Half-Century of Forest Change in a Neotropical Peri-Urban Landscape: Drivers and Trends

Neotropical forested landscapes have become agricultural areas and human settlements, causing forest fragmentation, land degradation, habitat loss. Nonetheless, complex tree cover loss recovery processes may occur even while urban expand. Biophysical, social, political, economic drivers influence or over time. This study analyzes land-use change dynamics in peri-urban the western sector of Xalapa City between 1966–2018 identifies primary that played a significant role deforestation processes. The main finding denotes city’s expansion 1966 2018, initially covering 8% area increasing to 27%. However, 15% was lost net terms, ascribed some abandoned areas. Social biophysical variables significantly influenced trends, few were singular one process. deceleration accomplishing are possible settings. In this context, green strategic achieve more sustainable cities. Among other benefits, provide landscape connectivity, temperature regulation, air quality improvement, noise dampening, recreational