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A Land Cover Change Detection Approach to Assess the Effectiveness of Conservation Projects: A Study Case on the EU-Funded LIFE Projects in São Miguel Island, Azores (2002–2021)

Author

Listed:
  • Rafaela Tiengo

    (Departamento de Ingeniería y Gestión Forestal y Ambiental, ETSIMFMN, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
    cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, University of the Azores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal)

  • Silvia Merino-De-Miguel

    (Departamento de Ingeniería y Gestión Forestal y Ambiental, ETSIMFMN, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Jéssica Uchôa

    (cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, University of the Azores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal)

  • Artur Gil

    (IVAR—Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal)

Abstract

Small oceanic islands, such as São Miguel Island in the Azores (Portugal), face heightened susceptibility to the adverse impacts of climate change, biological invasions, and land cover changes, posing threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Over the years, persistent conservation endeavors, notably those supported by the EU LIFE Programme since 2003, have played a pivotal role in alleviating biodiversity decline, particularly in the eastern region of São Miguel Island. This study advocates the application of remote sensing data and techniques to support the management and effective monitoring of LIFE Nature projects with land cover impacts. A land cover change detection approach utilizing Rao’s Q diversity index identified and assessed changes from 2002 to 2021 in intervention areas. The study analyzed the changes in LIFE project areas using ASTER, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 data through Google Earth Engine on Google Colab (with Python). This methodological approach identified and assessed land cover changes in project intervention areas within defined timelines. This technological integration enhances the potential of remote sensing for near-real-time monitoring of conservation projects, making it possible to assess their land cover impacts and intervention achievements.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafaela Tiengo & Silvia Merino-De-Miguel & Jéssica Uchôa & Artur Gil, 2024. "A Land Cover Change Detection Approach to Assess the Effectiveness of Conservation Projects: A Study Case on the EU-Funded LIFE Projects in São Miguel Island, Azores (2002–2021)," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:5:p:666-:d:1393040
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