Mangrove vulnerability modelling in parts of Western Niger Delta, Nigeria using satellite images, GIS techniques and Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (SMCA)
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Date
2011
Authors
Omo-Irabor, O.O
Olobaniyi, S.B
Akunna, J
Venus, V
Maina, J.M
Paradzayi, C
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Environmental monitoring and assessment
Abstract
Mangroves are known for their global
environmental and socioeconomic value. Despite
their importance, mangrove like other ecosystems
is now being threatened by natural and humaninduced
processes that damage them at alarming
rates, thereby diminishing the limited number of
existing mangrove vegetation. The development
of a spatial vulnerability assessment model that
takes into consideration environmental and socioeconomic
criteria, in spatial and non-spatial
formats has been attempted in this study. According
to the model, 11 different input parameters
are required in modelling mangrove vulnerability.
These parameters and their effects on mangrove
vulnerability were selected and weighted by experts
in the related fields. Criteria identification
and selection were mainly based on effects of environmental
and socioeconomic changes associated
with mangrove survival. The results obtained revealed
the dominance of socioeconomic criteria
such as population pressure and deforestation,
with high vulnerability index of 0.75. The environmental
criteria was broadly dispersed in the
study area and represents vulnerability indices
ranging from 0.00–0.75. This category reflects the
greater influence of pollutant input from oil wells
and pipelines and minimal contribution from climatic
factors. This project has integrated spatial
management framework for mangrove vulnerability
assessment that utilises information technology
in conjunction with expert knowledge and
multi-criteria analysis to aid planners and policy/
decision makers in the protection of this very
fragile ecosystem.
Description
Keywords
Satellite remote sensing , Data management , Spatial modelling , Environmental monitoring , Coastal management , Vulnerability
Citation
Omo-Irabor, O. O., Olobaniyi, S. B., Akunna, J., Venus, V., Maina, J. M., & Paradzayi, C. (2011). Mangrove vulnerability modelling in parts of Western Niger Delta, Nigeria using satellite images, GIS techniques and Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (SMCA). Environmental monitoring and assessment, 178(1-4), 39-51.