Author : Chanthaphone Phon-Asa

Summary : The study used geospatial technology in the assessment of forest cover/landuse change in lowland Namtan watershed, Sayaboury, Lao People's Democratic Republic to describe the biophysical and socio-economic drivers of change. Specifically, the study aimed to: assess the physical and biological features of forest cover; assess the socio-economic conditions especially on forest administration situation, shifting cultivation and other factors affecting forest cover and land use, and identify factors affecting forest cover and land use. The Namtan watershed is pear-shaped with elevation ranging for 340 m to 1320 m and an approximate area of 174.5 sqkm. The mean slope is 32% and characterized by the wet and dry monsoon tropical climate. The rainfall is about 1320.9 mm with 92.55% falling during the rainy season. The mean temperature is about 25.9 deg C and humidity is about 75%. Soil is clay-sandy loam with moderate depth and is yellowish red to brown. The drainage density is about 60.08 sqm/ha. It covered mainly by mixed deciduous forest. Shifting cultivation and rice paddies are present inside the watershed. For a time, forest cover loss, especially evergreen forest was attributed to an increase in the demand for materials for house construction. However, the increase in shifting cultivation, albeit small, can be attributed to the increase in population. To address further forest cover loss, local authorities instituted a program on plantation establishment. At the national level, a forest and landuse allocation program was instituted by the Lao government. The GIS-based grid assessment could provide information about forest cover variables and the nature of transformation of forest cover. This dataset would be a valuable guide for formulating appropriate policies and effective implementation of programs for forest and land/natural resources allocation and the wider aspects of management.