An integrated methodology of biophysical and socio-economic dimensions to understand land-use change processes in coastal areas

Abstract

The study of land-use changes (in coastal or noncoastal areas) is an essential contributing factor to the understanding of global change. While the problems caused by these changes are diverse, all of them can put the sustainable development of a region at risk. It is thus important to measure, monitor, and manage land-use changes in such a way that land-use is balanced and has minimum negative impacts. This integrated methodology focuses on understanding land-use changes and the influence of the various agents of change present in the region, whether of a biophysical, socio-economic, or institutional nature.