Temporal Analysis of Riparian Buffer Zones and Demographic Trends in the Coastal Districts of Kastamonu

Abstract

Aim of study: This study investigates the temporal changes of forest areas within and outside the Riparian Buffer Zones (RBZs) and examines their correlation with demographic trends in the coastal districts of Kastamonu from 1987, 2000, and 2016 to assess how population dynamics influence forest cover. Area of study: The study was conducted in four coastal districts in northern Kastamonu province, Türkiye, covering approximately 1000 square kilometers and focusing on 153 forest villages. Material and methods: Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing data delineated and analyzed land cover and population changes. The study used Landsat imagery and population data to explore spatial and temporal dynamics within the RBZs Main results: The study found a significant increase in forest area from 1987 to 2000 and a subsequent decrease from 2000 to 2016, with these changes showing a weak but significant negative correlation with the declining local population. Research highlihts: The findings suggest that declining rural populations may reduce anthropogenic pressures on forests and pose challenges to effective forest management and conservation. The research highlights the need for sustainable strategies integrating demographic change with forest conservation efforts to maintain ecosystem services and biodiversity.