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Integrating Remote Sensing and Community Perceptions for Sustainable Climate Adaptation Strategies in Mountain Ecosystems

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  • Ankita Pokhrel

    (United Nations Environment Program, Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development, College of Environment Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200070, China)

  • Ping Fang

    (United Nations Environment Program, Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development, College of Environment Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200070, China
    Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Midstream of Yangtze Plain, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Environment and Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410125, China)

  • Gaurav Bastola

    (College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200070, China)

Abstract

Mountain ecosystems, such as Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), are highly vulnerable to climate change, which threatens biodiversity, water resources, and livelihoods. This study examines Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), climate variability, and community perception and adaptations over a 35-year period (1988–2023) using remote sensing, meteorological data, and community surveys. Vegetation expanded by 19,800 hectares, while barren land declined, reflecting afforestation and land reclamation efforts. NDVI showed improved vegetation health, while NDSI revealed significant snow cover losses, particularly after 1996. Meteorological analysis highlighted intensifying monsoonal rainfall and rising extreme precipitation events at lower elevations. Communities reported increased flooding, unpredictable rainfall, and reduced snowfall, driving adaptive responses such as water conservation, crop diversification, and rainwater harvesting. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating scientific data with local knowledge to inform sustainable adaptation strategies. Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 13, the findings emphasize the importance of adaptive water management, resilient agriculture, and participatory conservation to enhance climate resilience in mountain ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ankita Pokhrel & Ping Fang & Gaurav Bastola, 2024. "Integrating Remote Sensing and Community Perceptions for Sustainable Climate Adaptation Strategies in Mountain Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-33, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:18-:d:1551689
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kishor Prasad Bhatta & Anisha Aryal & Himlal Baral & Sujan Khanal & Amul Kumar Acharya & Chanthavone Phomphakdy & Rinzin Dorji, 2021. "Forest Structure and Composition under Contrasting Precipitation Regimes in the High Mountains, Western Nepal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-23, July.
    2. Schirpke, Uta & Kohler, Marina & Leitinger, Georg & Fontana, Veronika & Tasser, Erich & Tappeiner, Ulrike, 2017. "Future impacts of changing land-use and climate on ecosystem services of mountain grassland and their resilience," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 26(PA), pages 79-94.
    3. Jeetendra Prakash Aryal & Tek B. Sapkota & Ritika Khurana & Arun Khatri-Chhetri & Dil Bahadur Rahut & M. L. Jat, 2020. "Climate change and agriculture in South Asia: adaptation options in smallholder production systems," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(6), pages 5045-5075, August.
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