Analyse de la dynamique d’occupation des écosystèmes littoraux de l’aire protégée communautaire la Bouche du Roy au Bénin

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems, recognized for their numerous goods and services, have faced various anthropogenic and bioclimatic pressures in recent decades. In order to better implement protective measures for these ecosystems, the present study analyzes the land-use dynamics essential for assessing changes over a 20-year period. Satellite images from 2000, 2010, and 2020 were processed using QGIS2.18 software to obtain two transition matrices covering the before and after the creation of the Community Biodiversity Conservation Area (CBCA) Bouche du Roy. Data analysis reveals a decline (32 %) in mangrove area between 2000 and 2010, in favor of mosaic fields and fallow lands. However, between 2010 and 2020, mangrove area increased (29 %), while field mosaics and fallows decreased. Over both periods, there was a slight increase in the area of settlements. The establishment of the CBCA, combined with biodiversity conservation efforts (cultural and spiritual practices) over the past decade, contributed to the restoration of mangroves, reversing the trend of degradation in these sensitive ecosystems. The study suggests the need to continue initiatives for the restoration of coastal ecosystems not only in Benin but also in other regions where these ecosystems are still present.

Keywords

• mangrove
• tropical forest
• mapping
• Benin
• biodiversity conservation