Spatial and temporal evolution of relict wetlands in the Villa Baja sector of Los Pantanos de Villa Ramsar site (2003-2019)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21142/SS-0202-2021-ac001Keywords:
Anthropogenic activities, coastal wetland, Los Pantanos de Villa, relict wetland, Ramsar site, buffer zoneAbstract
The buffer zone of Los Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (RVSPV) constitutes a transition zone between the wetland and the urban area. In recent years, there have been changes in land use within this sector, and these have not been quantified. The aim of this research was to evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of the relict wetlands and urbanization in the buffer zone (Villa Baja sector) from 2003 to 2019. To this end, an analysis of the buildings and the extent of vegetation cover in this zone in 2003, 2010, 2015 and 2019 was conducted. Google Earth satellite images were used, followed by supervised classification of the areas. Finally, ArcGIS maps were constructed. The results obtained show an increase of 21.31 ha in buildings, while natural vegetation decreased by 15.01 ha (representing a reduction of 52.7%), over 16 years. If this rate of decrease is maintained, by the year 2031 there may no longer be any areas of natural vegetation in this wetland sector. The reduction identified is closely associated with human activities in the area.
