Evolutionary Dynamics In Azorean Landscapes: The Land-Use Changes In Forests and Semi-Natural Areas In The Archipelago From 1990 To 2018

The particular richness and singularity of Azorean Landscapes demand a strong, well-defined, and extensive conservation policy planning. Accordingly, and recognizing the importance of the problem in the enlightenment of the sustainability thought, those planning approaches should be based and sustained by multiple studies and thematic fields to fully comprehend the issue. Thereby, the present research through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and methods enables discussing the evolution of Forest and Semi-natural areas in the Azores Islands in the last three decades. Contextually, this investigation allows us to confirm that the land uses related to Forests and Semi-natural Areas experienced multiple changes – increasing and decreasing periods. For example, some of those reducing dynamics are concerning and should have a closer monitorization by the territorial government actors to provide protection preservation and conservation to these incomparable Ultra-peripheral Landscapes, Environments, and Ecosystems.