Using remote sensing data and geographic information systems to monitor land cover change in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region - Libya 1994-2023

Abstract

Using remote sensing data and geographic information systems to monitor land cover change in the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region - Libya

1994-2023

The study was conducted with the aim of monitoring the change in land cover of Al Jabal Al Akhdar region in the northeastern part of Libya during the period between 1994 – 2023. After collecting, pre-processing, and preforming supervised classification of Landsat satellite imagery which covers 1204365 hectares, the study area was classified into four classes: Urban Areas, Barren Lands, High Density Vegetation (forest), and Low Density Vegetation. The results show that the High Density Vegetation was covering 288971 hectares in 1994 and decreased by 131017 hectares in 2023. The rate of change in this category during the study period reached 45.3%, with an annual rate of change of 5.7%. The results also showed that this decrease was accompanied by a significant increase in Urban Areas, Low Density Vegetation, and the Barren Lands by 6691, 82481, 48154 hectares, respectively. This represents an increase of 76.4%, 17.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. The change in the average annual rate for these classes was 230.7, 2844.2, and 1442.9 ha/year, respectively. The severe decline of this natural forest cover may lead to the extinction of many plant and animal species, especially endemic ones, and further degradation of the ecosystem. The observed deterioration of the forest should prompt an urgent action by activating laws related to forest protection and achieving sustainable development to meet the local population needs and working towards repairing the degraded areas through ecological restoration activities. 

Keywords: Green Mountain, forests, land cover, satellite imagery