Cries of the Canopy: Forecasting the Fate of Forests in General Nakar, Quezon, along the Sierra Madre

Abstract

This research utilized a quantitative-descriptive-computational methodology for determining forest area changes for the area encompassed by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, and particularly for the area covered by the municipality of General Nakar in Quezon Province. Through geospatial information obtained from validated satellite images interpreted with geographical information technology, pixel area measurements for 2016, 2019, and 2022 were processed from formulaic calculations from a computational system. Determinations showed that there has been a gradual and consistent reduction with respect to forest area coverage throughout the duration, indicating a progressive and non-isolated form of deforestation. Further determinations from trend analysis indicated that such a progressive decline might be expected for at least the next few years, given the prevailing conditions. With such consistent reductions with respect to forest area coverage, such areas can be expected to be increasingly susceptible to vulnerabilities with respect to soil and water management. Nonetheless, despite such difficulties, such determinations verified and supported a scientifically valid method for localized forest area changes with equal efficiency through quantitative and computer-based calculations and analysis.