Spatio-temporal changes in the Godavari mangroves: A study examining land-use change and sustainable management

Abstract

Geospatial approaches were used to explore the socio-economic and environmental aspects of land use changes in the mangroves of Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India. Large-scale changes were discovered through satellite images in mangroves. Socio-economic information was also gathered using GPS and environmental changes were examined and correlated. Additional parameters were recorded, including precipitation, temperature, freshwater flow, geomorphology, and topography to relate to modifications in the Godavari mangroves. The area of mangrove forest rose from 15,024 ha to 19,694 ha over 35 years (1977 to 2012), indicating the success of government and private afforestation measures. A socio-economic survey in villages showed that 57 % of the population felt that the main reasons for the enhanced mangrove region were restoration activities and natural phenomena, while 37 % thought that the mangrove area had decreased owing to aquaculture, agriculture, illegal harvesting, local consumption, and enhanced industrial activity, while the remaining 6 % thought that the mangrove area is decreased.