Identification of spatial ecological sensitivity in Banyumas region

Ecological sensitivity can explain spatial ecological conditions that have the potential to face disturbances and stresses. Spatial ecological sensivity assessment helps to understand the relationship between ecological component in specific spatial scale. The level of ecological sensitivity depends on spatial regional characteristics. Banyumas regency are the area with Slamet mountainous-type National Parks, which is a priority area for conservation and relatively sensitive to various disturbances. Eruption hazard zone, elevation, slope, distance from main river, vegetation cover, land surface temperature, and built-up densitiy are components that considered in ecological sensitivity assessments. This research aims to assess the level of spatial ecological sensitivity based on ecological sensitivity index (ESI) for areas with vulnerability to volcanic eruptions. The mathematical measurement model of the ESI system is combined with geographic information system (GIS) technology to generate location attributes. Spatial data is obtained through remote sensing digital image processing that highlight synoptic aspects in understanding region heterogeneity. Each parameters have different influence on ecological sensitivity levels, that are represented by the priority weight determined by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) techniques. There are four classes of ecological sensitivity in Banyumas: very low (51.3 km2), low (900.6 km2), moderate (325.6 km2), and high sensitivity (108.97 km2). The distribution pattern of ESI values shows that poor sensitivity conditions are surrounded by areas with improved sensitivity due to the spatial distribution of slope and elevation conditions. The ESI spatial pattern can be used as a reference for policy making to maintain regional functions. © 2021 SPIE.