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Half-Century of Forest Change in a Neotropical Peri-Urban Landscape: Drivers and Trends

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Von Thaden

    (Instituto de Estudios Ambientales, Universidad de la Sierra Juárez, Avenida Universidad s/n, Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca 68725, Mexico)

  • Gilberto Binnqüist-Cervantes

    (Laboratorio de Planeación Ambiental, Departamento El hombre y su Ambiente, UAM-Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Coyoacan, Mexico City 04960, Mexico)

  • Octavio Pérez-Maqueo

    (Red de Ambiente y Sustentabilidad, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, Xalapa, Veracruz 91073, Mexico)

  • Debora Lithgow

    (Red de Ambiente y Sustentabilidad, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, Xalapa, Veracruz 91073, Mexico)

Abstract

Neotropical forested landscapes have become agricultural areas and human settlements, causing forest fragmentation, land degradation, and habitat loss. Nonetheless, complex tree cover loss and recovery processes may occur even while urban areas expand. Biophysical, social, political, and economic drivers influence forest loss or recovery over time. This study analyzes land-use change dynamics in urban and peri-urban landscapes in the western sector of Xalapa City between 1966–2018 and identifies the primary drivers that have played a significant role in deforestation and forest recovery processes. The main finding denotes the city’s expansion between 1966 and 2018, initially covering 8% of the study area and increasing to 27%. However, between 1966 and 2018, 15% of forest cover was lost in net terms, a finding ascribed to forest recovery in some abandoned areas. Social and biophysical variables significantly influenced deforestation and forest recovery trends, and few variables were singular to one process. The deceleration of forest loss and accomplishing tree cover recovery are possible in some urban settings. In this context, green urban and peri-urban landscapes become strategic to achieve more sustainable cities. Among other benefits, green areas provide landscape connectivity, temperature regulation, air quality improvement, noise dampening, and recreational areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Von Thaden & Gilberto Binnqüist-Cervantes & Octavio Pérez-Maqueo & Debora Lithgow, 2022. "Half-Century of Forest Change in a Neotropical Peri-Urban Landscape: Drivers and Trends," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:4:p:522-:d:786833
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    References listed on IDEAS

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