URBANIZATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION A CASE STUDY OF ABBOTTABAD

Abstract

This study examines the implications of urbanization on forest degradation in Abbottabad which is endowed with rich ecological resources. A rapid growth of population, migration, development of infrastructure etc., would observe in last two decades has resulted in a high increase of built-up areas have associated with the reduction of forest cover and natural vegetation. By using land use land cover (LULC) analysis, the paper highlights that the urban development process has brought about biodiversity loss, soil erosion and increasing exposure to natural hazards like floods and landslides. It also identifies weak policy enforcement and poor urban planning as two of the biggest creators of environmental destruction. The findings highlight the need for sustainable urban planning, land-use control, CBFM, and application of modern technology in forest monitoring especially the utilisation of GIS and remote sensing. This empirical case study provides some useful lessons for other cities in the urbanization and environment nexus and the needs which required to be incorporated in Abbottabad’s future development plan for developing and maintain it with Sustainable way. Forest degradation and urban expansion in the northern Himalayan region, Abbottabad, Pakistan implications for forest wood and non-wood product sources.