Land-use and land-cover changes and ecosystem services valuation in Chin state, Myanmar | |
| Author | Molley Htar Maung |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-25-01 |
| Subject(s) | Land use--Burma--Remote sensing Natural resources--Burma--Management Ecosystem services |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Despite growing global attention to land use and land cover changes (LULCC), a critical research gap remains in understanding how such changes, particularly in conflict-affected regions, impact natural resources and ecosystem service values. This study employs remote sensing and GIS techniques to assess LULCC in Chin State, Myanmar, from 2014 to 2023, with a comparative analysis of forests, built-up areas, and croplands across nine townships. Forest cover initially increased from 22,217.55 km² in 2014 to 27,337.34 km² in 2018, before declining sharply to 22,724.60 km² in 2023, with the steepest losses observed in conflict-affected areas such as Thantlang ( 413.29 km²) and Mindat (-135.39 km²). Built-up areas contracted by over 700 km² after 2018, and cropland decreased in nearly all townships. Using the benefit transfer method, ecosystem service values (ESVs) were estimated, revealing a peak of USD 4,847.88 million in 2021, followed by a decline to USD 4,398.96 million in 2023, mainly due to forest degradation. Key forest-based services such as climate regulation (valued at USD 1,095.3 million in 2023) and water flow control showed the most significant losses. Classification accuracy across the study averaged around 80%, supporting the reliability of the results. The study underscores the ecological and economic consequences of land transformation under conflict and highlights the importance of integrating ESVs into land governance and policy planning. It calls for urgent, conflict-sensitive approaches to natural resource management, reforestation, and local development. Future research should incorporate socio-economic data and explore scenario-based modeling to better link land change, ecosystem services, and human well-being. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra P. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.;Pramanik, Malay |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Loom Nam Khong Pijai (Greater Mekong Subregion) Scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |