Methodology and practical implementation of assessing the scale and consequences of fires within the Emerald network of Volyn and Zhytomyr Polissya using remote sensing
Abstract
Introduction. Climate change, anthropogenic pressure and wildfires are key threats to ecosystems, including unique protected areas. The sites of the Emerald Network in Volyn and Zhytomyr Polissya are important for the conservation of biodiversity at the national and European levels, but at the same time suffer from the negative effects of fires.
The purpose of article is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the scale and consequences of fires within the Emerald Network sites in Volyn and Zhytomyr Polissya using remote sensing data, taking into account the specific natural conditions of the region and the specific nature conservation status of the territories.
The object of the study is the natural complexes of the Emerald Network sites in Volyn and Zhytomyr Polissya that are affected by fires.
The subject of the study is the regularities of the spread and spatial distribution of fires within the Emerald Network sites of Volyn and Zhytomyr Polissya.
Data and methods. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) service was used to obtain the initial data. From there, a data array on thermal anomalies recorded by the MODIS Aqua and MODIS Terra satellites during 2012-24 was downloaded. Data sampling was carried out for the territories of Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr regions of Ukraine. The main statistical indicators of fire occurrence for this period were calculated. A corresponding vector data layer was created in QGIS. The density of hot spots was calculated for each cell of a regular grid. A layer of Emerald Network object contours was created for the area of interest, based on data from the Emerald Network by European Environment Agency portal. The number of hot spots within each Emerald Network territory was calculated.
Results. It was found that meadow ecosystems were most often affected by fires. This indicates their low resilience and the need to comply with fire prevention rules. Despite their different structure and protection status, the Emerald Network areas provide better protection of habitats from fire threats. This is evidenced by GIS and statistical analysis of the dataset on the intensity and frequency of fires.
The scientific novelty. An integrated approach is proposed for identifying fire hotspots, assessing affected areas, and classifying the degree of impact on natural ecosystems, in particular on protected habitats and species.
Practical significance. The proposed methodology allows for the optimization of satellite data use for risk assessment and restoration of disturbed ecosystems.
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References
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