USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY TO ANALYSE VEGETATION VULNERABILITY: APPLICATION TO PRISHTINA, KOSOVO

The vulnerability of vegetation, influenced by factors of different levels, is a growing concern in Kosovo, particularly in the Municipality of Prishtina.This study investigates the extent and causes of vegetation vulnerability by analyzing key factors: roads, land use, slope, and settlements.Using GIS and Remote Sensing, the pairwise comparison method was applied to calculate the weight of each factor's impact.A weighted overlay method was employed to create a risk map of vegetation vulnerability.Results reveal that areas near roads, with gentle slopes, and unplanned land use are most vulnerable to vegetation degradation.Conversely, regions with steep slopes, planned land use, and distance from roads show lower vulnerability.Population density further exacerbates vegetation risk, emphasizing the need for proper planning and sustainable natural resource management.This research highlights the importance of positive land use practices and proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of rapid urbanization on natural vegetation.