The Relationship Between The Canopy Density And Land Use Based On The Analysis Of Satellite Imagery And Geographical Information Systems In Gunung Leuser National Park (Case Study Of The Tangkahan Resort Forest Area, Cinta Raja, Sei Lepan And Leuser Ecosystem Areas (KEL)

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The Relationship Between Canopy Density and Land Use in Gunung Leuser National Park: A Satellite and GIS Image Analysis

Introduction

Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) is a vital conservation area in Indonesia that faces significant threats due to changes in land use. The expansion of oil palm and rubber plantations, as well as illegal logging, has led to forest destruction and a decrease in vegetation canopy density. To monitor these changes quickly and accurately, this research utilizes remote sensing technology and geographical information systems (GIS). This study focuses on the area of the Tangkahan resort forest, Cinta Raja, Sei Lepan, and the Leuser Ecosystem (KEL) area, analyzing satellite imagery from 2002 and 2007.

Background

TNGL is a protected area that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. However, the park faces numerous threats, including deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. The expansion of oil palm and rubber plantations has led to the destruction of primary and secondary forests, resulting in a decrease in vegetation canopy density. This study aims to analyze the relationship between canopy density and land use in TNGL using satellite imagery and GIS.

Methodology

This study used satellite imagery from 2002 and 2007 to analyze the density of vegetation clearness (NDVI) in each type of land use. The analysis was carried out using remote sensing technology and GIS. The study aimed to:

  • Analyze the density of vegetation clearness (NDVI) in each type of land use in the two years.
  • Determine the correlation between the density of vegetation and land use.
  • Study changes in land use between 2002 and 2007.

Results

The results of this study showed that the value of NDVI in each type of land use in 2002 and 2007 varied between -0.375 to 0.577. In 2002, the NDVI value showed a rare, medium, and tight vegetation. In 2007, the NDVI value ranged from -0.115 to 0.646. The study also found a strong correlation between NDVI and land use in both years, with a correlation coefficient of 0.855 in 2002 and 0.903 in 2007. This indicates that changes in land use have a significant impact on vegetation canopy density.

Analysis of Land Use Changes

The analysis of land use changes showed that secondary forest area increased significantly between 2002 and 2007, reaching 19,150.37 hectares (19.80%). Conversely, primary forest area decreased significantly, which is 21,099.17 hectares (22%). This indicates that the expansion of oil palm and rubber plantations has led to the destruction of primary and secondary forests.

Discussion

The results of this study confirmed the importance of monitoring land use and vegetation canopy density in TNGL using remote sensing technology and GIS. This information can help TNGL managers in identifying areas that are prone to damage and formulate effective conservation strategies. It is essential to continue to monitor changes in land use and future vegetation canopy density to ensure the sustainability of leuser ecosystems.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of using remote sensing technology and GIS to monitor land use and vegetation canopy density in TNGL. The results of this study can help TNGL managers in identifying areas that are prone to damage and formulate effective conservation strategies. It is essential to continue to monitor changes in land use and future vegetation canopy density to ensure the sustainability of leuser ecosystems.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Continue to monitor changes in land use and future vegetation canopy density to ensure the sustainability of leuser ecosystems.
  • Implement effective conservation strategies to protect primary and secondary forests from deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
  • Promote sustainable land use practices, such as agroforestry and permaculture, to reduce the impact of oil palm and rubber plantations on TNGL.
  • Engage local communities in conservation efforts to ensure their participation and support in protecting TNGL.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The use of satellite imagery from 2002 and 2007 may not reflect current land use patterns.
  • The study only analyzed the area of the Tangkahan resort forest, Cinta Raja, Sei Lepan, and the Leuser Ecosystem (KEL) area.
  • The study did not account for other factors that may influence land use and vegetation canopy density, such as climate change and human population growth.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  • Analyzing current land use patterns in TNGL using remote sensing technology and GIS.
  • Examining the impact of climate change on land use and vegetation canopy density in TNGL.
  • Developing effective conservation strategies to protect primary and secondary forests from deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
  • Engaging local communities in conservation efforts to ensure their participation and support in protecting TNGL.
    Q&A: The Relationship Between Canopy Density and Land Use in Gunung Leuser National Park

Q: What is the significance of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Indonesia?

A: TNGL is a vital conservation area in Indonesia that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is one of the last remaining habitats of the Sumatran orangutan and is also a critical component of the global ecosystem.

Q: What are the main threats to TNGL?

A: The main threats to TNGL include deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. The expansion of oil palm and rubber plantations has led to the destruction of primary and secondary forests, resulting in a decrease in vegetation canopy density.

Q: What is the relationship between canopy density and land use in TNGL?

A: The study found a strong correlation between canopy density and land use in TNGL. The results showed that changes in land use have a significant impact on vegetation canopy density.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings?

A: The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in TNGL. The results highlight the importance of monitoring land use and vegetation canopy density using remote sensing technology and GIS. This information can help TNGL managers in identifying areas that are prone to damage and formulate effective conservation strategies.

Q: What are some of the recommendations made by the study?

A: The study recommends that TNGL managers continue to monitor changes in land use and future vegetation canopy density to ensure the sustainability of leuser ecosystems. It also suggests implementing effective conservation strategies to protect primary and secondary forests from deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Q: What are some of the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the use of satellite imagery from 2002 and 2007, which may not reflect current land use patterns. The study also only analyzed the area of the Tangkahan resort forest, Cinta Raja, Sei Lepan, and the Leuser Ecosystem (KEL) area.

Q: What are some of the future research directions suggested by the study?

A: The study suggests that future research should focus on analyzing current land use patterns in TNGL using remote sensing technology and GIS. It also recommends examining the impact of climate change on land use and vegetation canopy density in TNGL.

Q: How can local communities be involved in conservation efforts in TNGL?

A: Local communities can be involved in conservation efforts in TNGL by engaging them in conservation activities, such as reforestation and habitat restoration. It is also essential to educate local communities about the importance of conservation and the impact of their actions on the environment.

Q: What are some of the benefits of using remote sensing technology and GIS in conservation efforts?

A: Remote sensing technology and GIS can provide valuable information about land use and vegetation canopy density in TNGL. This information can help TNGL managers in identifying areas that are prone to damage and formulate effective conservation strategies.

Q: How can the study's findings be applied in real-world conservation efforts?

A: The study's findings can be applied in real-world conservation efforts by using remote sensing technology and GIS to monitor land use and vegetation canopy density in TNGL. This information can help TNGL managers in identifying areas that are prone to damage and formulate effective conservation strategies.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by conservation efforts in TNGL?

A: Conservation efforts in TNGL face several challenges, including deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. It is essential to address these challenges by implementing effective conservation strategies and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

Q: How can the study's findings contribute to the conservation of TNGL?

A: The study's findings can contribute to the conservation of TNGL by providing valuable information about land use and vegetation canopy density. This information can help TNGL managers in identifying areas that are prone to damage and formulate effective conservation strategies.