Mapping of change in vegetation cover In classified and managed forests in Haute-Casamance between 1965 and 2018

Abstract

Context and background In the classified and managed forests of Upper-Casamance, the vegetation cover is undergoing significant changes. The result is a strong tendency to convert forest into savannah and cultivation areas, which goes against the policy of classification and management of forests. Objectives This study analyzes the changes in vegetation cover in classified and managed forests in Upper-Casamance between 1965 and 2018 to help politicians in their decision-making. Methodology It focused on six forest areas that reflect the evolution of plant cover in Haute-Casamance, including three classified (Pata, Kantora and Dabo) and three developed (Saré Bidji, Medina Salam Dingha and Bonconto). The approach used is based on a visual interpretation, from Corona 1965 and Sentinel 2 imagery from 2018, of land use trends and vegetation changes. Results The results indicated a great variability in plant cover depending on the area, the geographical position of these perimeters in the study area, and anthropogenic pressure. With the exception of the classified forest of Dabo located in the south, the forests of the classified domain (Pata and Kantora which are exposed in the north) have experienced a greater conversion of plant cover. They are also more affected by human actions than the forests in the managed area. Likewise, the managed forest of Medina Salam Dingha, located a little further north, has undergone a greater conversion of vegetation than those reserved a little more in the south. Moreover, in the managed forest of Bonconto, the tendency is to regenerate the vegetation cover. These different trends in vegetation raise the issue of the current status of certain classified forests and the importance of forest management.

Keywords

• Vegetation cover
• Changes
• Classified forest
• Managed forest
• Upper-Casamance