Environmental vulnerability mapping of the Mágoè National Park buffer zone

Abstract

This study aimed to map anthropogenic environmental vulnerability in the Mágoè National Park (PNM) buffer zone, Tete Province, Mozambique, using geospatial techniques and fuzzy logic. Anthropogenic variables, including built-up areas, agricultural land, pastures, and exposed soils, were identified and analyzed. Euclidean distance maps for each variable were generated using GRASS GIS, followed by a fuzzification process to assign membership degrees ranging from 0 to 1. A gamma fuzzy operator (γ = 0.6) was applied to model the integrated vulnerability. The results reveal a predominance of high anthropogenic vulnerability, affecting approximately 37.40% of the study area, while medium vulnerability accounts for 32.84%, and very low vulnerability covers only 0.8%. The findings align with previous research indicating intense anthropogenic pressures on conservation areas. The study underscores the urgency of implementing strategic measures for sustainable management and conservation of the PNM buffer zone, balancing ecological preservation with the needs of local communities.