By: Olaiya T. O.;
Abstract:
Increase in
urbanization and human activities has caused notable changes in global forest
cover structure, with significant effect on the ecological value associated
with forest resources. Sustainable management and monitoring of urban green
spaces can contribute to the resilience of cities to lessen the severity of the
effects of urban losses. This study
assessed the spatial distribution of urban green spaces in Akure
metropolis, in Ondo State, Nigeria using Geographical Information System (GIS)
and other Remote
Sensing (RS) tools. Landsat imageries for the years 1995, 2005, 2015,
and 2025 were classified on ArcMap 10.4.1. Also, landscape metrics was done for
the classified classes using FRAGSTATS. The GIS result shows a sharp decline in
dense forest from 36.69 Km2 (1995) to 5.77 Km2 (2025) and
a progressive increase in non-forested area from 28.67 Km2 (1995) to
92.99 Km2 (2025). FRAGSTATS metrics collectively highlight a
landscape in transition. Dense forest becoming increasingly fragmented and less
connected, with Patch Density of 1.333 in 1995 which rose to 9.717 in 2025,
while non-forested areas with Patch Density of 0.3314 (1995) rose to 1.2427 (2025)
dominating the spatial structure. This study recommends incorporation of green
infrastructure into the master plan of Akure Metropolis, protection of remnant
forests through legal framework, community-based forest management, and a
continuous monitoring using remote sensing and GIS.
Keywords: Urbanization; Remote Sensing and GIS; Urban Forestry; Environmental Sustainability; Akure Metropolis
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