From Canopy Coverage to Carbon Estimates: Mapping Deforestation in Negros Oriental Using Pixel and Percentage Data

Abstract

Forests are vital for the planet because forests improve air quality, support local communities, and help reduce climate change through carbon storage. In many tropical regions, including Negros Oriental in the Philippines, forest areas are being reduced at an alarming rate due to deforestation. This study examines changes in forest cover in Negros Oriental from 2020 to 2024 using data from Global Forest Watch. The analysis focuses on two indicators: canopy coverage, defined as the proportion of land covered by tree crowns, and forest carbon stock, representing the amount of carbon stored in forest biomass. Recent scientific developments have improved forest monitoring through satellite imagery and advanced geospatial tools. In Southeast Asia, these methods have been adapted to suit local forest types, including upland forests and coastal mangrove ecosystems, both of which play an important role in carbon storage. In Negros Oriental, large portions of original forest have already been lost, with remaining forest patches concentrated in areas such as Cuernos de Negros and Mount Canlaon. High-resolution spatial mapping was conducted across the entire province to identify forest loss and estimate carbon emissions resulting from deforestation.Although the study covers only a four-year period and carbon estimates involve uncertainty, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, conservation organizations, and local stakeholders. The results support evidence-based forest protection and contribute to global efforts toward environmental sustainability.