Contribution of geomatics to the analysis of the dynamics of degradation of the Mafé classified forest linked to anthropic pressures (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Understanding the functioning of the permanent domains of the State and optimizing their role require taking into account their insertion in anthropized landscapes. However, despite the policies developed and the numerous reforms undertaken in Côte d'Ivoire for the sustainable management of forests, these have continued to deteriorate. Even the Permanent Forest Estate, which is supposed to come under the private and public domain of the State, is under severe attack, with the risk of seeing the last shreds of well-preserved forests disappear. It is in this context that this study fits, the objective of which is to analyze the dynamics of degradation of the classified forest of Mafé linked to anthropogenic pressures using geomatics. To achieve this objective, the study was based on documentary research, field surveys, the use of satellite images and Geographic Information Systems. The results of the study made it possible to understand that the forest areas of the classified forest of Mafé have experienced a regression in favor of cocoa plantations, rubber, oil palm, fallow land, bare soil and degraded forest. Thus, from an area of 15,468 ha in 1987, the area of forest areas increased to 14,521 ha in 2002 to reach 2,020 ha in 2020, i.e. a loss of 13,448 ha over a period of 33 years.