Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics of Golcuk Planning Unit over 43 years and implications of international conventions to management planning approach

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to measure Land Use Land Cover Change & forest cover type changes by studying the spatial-temporal dynamics over 43 years using GIS, analyze patterns of change in the landscape of Gölcük planning unit with special focus on forest fragmentation and analysis of forest management dynamics in relation to Turkey's commitments on forestry related international agreements. The study area covers 12307.8 ha of Gölcük Forest management planning unit. Using the spatial database of 1972, 2004 and 2015. The LULCC map 1972 to 2015 shows that the coppice forest and agricultural area reduced and an additional cadastral and mix class of residential and agriculture emerged as well as forest area was increased.The species mix map revealed that the coppice forest is replaced by mixed forest and pure stands, the increase in forest cover in non-forest areas thus decreasing the non-forest area and deforested areas. Crown closure and development stage change map shows large amount of positive change showing between 1972 and 2015, and 1972 to 2004. In 1972, 5856.2 ha total forest area whereas, in 2004,7581.3ha total forest area exist which increased to 8307.4 ha total forest area in 2015. The forest value maps show general economic and noneconomic functions in 1972 changed to aesthetic, firewood, herbal uses and soil erosion control functions in 2004 and 2015. The patch analysis also shows the fragmentation of landscape which can be susceptible to the harsh environmental conditions. After 2004, as Turkey signed UNCBD and UNFCCC forestry related agreement so the management plans were prepared according to ecosystem-based multiple uses such as ecologic, biodiversity, recreational, economic and socio-cultural functions.