Assessment of the impact of urbanisation on agricultural and forest areas in the coastal zone of Mostaganem (western Algeria)

Abstract

The accelerated and uncontrolled urbanisation in the coastal zone of Mostaganem is exclusively at the expense of agricultural and natural areas and is reflected in the aggravation of their degradation. The study area is a 62-km-long littoral to the west of Mostaganem and includes 11 municipalities. The Corine Land Cover nomenclature was used by exploiting data from Landsat satellite images over a 30-year period. The exploitation of statistics related to agricultural and forestry areas reveals a worrying dynamics. All spaces are under pressure mainly due to urbanisation. The phenomena of urbanization and coastalisation and the development of seaside tourism have increased the pressures on natural heritage to the point of compromising it. The analysis identified seven thematic object classes for the study area. An assessment of the dynamics of urban, forest and agricultural areas is an informative indicator of the sustainability of natural areas in the coastline of Mostaganem. The cultivated areas measured from 42,356 ha in 1985 to 38,301 ha in 2015,forest formations from 8207 ha to 9298 ha and urbanised areas from 2604 ha to 5049 ha. The dramatic land use change stimulated by rapid urbanisation in the study areas has resulted in a fundamental change in the landscape pattern. The thematic maps and the results obtained through different periods show that the predominant agricultural landscape has been gradually converted into urban areas.

Protection and enhancement of the coastal area of the wilaya of El Tarf (Algeria): Automatic analysis using computer tools

“…These results suggest a trend toward a decrease in forested area in the study area over time, which can have significant implications for the environment and biodiversity of the region (Mostari et al, 2021). On the other hand, the simultaneous increase observed in the area of agricultural land and urban zones indicates a proportional response to growing demand.…”

Ecodendrometric study of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) in the region of Mostaganem (western Algeria)

“…In view of this situation, it is necessary to implement a sustainable strategy for the conservation and protection of stone pine stands, which should be based on the following actions: • placed under protection -surface reserved for the rejuvenation of the forest stands; • sylvopastoralism -which is the use of forests as a grazing area for livestock; but if it is not controlled, grazing becomes a factor of regression and risk through browsing of regeneration; • reforestation works -reforestation work is necessary for the reconstitution of degraded ecosystems. This degradation is very advanced in the region of Mostaganem, especially in the coastal areas (Mostari et al, 2021). The stone pine deserves a more advanced place in the reforestation programmes in Algeria because of its ecological importance (fixing of coastal dunes, fight against erosion, etc) on the one hand and economic importance (wood, edible pine nuts, etc) on the other hand and • preventive silviculture -the objective of this action is to obtain a composition and structure of the stands that will counteract the spread of fire and limit the damage caused to trees.…”

Overview of Ecological Dynamics in Morocco – Biodiversity, Water Scarcity, Climate Change, Anthropogenic Pressures, and Energy Resources – Navigating Towards Ecosolutions and Sustainable Development

“…In the forest environment, unsustainable extraction of nontimber products, overgrazing, and land clearing for agriculture and urbanization have further exacerbated degradation [40]. The situation is further complicated by the rapid urbanization of the region, which is encroaching on agricultural and natural areas [41]. These issues are not unique to Morocco, as similar challenges are faced in other regions, such as the East African coastal forest, where illegal logging, poaching, and weak governance are contributing to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss [42].…”