Detecting mangrove deforestation using multi land use land cover change datasets: A comparative analysis in Southeast Asia

Mangrove forest grows on tropical coastal areas and has an ecological role for its surrounding environment. Mangrove forest protects the coast from large waves and becomes a habitat for various marine fauna. It stores the highest densities of carbon among any other ecosystem globally. In Southeast Asia, Mangrove forest is highly biodiverse and contributes to the sustainability of the ecosystem. However, based on previous studies, mangrove forests are experiencing deforestation due to high demands of commodities and land use. In this study, we analyzed changes of land cover in Southeast Asia using several global land cover products produced between 2001 and 2012 and their correlation with mangrove deforestation based on Mangrove Forest Watch (CGMFC-21) data. LULC data products applied in this study were ESA CCI LC, MODIS LC, GlobCover. The analysis was carried out by calculating the rate of increase in mangrove deforestation and comparing it with changes in land cover that replaced the mangrove area temporally. The results of this study were land cover classes that replaced mangrove forest areas in the study period. Based on the results it could be concluded that the methods and products used influence the results. There are many sources of data products that might be used for future research, with other methods that are better so that they provide space for future research and development. Our study can be used as a consideration to implement policies that conserve mangrove forest across Southeast Asia.