Detecting changes in mangrove forests along the Bintang Bolong Estuary, Gambia using Google Earth Engine, Sentinel-2 imagery and Random Forest classification

Abstract

The changes in mangrove areal distribution can result in significant changes in the coastal ecosystem. In order to curb this, conservation efforts have been adopted especially in developing nations due to the ease of implementation of some of those initiatives. Despite their positive impacts, poor monitoring and evaluation of these initiatives have introduced gaps when it comes to accountability. This majorly results in project failures and economic losses. The Google Earth Engine cloud computing platform was utilized in the analysis of mangrove changes and land cover transitions. The resulting info-graphics illustrated the changes that occurred in the Bintang Bolong estuary in the years 2017 and 2020. This provides scientific evidence on the outcomes of the ongoing restoration projects thus further aiding sustainably driven mangrove restoration efforts.