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Dynamics in Land Cover and Landscape Patterns of Myanmar: A Three-Decade Perspective (1990–2020)

Author

Listed:
  • Ruonan Li

    (The Faculty of Geography, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Cansong Li

    (The Faculty of Geography, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Dongyang Hou

    (The School of Geosciences and Info Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Huaqiao Xing

    (The School of Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China)

  • A-Xing Zhu

    (Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

Abstract

A comprehensive scientific assessment of the dynamic changes in land cover and landscape patterns in Myanmar, considering both human activities and natural factors such as climate change, is essential for a thorough understanding of the transformations in the country’s ecological environment. This assessment also provides data-driven insights into the complex interactions between humans, climate, and the environment. This study aims to examine the dynamic changes in land cover in Myanmar over a thirty-year period from a comprehensive perspective. This paper, based on the MLC30 land cover dataset for Myanmar from 1990 to 2020, employs land use dynamic degree and land use transition matrix to analyze the extent and process of land cover changes in Myanmar. Furthermore, using landscape pattern indicators, the paper explores the changes in the spatial structural characteristics of land cover in Myanmar at both the patch scale and the landscape scale. The results indicate the following: (a) Areas with significant land cover changes are primarily located in the eastern, southeastern, and southwestern regions bordering China, Laos, and Thailand, as well as the coastal areas, with the change intensity from 2000 to 2020 being notably higher than before 2000. (b) Myanmar’s cultivated land, artificial surfaces, and water bodies show an expanding trend, with cultivated land expansion mainly at the expense of forests, while the increase in artificial surfaces and water bodies is through the conversion of the existing cultivated land. (c) Myanmar’s landscape patterns remained stable from 1990 to 2000. However, after 2000, the land cover has shown a clear trend towards fragmentation and spatial distribution dispersion, especially for the dominant forest and cultivated land types. Despite Myanmar’s rapid economic development, the trend toward the fragmentation and irregularization of cultivated land patches indicates a lack of attention to cultivated land use and planning. The reduction and fragmentation of forest areas have led to a decline in ecological connectivity, posing risks of ecological environment deterioration. Consequently, Myanmar must prioritize scientific land use planning and the rational allocation of land resources to foster the sustainable development of agriculture and the protection of natural ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruonan Li & Cansong Li & Dongyang Hou & Huaqiao Xing & A-Xing Zhu, 2024. "Dynamics in Land Cover and Landscape Patterns of Myanmar: A Three-Decade Perspective (1990–2020)," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:12:p:2212-:d:1546240
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yiming Wang & Yunfeng Hu & Xiaoyu Niu & Huimin Yan & Lin Zhen, 2023. "Myanmar’s Land Cover Change and Its Driving Factors during 2000–2020," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Corey Lesk & Pedram Rowhani & Navin Ramankutty, 2016. "Influence of extreme weather disasters on global crop production," Nature, Nature, vol. 529(7584), pages 84-87, January.
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