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Sustainable land use in Moldova: GIS & remote sensing of forests and crops

Author

Listed:
  • Valjarević, Aleksandar
  • Morar, Cezar
  • Brasanac-Bosanac, Ljiljana
  • Cirkovic-Mitrovic, Tatjana
  • Djekic, Tatjana
  • Mihajlović, Marija
  • Milevski, Ivica
  • Culafic, Golub
  • Luković, Milan
  • Niemets, Liudmyla
  • Sehida, Kateryna
  • Kaplan, Gordana

Abstract

Forests and agricultural lands are critical components of the environment, influencing ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and land productivity. In the Republic of Moldova, a country with limited forest cover (11.4 % of its territory), the relationship between forested areas and cultivated land plays a key role in sustainable land management. This study examines the spatial interactions between forest land and two major agricultural crops—sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and grapes (Vitis vinifera) - using remote sensing and GIS techniques. By integrating Google Earth Engine (GEE), CORINE Land Cover data, and cadastral records, we analyze land cover changes from 1996 to 2018, identifying vulnerable areas where deforestation and agricultural expansion intersect. Additionally, fuzzy aggregate AHP and zonal statistical methods are applied to assess land suitability for crop cultivation and reforestation. Our findings highlight regions where sustainable land management policies should be prioritized to balance agricultural development with forest conservation. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for adaptive land-use strategies that account for climate variability, urban expansion, and rural land degradation.

Suggested Citation

  • Valjarević, Aleksandar & Morar, Cezar & Brasanac-Bosanac, Ljiljana & Cirkovic-Mitrovic, Tatjana & Djekic, Tatjana & Mihajlović, Marija & Milevski, Ivica & Culafic, Golub & Luković, Milan & Niemets, Li, 2025. "Sustainable land use in Moldova: GIS & remote sensing of forests and crops," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:152:y:2025:i:c:s0264837725000481
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Namatama, Nathan, 2020. "An assessment of stakeholders’ participation in land use planning process of Luapula Province Planning Authority," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    2. Piras, Simone & Vittuari, Matteo & Möllers, Judith & Herzfeld, Thomas, 2018. "Remittance inflow and smallholder farming practices: The case of Moldova," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 70, pages 654-665.
    3. Yan, Ruhe & Zinda, John Aloysius & Ke, Shuifa, 2020. "Designating tree crops as forest: Land competition and livelihood effects mediate tree crops impact on natural forest cover in south China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    4. Aleksandar Valjarević, 2024. "GIS-Based Methods for Identifying River Networks Types and Changing River Basins," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(13), pages 5323-5341, October.
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    1. Xiaonan Guo & Meng Wu & Zhijun Shen & Guofei Shang & Qingtao Ma & Hongyu Li & Lei He & Zhao-Liang Li, 2025. "Twenty-Year Variability in Water Use Efficiency over the Farming–Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China: Driving Force and Resilience to Drought," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-26, May.

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