Dynamics of forest cover, 1971-2021, in a basin within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Abstract

Abstract Forest dynamics over 50 years (1971-2021) in a hydrographic basin were studied in a multi-temporal comparative analysis using orthocorrected mosaics, Spot satellite panchromatic images and a Google Earth image to determine the effects of inclusion within a protected area. Within the La Hacienda basin, five periods were analyzed: from 1971 to 1984, there had been remarkable forest recovery; in 1984-1994 and 1994-2004, after protection areas were decreed, there was greater disturbance than recovery; in 2004-2015 and 2015-2021 there was a notable recovery attributable to payment for environmental services from 2000 and to reforestation programs from 2004. Overall, 46.70% of this basin had undergone change: forest recovery 21.67% and forest disturbance 24.73%. There was a 51% reduction in the oyamel forest and partially passive and active reforestation had led to the formation of new forest associations. Changes in the vegetation and in the socio-economy of the local inhabitants indicated that to minimize environmental impacts the design of a forested protected area in a developing country must consider land tenure, hydrography and the consensus of the landowners.