Valorisation des potentialités écologiques dans la wilaya de Constantine

Abstract

Nowadays, the province of Constantine was subject to significant influence of climate change and strong anthropic pressure. The research which are done on the land use and land cover is necessary for the sustainable management of the environment and optimal development of the space. This research aims to improve the thematic knowledge on Land use and Land cover changes and dynamics of natural resources in the province of Constantine. Geographic Information System (SIG) and Remote Sensing allowed us to conduct, on one hand, a diachronic study on the state of land use- Land cover and its evolution through time and space (1987, 2000, and 2015). On the other hand, they allowed us to make a characterization of physical environment, climate and vegetation. Overall, the changes are characterized by a general dynamic of conversion and degradation of natural vegetation (forest areas and grassland), and increase of settlement and agriculture lands. In addition, socio-economic factors play a major role in this dynamic. We also found that forest areas occupy 10.55%, this ecosystem is very diverse and spread over several massifs. The forest strata are dominated by the forests of Aleppo Pine, Pine Gable, Cork Oak, Green Oak and Eucalyptus, they represent about 59% of the total forest area, while the shrubland occupy 8674 ha or 36.44% of the total area. All these results have been structured in thematic layers and stored in a geographical database, dedicated to the development of the province.