Urban expansion and its impact on vegetation in the Rijal Al-Ma’ Administrative Center in the Asir region during the period from (2000-2023 AD)

Abstract

The problem of urban expansion at the expense of vegetation is one of the problems that many countries of the world suffer from, especially those characterized by rapid population increases. Objective: This study aimed to identify the impact of urban expansion on the decrease in vegetation cover in the Rijal Al-Ma Administrative Center in the Asir region. And clarifying the area of decrease in vegetation cover as a result of urban expansion, by analyzing satellite image data for the years (2000 - 2015 - 2023 AD), in addition to using geographical information systems to determine the change in areas of vegetation cover in the mentioned periods using satellite visuals from the American satellite (Land sat. 7-8), then the Natural Differences Vegetative Index (NDVI) was used to identify the vitality of the natural vegetation, and the results of the study showed that the urban area developed from (34,3170539 km2) to (40,393,350 km2) between the years (2000-2023 AD), and reached The area of land where urbanization expanded and in which light vegetation grows was 28,617,783 km2) in 2000 AD to (22,734,283 km2) in 2023 AD, while the volume of change in areas of dense vegetation reached (8,454,537 km2) in 2000 AD. To (6,513,841 km2) in 2023 AD. This decline in vegetation cover negatively affects the environmental balance and economic activity of the local population. The research suggested several recommendations, including limiting urban expansion at the expense of vegetation cover by establishing strict laws that limit that expansion, and encouraging the vertical expansion of housing instead of Horizontal expansion.