Forests as indicators of changes in the geographical landscape

Deforestation and fragmentation of forest ecosystems serve as key indicators of geographical landscape transformation, as they influence regional climate, water balance, and biodiversity, thereby altering ecological stability and natural processes. The study aimed to determine spatiotemporal changes in forest cover between 2016 and 2024, analyse the factors driving these processes, and assess their ecological consequences. To achieve this, satellite imagery, automated land cover classification methods, spatial analysis, and statistical change assessment techniques were employed. The findings revealed significant variations in forest cover dynamics depending on geographical location and natural-anthropogenic factors. The most substantial forest losses were recorded in the Amazon Basin and Central Africa, where forest cover decreased by 9.2% and 8.3%, respectively, due to agricultural expansion, uncontrolled logging, and mineral extraction. In the Balkan region and East Asia, deforestation rates were lower (10.5% and 2.7%); however, increased forest fragmentation and declining bioproductivity indicate gradual deterioration of these territories' ecological conditions. In South America, within Mediterranean climate zones, forest cover area decreased by 13%, primarily driven by increased frequency of wildfires and droughts. Analysis of the spatial heterogeneity index demonstrated that forest fragmentation levels rose across all studied regions, reflecting intensified anthropogenic pressure. The results highlighted spatial heterogeneity in forest cover changes and their impact on ecological processes. It was established that forest loss in the studied regions coincides with escalating ecosystem fragmentation, which may alter local climatic conditions, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt water balance. The practical significance of this study lies in the urgent need to develop effective conservation strategies to prevent further degradation of forest landscapes