Spatial Model of Forest Cover Change using Moisture Index in Kolaka Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70561/geocelebes.v10i2.50316Keywords:
Forest Cover, Kolaka Regency, Normalized Difference Moisture Index, Remote SensingAbstract
Kolaka Regency plays a crucial role, both ecologically and economically. This study aims to identify long-term changes in forest cover using the Moisture Index, using a collection of Landsat satellite imagery. Forest cover is defined by a threshold: values >0.7 are considered forest cover, while values <0.7 are considered non-forest areas. Forest cover in Kolaka Regency fluctuates. The 2000-2005 period saw the sharpest decline, reaching an unmitigated loss of 404.00 km2. Although forest cover recovered in subsequent years, it accounted for only a third of the total forest loss, reaching 462.31 km². Extractive mining activities and land conversion drive forest loss in this region. A comparison of protected forest areas and the rate of forest loss indicates that legal protection does not automatically guarantee the presence of vegetation cover in the field. Therefore, forest management in Kolaka must shift from an administrative approach to a spatially based, real-time monitoring approach.
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