Multitemporal Analysis of Land Cover Changes in Areas with Contrasted Forest Management and Conservation Policies in Northern Mexico

Rufino Sandoval-García, Joel Rascón-Solano (), Eduardo Alanís-Rodríguez, Samuel García-García, José A. Sigala and Oscar Aguirre-Calderón
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Rufino Sandoval-García: Forestry Department, Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University, Calz Antonio Narro 1923, Buenavista, Saltillo 25315, CH, Mexico
Joel Rascón-Solano: Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, 2.5 km on Delicias-Rosales Road, Delicias 33000, CI, Mexico
Eduardo Alanís-Rodríguez: Faculty of Forestry Sciences, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, National Highway Nacional #85, km. 145, Linares 67700, NL, Mexico
Samuel García-García: Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, 2.5 km on Delicias-Rosales Road, Delicias 33000, CI, Mexico
José A. Sigala: National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research, Guadiana Valley Experimental Field, km 4.5 Carretera Durango-El, Mezquital 34170, DG, Mexico
Oscar Aguirre-Calderón: Faculty of Forestry Sciences, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, National Highway Nacional #85, km. 145, Linares 67700, NL, Mexico

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: This study evaluates and contrasts changes in vegetation cover over three decades in two forest areas in the State of Chihuahua in northern Mexico with different management statuses: one with sustainable forest management and the other protected as a Flora and Fauna Protection Area. The hypothesis proposed that both areas would have maintained or increased their vegetation cover since 1995. Satellite images from the periods 1995–2008, 2008–2014, 2014–2022, and 1995–2022 were analyzed. The results showed that Ejido El Largo y Anexos significantly increased forest areas and reduced grasslands due to sustainable management practices, with a notable expansion of pine–oak and pine forests. In contrast, the Tutuaca Flora and Fauna Protection Area experienced a notable loss of oak and oak–pine forests, suggesting ineffectiveness in its conservation policies. However, there was less loss in Douglas Fir forests, indicating some effective protection efforts. The comparison reveals opposing dynamics: while Ejido El Largo y Anexos demonstrates success in sustainable management, the Tutuaca Flora and Fauna Protection Area faces conservation challenges. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for active management approaches to maintain ecosystem cover and functionality.

Keywords: sustainable forest exploitation; flora and fauna protection area; vegetation cover; multitemporal analysis; QGIS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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