Klimaatvariabiliteit en de respons van tropische ecosystemen onder invloed van ENSO: inzichten uit Ecuador met behulp van remote sensing

Land degradation is defined not only as the loss or diminution of ecosystem services in an area, but as the loss of the normal functions of an ecosystem in a territory. Since degradation is a slow and progressive process, it is difficult to detect it in areas with different characteristics. That is why it is imperative to implement control and restoration activities and policies, which are only possible through the study of land degradation drivers and triggers that can lead to a degradation process, along with constant monitoring of zones with risks of degradation according to its physical characteristics: slope, amount of organic matter, salinity, annual precipitation, evapotranspiration rates, among others. Based on this situation, we have the limitation that field monitoring campaigns are highly expensive; however, we currently have remote sensing technology, which is a cost-effective measurement tool for periodic monitoring of large areas, through the analysis of satellite images, the study of vegetation indexes and the monitoring of physical characteristics of risk zones. Thus, the present study aims initially at the detection of degradation zones with the analysis of satellite images and the use of vegetation indexes in a timeline, to create a baseline of land degradation and find the potentials hot spots where the study will focus. Subsequently, the combination of physical and climatic characteristics, together with the data collected from the indices, will help to define the driver that caused the degradation process and together with this a possible trigger within the territory management. Finally, the study may help as a tool for planning and management of the territory to avoid degradation in areas with similar characteristics.