Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Land Use and Cover Change in the Lancang–Mekong River Basin during 2000–2020

Fansi Lang, Yutian Liang (), Shangqian Li, Zhaofeng Cheng, Guanfeng Li and Zijing Guo
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Fansi Lang: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Yutian Liang: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Shangqian Li: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Zhaofeng Cheng: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Guanfeng Li: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Zijing Guo: School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: Exploring the mechanisms that drive land use and cover change (LUCC) is essential for informing the formulation and implementation of effective policies aimed at optimizing land use patterns. In this study, we examined the spatial and temporal patterns of LUCC within the Lancang–Mekong River Basin (LMRB) using Globeland30 data for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. Firstly, we analyzed the quantitative characteristics of LUCC within the LMRB in terms of the value of change and rate of change. Additionally, we investigated the converting characteristics of LUCC within the LMRB by employing land use transition matrices and land use transition probability matrices. Furthermore, we depicted the spatial distribution of LUCC within the LMRB through land use mapping and statistical analysis. The results indicate a substantial decline in forests, coupled with a notable expansion in cultivated land. Given the vital role of forests as carbon sinks, reforestation can enhance ecological services and address challenges related to climate change. Converting cultivated land to forests is an effective human intervention promoting forest transition. This study applies binary logistic models to explore the mechanisms that influence the conversion from cultivated land to forests. The results reveal that slopes ranging from 5° to 15° have the lowest probability of conversion, whereas distances between the cultivated land and the nearest tourist attraction ranging from 9 km to 18 km have the highest probability. Moreover, the conversion process is positively associated with traffic conditions and significantly influenced by human interventions. Within the study area, China, Laos, and Myanmar show a tendency to convert cultivated land into natural LULC types, while Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam tend to encroach on cultivated land and expand artificial surfaces. Promoting ecological restoration in the LMRB requires cooperation among these countries.

Keywords: reforestation; transition matrix; logistic regression; LUCC; Lancang–Mekong River Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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