Assessment of Land Use on Ecosystem Balance in the Artificial Coastal Area of Floria, Putrajaya, Malaysia

This study investigates the impact of land use change on ecosystem balance in the artificial coastal area of Floria, Putrajaya, Malaysia. In recent years, artificial coastal zones have emerged as significant spaces for recreation, tourism, and urban development, but they also face mounting ecological pressures. Rapid urbanization, coupled with infrastructural expansion, has altered natural land cover, leading to biodiversity loss, water pollution, and increased vulnerability to environmental hazards. The research sets out three main objectives: (1) to identify the dominant land use types in the Floria coastal zone; (2) to assess land use transformations over a ten-year period (2010–2020); and (3) to analyse the ecological implications of these transformations on coastal ecosystem balance. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through field observations, satellite imagery from Landsat, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) analysis. Secondary data were derived from annual reports of Putrajaya Corporation and other government agencies. Geospatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS and QGIS to map temporal and spatial changes in land use. The analysis emphasized the relationship between built-up expansion, recreational development, and ecological degradation. Findings reveal that the dominant land use categories in the study area include recreational zones, sandy beach areas, water bodies, and built-up land. Between 2010 and 2020, there was a substantial increase in constructed and recreational facilities, accompanied by a marked decline in green areas and natural habitats. These changes have had profound ecological consequences, such as the deterioration of water quality, localized temperature rise, destruction of natural habitats, and reduced effectiveness of buffer zones. Pollution levels also increased, further threatening aquatic ecosystems. The study underscores the critical role of continuous monitoring of artificial coastal landscapes through geospatial technologies. By providing spatially explicit data, GIS-based monitoring enables early detection of ecological stress, which is vital for sustainable management. Beyond its local significance, this research contributes to global discussions on the sustainability of artificial coastlines in rapidly urbanizing regions. It offers evidence-based insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental managers, emphasizing the necessity of integrated land use planning and ecological conservation. Overall, the findings reinforce the notion that while artificial coastal developments contribute to socio-economic growth, they also demand proactive strategies to maintain ecological balance. Failure to address these concerns may compromise long-term coastal resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the quality of life for surrounding communities.