Análisis de la pérdida de cobertura boscosa entre los años 2017 al 2022 en la provincia de Mariscal Ramón Castilla, Loreto, Perú

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the magnitude and spatial distribution of forest cover loss in the province of Mariscal Ramón Castilla, located in the Loreto region, during the period from 2017 to 2022. The study was conducted under a quantitative approach, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental, retrospective design. The data used in this study were obtained from the Geobosques platform of the Ministry of the Environment and subsequently processed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analysis was based on the application of multitemporal and spatial techniques, including Kernel Density analysis, which made it possible to identify areas where forest cover loss was more concentrated. The results were systematized and presented through tables, thematic maps, and satellite imagery. The findings indicate a cumulative forest cover loss of 30,123.54 hectares during the study period, with an estimated average annual loss rate of −1.822%. The year 2020 showed the highest level of forest loss (8,456.76 ha), whereas 2017 registered the lowest affected area (2,805.03 ha). Although annual variations were observed, the temporal analysis did not demonstrate the existence of a statistically significant increasing trend. Overall, the results show that forest cover loss is unevenly distributed across the study area, providing technical information that may support environmental management and territorial planning processesThis research aimed to examine the magnitude and spatial distribution of forest cover loss in the province of Mariscal Ramón Castilla, located in the Loreto region, during the period from 2017 to 2022. The study was conducted under a quantitative approach, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental, retrospective design. The data used in this study were obtained from the Geobosques platform of the Ministry of the Environment and subsequently processed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analysis was based on the application of multitemporal and spatial techniques, including Kernel Density analysis, which made it possible to identify areas where forest cover loss was more concentrated. The results were systematized and presented through tables, thematic maps, and satellite imagery. The findings indicate a cumulative forest cover loss of 30,123.54 hectares during the study period, with an estimated average annual loss rate of −1.822%. The year 2020 showed the highest level of forest loss (8,456.76 ha), whereas 2017 registered the lowest affected area (2,805.03 ha). Although annual variations were observed, the temporal analysis did not demonstrate the existence of a statistically significant increasing trend. Overall, the results show that forest cover loss is unevenly distributed across the study area, providing technical information that may support environmental management and territorial planning processes.