Deforestation, forest degradation, and land use dynamics in Western Amazonia

Keywords: remote sensing, multinomial regression, deforestation, forest degradation, Ecuador, Western Amazonia.
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 50

Abstract

Land cover transformations throughout the Amazon basin have significantly intensified in recent decades due to increased human activity. Using a land change science approach, combining remotely sensed data, field observations, and multinomial regression analysis, this article evaluates deforestation and forest degradation between 2013 and 2019 in the Northeastern Ecuadorian Amazon. Results show that the likelihood of deforestation is associated with proximity to markets and population centers, distance to main roads and waterways, road density, population density, and terrain conditions. The study suggests that although deforestation rates have remained relatively unchanged, or even decreased in comparison to the early 2000s, the fragmentation of secondary forests due to the expansion of African palm cultivation and other forms of agriculture is an issue of concern. The information presented in this study can help decision makers understand the need for local and geolocated interventions that directly respond to particular socio-environmental contexts.