodwaters infiltrate the protected area. This infiltration is attributed to riverbank erosion and the absence of protective vegetation in the above areas. The extreme flood on March 20, 2017, significantly increased gazelle mortality rates.By analyzing the maps integrating flood zoning, gazelle distribution, and population aggregation within the MPA, along with field surveys, practical and significant operational measures to enhance the gazelle habitat have been identified. One key measure includes establishing low-elevation platforms in areas where gazelles congregate. Six platforms have been designated, with three marked as "priority one" and three as "priority two," as the most effective solution for reducing gazelle casualties within the MPA. This decision considers factors such as the flood zoning map, gazelle presence, and historical data on locations with a substantial casualty of this species during floods.

Global conservation priorities of coastal habitats towards extreme sea level rise risks

Approximately 70% of the world's largest megacities (>10 million people) are within 60 km of the coast, contributing to 50% of the world's GDP. Sea level rise will intensify coastal flood threats, making cities without sufficient habitat protection even more vulnerable. However, there is currently a lack of thorough evaluation at the global scale about conservation priorities based on the current habitat cover and the high sea level rise in order to adapt coastal flood risks. Here we assessed the disparity among habitat coverage, exposed population and extreme sea level rise to identify priority areas for future coastal conservation. These priority areas are characterized by a large population residing in low-elevation coastal zones (LECZs), high extreme sea levels (ESLs), and insufficient habitat coverages. In many highly populated countries like China and India, the flooding risk has been underestimated due to insufficient adaptation based on natural processes from coastal habitats. These highly populated countries are especially concerning because they have comparatively less vegetation protection capability and are subjected to high ESLs. Globally, Asian and European nations, such as China, Japan, Bangladesh, Viet Nam, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany, have the highest potential for mitigating coastal risks through natural habitat conservation and restoration. We found that the main contributors to variations in the extreme sea level rise risks are not due to exposure headcounts (6%), but due to inadequate habitat cover (42%), which can be improved through targeted conservation and restoration. Our research identified the global priorities for managing climate resilience that most urgently require ecosystem conservation and restoration in order to prepare for the risks of coastal flooding.

Seismic stability analysis of shallow overburden slopes with vegetation protection

Seismic stability analysis of shallow overburden slopes with vegetation protection

Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea and Escherichia coli by Lactic Acid Bacteria on Leafy Vegetables

The evaluation of the potentiality of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from fermented products to inhibit Botrytis cinerea and Escherichia coli O157:H7 growth on spinach and lettuce was conducted. From a total of forty LAB strains tested, three were selected due to their high inhibitory effect on plant pathogenic fungi. The identification of these isolates based on a 16S rRNA gene fragment sequence analysis confirmed the genus of Levilactobacillus sp. and Lactiplantibacillus sp. An effective method of coating LAB isolates on the lettuce and spinach surface was developed. The leaves were immersed in bacterial suspension (5.0 × 106 cfu mL−1) for 4 s and drained on tissue paper. LAB survived on lettuce and spinach leaves for 8 days at 6 log10 cfu g−1. Additionally, these bacteria decreased the number of filamentous fungi on the leaves. These isolates were found to inhibit the growth of B. cinerea and E. coli O157:H7 in vitro conditions in growing microbiological media. Their efficacy was confirmed in vivo conditions. These isolates inhibited the development of grey mould caused by B. cinerea on lettuce leaves. Two LAB isolates reduced the abundance of the pathogenic bacterium E. coli on spinach leaves by about 0.7 log10 cfu g−1. In glasshouse conditions, LAB stimulated the growth of examined plants. The lactic acid bacteria used in this study showed the capacity to be used as possible alternatives to chemical compounds in the protection of leafy vegetables against grey mould and for a decrease in E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Analysis of Driving Factors for Vegetation Ecological Quality Based on Bayesian Network

Vegetation is a crucial component of ecosystems, and understanding the drivers and spatial optimization patterns of its ecological quality is vital for environmental management in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration. Traditional evaluations employing single indices may not fully capture the complexity of vegetation elements and require evaluation through various indicators. Therefore, this study introduced the Multi Criteria Vegetation Ecological Quality Index (VEQI), coupled with vegetation cover and vegetation ecological function indicators, to explore the driving factors of vegetation quality in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and identify key areas where vegetation quality declines or improves. By constructing a Bayesian network for VEQI, we identified the driving variables that influence the index. Additionally, we delineated spatial optimization zones for VEQI. The results indicate that the VEQI exhibits a trend of transitioning from low values in urban centers to high values in suburban and rural areas. Over 20 years, the average VEQI of the study region ranged from 10.85% to 94.94%. Slope, DEM, and vegetation type were identified as significant drivers of VEQI, while precipitation, temperature, and nighttime light were considered secondary factors. Notably, areas in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Hubei provinces, especially the western part of Hunan, were pinpointed as spatial optimization regions. This research not only enhances the understanding of vegetation’s ecological quality in the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River but also provides scientific insights for the protection and management of vegetation.

Spatial-diffusion characters and emission reduction strategy for motor vehicle pollutants on expressway

This research tries to establish the emissions diffusion model of high-speed motor vehicles on the Capital Ring Expressway (CRE) around Beijing, China, applying the MOVES and the CALPUFF models. Data required for this study have been collected from different sources. The results show that small buses and large trucks have the highest pollutant emissions on the CRE. The pollutants like CO and HC mainly comes from gasoline vehicles, while NOx, PM10 and PM2.5 comes from diesel vehicles. The average concentrations of the diffusion of CO, NOx, CH4, PM10, and PM2.5 along with the CRE are 6.5 mg/m3, 2.3 mg/m3, 0.27 mg/m3, 0.055 mg/m3 and 0.056 mg/m3 respectively. The results of this study have practical significance and influence on the emission reduction and concentration control strategies under different circumstances, and put forward suggestions on changing transportation modes, strengthening supervision and so on. It has produced a number of recommendations for the policy makers including (1) active promotion of new energy vehicles on expressways, (2) strategic change of the mode of passenger and freight transportation on expressways, (3) strengthen traffic management and supervision of motor vehicles on expressways, and (4) strengthen vegetation protection in rural and ecologically sound areas along the route.

Automated generation of consistent annual maximum NDVI on coal bases with a new algorithm

Coal is one of the most important fossil energy sources and is ensuring global energy security. Annual maximum NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data is an important indicator for the research in balancing coal mining and vegetation conservation. However, the existing annual maximum NDVI data displayed lower values with temporally inconsistent and a noticeable mosaic line. Here we propose an algorithm for automatically generating the annual maximum NDVI of China’s coal bases in Google Earth Engine called: Auto-NDVIcb. The accuracy of the Auto-NDVIcb algorithm has been verified with an average RMSE of 0.087 for the 14 coal bases from 2013 to 2022. Based on the proposed Auto-NDVIcb algorithm, an annual maximum NDVI dataset for all 14 coal bases in China from 2013 to 2022 was publicly released. This dataset can be fast and automatically updated online. Hence, the public dataset will continuously serve to monitor the vegetation change induced by coal mining, exploring the mechanism of vegetation degradation, and providing scientific data for developing vegetation protection policies in coal mines.

Assessment of the state of forest vegetation of waste dumps of coal mines in Ukraine

The aim of the work was to assess the current state of protective vegetation cover formed as a result of forest reclamation and natural overgrowth of all rock dumps of coal mines in Ukraine. The relevance of the research is conditioned by the important role of taking into account the degree of forest cover on the surface of dumps when assessing their ecological hazard to the environment. Forest plantations reduce the intensity of deflation and erosion of the surface of dumps, so the intensity of pollutants entering the adjacent territory is also sharply reduced. The main research method was the analysis of space images. The scientific novelty of the research results consists in the estimation of the average afforestation of the surface of dumps of the Lviv-Volynsky coal basin, Western and Central Donbass and in the established dependence of the afforestation of dumps slopes on their exposure and insolation coefficient proposed by the authors. Differences in afforestation of dumps of the above-mentioned basins (50.6%, 5.6% and 10.6%, respectively) testify both to the role of differences in climatic conditions and to the low level of dump reclamation in the Donetsk coal basin. Almost 1,900 ha or 79.5% of the dump surface in the north-eastern part of the Central Donbas is not forested and is a source of intensive environmental pollution. The afforestation of southern slopes in the Central Donbas is 4.7 times lower than that of northern slopes. However, a part of dumps is characterised by almost complete afforestation of southern slopes. This important fact proves the possibility of growing plantations under conditions of unstable moisture inherent in Donbas, even on such slopes. The practical significance of the work consists in the presented low-cost reclamation technology and the results of its use by the authors in forest reclamation of two rock dumps of PJSC ‘Lisichanskvugillia’. The given results of the survey of forest plantations more than 30 years after their creation by the authors prove the possibility of mass afforestation of rock dumps in Ukraine and, as a consequence, the reduction of the area of agricultural lands polluted by dumps and the intensity of their pollution.

Index-based forest degradation mapping using high and medium resolution multispectral sensors

ABSTRACT Monitoring dense forest ecosystems, such as the laurel forest in Garajonay National Park, is vital for biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and ecological balance. This study employs satellite remote sensing technologies to introduce a novel methodology, based on vegetation indices, aiming to assess and protect the health of the forest. Utilizing the Jeffries-Matusita distance and a histogram-based method, optimal indices to map forest degradation, like Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (WDRVI) and Modified Simple Ratio (MSR), were identified among 19 generated indices. The study processed imagery from three satellite sensors (WorldView-2, PlanetScope and Sentinel-2), producing maps distinguishing healthy and degraded areas. The study’s practical significance lies in offering a method to assess the suitability of sensors and indices for effectively mapping forest degradation. This approach aids conservation efforts and provides valuable insights for environmental managers and policymakers, facilitating the implementation of targeted strategies to safeguard Garajonay National Park's unique laurel forest ecosystem. Emphasizing the role of remote sensing in practical vegetation protection endeavors, the study contributes to on-the-ground initiatives, ensuring the preservation and sustainability of the park's rich biodiversity.

Impacts of landscape dynamics on terrestrial ecosystem health in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China

Forest landscapes changed notably due to natural disturbances and human activities, and are threatened by environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Evaluating terrestrial ecosystem health is beneficial for promoting vegetation protection and restoration efforts. This study analyzed the spatial-temporal evolution of three landscapes (i.e., natural/semi-natural vegetation, agricultural vegetation, and non-vegetation landscapes) of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) from 1990 to 2020, and explored their impacts for terrestrial ecosystem health (EH) which was estimated by vigor-organization-resilience (V–O-R) model. The results demonstrated that terrestrial EH improved during 1990–2020 because of the increasing natural/semi-natural vegetation landscapes of >1000m and >25° areas. Regions of higher EH levels were the northern and eastern counties dominated by natural/semi-natural vegetation, while regions of lower EH levels were the middle counties dominated by agricultural and non-vegetation landscapes. The relationships between natural/semi-natural vegetation landscape and EH were positive, while agricultural and non-vegetation landscapes were negatively related to EH. Moreover, climate and socioeconomic factors exerted a negative correlation with EH, while soil and topography factors were positively correlated with EH. Our findings support the importance of considering landscape dynamics in promoting ecological restoration and enhancing EH, providing scientific references for ensuring sustainable development of the TGRA and other similar ecological vulnerable regions.