Land use and land cover analysis with special reference to mangrove dynamics for sustainable use in the Rosario River sub-basin, Pixvae, Panama

Abstract

Effective land use planning necessitates integrating environmental parameters to assess spatial patterns and ecosystem conditions, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions. Mangrove ecosystems provide critical ecological services, yet they face increasing threats from anthropogenic pressures. This study combines remote sensing and field-based structural analysis to classify land cover and assess mangrove conditions in Ensenada de Rosario in Panama, supporting environmental planning. Using high-resolution PlanetScope satellite imagery within the ArcGIS Pro environment, we applied spectral analysis through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to classify land cover into five spectral classes and quantify four primary land use categories. Field validation in July 2023 involved four 10 × 10 m quadrants spaced 50 m apart, where mangrove species were identified, and structural parameters—including diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, volume, basal area (BA), and density—were measured. Results indicate that the mangrove is a fringe type dominated by Rhizophora mangle, covering 24.7% of the sub-basin, while the anthroponatural landscape accounts for 3.2%. Structural analysis revealed an average DBH of 14.3 ± 2.6 cm, mean tree height of 6.8 ± 1.4 m, and basal area of 18.5 ± 3.2 m2/ha, indicating moderate forest development. Model uncertainties were estimated at ±5% for NDVI classification and ±10% for structural parameter measurements. These findings underscore the value of integrating remote sensing and field verification for land use classification and mangrove conservation, providing a methodological framework for balancing development with ecological sustainability in coastal environments.