Using GIS in human impact analysis of mangroves

Abstract

In this study a GIS approach was developed to provide ground-level classification of mangrove communities and their impact by human. Mangroves around Suva are declining due to peripheral pressures from expanding land use and interior pressures of increased resource utilization. Increasing urbanisation, particularly growth of industrialisation and squatter settlements, has resulted in greater utilisation of mangrove communities (Rhizophora - Bruguiera). Better information is needed if sustainable environmental management practices are to succeed. Remote sensing is unable to provide the detail and scale of data that is required, but in situ field work, combined with GIS approaches, offers an enhanced methodology. This project examines the mangroves of the Suva peninsula using a geographical information system (GIS) approach in order to derive better techniques for monitoring, analysing and managing these deteriorating environments.