Changes in land uses and vegetation cover in forests with restoration history in Durango, Mexico

Abstract

An effective way to understand the dynamics of forest ecosystems is by quantifying changes in land use and vegetation cover. The objective of this study was to carry out a multi-temporal analysis in areas with a history of soil conservation and restoration activities within the Santiago River sub-basin, located in the Upper Nazas River Basin, Durango. Satellite images from the years 1999, 2005, 2011, 2017, and 2023 were analyzed using a supervised classification with 10 land use and vegetation classes. Based on this classification, change rates were calculated, and permanence/transition matrices were generated for each class. Additionally, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) were calculated for 11 forests properties. Throughout all years analyzed, pine forest showed the greatest coverage, with a recovery of 1,898 hectares in 2023 at an annual rate of 0.19%. In contrast, the highest degradation was observed in pine-oak and oak forests. Pine forest also exhibited the greatest permanence before and after 2011. The highest NDVI value was recorded in 2023, while the NDMI was negative across all forest properties. Although reforestation initiatives have contributed to the increase in pine forest cover, the region continues to be affected by timber harvesting and periods of drought.