Structure et modélisation du carbone de la Forêt Classée de Missahohoé au Togo

Context and background:Forest ecosystems have the capacity to regulate the climate as sink of carbon. This function allows them to maintain the ecological balance of the planet. Given the intensity of the ever-increasing human pressures on these ecosystems, it is urgent to quantify and spatialize their carbon storage potential in time and space in order to implement more appropriate environmental management practices and policies.Goal and objectives:The present study, which focused on the structure of woodland formations and carbon modeling of the Classified Forest of Missahohoé (CFM), intends to contribute to the sustainable management of protected areas in Togo. More specifically, it aims to: (i) determine the vegetation structure of the FCM and (ii) model the carbon in the MCF.Methodology:The methodology consisted on forest mensuration within 27 plots sized 50 m x 20 m. Dendrometric data were used to characterized the structure of the woodland formations, to estimate biomass and carbon stocks. The InVEST and MOLUSCE models combined with Landsat images was used to predict carbon sequestration for the year 2035 based on observed changes in this forest ecosystem.Results:The results of the diameter class structure reveal that these woodlands are dominated by young tree reflecting strong anthropogenic pressure namely shifting fields and illegally extraction of firewood. Between 2020 and 2035, for the whole target classified forest, a gain of 627.75 Mg of carbon is predicted. On the other hand, at the level of land use units, riparian/dense forests and tree/shrub savannahs will experience a carbon loss of -9.21% and -1.61% respectively. The economic value of the total carbon that would be sequestered in 2035 by the FCM is estimated at $3,197,148.85. The total loss of ecosystem service value in the two land use units from 2020 to 2035 would be$58,851.98. This study recommends restoration/reforestation as the most practical strategy for mitigating carbon loss and calls for increased access to renewable energy sources for local communities

Feu de végétation entraîne la dégradation et la déforestation du Parc National Fazao-Malfakassa (PNFM) au Togo

Contexte et justification : Le feu de végétation demeure une technique de gestion et d’aménagement des aires protégées. Elle peut aussi se révéler négative pour la conservation des écosystèmes forestiers et la biodiversité. But et objectifs : L’étude s’est focalisée sur la dynamique de la végétation et du feu de végétation du Parc National Fazao-Malfakassa (RFFM) au Togo. Plus spécifiquement, il s’agit d’évaluer la dynamique d’occupation du sol et de l’occurrence du feu entre 2000 et 2020 dans la réserve de faune de Fazao-Malfakassa au Togo. Méthodologie : L’analyse s’est basée sur des images satellites de 2014, 2000 et 2020. La comparaison des résultats de classification des images de l’occupation du sol et de l’occurrence du feu de végétation a permis de ressortir l’impact du feu de végétation sur la dynamique de la végétation. Résultats : L’analyse cartographique montre une progression des Champs/Jachères (1,73 %), Forêts claires (1,43 %), des Forêts sèches/Galeries (2,53 %) et Savanes arborées/Savanes arbustives (1,13 %) au détriment des savanes boisées qui connaissent une régression de 3,35 % par an. Elle révèle aussi une progression de 33,35 % des feux de végétation qui se concentrent principalement dans les parties sud-est et nord-est du parc. Le feu de végétation serait la principale cause de régression des savanes boisées.

Empreinte anthropique sur la dynamique des écosystèmes de la forêt classée d’Amou-Mono au Togo

In recent years, Togo's protected areas have been subject to a worrying process of anthropisation. This has led to a decline in forest ecosystems, their biodiversity and their functions. The general objective of this study is to assess the state of conservation of the classified forest of Amou-Mono between 1986 and 2021. More specifically, it aims to: (i) characterize the dynamics of land use from 1986, 2000, 2013 and 2021 and, (ii) assess the impact of changes in land use on the potential for carbon sequestration. A multi-date classification of Landsat images for the years 1986, 2000, 2013 and 2021 made it possible to quantify and assess changes in occupation. The dynamics of land use between 1986 and 2021 is mainly reflected by a regression of dense/riparian forests (81.40%) and open forests/wooded savannahs (67.79%) and the progression of wooded/shrubby Savannah (172.93%). Anthropogenic formations: Fields/fallow and Agglomerations/Bare soils, absent in 1986, occupy in 2021 respective proportions of 38.1 % and 2.19%. Human activities, particularly logging and agricultural clearing, are causing fragmentation and regression of forest ecosystems. Unless action is taken to reverse the trend, the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in this classified forest will be increasingly threatened

Wildfires degrade and deforest Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (FMNP) in Togo

Context and background: Prescribed fire remains a technique for the management and development of protected areas. It can also be detrimental to the conservation of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. Goal and objectives: The study focuses on the dynamics of vegetation and forest fires in the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (FMNP) in Togo. Specifically, it aims to assess land use/land cover and wildfire dynamics between 2000 and 2020 in FMNP, Togo. Methodology: The analysis used satellite images from 2014, 2000 and 2020. By comparing the results of land cover classification and wildfire occurrence, the impact of wildfire on vegetation dynamics was revealed. Results: The map analysis shows an increase in Fields/Fallows (1.73%), Open Forests (1.43%), Dry/riparian Forests (2.53%) and Wooded/Shrub Savannahs (1.13%), at the expense of Wooded Savannahs, which are decreasing by 3.35% per year. It also shows a 33.35% increase in vegetation fires. These are mainly concentrated in the south-eastern and north-eastern parts of the park. Wildfires have been identified as the main cause of the declining wooded savannahs

Wildfires degrade and deforest Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (FMNP) in Togo

Context and background: Prescribed fire remains a technique for the management and development of protected areas. It can also be detrimental to the conservation of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. Goal and objectives: The study focuses on the dynamics of vegetation and forest fires in the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (FMNP) in Togo. Specifically, it aims to assess land use/land cover and wildfire dynamics between 2000 and 2020 in FMNP, Togo. Methodology: The analysis used satellite images from 2014, 2000 and 2020. By comparing the results of land cover classification and wildfire occurrence, the impact of wildfire on vegetation dynamics was revealed. Results: The map analysis shows an increase in Fields/Fallows (1.73%), Open Forests (1.43%), Dry/riparian Forests (2.53%) and Wooded/Shrub Savannahs (1.13%), at the expense of Wooded Savannahs, which are decreasing by 3.35% per year. It also shows a 33.35% increase in vegetation fires. These are mainly concentrated in the south-eastern and north-eastern parts of the park. Wildfires have been identified as the main cause of the declining wooded savannahs