The Evolution of Land-Use Changes in the Alto Tâmega Region, Portugal: From 1990 to 2018 – A Vision of Sustainable Planning

Abstract

Considering the complex dynamics, patterns, and particularities that the Alto Tâmega region present—e.g., the fragility, shown to achieve sustainable development and growth—a study that analyzes the Land-Use of this region is seen as pivotal to identifying barriers and opportunities for long-term sustainable development, get a vision of sustainable planning. Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), the present chapter enables us to identify the dynamics and patterns of the evolution of the Land-Use Changes in the Alto Tâmega Region from 1990 to 2018 (years 1990, 2000, 2012, and 2018 using CORINE (Coordination of Information on the Environment) data). Land-Use Changes studies are reliable tools to evaluate the human activities and footprint of proposed strategies and policies in a territory. This study permits us to reinforce that the Land-Use Changes in the Alto Tâmega Region have undergone multiple changes—marked by increasing and decreasing periods. Also, can be considered a surveying baseline for the comparative analysis of similar works for different Land-Use Changes trends in Europe or worldwide. This chapter also enables us to understand that the main actors should design development policies to protect, preserve and conserve these incomparable landscapes, environments, ecosystems, and the region as a whole.