Application of Remote sensing and GIS on studying the impact of « Jasmin revolution » on Mellegue catchment

Abstract

Abstract “Jasmin revolution” is a Tunisian revolt occurred in 2011 referring to the first uprising that unleashed similar events in Middle East and North-Africa called “Arab Spring”. This revolution has led to series of political actions where the government has passed through consecutives bumps that caused socio-political insecurity and environmental damage. The watershed of Mellegue is a cross-border basin belonging to Algeria and Tunisia. It is a vast catchment occupying more than 10500 km². This paper aimed to study the post-revolution impacts on the watershed Mellegue using geospatial data, remote sensing and GIS. It highlights that the resources were significantly consumed. Remote sensing analysis showed that forests were reduced due to anthropogenic activities. Water quantification revealed an over-consumption of these resources where the consumption rate was intensified after 2011 revolution. Population census using geospatial data and modelling approach exhibits a total increase in demography of the study area but also exposes an antagonist behaviour in Algerian territory compared to the Tunisian lands of the catchment. The Algerian demography are in consistent rise unlike Tunisian population that showed a stable to even decline in population growth.