Key Biodiversity Areas and Forest Cover Loss
摘要
Many Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) cover forest areas that are rich in biodiversity and under significant threat from anthropogenic activities. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of forest loss within KBAs is essential for developing successful conservation strategies and policies. In this chapter, we analyzed forest cover loss trends across KBAs in India from 2001 to 2020, emphasizing the role of the technology–policy Interface in reducing deforestation. Using the Google Earth Engine, we analyzed 615 KBAs to assess conservation effectiveness and improve policy decisions. The study finds that 32.05% of KBAs showed statistically significant decreases in forest loss rates, while 10.36% showed substantial increases. Mainly, Northeastern states appear as deforestation hotspots, with Manipur showing 57.14% of KBAs experiencing increasing forest cover loss. Conversely, central Indian states like Chhattisgarh exhibit conservation success, with 77.78% of KBAs indicating significant declines in deforestation rates. These regional disparities highlight the need for targeted, context-specific interventions. The study emphasizes critical areas for urgent action, including strengthening protection in the Northeast and replicating effective conservation models from central India. The study also stresses the value of long-term, high-resolution monitoring for adaptive management of protected biodiversity areas. However, the overall trends recommend some conservation development, with approximately 50% of KBAs indicating negative forest cover loss trends; the study reveals current challenges in protecting biodiversity hotspots of India. These findings offer necessary insights for policymakers and conservationists, supporting nuanced, data-driven approaches to improve the conservation of essential ecosystems in India in the face of increasing ecological pressures.