Mapping of trends in the evolution of plant cover In classified and managed forests in Haute-Casamance between 1965 and 2018

Context and background This study analyzes the spatio-temporal evolution of the plant cover in the classified and managed forests of Haute-Casamance between 1965 and 2018. Goal and objectives The study focused on six forest areas which reflect the evolution of plant cover in Haute-Casamance, including three classified (Pata, Kantora and Dabo) and three developed (Sare Bidji, Medina Salam Dingha and Bonconto). Methodology The approach used is based on a visual interpretation, from Corona 1965 and Sentinel 2 imagery from 2018, of land use trends and vegetation changes. Results The results indicated a great variability in plant cover depending on the area, the geographical position of these perimeters in the study area, and anthropogenic pressure. With the exception of the classified forest of Dabo located in the south, the forests of the classified domain (Pata and Kantora which are exposed in the north) have experienced a greater conversion of plant cover. They are also more affected by human actions than the forests in the managed area. Likewise, the managed forest of Medina Salam Dingha, located a little further north, has undergone a greater conversion of vegetation than those reserved a little more in the south. Moreover, in the managed forest of Bonconto, the tendency is to regenerate the vegetation cover. These different trends in vegetation raise the issue of the current status of certain classified forests and the importance of forest management