Mapping vegetation vulnerability using geospatial technology: application to Prishtina, Kosovo

Abstract

The influence of factors of different levels on the reduction and loss of vegetation is known as the vulnerability of vegetation. We have used roads, land use, slope, and settlements as variables first to determine the vulnerability of vegetation and then to analyze it. In Kosovo in general, and Prishtina in particular, extraordinary pressure has been exerted on natural vegetation. Given the negative effects of vegetation changes, to minimize or, at best, stop it altogether, we tried to investigate the degree of vulnerability of vegetation and its causes in the Municipality of Prishtina. Considering the influence each factor has regarding the effect they have on the vegetation, this paper classifies these factors based on their impact. We have done this based on the rankings previously made by different experts and on the importance of each factor—the weight of the impact using GIS and Remote Sensing. Their calculation was done using the pairwise comparison method, and, for each factor, their cartographic presentation was done using a weighted overlay. From all this, in the end, the map of the risk of vegetation vulnerability was compiled. The results showed that the areas most at risk of degradation lie close to the roads in which human activities stand out; areas where the slope of the terrain is gentle—suitable for human activities; and areas in which land use has been done in an unplanned manner. Whereas, in contrast, in all those areas in which preliminary planning for land use has been made—positive administration; in areas where the slope is high—unsuitable for human activities; and, in areas far from roads, are less vulnerable to vegetation degradation. Furthermore, to avoid the worst, which is the degradation of the natural environment, every action must have proper planning—there should be (positive) planning for land use and positive practices for natural resource management.

Full text

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NEW ACHIEVEMENTS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ARTS
ICNA-STA
4th - 5th May 2023, Prishtina, Kosova
33 | Page
Mapping vegetation vulnerability using geospatial technology: application
to Prishtina, Kosovo
Albert Berila1*, Florim Isufi1 , Ferat Krasniqi1
1University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mother
Theresa, n.n, Prishtina, Kosovo
* Corresponding author e-mail (albert.berila@uni-pr.edu)
Abstract
The influence of factors of different levels on the reduction and loss of vegetation is known as
the vulnerability of vegetation. We have used roads, land use, slope, and settlements as
variables first to determine the vulnerability of vegetation and then to analyze it. In Kosovo in
general, and Prishtina in particular, extraordinary pressure has been exerted on natural
vegetation. Given the negative effects of vegetation changes, to minimize or, at best, stop it
altogether, we tried to investigate the degree of vulnerability of vegetation and its causes in the
Municipality of Prishtina. Considering the influence each factor has regarding the effect they
have on the vegetation, this paper classifies these factors based on their impact. We have done
this based on the rankings previously made by different experts and on the importance of each
factor—the weight of the impact using GIS and Remote Sensing. Their calculation was done
using the pairwise comparison method, and, for each factor, their cartographic presentation was
done using a weighted overlay. From all this, in the end, the map of the risk of vegetation
vulnerability was compiled. The results showed that the areas most at risk of degradation lie
close to the roads in which human activities stand out; areas where the slope of the terrain is
gentle—suitable for human activities; and areas in which land use has been done in an
unplanned manner. Whereas, in contrast, in all those areas in which preliminary planning for
land use has been made—positive administration; in areas where the slope is high—unsuitable
for human activities; and, in areas far from roads, are less vulnerable to vegetation degradation.
Furthermore, to avoid the worst, which is the degradation of the natural environment, every
action must have proper planning—there should be (positive) planning for land use and positive
practices for natural resource management.
Key words: Vegetation vulnerability, GIS, Remote Sensing, factors weighting.