Evaluating ecological impacts through geospatial analysis of land use land cover dynamics in Jarmet wetland ecosystems in Western Ethiopia

Abstract Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and fostering complex relationships among plant and animal species. The global decline in wetlands due to human activities significantly impacts biodiversity and ecosystem stability, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation. This study utilizes satellite remote sensing to monitor land use changes in the Jarmet wetlands over 29 years, analyzing their effects on ecosystem dynamics. It examines the relationship between biodiversity and the ecological stability of wetland ecosystems, aiming to identify key factors behind land use and cover changes (LULCC) and their impact on biodiversity. To investigate the impact of LULC dynamics on wetlands, this study employed Landsat imagery with a spatial resolution of 30 m. The dataset included Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery from 1986, Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images from 2000 and 2005, and Operational Land Imager (OLI) data from 2015. Using multi-source satellite imagery, maximum likelihood algorithms, and advanced spatial tools within a Geographic Information System (GIS), LULCC was mapped. The analysis indicates a substantial 45.9% increase in agricultural areas and a 4.1% rise in built-up and plantation areas, signifying habitat degradation and altered hydrological patterns resulting from drainage and land use changes. Conversely, grasslands, forested areas, wetlands, and shrublands experienced reductions of 21.3%, 14.7%, 7.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. These LULCCs, driven primarily by human activities, threaten the ecological integrity of the Jarmet wetland. The study offers recommendations for sustainable conservation and management, emphasizing the need for comprehensive environmental policies to prevent further ecological degradation.