Article

Definition of priority areas for forest conservation through the ordered weighted averaging method

September 2008
Forest Ecology and Management 256(6):1408-1417

September 2008
256(6):1408-1417

DOI:10.1016/j.foreco.2008.07.006

Authors:

Universidade Federal de São Carlos

The general objective of this study was to evaluate the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method, integrated to a geographic information systems (GIS), in the definition of priority areas for forest conservation in a Brazilian river basin, aiming at to increase the regional biodiversity. We demonstrated how one could obtain a range of alternatives by applying OWA, including the one obtained by the weighted linear combination method and, also the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to structure the decision problem and to assign the importance to each criterion. The criteria considered important to this study were: proximity to forest patches; proximity among forest patches with larger core area; proximity to surface water; distance from roads; distance from urban areas; and vulnerability to erosion. OWA requires two sets of criteria weights: the weights of relative criterion importance and the order weights. Thus, Participatory Technique was used to define the criteria set and the criterion importance (based in AHP). In order to obtain the second set of weights we considered the influence of each criterion, as well as the importance of each one, on this decision-making process. The sensitivity analysis indicated coherence among the criterion importance weights, the order weights, and the solution. According to this analysis, only the proximity to surface water criterion is not important to identify priority areas for forest conservation. Finally, we can highlight that the OWA method is flexible, easy to be implemented and, mainly, it facilitates a better understanding of the alternative land-use suitability patterns.

A multicriteria evaluation approach to set forest restoration priorities based on water ecosystem services

Article

May 2021

Forest plays an important role in keeping water ecosystem services, such as drinking water provision. Thus, payment for ecosystem services is an essential instrument to promote forest restoration in agricultural watersheds. However, funds are limited and must be well planned to ensure water resources conservation and water ecosystem services improvement. In this context, our study aimed to identify priority areas for forest restoration, based on water ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. For this, we have developed a decision-making support model for agricultural watersheds (in the Atlantic Forest region), based on mixed approaches, that were multicriteria evaluation (MCE) and Participatory Technique. The model will help decision-makers and stakeholders to set priorities for payment for ecosystem services programs implementation. So, we evaluate its application in watersheds with different forest cover patterns to check if it can be applied to different landscape patterns. The base of the model was the following criteria, that were produced with high-resolution data and ranking in the Participatory Technique context, considering their importance for the study: proximity to spring, slope, soil erodibility, topographic index, and land-use/land-cover (LULC). The criteria were aggregated by the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method (an MCE method). The priorities maps showed areas classified as high priority near the rivers (at most 200 m far from rivers), on the greatest slopes (>40%), on soils associated with high potential of erosion, and predominantly in agriculture lands. However, this class presented more percentage of the area associated with native forest in the forested watershed (native forest covers 55% of its area) than in the watershed non-forested (native forest covers 25%). Another important point of the final maps was a high percentage of areas associated with the medium class, which is a characteristic of the WLC method. Thus, areas classified as high and medium priority was defined as targets for forest restoration in the watersheds. We can conclude that for small watersheds, the MCE method, with high-resolution data, supports an appropriate prioritization of areas for forest restoration, aiming at the improvement of water ecosystem services. This way, our model can be applied to various payments for ecosystem services schemes in agricultural landscapes worldwide.

DEFINIÇÃO DE ÁREAS PRIORITÁRIAS PARA A RECUPERAÇÃO FLORESTAL EM BACIAS HIDROGRÁFICAS A PARTIR DE ANÁLISE MULTICRITÉRIO

Article

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Oct 2020

A recuperação florestal em bacias hidrográficas é essencial para aumentar a produção de água de boa qualidade para consumo. Contudo, essa prática exige um planejamento adequado que aponte áreas prioritárias para o investimento de recursos econômicos e humanos no reflorestamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as áreas prioritárias para a recuperação florestal em bacias hidrográficas por meio de Análise Multicritério em ambiente SIG. Para o estudo de caso adotamos a bacia hidrográfica do rio Pirapozinho, São Paulo. Como critérios relevantes para a determinação de áreas prioritárias, adotamos: rede de drenagem, distância de rodovias, distância de áreas urbanas, fragmentos de vegetação, e vulnerabilidade a erosão. Os pesos de cada critério foram obtidos a partir do Processo Analítico Hierárquico (AHP). Testamos dois métodos para criação do mapa síntese: CLP (Combinação Linear Ponderada) e operador Fuzzy Gamma. Como resultado obtivemos dois cenários; o primeiro com o método CLP onde priorizamos áreas com fragmentos de vegetação e alta densidade de drenagem, e o segundo com o método Gamma, que priorizou áreas vulneráveis da bacia. Concluímos que o modelo de integração proposto satisfaz a identificação de áreas para a recuperação de florestas em bacias hidrográficas, e que diferentes cenários podem ser construídos.

Protected areas and forest fragmentation: sustainability index for prioritizing fragments for landscape restoration

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019

Tropical forests are threatened due to forest clearing and fragmentation which lead to a decrease in forest cover area and landscape connectivity, while also increasing edge effects. These impacts affect biodiversity and ecosystem service provision which are essential for humanity’s well-being. Protected areas are created to minimize these effects on biodiversity, but many of them are threatened due to forest fragmentation in the surrounding areas. Thus, forest restoration is needed to ensure the suitability of protected areas in the landscape. However, restoration planning needs to adopt an ecological landscape approach to ensure the recovery of the biodiversity and the ecological processes. This study developed a forest sustainability index (FSI) which represents the forest patch potential in facilitating landscape restoration in a protected area and its surroundings. A land-use/land-cover map was used to calculate landscape metrics at two levels: landscape and patch. Landscape metrics were subsequently selected to create the index. The tested landscape presents a great number of fragments with most of them being small in size and having irregular shapes. The focus areas for forest restoration are located close to forest fragments with higher FSI values, as these can facilitate natural restoration and guarantee the maintenance of the ecosystem processes.

Caracterización ecológica de la Barranca de Tarango, México, D. F.: propuesta para su restauración ecológica

Thesis

Full-text available

Apr 2012

Francisco Guerra-Martínez

El uso y manejo inadecuados de los recursos naturales, así como la presión demográfica, han propiciado la degradación ambiental de las barrancas de la ciudad de México, tal como es el caso de la Barranca de Tarango (267 ha), la cual representa una importante fuente de servicios ecosistémicos para la ciudad. El objetivo del trabajo es elaborar una propuesta de restauración sustentada en la teoría ecológica, por medio de la caracterización edáfica, distribución espacial, estructura y composición del bosque de referencia y los sistemas de información geográfica. Se obtuvieron valores de importancia relativa (VIR) para las especies. Se analizó la distribución espacial de cada individuo en campo por medio de un sistema de coordenadas cartesianas. Se calculó el índice de diversidad de Simpson (D). Se cavaron calicatas y se describió el perfil del suelo en el bosque de referencia. Se identificaron mediante una evaluación multicriterio sitios prioritarios para la restauración. La flora está comprendida por 43 especies, distribuidas en 20 familias y 33 géneros. Respecto a otros bosques en el país, los bosques del sitio presentan mayor diversidad y menor dominancia de las especies de encinos. Entre las especies útiles para la restauración ecológica se encuentran: Quercus castanea, Q. crassipes, Q. laurina, Q. obtusata, Q. rugosa, Baccharis conferta, Ageratina petiolaris, Agave salmiana, Sedum oxypetalum, Arbutus xalapensis, Eysenhardtia polystachya, Salvia mexicana, Crataegus mexicana, Prunus serotina var. capuli, Bouvardia ternifolia y Loeselia mexicana. Los suelos sobre los que se asientan los bosques no presentan limitantes de nutrientes para el establecimiento, crecimiento y desarrollo de la vegetación. Se obtuvieron 12 unidades de restauración ecológica agrupadas en cuatro conjuntos de restauración. Se proponen las especies a reintroducir, las técnicas a emplear y las acciones de manejo a ejecutar para cada conjunto. La evaluación multicriterio arrojó que la superficie restaurable para el sitio es de 26 ha, equivalente al 10% del área de estudio.

Multicriteria Evaluation for Protected Area Definition Aiming at Water Quality Improvement

Article

Full-text available

May 2018

This study aimed to define potential areas for forest conservation to improve water quality, using Multicriteria Evaluation (MCE); and to verify differences between results from a multidisciplinary group of experts. We worked with the Pirapora River Watershed, Piedade/SP. The participatory method was used to identify the criteria and their relative importance. Priority maps representing expert opinion were elaborated, as well as a map with average weight values. We compared the differences between the criteria weight values and the maps of priority areas. The maps proposed distinct spatialization of priority areas, supporting the understanding of criteria that influence the decision-making process. The highest priority level was associated with areas near to springs, forest patches, and with the highest slope values. We concluded that the MCE is an efficient method to identify priority areas; however, the selection of an expert group is an essential step to generate representative analyses.

PRIORITY AREAS FOR FOREST CONSERVATION, AIMING AT THE MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES, THROUGH THE MULTICRITERIA EVALUATION1

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2017

Replacing the original land cover by other land uses, especially when it is associated with inadequate management practices, can cause changes in runoff and rainwater infiltration. This can result in above normal levels of soil erosion and sediment-carrying to the rivers and streams. The original land cover conservation in the watersheds is, therefore, essential for the maintenance of its water resources. In this context, the main objective of this study was to prioritize areas for forest conservation in two watersheds, aiming at maintaining the water availability, in terms of quantity and quality, for the public supply. The watersheds were selected considering their regional importance and because they are similar in terms of land use / land cover. The study was developed in the Multicriteria Evaluation (MCE) context, which permits the integration of different landscape characteristics (i.e. factors), in order to obtain a solution for the decision-making process. The following criteria were selected by considering the expert's opinions: slope, flow accumulation, aspect, and land use / land cover. Their relative importance (i.e. factor weight) was defined through the Pairwise Comparison Method. The criteria maps units were normalized by a common scale and then aggregated through an MCE method named Weighted Linear Combination (WLC). Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the criteria contribution on the final map. The watershed 1 was classified in approximately 14% of its area as very high priority; 27% as high; 19% as medium; 21% as low; and 18% as very low. The watershed 2 obtained, respectively, 17%; 29%; 17%; 21%; e 17%. We conclude that the WLC method supports the definition of priority areas for forest conservation in the watersheds, in order to have an appropriate design of actions for forest conservation.

GIS Weighted Suitability Analysis as Decision Support Tool for Mangrove Rehabilitation in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Article

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Jun 2021

A weighted suitability analysis was conducted in predicting suitable areas for mangrove rehabilitation in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. There were six thematic maps utilized in the study obtained from reliable agencies. The thematic map layers were projected in WGS 84 / zone 51N, rasterized, and reclassified. The weighted overlay technique was implemented using a precise score class ranging from 1-3. Weight influences were assigned to mangrove areas (30%), land cover (20%), rivers (15%), roads (15%), soil types (10%), and slope (10%). The entire workflow was made to run in the ModelBuilder feature of the ArcMap. A mangrove suitability map was generated for the entire study area in three suitability classes. The area covered by each suitability class was extracted using the zonal geometry tool of the spatial analyst extension. There were 10 out of 15 municipalities in the province detected with effective suitable areas. The predicted suitable areas had a total of 75,433.20 km2. The municipality of Mansalay gave the highest in low suitability (13,549.26 km2), Calapan City for mid suitability (15,321.13 km2), and Naujan (891.11 km2) for high suitability areas. Overall, Calapan City has the highest computed suitability areas with 19,847.28 km2 regardless of the categories. The generated data could be efficiently utilized in the effective planning and management of mangrove resources. It can be integrated with information on biodiversity assessments to draw a robust plan and execute significant actions. The study demonstrated the applicability of a geographic information system (GIS) framework as a decision support tool for potential mangrove rehabilitation initiatives.

Forest fire spatial modelling using ordered weighted averaging multi-criteria evaluation

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Forest fires are a major environmental issue because they are increasing as a consequence of climate change and global warming. The present study was aimed to model forest fire hazard using the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) multi-criteria evaluation algorithm and to determine the role of human, climatic, and environmental factors in forest fire occurrence within the Golestan National Park (GNP), Iran. The database used for the present study was created according to daily classification of climate changes, environmental basic maps, and human-made influential forest fire factors. In the study area, the forest fires were registered using GPS. Expert opinions were applied through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the importance of effective factors. Fuzzy membership functions were used to standardize the thematic layers. The fire risk maps were prepared using different OWA scenarios for man-made, climatic, and environment factors. The findings revealed that roads (weight = 0.288), rainfalls (weight = 0.288), and aspects (weight = 0.255) are the major factors that contribute to the occurrence of forest fire in the study area. The forest fire maps prepared from different scenarios were validated using the relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Values of forest fire maps acquired from scenarios of human, environment, climate factors and their combination were 0.87, 0.731, 0.773 and 0.819, respectively.

A quantitative approach for conservation of endangered and endemic plants from Kosovo, SE Europe

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Basic patterns of most priority biodiversity areas of Kosovo that shall be considered for conservation studies are offered here. On this work, all plant taxa that are included in the Kosovarian Red list are analysed and their analogy is interpreted to conservation priority hotspots. Kosovo represents an important centre for Balkan biodiversity; therefore a quantitative evaluation of the importance of different priority areas for conserving plant diversity of Kosovo is very much needed. This study provides a detailed quantitative approach concerning the identification of priority areas for biodiversity conservation, using threatened and endangered plant taxa in well-known grid squares system. Used grid squares (20 × 20 km) were classified into four different groups in terms of their conservation importance. Valuation factors taken into account are IUCN based risk category, endemism as well as ecological and distributional attributes. The results indicated that there are four grid squares-D4 (0.4300), G7 (0.3910), G8 (0.2750) and E4 (0.2860), that have remarkable conservation importance. These grid squares are all located along mostly high-elevation areas of two National Parks in Kosovo. These national scale data should prove to be very appropriate and easy to follow evidence for environmental decision-making bodies as well as be used for further research.

Planning and prioritizing forest landscape restoration within megacities using the ordered weighted averaging operator

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The role of environmental heterogeneity for the maintenance of distinct bird communities in fragmented forests

Article

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If a forest fragment maintains original heterogeneous habitat conditions after deforestation and fragmentation of the landscape, is it possible that distinct communities can still remain within the forest remnant as they once occurred in the continuous forest landscape? In the present study, we assessed whether a single forest fragment could harbour different bird communities and the potential factors driving this distinction. Bird abundance and composition were compared between two distinct regions within a single large forest fragment, which differ in topography and vegetation physiognomy. The forest fragment was located in southern Brazil and consisted of pristine semi-deciduous forest. Our analysis indicates the occurrence of two different bird communities within the interior area of a single forest fragment. Variation partitioning also indicated that environmental features, particularly bamboo cover and humidity, were the main factors explaining bird species occurrence. We suggest that habitat heterogeneity is important for the maintenance of these bird communities and it leads to: (1) high levels of bird species diversity, and (2) maintenance of important ecological mechanisms (e.g. species sorting) within the forest fragment. Understanding the ecological processes involved in habitat distribution inside single forest fragments is important, yet usually not properly evaluated in forest fragmentation studies. Our results suggest that considering forest fragments as single ecological units can be misleading. We highlight the need to critically evaluate individual features of forest fragments, beside other landscape metrics, in order to identify important forest fragments for biodiversity conservation.

Prioritizing the local control of alien plant invaders: description and test of a new methodology

Thesis

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João P Santos

Invasive alien plant species are one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss. There are several factors promoting the expansion and establishment of invasive alien plant species. Diverse management actions are being developed in order to stop or decrease the expansion of invasive alien plant species, but due to financial costs the areas for management must be prioritized. In this study, we propose a prioritization methodology for control actions in areas invaded by an aggressive invasive plant species. An exhaustive bibliographic review about the possible prioritization criteria related to plant species invasion was performed. The most promising criteria were selected and applied in a practical case-study. The methodology was tested using three scenarios based on different weights given to the prioritization criteria: (A) no weighting, (B) giving priority to the success of the control action, and (C) giving priority to the protection of natural values in the landscape mosaics. The methodology was tested in the Baixo Tâmega region (North of Portugal), using as test species an aggressive woody alien invasive species, Acacia dealbata Link. The results showed differences between the scenarios as expected due to the distinct specifications, allowing us to confirm the sensitivity of the method to weighting the several criteria. The methodology proved to be easy and practical to apply for a rapid establishment of priorities for allocation of control resources. Moreover, it was able to capture different management options, expressed in distinct final priority rankings. Nonetheless, further tests are needed to confirm its effectiveness over a wide range of situations.

Improving Identification of Areas for Ecological Restoration for Conservation by Integrating USLE and MCDA in a GIS-Environment: A Pilot Study in a Priority Region Northern Mexico

Article

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Aug 2017
ISPRS

Nature conservation is critical for securing an adequate supplying of environmental services to humans. Paradoxically, financial resources for conservation are normally scarce and, forest ecosystem restoration activities are expensive. So, a careful and detailed planning is vital for optimizing economic funds when ecosystems restoration practices are implemented. In this work, we developed a methodology to find physically-degraded sites in order to determine both, urgency and feasibility to carry out ecological forest restoration activities in the Priority Region for Conservation Xilitla in the state of San Luis Potosí (Mexico). Both, Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) were integrated together by using climatic, soil, remotely-sensed, and proximity data at a 30 m spatial resolution. The results indicated that, more than 80% of the bare soil land in the protected area is under several conditions that lead to feasible ecosystem restoration. This methodology can be further applied to know about the spatial location of soil degraded sites when planning forest restoration practices in natural protected areas.

Multicriteria decision analysis for prioritizing areas for forest restoration

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Mar 2017

Urbanization process transforms original landscapes into an anthropic mosaic, causing impacts on hydrologic cycles and on landscape structure and functions. Aiming at the maintenance of the water resources and biodiversity, in an urbanized watershed, the objective of this study was the definition of priority areas for forest restoration. We used a Multicriteria Evaluation (MCE) method, following the steps: criteria definition, identification of the criteria importance, and criteria aggregation through Weighted Linear Combination (WLC). According to the experts, consulted in the context of the Participatory Technique, only two criteria represented the studied landscape: proximity to drainage network and proximity to forest patches. The first criterion was considered twice more important than the second, and through the pairwise comparison matrix, it was obtained respectively the criterion weights of 0.83 and 0.17. The priority map was obtained through the criteria aggregation, using WLC, that considered the criterion weights. The result was a priority map, indicating 5.06% of the study area with very-high priority for forest restoration; 5.22% with high priority; 5.76% with medium priority; 5,42% with low and; 78.53% with very-low priority. We can say that the framework predefined for the study proposed a scenario for priority areas that allowed driving the actions in order to obtain a landscape restoration, beginning through a forest corridor in the riparian zone. Thus, we concluded that the definition of priority areas for forest restoration is possible in an urbanized landscape, using the traditional WLC Multicriteria method.

Suitability assessment for forest landscape restoration based on species diversity conservation

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Forest landscape fragmentation poses a significant challenge to the conservation of species diversity. Evaluating the suitability of forest landscape restoration (FLR) becomes essential as it promotes effective management of forest resources and protects species diversity. This study focused on deploying and testing a suitability evaluation framework system for FLR in the Saihanba area of Hebei, China. The framework system incorporated factors such as land cover type, landscape structure, soil quality, and topography. Using the matter-element model, the study evaluated the restoration suitability and identified priority restoration areas. The results revealed that land cover type and landscape structure were the primary factors influencing FLR in the study area. The suitable area for FLR in the study area was about 519.20 km ² , accounting for 55.55% of the total area. The area of moderate, marginal, and unsuitable restoration accounted for 17.30%, 23.96%, and 3.18% of the study area, respectively. The suitable restoration areas predominantly consisted of natural secondary forest characterized by large patch areas, short distances between patches, and complex patch shapes. In the study area, the objective of FLR should be protect large and complex shaped patches of natural secondary forests for better conservation of species diversity. The FLR suitability evaluation conducted in this study provide a valuable guidance for promoting species-diversity conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems at the landscape scale in the study area and other similar regions.

Managing Landscape Urbanization and Assessing Biodiversity of Wildlife Habitats: A Study of Bobcats in San Jose, California

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In the rapid process of urbanization, crucial habitats for mid-sized felids such as bobcats are increasingly compromised. This study employs Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and Machine Learning to investigate the subtle impacts of urbanization on bobcat habitats. Focused on the San Jose area, our extensive geospatial analysis has developed a complex ecological model for bobcat habitats. Our findings emphasize the significant influence of factors like vegetation cover, water body distribution, road traffic volume, and intersection density on the suitability of habitats for bobcats. Specifically, we discovered that while vegetation cover typically supports habitat suitability, its proximity to busy roads significantly undermines this advantage, indicating a need for strategic urban planning that incorporates wildlife mobility. By synthesizing natural and urban elements, we offer fresh insights into urban ecosystem management and propose specific conservation tactics: identifying optimal wildlife crossings, integrating corridors with urban infrastructure, and placing fencing and signage strategically to facilitate wildlife movement safely. These measures aim to reduce road-related threats and enhance the integrity of natural habitats, strengthening bobcat conservation efforts. More than its direct implications for bobcat conservation, this study offers actionable insights for urban wildlife conservation and introduces innovative methods for assessing and mitigating the broader ecological impacts of urbanization.

Landscape Naturalness Scenarios Modeling for the Juréia-Itatins Protected Areas Mosaic, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Preprint

Full-text available

Sep 2023

Due to its biodiversity, ecosystem services offered, and deforestation experienced since the 16th century, there are several protected areas in Atlantic Forest, such as the Juréia-Itatins Protected Areas Mosaic (JIPAM), state of São Paulo, Brazil. Illegal deforestation in the JIPAM and surroundings have been increasing, caused by urban and agricultural expansion. Landscape naturalness scenarios of JIPAM and surroundings for 2050 year were simulated, considering the periods 1985–2002 and 2002–2019, which correspond, respectively, to the scenarios before and after the creation of the JIPAM and National System of Protected Areas (NSPA). The landscape naturalness was evaluated by generating Distance to Nature index (D 2 N) maps for years 1985, 2002 and 2019, which was used as input data in simulation. The forecasting of both scenarios was conducted using cellular automata, weights of evidence and Markov chain, in Dinamica EGO platform. Both projections indicated that there would be a slight decrease in landscape naturalness. However, the scenario with JIPAM and NSPA can be considered the most effective in guiding the study area toward a conservation profile, as it would contribute to a reduction of approximately 32% of non-natural areas located within mosaic, in relation to another scenario. The NSPA and the creation of the JIPAM have contributed to maintain the study area naturalness, reducing losses in landscape naturalness. Nevertheless, municipal planning and the JIPAM management plans should consider urban and agricultural expansion and access roads as important drivers of loss of landscape naturalness, triggering deforestation and biodiversity damages.

Definição de áreas prioritárias para restauração ecológica: análise de decisão multicritério como instrumento para o planejamento ambiental

Book

Full-text available

Nov 2022

Entre os principais compromissos assumidos pelo Brasil na Conferência das Partes (COP-21) na Convenção-Quadro das Nações Unidas sobre as Mudanças do Clima (UNFCCC) e reforçado na COP26, destaca-se o desafio de reflorestar 12 milhões de hectares de florestas nativas até 2030. Nesse sentido, muitas abordagens de pesquisa podem auxiliar nestas ações, dentre elas a Análise Multicritério (AMC) no planejamento ambiental e tomada de decisões na priorização de áreas para restauração, pois permite a análise de diferentes indicadores e da estrutura biofísica da paisagem. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar o uso da análise de decisão multicritério como instrumento para o planejamento ambiental, aplicado ao zoneamento de áreas prioritárias para a restauração ecológica. Utilizou-se como estudo de caso o município de Lavras, Minas Gerais. Utilizando da abordagem AMC e Combinação Linear Ponderada (CLP) aliada ao Processo Analítico Hierárquico (AHP) em ambiente SIG (sistema de informações geográficas), considerou-se 5 (cinco) critérios: uso e cobertura do solo, risco de potencial erosão, distância de fragmentos florestais, classes de solo e áreas de preservação permanente (APPs), que foram classificados de acordo com a sua importância. As classes de área urbana, vegetação nativa e água foram consideradas como áreas de restrição. Posteriormente, cada camada recebeu coeficientes referentes a prioridade de restauração: (I) muito baixa, (II) baixa, (III) média, (IV) alta e (V) muito alta. Os resultados obtidos revelaram 86,87% da área classificada com baixa e muito baixa prioridade e 10,53% com alta e muito alta. A combinação metodológica AMC e AHP mostrou-se ágil e eficaz, desde que sejam utilizados indicadores biofísicos condizentes com a fisiografia local, base de dados fidedigna e que os critérios sejam ponderados com prudência e embasamento técnico e científico. O arcabouço metodológico aplicado neste livro apresenta muitas vantagens quanto à flexibilidade de uso e aplicação prática, podendo ser replicado para outros municípios ou regiões do Brasil e, podendo auxiliar diretamente na alocação dos recursos investidos em programas e práticas de recuperação ecológica.

Functional connectivity supported by forest conservation in urban sprawl landscape in São Paulo, Brazil

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022
GeoJournal

The rapid transformation of natural environments is driven by urban sprawl for a growing human population, mainly characterized by peri-urbanization that threatens the conservation of critical ecological species and processes. In this approach, our main objective was the prioritization of areas for forest conservation, aiming at functional connectivity in a landscape under urban sprawl. Firstly, based on the literature review, we defined the criteria, assigning them weights through expert opinions. However, we proposed an improvement in this stage, which was the evaluation of criteria influence and their respective control level. Thus, the final weights bring these two important characteristics to the criteria maps, which were normalized to 255 bytes scale with coincidence between the highest values and priority levels. The selected criteria were proximity to forest fragments, Landscape Resistance Index (LRI), proximity to the drainage network, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), and slope. We produced the priority map, aggregating criteria using the Weighted Linear Combination, a Multicriteria Evaluation method. The sensitivity analysis validated the criteria and the spatialization of areas proposed by their aggregation. Our results indicated the highest priority areas (37.3% of the landscape) with values between 188 and 255 bytes were represented in 32% by proximity to forest fragments, 27% by the LRI, proximity to the drainage network amounted to 26%, TWI (8%), and slope (7%). We concluded that our model supports the prioritization of areas for functional forest connectivity based on robust criteria representing landscape features. And that the criteria robustness depends on the level of their influence control. Finally, the sensitivity analysis validates the decision process since it identifies the criteria contributing to the final map and its respective priority levels.

Criteria and Indicators to Define Priority Areas for Biodiversity Conservation in Vietnam

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2022

Balancing biodiversity conservation with land use for agricultural production is a major societal challenge. Conservation activities must be prioritized since funds and resources for conservation are insufficient in the context of current threats, and conservation competes with other societal priorities. In order to contribute to conservation priority-setting literature, we applied an environmental model, Pressure–State–Response (PSR), to develop a set of criteria for identifying priority areas for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. Our empirical data have been compiled from 185 respondents and categorized into three groups: Governmental Administration and Organizations, Universities and Research Institutions, and Protected Areas. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) theory was used to identify the weight of all criteria. Our results show that the priority levels for biodiversity conservation identified by these three factors are 41% for “Pressure”, 26% for “State”, and 33% for “Response”. Based on these three factors, seven criteria and seventeen indicators were developed to determine priority areas for biodiversity conservation. Besides, our study also reveals that the groups of Governmental Administration and organizations and Protected Areas put a focus on the “Pressure” factor, while the group of Universities and Research Institutions emphasized the importance of the “Response” factor in the evaluation process. We suggest that these criteria and indicators be used to identify priority areas for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam.

Spatial indicator of priority areas for the implementation of agroforestry systems: An optimization strategy for agricultural landscapes restoration

Article

May 2022
SCI TOTAL ENVIRON

The ecological functions restoration in agricultural areas is a major challenge on a landscape scale. In the specific case of active restoration through Agroforestry Systems (AFS), the absence of a specific direction hinders ecological restoration processes, especially in regions that prefer intensive agriculture. Thus, this study aims to develop a Spatial Indicator of Priority Areas to guide Agroforestry Systems implementation in agricultural landscapes. A spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MDCA) was carried out based on environmental factors: soil, geology and slope (which determine the natural vulnerability of the land) and anthropogenic factors: land use and land cover, forest fragments, potential land use capacity and legal protected areas in rural properties (which reflects human pressure and land use suitability). Subsequently, four priority levels were classified for agroforestry interventions: (1) Low priority; (2) Average priority; (3) High priority; (4) Extreme priority. A final map was made to identify priority areas for landscape recovery in 9 cities located at the mouth of the Mogi Guaçu River Hydrographic Basin, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Considering the natural vulnerability of the land and the multifunctional aspects of the landscape, the scenarios projection allowed a consensus for forest conservation and agricultural suitability perspectives. A final combination of the explored aspects culminated in the spatial indicator, which model foresees 22,300 ha available for urgent actions for restoration, reforestation and sustainable exploitation through agroforestry systems. We emphasize the challenges in reconciling the socioeconomic and ecological functions in the agroecosystem, however, the metric provides a more inclusive and assertive management strategy for natural resources and advances towards the goal of reforestation and implementation of payment for environmental services (PES) schemes.

Integrating Ecosystems and Socioeconomic Systems to Identify Ecological Security Pattern and Restoration Strategy in a Rapidly Urbanizing Landscape

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022

The rapid process of urbanization has been accompanied by a disordered expansion of construction land, which has resulted in the degradation of ecosystem services. The identification of ecological security patterns (ESPs) is an important means to coordinating human-land relationships and carrying out ecological restoration strategies, which are of great significance to protecting ecological sustainability. However, previous studies have ignored the mutual impact of urbanization and ecological protection, which leads to the contradiction between them and useless of ESPs. This paper takes a rapidly urbanizing metropolitan area as an example. Ecological sources were identified based on the integration of ecosystem services and socioeconomic indicators by the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) method, which considers the trade-off between ecosystems and socioeconomic systems. The Linkage Mapper tool was used to extract ecological corridors, and thus ecological barrier points and pinch points were identified to implement ecological restoration. ESPs included 158 ecological sources according to the results. In more detail, the ecological sources and corridors were mainly distributed in the area dominated by ecosystem indicators, whereas the central urban area contributed less ecological sources, which indicates that the trade-off between ecosystems and socioeconomic systems has a significant impact on the construction of ESPs. Specifically, 406 ecological corridors were classified into different resistance levels to extract 433.26 km² barrier points and 458.51 km² pinch points. The study also proposed primary and secondary ecological restoration strategies for medium-, high- and low-resistance corridors based on the optimization of ESPs, which could not only improve ecosystem quality, but also fulfil the demands of human well-being. The integration of ecosystems and socioeconomic systems improves the existing methods for identifying ecological sources and restoration priority areas, and provides a scientific basis for balancing the development of urbanization and ecological protection in metropolitan regions.

Spatial Indicator of Priority Areas for the Implementation of Agroforestry Systems in Semi-Deciduous Tropical Forest: An Optimization Strategy for Ecological Recovery and Payment for Environmental Services

Article

Jan 2022

1: e0876 Pesquisas em Geociências

Article

Full-text available

May 2020

The objective of this study was to develop possible future land use scenarios for the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoonal Complex by the analysis of the land use evolution along 24 years (1986-2010), and to predict scenarios for 2025. In order to predict the scenario of the land use and occupation classes of 2025 a simulation was carried out by means of the Markov chain methods and calibration of the simulation model in the IDRISI Andes program. In the phase prior to this step it was utilized TM sensor scenes (Landsat 5) and supervised classification techniques to simulating the land use and occupation map of 2010 from land use and occupation maps from 1986 and 1999. Then the land use and occupation map of 2010 was utilized inside de Markov chain to simulate the map of 2025. By applying the techniques proposed by Titus and Narayanan, Pfeffer, Ramhstorf and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) model, the vulnerability of the study area was calculated taking into consideration a potential sea level rise in 2025, 2050 and 2100. In the last step of the applied method, land use and occupation classes were assessed, which will possibly be affected by a highest tide event in 2025. It was observed that 80.92% the area flooded during highest tide events in 1999 was composed of dense arboreal vegetation and it is concluded that this expansion of the dense arboreal vegetation area will also occur towards the coastal zone in 2025. We suggest that the local factor for sea level rise in the study area has a strong geological component, so that, instead of a mere sea level rise, an opposite movement is taking place, which is the subsidence of the plain due to modern tectonism. Resumo. MODELAGEM DE CENÁRIO FUTURO DE POTENCIAL AUMENTO NO NÍVEL DO MAR E SUAS CONSEQUÊNCIAS NO USO DO SOLO DO COMPLEXO ESTUARINO-LAGUNAR DE IGUAPE-CANANÉIA (BRASIL). O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver possíveis cenários futuros de uso do solo do Complexo Estuarino-Lagunar de Iguape-Cananéia baseando-se na evolução deste uso durante 24 anos (1986-2010) e prever cenários para 2025. Com o intuito de prever o cenário das classes de uso e ocupação do solo de 2025 foi realizada uma simulação por meio dos métodos da cadeia de Markov e calibração do modelo de simulação, no programa IDRISI Andes. Na fase anterior a esta etapa foram utilizadas cenas do sensor TM (Landsat 5) e técnicas de classificação supervisionada para simular o mapa de uso e ocupação do solo de 2010 a partir de mapas de uso e ocupação do solo de 1986 e 1999. O mapa de uso e ocupação do solo 2010 foi utilizado dentro da cadeia de Markov para simular o mapa de 2025. Posteriormente, através da aplicação das técnicas de Titus e Narayanan, Pfeffer, Ramhstorf e modelo do Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, calculou-se a vulnerabilidade da área de estudo a um potencial aumento do nível do mar em 2025, 2050 e 2100. Na última fase da metodologia, foram avaliadas as classes de uso e ocupação do solo que possivelmente serão afetadas por um evento de máxima preamar, em 2025. Observou-se que em 1999, 80,92% da área inundada em eventos de máxima preamar eram compostos por vegetação arbórea densa e conclui-se que essa expansão de área da vegetação arbórea densa também ocorrerá no sentido da zona litorânea, em 2025. Por fim, sugere-se fator local do aumento do nível na área de estudo pode ter forte geológica, de maneira que, ao contrário de apenas um aumento do nível do mar, pode estar ocorrendo um movimento contrário, afundamento da planície devido a movimentos tectônicos modernos. Palavras-chave. Geotecnologias, Markov, Classificação não supervisionada, Bacia do Ribeira de Iguape

13. Stream Fish Diversity in an Agricultural Landscape of Southeastern Brazil

Chapter

Full-text available

Dec 2016

Validação de mapa de vulnerabilidade a erosão por aprendizagem de máquina

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2020

O processo erosivo é um fenômeno que acontece devido às condições climáticas ou uso inadequado da terra. O mapeamento dos níveis de vulnerabilidade à erosão de uma área pode ocorrer usando diferentes modelos de inferência geográfica. No entanto, definir o método apropriado é ainda uma questão a ser respondida. Este trabalho apresenta uma abordagem de validação de mapa de vulnerabilidade à erosão elaborado por diferentes métodos de inferência. Como estudo de caso, adotou-se uma bacia hidrográfica e considerou-se os seguintes critérios: geomorfologia, pedologia, declividade, densidade de drenagem e cobertura da terra. Dentre os métodos testados tem-se: Combinação Linear Ponderada (CLP) e três operadores Fuzzy: soma algébrica, produto algébrico e gamma, variando o expoente “γ” entre os valores 0,4; 0,6 e 0,8. Os pesos dos critérios foram definidos com base no Processo Analítico Hierárquico. A validação dos mapas ocorreu usando 1902 pontos, sendo 951 pontos de erosão na área, definidos com base em imagens do Google Earth Pro, e 951 pontos sem erosão, gerados aleatoriamente no QGIS 3.8. O modelo de regressão logística foi usado parar comparar o desempenho de cada mapa ao apontar as áreas com maior e menor grau de vulnerabilidade. A melhor modelagem foi alcançada com o operador Fuzzy gamma quando parametrizado com γ = 0,6. Embora o CLP seja a abordagem recorrente em estudos ambientais envolvendo inferência geográfica, nossos resultados demostram que outros operadores podem produzir resultados mais próximos aos encontrados com a realidade observada em campo. Machine learning erosion and vulnerability map validation A B S T R A C TErosion is a natural phenomenon that happens in all ecosystems, whether due to weather conditions or inappropriate land use. Mapping the erosion vulnerability levels of an area can occur using different methods of geographic inference. However, defining the appropriate method is still a question to be answered. This paper presents an erosion vulnerability map validation approach elaborated by different inference methods. As a case study, a watershed was adopted and the following criteria were considered: geomorphology, pedology, slope, drainage density and land cover. Among the tested methods are: Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and three Fuzzy operators: algebraic sum, algebraic product and gamma, varying the exponent “γ” between the values 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8. The weights of the criteria were defined based on the Hierarchical Analytical Process. The validation of the maps took place using 1902 points, with 951 erosion points in the area defined based on Google Earth Pro images and 951 points without erosion randomly generated in QGIS 3.8. The logistic regression model was used to compare the performance of each map by pointing out the areas with the highest and lowest degree of vulnerability. The best modeling was achieved with the Fuzzy gamma operator when parameterized with γ = 0.6. Although WLC is the recurring approach in environmental studies involving geographic inference, our results show that other operators can produce results closer to those encountered with the reality observed in the field.Keywords: Geographical inference; multicriteria analysis; data validation; environmental impact.

Modeling of a future scenario of potential sea level rise and consequences to land use in the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoonal Complex (Brazil)

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2020

Spatially-explicit sensitivity analysis for conservation management: Exploring the influence of decisions in invasive alien plant management

Article

May 2010

Aim Decision‐support models have considerable potential for guiding management strategies when problems are complex. The robustness of such decision‐making processes is rarely evaluated, and the influence of decision criteria (or factors) in management decisions is seldom considered. We present a framework for a spatially‐explicit sensitivity analysis by using a scheme developed to provide objective guidelines, in the form of static priority maps, for managing woody invasive alien plants (IAPs). Location The Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Methods The model included seven factors related to management history, fire risk, and the age, identity, density and spread of IAPs. Each factor had a weight associated that reflected its relative importance in prioritizing areas for clearing. We changed these factor weights using three approaches of sensitivity analysis and assessed the effect of these changes on the spatial structure of the resulting priority maps in three different management regions. Results Different outcomes arose depending on the importance given to different factors. Priority maps were most sensitive to the fire‐related factors, suggesting that fire is both a crucial driver of invasion in fynbos and an overriding determinant of management options. The factor ‘area burnt recently’ provided crucial information for the effective clearing of IAPs. The sensitivity of the model to changes in other factors was more context specific: levels of sensitivity were highly dependent on different features of the landscape, especially the spatial heterogeneity of particular factors. Main conclusions By clarifying the importance of factors in shaping priority maps, the sensitivity analysis framework enabled us to identify the necessary factors to produce outcomes matching a pre‐selected management strategy. This is important for cost‐efficient management, as acquisition and curation of data is expensive. This spatially‐explicit sensitivity analysis is, thus, recommended to evaluate the robustness and generality of selected management strategies, and validate the assumptions derived from decision‐making protocols.

GIS-BASED SITE SELECTION APPROACH FOR WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY FROM WESTERN TURKEY

Thesis

Jul 2009

Nazli Aydin

Many countries around the world integrated Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in their future energy plans in order to reduce negative impacts of fossil fuel consumption on the environment. However, RES may as well cause various environmental problems which are mostly related with the geographic locations of these facilities. The aim of this thesis is to create a Geographic Information System-based methodology for evaluating alternative locations for wind, solar and hybrid power plants by using fuzzy multi-criteria decision making. Environmental objectives and economical feasibility criteria for wind and solar systems are identified through Turkish legislations, previous studies, and interviews with General Directorate of Electrical Power Resources Survey and Development. Individual satisfaction degrees for each alternative location with respect to the identified environmental objectives and economical feasibility criteria are calculated using fuzzy set theory tools. Then these individual satisfaction degrees are aggregated into overall performance indexes which are used to determine priority maps for wind and solar energy generation facilities. Finally, maps of priority sites for wind and solar energy systems are overlaid to identify suitable locations for hybrid wind-solar energy systems. The proposed methodology is applied on a case study area composed of Uşak, Aydın, Denizli, Muğla, and Burdur provinces.

Risk assessment of forest landscape degradation using Bayesian network modeling in the Miyun Reservoir catchment (China) with emphasis on the Beijing-Tianjin sandstorm source control program

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2018

As the local strategic surface water source for Beijing City, the Miyun Reservoir Catchment is suffering from the challenges of forest landscape degradation (FLD) under various natural and anthropogenic disturbances. This study developed a cause‐effect Bayesian Network model, consisting of three tiers of nodes, site indicators, external disturbance and the outcome of FLD, to perform a regional ecological risk assessment to better understand the FLD risks (1998‐2013) in the catchment. The effects of the Beijing‐Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control (BTSSC) Phase I programme, a typical forest landscape restoration programme, on the FLD were further examined. Overall, the higher level of either current occurrence or risk probability for FLD suggests the urgency of the following restoration efforts. The dominance of soil erosion for FLD indicates that soil erosion control should be a priority in the following Phase II programme. Meanwhile, the uneven spatial distribution of high‐risk areas suggests that the following efforts should be focused within the upstream Hebei Province. In addition, based on the comparison of site indicators between different risk areas, the study concluded that community livelihood activities and land degradation due to climate change have been the other two dominant driving forces contributing to FLD. Furthermore, the study found that the forest landscape has not been restored into the best state by the BTSSC programme due to the multiple and complex challenges. Thus, the technical concept of Nature‐Based Solutions, including Close‐to‐Nature Forest Management technology and a comprehensive community‐involvement governance model, was proposed for the following Phase II programme.

Journal of Resources Development and Management www.iiste.org ISSN

Article

Jan 2018

Forest play key role in the development of a country. They provide wood, medicinal plants, grazing field to livestock and protection to the natural habitat while also generate job to rural community of district Swat. Seeing to its importance the present study was conducted in 2015 in rural area of District swat. The major objectives were to find out the causes of deforestation and its effects on different factors in rural community of the study area. On the basis of more surrounding forest three villages namely Charma , Sulathan and Gamsir were selected and through proportional allocate sampling techniques 53, 23 and 34 respondents were chosen respectively. Through interview schedule data were collected from the respondents and used descriptive statistics and chi-square test for analysis. Results indicate 47 % respondents were literate; 45% family size was estimated 6-10 members; 82% respondents were knowledge about excessive deforestation in the study area. Major causes of deforestation were found usage of wood for cooking and construction of houses. The result further revealed that all the community population is responsible for deforestation for not using available alternative resources to overcome timber mafia, overgrazing field, increased commercial usage and migrations towards to forest area for survival basses. Result further explained that there was high impact of deforestation on climate change in the form of irregular pattern of rainfall, snowfall, floods, soil erosion, decreasing of fodder quantity for animal and unfavorable environment for wildlife habitats in the study area. On the basis of causes majority respondents recommend campaigns, trainings programs, seminars and workshop for awareness, to care the forest in future. Generate employment opportunities in the study area for livelihood means for not cutting the forest trees by local community in the study area; to launch reforestation programs on seasonal basis ; Proper monitoring for check and balance of forest by forest department and appointment of honest staffs for further enhancement of forest growth is required.

How Do Multi-criteria Assessments Address Landscape-level Problems? A Review of Studies and Practices

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2017
ECOL ECON

Viewing the landscape as a spatialized social-ecological system allows identification of specific management challenges: integration of multiple views, multiple levels of organization, complex spatial-temporal patterns and uncertainties. Multi-criteria assessments (MCAs), which allow the comparison of alternative actions when multiple interests collide, are considered adequate to support landscape management. However, there is no consensus about how they should be applied and can integrate both multiple views and spatial dimension. We conducted an extensive quantitative and qualitative literature review targeting MCAs with a participatory and spatial approach. Our results suggest that (1) for sustainability assessments, participatory and spatial approaches endorse different rationales and hybrid methods are not so common; (2) within those methods, only scenario-selection methods (as opposed to design methods) can integrate spatially-explicit, spatially-implicit, place-specific, and overall values; and (3) current applications, which aggregate values ignoring their spatial and social distribution, do not coincide with the nature of landscape-management challenges. In addition, they give little importance to the structuration of information and to collective deliberation. We conclude that, in the absence of a good match between spatiality and participation, MCAs should, for now, be handled as insightful but distorted tools to explore and structure landscape-level management problems.

DIAGNÓSTICO DA ÁREA DE PRESERVAÇÃO PERMANENTE DE UM TRECHO DE AFLUENTE DO RIO SOROCABA

Article

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Dec 2016

Avaliação do potencial da restauração florestal na Amazônia Oriental: Estudos aplicados ao nordeste paraense.

Thesis

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Dec 2022

Multicriterial Analysis for the Identification of Key Areas to Improve the Management in Piracicaba River Basin, Brazil

Article

Jan 2022

Hot or not? Developing a spectrum of indicator-based assessments in approaching vulnerability to climate change

Article

Apr 2022

Vulnerability assessments to climate change are instruments to support the design of mitigation and adaptation strategies. They are relevant to cities or regions where the impacts may be significant and politicians are keen to avoid economic losses due to maladaptation or inefficient policy courses. Despite the relative simplicity of indicator-based assessments (IbAs), their reliability has been questioned due to their non-robustness and inconsistent outcomes due to changes in modelling assumptions. Nonetheless, politicians still require evidence-based tools to make decisions to signal adaptation and policy approaches. This article develops a range of IbAs through the Ordered WeightedAverage (OWA) approach to construct a decision space for policy-makers. The OWA incorporates the possibility of non-robustness and inconsistency, and improves our understanding about vulnerability. We take Auckland, New Zealand, as a case study and find that if policymakers are risk averse, policy focus is on minimising vulnerability to coastal inundation due to sea level rise. As policymakers ease risk aversion, focus switches to enhancing natural capital and ecosystem services. The OWA reveals the trade-offs prevalent in complex socio-ecological systems and coupled human-infrastructure systems. Therefore, it consolidates a knowledge base for decision-making, which could be adapted internationally and create knowledge spillover and exchange of expertise.

Priority areas for restoration in permanent preservation areas of rural properties in the Brazilian Amazon

Article

Apr 2022
LAND USE POLICY

Environmental degradation, over the years, has drastically changed landscapes in the Amazon. At the same time, discussion, knowledge, and actions on the conservation of forest remnants and restoration of degraded environments have increased worldwide. The present study, carried out in Paragominas (Brazilian Amazon), aimed: (1) to evaluate the process of landscape change over the last 36 years (1984–2020); (2) to identify degraded environments within legally established permanent preservation areas (PPAs); and (3) to map environmental liabilities in degraded rural properties which, according to environmental regulations, must be recovered. The priority areas for restoration were defined considering (a) the environmental liabilities of each rural property; (b) the remnant forest in each rural property; (c) the rural properties’ boundaries; and (d) the degraded PPAs in each rural property. Deforestation followed by land use change in Paragominas’ territory increased from 12% (2336 km²) in 1984–45% (8783 km²) in 2020. The municipality presented 4416 km of rivers and c.a 6157 springs under pressure (i.e. agriculture, pasture, urban areas and deforested areas). The environmental liabilities identified summed 638.85 km², which, according to environmental regulations, must be recovered. It is important to consider that when producers protect PPAs in their properties, they also conserve soil and water resources as well as contribute to biodiversity maintenance.

Evaluation of the Accessibility of Elderly Individuals to Airline Company Websites: Comparative Analysis With OWA, WASPAS, WSM, WPM

Chapter

Jan 2022

Technological and social developments cause the birth and death rates to decrease. This has a direct effect on the increase in the rate of old age in the total population. In Turkey like in other countries, they face various problems in transportation in addition to education, health, justice, and social security. Therefore, the airline companies should provide some special services to elderly individuals in terms of accessibility and usability for their websites. This chapter aims to examine the accessibility of websites of airline companies for 65 and older individuals. Then, the second aim of this chapter is to determine the criteria for accessibility and alternatives. Then the next aim of this chapter is to determine the weights of these criteria and evaluate the alternatives with multi-criteria decision-making methods. The best airline company for airline website according to OWA, WASPAS, WSM, and WPM methods is Alternative 1.

Multicriterial evaluation in the definition of protected areas at the Piedade municipality, SP.

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2019

The preservation in situ, through the establishment of legally protected areas, is one the approaches to mitigate environmental impact and protect biodiversity in the long term. The Piedade municipality shows a favorable set of conditions for consolidating protected areas (i.e. relatively low urbanization rates, the presence of forest remnants, and portions of relevant conservation units). In this context, the present study proposed the definition of priority areas for protection using Multicriteria Evaluation (MCE). The specific objectives were to identify the criteria and weights that are important for defining protected areas and to evaluate which method of MCE, whether the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) or the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) would be more appropriate. Using the Participatory Technique (PT), we defined criteria and weights. WLC and OWA made possible the identification of areas likely to become protected, but the first method produced more general and less flexible solutions. On the other hand, OWA provided a greater number of possible answers to the question of interest. Thus, showing the low-risk level, the OWA map was considered most suitable for the study proposal.

OWA Operators with different Orness levels for sediment management alternative selection problem

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2019

Hamid Khakzad

The importance of reservoir sedimentation management as a multi criteria problem in practice with multiple decision makers, is evident when one considers that the cost of replacing storage lost annually due to sediment deposition throughout the world is in the order of US$13 billion. If sedimentation can be managed successfully, as it has been in some reservoirs, the loss in reservoir storage space due to this phenomenon can be lowered significantly. The purpose of this research is to develop the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) algorithm and apply it and to select the most preferred alternative with different Orness levels for sediment management in dam reservoirs to satisfy the Technical and executive requirements, Economic factors, Social welfare, Environmental impacts. In this way, we present analytic forms of OWA operator weighting functions, each of which has properties of rank-based weights and a constant level of Orness, irrespective of the number of objectives considered. The model are successfully applied to Dez Hydropower reservoir, which has faced serious sedimentation problems. Results of this study provide a general class of parameterized aggregation operators that include the min, max, and average and have shown themselves to be useful for modeling many different kinds of aggregation problems.

ANÁLISE TEMPORAL DO IMPACTO DO ROMPIMENTO DA BARRAGEM DE FUNDÃO NA NASCENTE DO RIO DOCE, EM MARIANA (MG), ATRAVÉS DE IMAGENS DE SATÉLITE

Conference Paper

Jan 2018

Forest Cover Monitoring and Change Detection in Nfifikh Forest (Morocco)

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2018

Dynamic identification of soil erosion risk in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin in China from 1978 to 2010

Article

Feb 2018

Soil erosion has become a significant environmental problem that threatens ecosystems globally. The risks posed by soil erosion, the trends in the spatial distribution in soil erosion, and the status, intensity, and conservation priority level in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin were identified from 1978 to 2010. This study employed a multi-criteria evaluation method integrated with GIS and multi-source remote sensing data including land use, slope gradient and vegetation fractional coverage (VFC). The erosion status in the study region improved from 1978 to 2010; areas of extremely severe, more severe, and severe soil erosion decreased from 0.05%, 0.94%, and 11.25% in 1978 to 0.04%, 0.81%, and 10.28% in 1998, respectively, and to 0.03%, 0.59%, and 6.87% in 2010, respectively. Compared to the period from 1978 to 1998, the area classed as improvement grade erosion increased by about 47,210.18 km² from 1998 to 2010, while the area classed as deterioration grade erosion decreased by about 17,738.29 km². Almost all severe erosion regions fall in the 1st and 2nd conservation priority levels, which areas accounted for 3.86% and 1.11% of the study area in the two periods, respectively. This study identified regions where soil erosion control is required and the results provide a reference for policymakers to implement soil conservation measures in the future.

Decision Making Methods Based on Fuzzy Aggregation Operators: Three Decades Review From 1986 to 2017

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2018

In many real-life decision making (DM) situations, the available information is vague or imprecise. To adequately solve decision problems with vague or imprecise information, fuzzy set theory and aggregation operator theory have become powerful tools. In last three decades, DM theories and methods under fuzzy aggregation operator have been proposed and developed for effectively solving the DM problems and numerous applications have been reported in the literature. While various aggregation operators have been suggested and developed, there is a lack of research regarding systematic literature review and classification of study in this field. Regarding this, Web of Science database has been nominated and systematic and meta-analysis method called “PRISMA” has been proposed. Accordingly, a review of 312 published articles appearing in 33 popular journals related to fuzzy set theory, aggregation operator theory and DM approaches between July 1986 and June 2017 have been attained to reach a comprehensive review of DM methods and aggregation operator environment. Consequently, the selected published articles have been categorized by name of author(s), the publication year, technique, application area, country, research contribution and journals in which they appeared. The findings of this study found that, ordered weighted averaging (OWA) has been the highest frequently accessed more than other areas. This systematic review shows that the DM theories under fuzzy aggregation operator environment have received a great deal of interest from researchers and practitioners in many disciplines.

Zoneamento Topoclimático do Taxi-branco (Tachigali vulgaris L.F.) na Amazônia Legal: Estratégias de Planejamento com Metas de Desenvolvimento Sustentável

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2018

Neste volume da série Documentos, apresenta-se o zoneamento topoclimático do taxi-branco (Tachigali vulgaris L.F.), uma espécie nativa da Amazônia e promissora para o setor energético; descrevem--se os diversos serviços ambientais e potencialidade de uso da espécie; compartilham-se os conhecimentos discutidos e processos metodológicos para integração de variáveis, análises, critérios e ponderações utilizados. Por fim, o documento contribui para estabelecer diretrizes de planejamento em arranjos produtivos, capazes de recompor paisagens em vias de degradação na Amazônia, inclusive ampliando a conectividade entre as áreas com floresta na Amazônia.

LegalGEO: Conservation tool to guide the siting of legal reserves under the Brazilian Forest Code

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2017
APPL GEOGR

The Brazilian Forest Code, enacted in 1965, was the first national law to mandate that private landowners maintain a portion of their land in natural vegetation. Effective implementation of the law is not only a national priority, but also a global one as Brazil hosts some of the greatest biodiversity and the largest carbon stores in the world. Under the Forest Code, landowners have options to either protect, restore, or offset to meet the legal requirements. Collectively planning and guiding where to locate these options within and outside a rural property can have positive impacts for the environment at both local and landscape levels. To that end, we developed the LegalGEO toolkit to assist government and non-government organizations in offering landowners solutions for complying with the Forest Code requirements while promoting positive outcomes for the environment. Here, we introduce the tools and spatial data associated with LegalGEO and discuss how these data are used within a spatial multi-criteria analysis to produce landscape prioritization maps to guide landowner decisions at the property level. As a case study, we apply LegalGEO to a collection of rural properties within the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil and compare the differences in the resulting landscape patterns against a scenario where landowners lack this guidance. Results from this comparison suggest that the use of the LegalGEO tool improves conservation outcomes at both landscape and property levels scales.

Effects of logging methods on soil properties, organic horizon and soil compaction.

Conference Paper

Full-text available

May 2016

Kastamonu presents 1.7% of Turkey’s forest areas and its province is covered by 65% forestland. When the rate of utilization of forest areas is considered, 5.4% percent of nation-wide industrial wood productions is provided from Kastamonu’s forests. In general, three methods are known for the logging activities; manpower, animal power and mechanical power. However, the most used logging methods in Kastamonu forest areas are widely farm tractors. In addition, the use of skidding through wire drawing is also often applied for the logging in the region. Main aim of this present study was to determine the effects of logging activities on soil properties, organic horizon and soil compaction after the silvicultural activities in Kastamonu region were carried out by farm tractors and the skidding through wire drawing at two different slope groups in the forest (30-60%, 60-100%). Soil sampling was taken from four different microecological sites that occured during the production activities, namely (1) skid road, (2) production wastes subbase, (3) mineral soil without topsoil and (4) control sites. At each site, mineral soil samples were taken from four soil depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, and 15-20 cm) and analyzed for soil pH, permeability, water holding capacity, organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, rock fragments or skeleton ( >2 mm), soil compaction and dispersion ratio.

COMPARISON BETWEEN ICONA AND CORINE METHODS IN DETERMINATION EROSION RISK POTENTIAL

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jun 2016

Turkey is among the countries influenced by erosion due to its topography, climate and soil properties. Erosion susceptibility must be determined for avoiding erosion and reducing direct and indirect problems arising from erosion. Various erosion risk analysis method was developed by using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS). Parameters used in these methods are more or less different from each other. In this study, erosion risk of Haman Stream Watershed located in Kahramanmaras city was evaluated by using CORINE (CooRdination of Information on the Environment) and ICONA (Institute for the COnservation of the NAture) models and then compared with each other. According to results, 23,22% and 76,78% of the area was subject to medium and high erosion risk respectively in CORINE model, while 91,77% was subject to high erosion risk in ICONA model. Differences in erosion risk ratio of the models result from parameters used in each model. Results obtained from models share similarity that the better part of watershed has high erosion risk. Soil protective measures should be taken in the watershed especially in agricultural area with high slope and rangeland which have high erosion sensitivity.

CAN LOGGING BE BETTER ORGANIZED IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS: A CASE STUDY OF IHSANGAZI FOREST DIRECTORATE

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jun 2016

The initial phase of forest operations, timber extraction (logging), involves felling of timber and removing them out of the stands. This phase of forestry, if not planned and supervised properly, is the reason for various adversities one never expects happening in forested areas, such as erosion, sedimentation, soil compaction and displacement, etc. Human intervention introducing the above-mentioned undesired effects starts with furnishing the forests with forest roads for administrative purposes. Other things set aside, forest roads originated erosion is related to “physical factors” i. e. soil type, geology and climatic factors, “road density”, “road location” and “road standards”. Studies show that the initial increases in erosion following road building subsides and the figures come to normal levels due to the facts that good road building practices were employed and exposed slope cuts and embankments got stabilized. Logging on the other hand, is a never ending process which will happen here and there as the forests continue to exist. That’s why this unavoidable part of forest management demands operational planning in micro level because especially edaphic and topographic factors differ tremendously in close distances. Although extensively taught in schools, logging is contracted and practiced relatively unprofessionally in Turkey and creates far more serious circumstances to soil and the environment. In the scope of this study devised following a logging operation which occurred in Ihsangazi Forest Directorate in the spring of 2015 after an unexpected windstorm had swept a 100+ years old Scots pine forest in February, 2015, what an unplanned logging operation would do to forest soil in an environmentally sensitive area.

CAN OPERATIONAL PLANNING HELP CUT THE COST OF LOGGING: A CASE STUDY OF IHSANGAZI FOREST DIRECTORATE

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jun 2016

There are roughly 7 to 8 million people, called forest villagers, living in or around state forests in Turkey today. Their means of making a living for themselves and their immediate families are totally depended upon the possibilities and opportunities generated by the forest service and its subordinate enterprises, directorates, etc. The forest service is bound by Turkish constitution to offer such opportunities to these people. They form forest cooperatives, not very specialized logging companies, to carry out the forest operations starting from tending the stands in every stage of management practices to hauling the timber to log yards or mills. This is how they make a living, besides they are the first inline benefiting from none-wood forest products available to general public. After the completion of such an operation, the villagers are paid as per cubic meter of volume they process and deliver. The stages of such an operation involve felling the timber, debranching, debarking and bucking it on site, then skidding to roadside landing, finally loading to transport vehicles. Since the timber to be harvested is already stamped and taken a dbh reading during timber cruising, the responsible engineer already knows the approximate cubic meter of volume, which would be delivered to log yard. What he/she does not know is the exact location of particular trees so he/she relies upon the operation sheets delivered to him/her by the loggers after the completion of the operation. A simple GPS reading for each tree during timber cruising, which will be incorporated with certain criterias such as type of species, coniferous vs broad-leafed, slope gradient, average length of skidding distance, etc. affecting the final payment at the end of the operation will help him/her almost finalize the cost of such operation even before the first logger sets foot on the stand. This particular study will compare the skidding cost of removing a windtrown stand in Ihsangazi forest directorate to a hypothetical operation in which the locations of each tree to be harvested is known.

Saunders D, Hobbs R, Margules C. Biological Consequences of Ecosystem Fragmentation: A Review. Conservation Biology

Article

Full-text available

Mar 1991
CONSERV BIOL

Research on fragmented ecosystems has focused mostly on the biogeograpbic consequences of the creation of habitat “islands” of different sizes and has provided little of practical value to managers. However, ecosystem fragmentation causes large changes in the physical environment as well as biogeograpbic changes. Fragmentation generally results in a landscape that consists of remnant areas of native vegetation surrounded by a matrix of agricultural or other developed land. As a result fluxes of radiation, momentum (La, wind), water, and nutrients across the landscape are altered significantly. These in turn can have important influences on biota within remnant areas, especially at or near the edge between the remnant and the surrounding matrix. The isolation of remnant areas by clearing also has important consequences for the biota. These consequences vary with the time since isolation distance from other remnants, and degree of connectivity with other remnants. The influences of physical and biogeographic changes are modified by the size, shape, and position in the landscape of individual remnant, with larger remnants being less adversely affected by the fragmentation process. The Dynamics of remnant areas are predominantly driven by factors arising in the surrounding landscape. Management of, and research on, fragmented ecosystems should be directed at understanding and controlling these external influences as much as at the biota of the remnants themselves. There is a strong need to develop an integrated approach to landscape management that places conservation reserves in the context of the overall landscape

Spatial ordered weighted averaging: Incorporating spatially variable attitude towards risk in spatial multi-criteria decision-making

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2006
ENVIRON MODELL SOFTW

The paper discusses a decomposition–analysis–aggregation approach to multi-criteria spatial decision-making and proposes a novel aggregation method applicable to problems of the object-location or suitability for application type, concentrating on methodological rather than software development aspects. The approach allows the decision maker to: (a) break the problem down into a series of elementary (easier to understand) problems, (b) analyse them (in the broad sense of the word), and then (c) produce an answer for the complex problem by aggregating the answers derived for the elementary problems. The choice of methodology used for this aggregation is very important as different aggregating techniques may yield different results to the (same) original problem. The method presented here, which is in effect an extension of the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method into a spatial decision-making technique, is termed spatial ordered weighted averaging (SOWA). The main advantage of the method proposed is the incorporation of spatially variable attitude to risk into the decision-making process. The mathematical background of the method and an example of its application in urban water management are presented and discussed. The authors suggest that the method could be useful as an analytical and decision-making tool for the incorporation of spatially variable risk perception in GIS-based decision support systems.

Nature conserved in changing landscapes with and without spatial planning

Article

Full-text available

Jun 1997
LANDSCAPE URBAN PLAN

We use a simple spatial model to illustrate an ecologically optimum sequence of landscape change, evaluate how much ecological difference it makes, and determine if there is a phase during which its use is most effective or important in protecting nature. Compared with a random pattern of vegetation removal, the spatial solution protects five times more area of high ecological value. Equally significant is the better spatial arrangement of vegetation. Using random change as an analogue for lack of planning, we compare different lengths of random change before spatial planning begins. The analysis suggests that spatial planning is most significant in nature conservation when 10–40% of the natural vegetation has been removed from a landscape. We conclude that the few simple patterns and principles presented, combined with a general survey of a landscape area, constitute an important solution to land planning and conservation, especially where detailed ecological data are limited or lacking.

Assessment of soil erosion vulnerability in western Europe and potential impact on crop productivity due to loss of soil depth using the Impe1ERO model

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2000
AGR ECOSYST ENVIRON

Soil erosion continues to be a major concern for the development of sustainable agricultural management systems. Sustainability modelling analysis for soil erosion must include not only vulnerability prediction but also address impact and response assessment, in an integrated way. This paper focuses on the impact of soil erosion on crop productivity and the accommodation of agricultural use and management practices to soil protection. From the Andalucia region in Spain, soil/slope, climate and crop/management information was used to further develop an expert-system/neural-network soil erosion predicting model (named ImpelERO). Based on soil tolerance to water erosion, three regression equations were formulated to examine the effects of soil depth loss on crop productivity reduction. Also, a computerised procedure was developed to find a combination of management practices which would minimise soil loss in each field-unit. The overall approach of ImpelERO was applied in 20 selected benchmark sites from western Europe to quantify the soil erosion vulnerability with several crops, the impact of soil erosion on crop production, and the optimum management strategies. In the Mediterranean sites, soil losses reach an average of almost 50 Mg ha−1 per year, the potential impact of soil erosion on the crop productivity was very important (up to 48% reduction in the 2050 time horizon), and the farming practices can be widely modified to protect environmental qualities. The results of this benchmark site analysis of soil erosion, however, must not be extrapolated to large geographical areas without additional spatialisation studies.

Application of fuzzy measures in multi-criteria evaluation in GIS

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2000

Multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) is perhaps the most fundamental of decision support operations in geographical information systems (GIS). This paper reviews two main MCE approaches employed in GIS, namely Boolean and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC), and discusses issues and problems associated with both. To resolve the conceptual differences between the two approaches, this paper proposes the application of fuzzy measures, a concept that is broader but that includes fuzzy set membership, and argues that the standardized factors of MCE belong to a general class of fuzzy measures and the more specific instance of fuzzy set membership. This perspective provides a strong theoretical basis for the standardization of factors and their subsequent aggregation. In this context, a new aggregation operator that accommodates and extends the Boolean and WLC approaches is discussed: the Ordered Weighted Average. A case study of industrial allocation in Nakuru, Kenya is employed to illustrate the different approaches.

On the Use of Weighted Linear Combination Method in GIS: Common and Best Practice Approaches

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2000

Jacek Malczewski

Abstract The weighted linear combination,(WLC) technique is a decision rule for deriving composite maps,using GIS. It is one of the most often used decision models in GIS. The method, however, is frequently applied without full understanding of the assumptions underling this approach. In many case studies, the WLC model has been,applied incorrectly and,with dubious,results because,analysts (decision makers) have ignored or been unaware,of the assumptions. This paper provides a critical overview of the current practice with respect to GIS/WLC and suggests the best practice approach.

GIS–Multicriteria Evaluation with Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA): Case Study of Developing Watershed Management Strategies

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2003

This paper focuses on the parameterized-ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method. OWA is a family of multicriteria evaluation (or combination) rules. The proposed approach uses a parameter that serves as a mechanism for guiding multicriteria evaluation procedures. The parameter is incorporated into a method for obtaining the optimal order weights and for developing a transformation function. The function provides us with a consistent way of modifying the criterion values so that the multicriteria combination procedures can be guided by specifying a single parameter. The parameterized-OWA method has been implemented in a GIS environment as a GIS - OWA module and it has been tested in a real-world situation for developing management strategies in the Cedar Creek watershed in Ontario, Canada. Given a set of evaluation criteria, the problem is to evaluate areas in the watershed for rehabilitation and enhancement projects. Using the GIS - OWA method, a number of alternative strategies for rehabilitation and enhancement projects have been generated and evaluated.

Land-Use Suitability Analysis in the United States: Historical Development and Promising Technological Achievements

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2001

Various methods of spatial analysis are commonly used in land-use plans and site selection studies. A historical overview and discussion of contemporary developments of land-use suitability analysis are presented. The paper begins with an exploration into the early 20th century with the infancy of documented applications of the technique. The article then travels through the 20th century, documenting significant milestones. Concluding with present explorations of advanced technologies such as neural computing and evolutionary programming, this work is meant to serve as a foundation for literature review and a premise for the exploration of new advancements as we enter into the 21st century.

Aiding Decisions with Multiple Criteria: essays in honour of B. Roy

Book

Jan 2002

Análise da estrutura da paisagem na Bacia do Rio Corumbatai, SP

Article

Jan 2002

Prioritizing watershed land for conservation: a case study in the Hammonasset Watershed, Connecticut

Article

Mar 2000

Preservation of watershed land represents one of the most effective and economical methods of ensuring safe and adequate water supplies. This study provides a methodology to prioritize undeveloped land within watersheds with respect to water quality protection with the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Parcels are evaluated based on physical features, level of development, and proximity to existing open space. This provides a thumbnail sketch of parcel attributes and corresponding maps that are useful for land use managers and decision-makers who have limited time, and for those organizations that are low on funding.

GIS and Multicriteria Decision Analysis

Article

Feb 2000
J OPER RES SOC

PRELIMINARIES. Geographical Data, Information, and Decision Making. Introduction to GIS. Introduction to Multicriteria Decision Analysis. SPATIAL MULTICRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS. Evaluation Criteria. Decision Alternatives and Constraints. Criterion Weighing. Decision Rules. Sensitivity Analysis. MULTICRITERIA-SPATIAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS. Spatial Decision Support Systems. MC-SDSS: Case Studies. Glossary. Selected Bibliography. Indexes.

ANÁLISE DA ESTRUTURA DA PAISAGEM NA BACIA DO RIO CORUMBATAÍ, SP

Article

An analysis of deforestation: Metrics used to describe pattern change

Article

Feb 1999
FOREST ECOL MANAG

Margaret Katherine Trani

Cartographic modeling was used to examine the influence of deforestation on landscape pattern metrics. Progressive deforestation resulted in an increase in the spatial heterogeneity, fragmentation, and edge characteristics of a landscape while connectivity attributes varied with deforestation stage. Pattern changes in heterogeneity and edge characteristics were curvilinear, with metrics changing direction at the half-way point of deforestation. The progressive loss of forest enhanced edge length, interspersion, and convexity. There was an exponential decline in interior forest and mean patch size, while patch density and interpatch distance increased. The variability displayed by several pattern metrics reflect the unpredictability in patch disappearance.The relative contribution of each metric for discriminating between contiguous and fragmented landscape conditions was ranked using discriminant analysis. The results suggested that the mastery of landscape analysis can be directly linked to the choice of the pattern metric. Percent forest interior, contiguity, and convexity were highly significant (P

The Analytic Hierarchy Process

Article

Jan 1980

Thomas L. Saaty

Idrisi Guide to GIS and Image Processing

Article

Jan 1999

Ronald Eastman

Principles and methods in landscape ecology: Toward a Science of Landscape

Book

Jan 2006

Almo Farina

Principles and methods of landscape ecology are intensively used to model and to manage disturbed landscapes and menaced pristine areas as well. Students and professionals can find a new version of "Principles and Methods in Landscape Ecology" firstly published in 1998 by Chapman & Hall (London). Landscape ecology is an integrative and multi-disciplinary science and "Principles and Methods in Landscape Ecology" reconciles the geological, botanical, zoological and human perspectives. In particular new paradigms and theories like percolation, metapopulation, hierarchies, source-sink models, have been integrated, in this last edition, with the recent theories on bio-complexity, information and cognitive sciences. Methods for studying landscape ecology are covered including spatial geometry models and remote sensing in order to create confidence toward techniques and approaches that require a high experience and long-time dedication. Principles and Methods in Landscape Ecology is a textbook useful to present the landscape in a multi-vision perspective for undergraduate and graduate students of biology, ecology, geography, forestry, agronomy, landscape architecture and planning. Sociology, economics, history, archaeology, anthropology, ecological psychology are some sciences that can benefit of the holistic vision offered by this texbook. A relevant goal of this second edition is to increase confidence in the new generations of students and practitioners for considering the ecological systems as the result of the integration between ecosystemic (non spatial) and landscape (spatial) patterns and processes.

On Ordered Weighted Averaging Aggregation Operators in Multicriteria Decisionmaking

Article

Jan 1988

RONALD R. YAGER

—We are primarily concerned with the problem of aggregating multicriteria to form an overall decision function. We introduce a new type of operator for aggregation called an ordered weighted aggregation (OWA) operator. We investigate the properties of this operator. We particularly see that it has the property of lying between the “and,” requiring all the criteria to be satisfied, and the “or,” requiring at least one of the criteria to be satisfied. We see these new OWA operators as some new family of mean operators.

Controlling spatial structure of forested landscapes: A case study towards landscape management

Article

Feb 1999

Emin Zeki Başkent

This paper presents an overview of the landscape management design process and focuses on changes in forest landscape dynamics as a result of different harvesting patterns and initial landscape structure. A case study involved two different forest landscapes, one quite fragmented and the other little fragmented, with both covering the same total area and having similar forest age class distributions. The effects of four different harvesting patterns (scatter, negative edge distribution, edge progressive and nuclei progressive) and two different initial forest landscape structures on landscape fragmentation were explored using a GIS-based landscape management model (LANDMAN). The model suggested that future landscape patterns vary greatly according to initial landscape structure as well as to the four harvesting patterns. The scatter harvesting pattern created fragmented landscapes, while the nuclei progressive pattern significantly reduced fragmentation, regardless of initial spatial structure. Likewise, the negative edge distribution and edge progressive harvesting patterns tended also to reduce fragmentation. The model indicated that for a given harvesting pattern, fragmentation was generally reduced in the initially fragmented forest, whereas the clustered forest became fragmented initially, but later recovered. In conclusion, the case study demonstrated that geographically prescribed harvesting patterns, in combination with indicators of forest performance and landscape fragmentation, provide an opportunity to design management for the creation of alternative forest landscapes of significantly different spatial structure. The prerequisites for on-the-ground forest landscape management are a quantitative description of the forest landscape, a computer model, geographically-prescribed harvest interventions, an understanding of spatial forest dynamics, and a GIS-based management design process.

Improving the quality of landscape ecological forest planning by utilising advanced decision-support tools

Article

Jul 2000
FOREST ECOL MANAG

The quality of landscape ecological analyses and their integration with the multi-objective comparison of forest plans can be improved by making use of the decision-support methods, techniques, and tools produced by recent research on forest planning, as demonstrated in this study. Special attention is given to strengthening the ecological grounds of calculations through modelling expert knowledge, quantification of ecological evaluations, integration of different objectives and different phases of the planning process, and analysing the effects of uncertainty in ecological judgments on the final results. The planning process is illustrated by a case study.The landscape ecological approach is finding increasing application in practical forest planning, especially in boreal forestry. Unfortunately, gaps in the available ecological knowledge, and the inefficiency of the planning methods and tools used often lead to vague planning processes. In many cases, only methods originally developed for wood-production planning are still applied, and planning advances (e.g. multi-objective optimisation, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools, and modelling expert knowledge) are under-utilised. In this study, HERO heuristic multi-objective optimisation, GIS operations, pairwise comparisons techniques, and Bayesian analysis are applied in an integrated planning process. Efficient forest plan alternatives are generated for further consideration by utilising heuristic optimization and GIS. Given the multi-objective choice situation, the plans generated are holistically evaluated by means of multiple decision-support tools and techniques.

Using spatial indicators and value functions to assess ecosystem fragmentation caused by linear infrastructures

Article

Feb 2004
INT J APPL EARTH OBS

Davide Geneletti

Fragmentation refers to the break-up of natural areas into smaller and more isolated units. Linear infrastructures are blamed for highly contributing to the fragmentation of ecosystems, posing a threat to their conservation. Therefore, accounting for such an effect is emerging as a priority in infrastructure planning and development. This paper proposes an approach to assess the fragmentation of natural ecosystems caused by linear infrastructures. The approach is based on the use of spatial indicators traditionally proposed in landscape ecological studies and of value functions. In particular, the changes in the ecosystems’ spatial setting caused by a new project are first quantified through spatial indicators, and then assessed through value functions. This allowed to account for the full range of effects caused by fragmentation, as well as to enhance the transparency of the impact assessment procedure. The latter is achieved by highlighting throughout the assessment the role played by factual information and by value-based information. The methodology is applied to a case study dealing with the construction of a new highway in northern Italy. The results of the assessment of ecosystem fragmentation are used to compare alternative highway alignments, so as to identify the least impacting one. The ultimate objective of the research is to encourage good practice in this field, so as to eventually strengthen the consideration of ecological issues in the decision-making for new developments.

A GIS-based decision support system to identify nature conservation priorities in an alpine valley

Article

Apr 2004
LAND USE POLICY

Davide Geneletti

This paper describes a methodological approach based on the integrated use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) to identify nature conservation priorities among the remnant ecosystems within an alpine valley. The ecosystems are first assessed by means of landscape ecological indicators, and then ranked by using multicriteria analysis (MCA) techniques. Several conservation scenarios are generated so as to simulate different evaluation perspectives. The scenarios are then compared to highlight the most conflicting sites and to propose a conservation strategy for the area under evaluation. The paper aims at exemplifying and discussing the effectiveness of spatial decision-support techniques in land-use planning for nature conservation.

Influences of roads and development on bird communities in protected Chihuahuan Desert landscapes

Article

Oct 2003
BIOL CONSERV

Our objective was to improve knowledge about effects of broad-scale road and development variables on bird communities in protected desert landscapes. Bird species richness and the relative abundance or probability of occurrence of many species were significantly associated with total length of roads within each of two spatial extents (1- and 2-km radii), distance to the nearest road, distance to the nearest development, or the two-way interactions of these variables. Regression models reflected non-linear relations, interaction effects, spatial-extent effects, and interannual variation. Road and development effects warrant special attention in protected areas because such places may be important sources of indigenous bird communities in a region.

Consequences of modelling interpatch migration as a function of patch geometry when predicting metapopulation extinction risk

Article

May 2000
ECOL MODEL

We have constructed a simulation model with demographic stochasticity for a generalised two-patch system. With the model, it was possible to vary the effect of patch geometry on interpatch migration from no effect, as in traditional models, to a gradually more pronounced effect. In systems with a constant amount of available habitat but with different allocation of habitat among patches we generally found lower metapopulation extinction risks if interpatch migration was adjusted to current sizes of local patches than if interpatch migration was assumed to be independent of patch sizes. In systems with equal patches, but with a different total amount of available habitat we found that simulations based on the assumption of patch-independent interpatch migration rates generate far too optimistic predictions of how well a metapopulation will persist when decreasing the total amount of habitat compared with simulations based on an adjustment of interpatch migration to current patch sizes.

Multiple criteria decision making approaches to assessing forest sustainability using criteria and indicators: A case study

Article

Jun 2000
FOREST ECOL MANAG

This paper describes the use of multiple criteria decision making techniques as decision tools for assessing criteria and indicators designed to evaluate sustainable forest management. Three techniques called ranking, rating, and pairwise comparisons are described and used within the framework of a generic set of criteria and indicators applied in a case study involving a forest concession in Kalimantan, Indonesia. For the case study, an assessment team consisting of national and international experts representing various disciplines was chosen to conduct an assessment of the forest concession. The criteria and indicators (C&I) developed by the Center for International Forestry Research was used as a reference. From this generic set of C&I, the assessment team made revisions to make the set more relevant to the prevailing conditions in the forest concession. This modified set was used in the assessment of the concession.Results from the study indicate that these techniques are effective tools both for selecting sets of criteria and indicators and eventually for prioritizing them. The methods are highly transparent, easy to understand, and offer a convenient environment for participatory decision making. These are desirable features of any evaluation process but most especially for a complex assessment problem such as forest sustainability.

A Watershed-Based Land Prioritization Model for Water Supply Protection

Article

Apr 2001
FOREST ECOL MANAG

Water quality management at a watershed scale is important for water supply protection. Escalating costs of water treatment, along with the need for cooperative solutions among various water users in a watershed, reinforce the need for such approach. In a watershed approach, optimum water quality benefits can be achieved by targeting practices to those areas that have the maximum marginal value of water quality protection. To accomplish this, prioritization based on marginal benefits and costs is essential. The information that is crucial for developing an effective prioritization method includes geographic information, relationship between land criteria and effects, and travel-time of runoff water. By integrating these three types of information, a watershed level prioritization model was developed and applied to the Ware River watershed in Massachusetts, USA.It was observed that the time of travel of surface runoff followed a complex spatial distribution. Use of zones based on distance from the outlet or drainage zones may not accurately reflect the spatially explicit nature of travel path and travel-times. The area under each category of travel-time as a function of travel-time followed a nonlinear trend in the Ware River watershed. The distribution of the prioritization index showed that sensitive areas do not clearly fall within the boundaries of any single land characteristic (e.g. riparian buffer, steep slopes, sensitive soils, etc.). Low priority areas covered the highest percent of the watershed and this percentage decreased with increase in land sensitivity. Focusing on fewer areas in the watershed can maximize benefits to water quality and result in lower expenditures. By adjusting criteria and weights, this approach can be adapted to prioritize a wide variety of land-protection and land-use decisions such as preserving prime forestland, protecting critical wildlife habitats, recreational and open space planning, and ecological–economic planning.

Implementing an extension of the analytical hierarchy process using ordered weighted averaging operators with fuzzy quantifiers in ArcGIS

Article

Apr 2008
COMPUT GEOSCI-UK

This paper focuses on the integration of GIS and an extension of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) using quantifier-guided ordered weighted averaging (OWA) procedure. AHP_OWA is a multicriteria combination operator. The nature of the AHP_OWA depends on some parameters, which are expressed by means of fuzzy linguistic quantifiers. By changing the linguistic terms, AHP_OWA can generate a wide range of decision strategies. We propose a GIS-multicriteria evaluation (MCE) system through implementation of AHP_OWA within ArcGIS, capable of integrating linguistic labels within conventional AHP for spatial decision making. We suggest that the proposed GIS-MCE would simplify the definition of decision strategies and facilitate an exploratory analysis of multiple criteria by incorporating qualitative information within the analysis.

Multiple criteria decision support in forest management - The approach, methods applied, and experiences gained

Article

Mar 2005
FOREST ECOL MANAG

We discuss the benefits of using multiple criteria decision support (MCDS) methods in forest management, briefly present some MCDS methods recently applied in forestry, and summarize experiences gained from MCDS applications in forestry. Applications of MCDS methods of varying characteristics can be found in the management planning of multiple-purpose forestry. However, the tool to be used should be chosen to fit the planning process at hand. When choosing a method, compromises must often be made. For instance, simple and easily understandable methods may mean loss of attainable information and, correspondingly, deficient analyses. More versatile methods enable deeper analyses and more complete exploitation of available data, but typically they are hard to use and understand. Simple and straightforward MCDS methods are needed in participatory approaches and in planning via information networks. Some recent studies indicate that, especially for behavioural reasons, it would be useful to use more than just one MCDS method, or hybrid approaches, in many planning situations. A further conclusion has been that interactive use of the methods greatly improves the efficiency of the planning process.

Determining priority areas for native woodland expansion and restoration in Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Article

Feb 2004
BIOL CONSERV

There has been much interest recently in large-scale forest conservation and the development of forest habitat networks, but the available work is mainly couched in general terms, or lies inaccessible in commissioned reports. In this study we developed a method for identifying priority areas for native woodland creation and restoration using a Geographical Information System (GIS). Ecological criteria were employed that integrate the requirements for successful woodland expansion from the nature conservation point of view and specific policy aims. The Snowdonia National Park in Wales, UK, was used as a pilot area for developing and testing the methodology, but it could be used in any analysis requiring the identification of optimal locations for native woodland expansion at a regional or large-district scale.

GIS-based Land-use Suitability Analysis: A Critical Overview

Article

Jul 2004
PROG PLANN

Jacek Malczewski

There are three main objectives of this monograph: (i) to provide an introduction to geographical information technology along with an historical perspective on the evolving role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in planning, (ii) to overview relevant methods and techniques for GIS-based land-use suitability mapping and modeling, and (iii) to identify the trends, challenges and prospects of GIS-based land-use suitability analysis. The monograph focuses on two perspectives of GIS-based land-use suitability analysis: the techno-positivist perspective and the socio-political, public participation perspectives. It is organized into six chapters. After an introductory setting chapter, which defines the scope of land-use suitability analysis, an overview of relevant GIS technology is provided in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 offers an historical account of the development of GIS. It also discusses the development of GIS in the context of evolving perspectives of planning. Chapter 4 gives an overview of the methods for GIS-based land-use suitability modeling. The overview provides a background against which selected case studies are discussed in Chapter 5. The concluding chapter summarized the main points of the monographs and discusses problems and prospects for GIS-based land-use suitability analysis.

Ordered weighted averaging with fuzzy quantifiers: GIS-based multicriteria evaluation for land-use suitability analysis

Article

Dec 2006
INT J APPL EARTH OBS

Jacek Malczewski

The objective of this paper is to incorporate the concept of fuzzy (linguistic) quantifiers into the GIS-based land suitability analysis via ordered weighted averaging (OWA). OWA is a multicriteria evaluation procedure (or combination operator). The nature of the OWA procedure depends on some parameters, which can be specified by means of fuzzy (linguistic) quantifiers. By changing the parameters, OWA can generate a wide range of decision strategies or scenarios. The quantifier-guided OWA procedure is illustrated using land-use suitability analysis in a region of Mexico.

MCE-RISK: Integrating multicriteria evaluation and GIS for risk decision-making in natural hazards

Article

Jun 2001
ENVIRON MODELL SOFTW

During the past two decades there have been a wide range of applications for decision-making linking multicriteria evaluation (MCE) and geographic information systems (GIS). However, limited literature reports the development of MCE-GIS software, and the comparison of various MCE-GIS approaches. This paper introduces an MCE-GIS program called MCE-RISK for risk-based decision-making. It consists of a series of modules for data standardisation, weighting, MCE-GIS methods, and sensitivity analysis. The program incorporates different MCE-GIS methods, including weighted linear combination (WLC), the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and compromise programming (CP), enabling comparisons between different methods for the same decision problem to be made. An example of decision-making for determining priority areas for a bushfire hazard reduction burning is examined. After implementing the alternative MCE-GIS methods, and comparing final outputs and the computational difficulty involved in the analysis, WLC is recommended. Some caveats on using MCE-GIS methods are also discussed. Although the development of MCE-RISK and its application reported in this paper are specific to risk-based decision-making in natural hazards, the program can be used for other environmental decision applications, such as environmental impact assessment and land-use planning.

A GIS-based multi-criteria decision making approach to forest conservation planning at a landscape scale: A case study in the Kinabalu Area, Sabah, Malaysia

Article

Mar 2005
LANDSCAPE URBAN PLAN

This paper presents a geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision making approach for forest conservation planning at a landscape scale. This approach enables decision makers to evaluate the relative priorities of conserving forest areas based on a set of preferences, criteria and indicators for the area. Compromise programming techniques are used to integrate the forest conservation priority maps of decision groups where a separation distance is calculated. A clustering analysis was applied to identify potential conservation areas as the basis of delineating potential new protected areas. The study was conducted in the Kinabalu area, Sabah, Malaysia where two polygons neighboring the Kinabalu Park were delineated. A group of 11 polygons totaling 2050 ha has also been detected in the western part of Kinabalu Park. The study recommends the inclusion of a forest polygon (359 ha) neighboring Kinabalu Park and another (4361 ha) to the west of the park as new protected areas. A green corridor linking the potential new protected areas and Kinabalu Park should also be constructed to facilitate animal movement and interaction. This study reveals that riparian vegetation is an important aspect to forest conservation and the legislation to protect riparian zones should be strengthened.

Applying GIS and landscape ecological principles to evaluate land conservation alternatives

Article

May 1998
LANDSCAPE URBAN PLAN

Nowhere in the eastern United States is the conflict between the conservation of the rich biological diversity of existing forested landscapes vs. a continued expansion of suburban/exurban development more evident than in the case of Sterling Forest, a 7245 ha tract of land on the New York–New Jersey border. This paper reports on our application of geographic information systems (GIS)-based assessment and landscape ecological principles to assess the environmental sensitivity of Sterling Forest lands and to prioritize lands for conservation protection. This GIS assessment served as the basis of subsequent negotiations of a compromise conservation-development plan by a coalition of land conservation trusts and the land owner/developer. Sterling Forest represents a useful case study of the application of GIS technology by the non-profit environmental groups in successfully undertaking an independent analysis of a regionally important land use issue.

Some common shortcomings in the treatment of impacts of linear infrastructures on natural habitat

Article

Apr 2006
ENVIRON IMPACT ASSES

Davide Geneletti

This paper aims at presenting and discussing some of the main shortcomings that affect the assessment of impacts on biodiversity in current Environmental Impact Assessment practice. In particular, the analysis focuses on one specific type of projects, linear infrastructures, and on one specific aspect of biodiversity, natural habitats. The review highlighted a number of limitations, affecting the baseline study, as well as the impact prediction and the impact assessment stages. Among the most critical shortcomings are the delimitation of the study area on a non-ecological basis, the lack of measurable indicators and quantitative predictions, and the fact that the assessment of the impact relevance, if carried out at all, is unclear and poorly structured. The results of this piece of research reaffirm the need for further research in the field of biodiversity and ecological impact assessment.

Conserving the World's Biological Diversity

Article

Jan 1990

The idea of biodiversity and its importance to the future of the world is outlined, paying particular attention to how it can contribute to development and be integrated into policies for resource use. The authors conclude by calling for action among businesses, institutions and individuals which benefit from the protection of biological resources. After a foreword and executive summary, there are nine sections concerning all aspects of biodiversity: what it is and why it is important; its direct and indirect values; how and why these resources are threatened; policies and approaches to its conservation; information required; establishing priorities; the role of strategies and action plans; how to pay for it; and enlisting new partners in the preservation of biodiversity. -J.W.Cooper

The Science of Conservation Planning: Habitat Conservation Under The Endangered Species Act

Article

Jul 2000

Broad-scale conservation of habitats is increasingly being recognized as a more effective means of protecting species and landscapes than single-species preservation efforts. While interest in the approach has grown tremendously in recent years, it remains controversial and the science behind it has yet to be fully developed.In The Science of Conservation Planning, three of the nation's leading conservation biologists explore the role of the scientist in the planning process and present a framework and guidelines for applying science to regional habitat-based conservation planning. Chapters consider: history and background of conservation planning efforts criticisms of science in conservation planning principles of conservation biology that apply to conservation planning detailed examination of conservation plans specific recommendations for all parties involved.The recommendations, interpretations, and questions provided are thoroughly based in the science of conservation biology, and the framework presented is adaptable to allow for revision and improvement as knowledge is gained and theories refined. The Science of Conservation Planning will serve as a model for the application of conservation biology to real-life problems, and can lead to the development of scientifically and politically sound plans that are likely to achieve their conservation goals, even in cases where biological and ecological information is limited.The book is essential for scientists at all levels, including agency biologists, academic scientists, environmental consultants, and scientists employed by industry and conservation groups. It is also a valuable resource for elected officials and their staffs, environmentalists, developers, students, and citizen activists involved with the complex and contentious arena of conservation planning.

Exploring multicriteria decision strategies in GIS with linguistic quantifiers: A case study of residential quality evaluation

Article

Feb 2005
J GEOGR SYST

Commonly used GIS combination operators such as Boolean conjunction/disjunction and weighted linear combination can be generalized to the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) family of operators. This multicriteria evaluation method allows decision-makers to define a decision strategy on a continuum between pessimistic and optimistic strategies. Recently, OWA has been introduced to GIS-based decision support systems. We propose to extend a previous implementation of OWA with linguistic quantifiers to simplify the definition of decision strategies and to facilitate an exploratory analysis of multiple criteria. The linguistic quantifier-guided OWA procedure is illustrated using a dataset for evaluating residential quality of neighborhoods in London, Ontario.

Value-Focused Thinking: Identifying Decision Opportunities and Creating Alternatives

Article

Aug 1996
EUR J OPER RES

Ralph L. Keeney

El presente trabajo presenta un nuevo procedimiento de valoración agraria multicriterio (MAVAM), especialmente diseñado para situaciones en las que se dispone de escasa información, cuantificada o no, acerca de los elementos considerados. El procedimiento propuesto, válido para trabajar en decisiones individuales y colectivas, pretende capturar e incorporar en el proceso de valoración, tanto la información objetiva asociada a los aspectos tangibles del problema como el conocimiento subjetivo del mismo vinculado al factor humano. Para ello, se combinan en un modelo de regresión dos de las técnicas de decisión multicriterio más extendidas en la práctica: el proceso analítico jerárquico (AHP) y la programación por metas (GP). La primera permite capturar, mediante la utilización de comparaciones pareadas, la información tangible e intangible derivada de los elementos conocidos. La segunda, además de proporcionar una estimación bastante robusta del modelo de regresión posibilita la integración en el proceso de valoración de la escasa información existente y la actitud personal ante la valoración. La metodología propuesta se ilustra mediante su aplicación a un caso particular de valoración de un activo agrario ubicado en la comarca de la Ribera de Valencia (España). This paper presents a new multicriteria agricultural valuation method (MAVAM) designed specifi cally for situations in which there is only limited information, whether quantifi ed or not, with respect to the elements being considered. The proposed procedure, valid for working in both individual and collective decision-making processes, aims to capture and incorporate into the valuation process both the objective information associated with the tangible aspects of the problem, as well as the subjective knowledge of that valuation process linked to the human factor. To that end, it combines in one regression model two of the most popular multicriteria decision-making techniques applied

On Ordered Weighted Averaging Aggregation Operators in Multicriteria Decision Making, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 8 (1): 183-190

Article

Feb 1988

Ronald R. Yager

We are primarily concerned with the problem of aggregating multicriteria to form an overall decision function. We introduce a new type of operator for aggregation called an ordered weighted aggregation (OWA) operator. We investigate the properties of this operator. We particularly see that it has the property of lying between the “and,” requiring all the criteria to be satisfied, and the “or,” requiring at least one of the criteria to be satisfied. We see these new OWA operators as some new family of mean operators.

Multicriteria Decision-Making and Analysis: A Geographic Infor-mation Sciences approach

Jan 1999

J C Thill

Thill, J.C., 1999. Multicriteria Decision-Making and Analysis: A Geographic Infor-mation Sciences approach. Ashgate, New York.

Identificaçã de a ´ reas para implan-taçã de aterros sanitá rios com uso de aná lise estraté gica de decisã

Jan 2000
231-250

M L Calijuri
A L O Melo
J F Lorentz

Calijuri, M.L., Melo, A.L.O., Lorentz, J.F., 2000. Identificaçã de a ´ reas para implan-taçã de aterros sanitá rios com uso de aná lise estraté gica de decisã. Inform. Pú blica 4 (2), 231–250.

Riparian ecology in Zion National Park

Jan 1992
32-42

K T Harper
S C Sanderson
E D Mcarthur

Harper, K.T., Sanderson, S.C., McArthur, E.D., 1992. Riparian ecology in Zion National Park, Utah. Int. Gen. Tech. Rep. 298, 32–42.

As perturbaçõ es ambientais sofridas pelos fragmentos de matas ciliares no setor da alta bacia do rio Passa Cinco, Ipeú na-SP: uma abordagem baseada em ecologia da paisagem e car-acterizaçã fisionô mica da vegetaçã

Jan 2003
87-88

T S Azevedo
A G Manzatto
M C Ferreira

Azevedo, T.S., Manzatto, A.G., Ferreira, M.C., 2003. As perturbaçõ es ambientais sofridas pelos fragmentos de matas ciliares no setor da alta bacia do rio Passa Cinco, Ipeú na-SP: uma abordagem baseada em ecologia da paisagem e car-acterizaçã fisionô mica da vegetaçã. In: Claudino-Sales, V., Tonini, I.M., Dantas, E.W.C. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 6th Congresso de Ecologia do Brasil, vol. 3, Brazil, pp. 87–88.

Riparian ecology in Zion National Park, Utah

Jan 1992
32

Harper

As perturbações ambientais sofridas pelos fragmentos de matas ciliares no setor da alta bacia do rio Passa Cinco, Ipeúna-SP: uma abordagem baseada em ecologia da paisagem e caracterização fisionômica da vegetação

Jan 2003
87

Azevedo

Identificação de áreas para implantação de aterros sanitários com uso de análise estratégica de decisão

Jan 2000
231

Calijuri

Definition of priority areas for forest conservation through the ordered weighted averaging method

Abstract

No full-text available

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