Assessing the ecological vulnerability of forest landscape to agricultural frontier expansion in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

TitleAssessing the ecological vulnerability of forest landscape to agricultural frontier expansion in the Central Highlands of Vietnam
Annotated RecordAnnotated
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsBourgoin C, Oszwald J, Bourgoin J, Gond V, Blanc L, Dessard H, Trong_Van_Phan _, Sist P, Läderach P, Reymondin L
Secondary TitleInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
Volume84
Pagination101958
Key themesConversion-FoodSecurity, Environment
Abstract

Forest conservation in human-dominated tropical landscapes ensures provision of major ecosystem services. However, conservation goals are threatened by growing demands for agricultural products. As the expansion of agricultural frontiers continues to exert increasing pressure on forest cover, it is crucial to provide indicators on forest vulnerability to improve our understanding of forest dynamics and prioritize management actions by local decision-makers. The purpose of this study is to develop a rigorous methodological framework to assess forest ecological vulnerability. We aim at evaluating the potential of remote sensing to characterize forest landscape dynamics in spatial and temporal dimensions. We present an innovative method that spatially integrates current landscape mosaic mapping with 45 years of landscape trajectories using Sentinel-2 and Landsat imagery. We derive indicators of exposure to cropland expansion, sensitivity linked with forest degradation and fragmentation, and forest capacity to respond based on forest landscape composition in Di Linh district in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. We map current forest-agricultural mosaics with high accuracy to assess landscape intensification (kappa index = 0.78). We also map the expansion of the agricultural frontier and highlighted heterogeneous agricultural encroachment on forested areas (kappa index = 0.72-0.93). Finally, we identify degradation and fragmentation trajectories that affect forest cover at different rates and intensity. Combined, these indicators pinpoint hotspots of forest vulnerability. This study provides tailored management responses and levers for action by local decision makers. The accessibility of multi-dimensional remote sensing data and the developed landscape approach open promising perspectives for continuously monitoring agricultural frontiers.
URLhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2019.101958
Availability

Available for download
Countries

Vietnam
Document Type

Journal Article

Annotations

Overall relevance: 

This study addresses the impact of agricultural expansion on forest landscapes. It proposes a comprehensive methodological framework utilizing remote sensing to monitor and assess forest vulnerability. By integrating 45 years of landscape data from Sentinel-2 and Landsat imagery, the researchers developed indicators to measure exposure to cropland expansion, sensitivity to forest degradation and fragmentation, and the forest’s adaptive capacity. The study focuses on Di Linh district, Lam Dong province, Vietnam, mapping current forest-agricultural mosaics and identifying hotspots of ecological vulnerability. The findings provide essential insights for local decision-makers to implement tailored management strategies, emphasizing the critical role of remote sensing in continuously monitoring agricultural frontiers.

Key Themes: 
  • Land zoning, planning, conversion and food security - Decentralized forest management and policies play a major role in balancing forest conservation with agricultural production, food security and support for livelihoods. To tailor effective management by local decision makers, the paper highlights the importance of assessing the ecological vulnerability of forest landscapes to agricultural expansions and the need to understand how agricultural activities threaten forest ecosystems and the services they provide. This was done by developing and applying specific indicators to measure exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of forest landscapes. These indicators help quantify the impacts of agricultural expansion on forests, aiding in identifying areas most at risk.
  • Land and the environment: pollution, deforestation, climate change, conservation zoning - Utilizing advanced remote sensing technologies, the research demonstrates how satellite imagery (Sentinel-2 and Landsat) can be employed to monitor and evaluate forest landscape changes over time. The study focused on the Di Linh district in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, providing localized insights that are directly applicable to regional conservation and land management strategies. It informs local policymakers and stakeholders about the need for tailored strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of agricultural expansion on forest landscapes.
Research basis: 

The study integrates satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 and Landsat, spanning a period of 45 years and utilizes remote sensing and GIS techniques to map and analyze land use changes. These tools enable monitoring of forest cover dynamics and the identification of vulnerable areas. The study employed a methodological framework to assess ecological vulnerability which includes the development of indicators for exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, which are critical for evaluating the impacts on forest ecosystems. Di Linh district was selected due to its significant forest-agricultural mosaic, providing a relevant context for examining the interactions between agricultural activities and forest conservation. (Provided by Do Thi Tra My)