Identifying Hotspots of Deforestation and Reforestation in Colombia (2001–2010): Implications for Protected Areas

background

This article uses satellite imagery, MODIS MOD13Q1 Vegetation Indices 250 , the Virtual Interpretation of EarthWeb-Interface Tool (VIEW-IT) to conduct a land-use analysis of Colombia, mapping trends and "hotspot" areas of deforestation and of reforestation from 2001 to 2010.

Research Goals & Methods

The authors identify four hotspots of deforestation (clustered particularly in lowlands in the north of the country) and four of reforestation, mainly in the Andes highlands.

Conclusions & Takeaways

This land-use change and variation in woody vegetation, agriculture and pasture cover is most strongly associated with variables of environmental, armed conflict, and demographic variables The authors suggest that the intensification of armed conflict and implementation of a neoliberal economic model resulted in extensive rural-urban migration and subsequent land abandonment, which in some places have promoted forest regrowth. Most deforestation has been driven by large-scale agriculture, illicit crops, land tenure change, population growth, globalization of markets, as well as armed conflict.