This study presents a comprehensive monitoring and quantitative assessment of deforestation and vegetation cover degradation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kisangani (Tshopo Province), over the period 2017-2026. The research is based on Earth observation data and spatial analysis tools. Through the calculation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and spatial area measurements, zones of new deforestation and significant vegetation loss were identified. It was established that the maximum area of new deforestation was recorded in 2017 (over 1,100 ha), followed by another peak in 2026 (over 1,000 ha). Spatial measurements confirmed structural landscape changes, notably the formation of a large-scale grid-patterned deforestation area that expanded to approximately 2,053.28 ha after 2023. An analysis of the mean NDVI dynamics revealed a sharp decline in vegetation health toward the 2025-2026 period. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of using multispectral satellite data and spatial analysis tools for the rapid assessment of anthropogenic environmental impact.
Balandi, J. B., Meniko To Hulu, J.-P. P., Sambieni, K. R., Sikuzani, Y. U., Bastin, J.-F., Mongo, L. I. W., Tiko, J. M., & Bogaert, J. (2025). Ecological integrity of forest landscapes in the Kisangani region (DRC) using spatial analysis of edge effect exposure and magnitude of edge influence [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7591630/v1
Central Africa: Fighting deforestation, balanced development. (2023, April 24). Bulletin of the Forestry Industry.https://bulletin.com.ua/afryka/czentralna-afryka-borotba-z-vyrubkoyu-lisiv-zbalansovanyj-rozvytok/
Google. (2023). Google Earth Pro (Version 7.3.6) [Computer software]. https://www.google.com/earth/versions/
Google. (n.d.). Google Earth Engine. https://earthengine.google.com/
Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas. (n.d.). Open-access web platforms for students, educators, and researchers. https://share.google/phs6Shq5freIaJ3Iz
Koy, H., Lisingo, J., & NASA Earth Observatory. (2025). Reshaping the forests around Kisangani: Remote sensing analysis of shifting cultivation and fuelwood extraction in Tshopo Province, DRC. NASA Earth Science Division / Global Forest Watch. https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/reshaping-the-forests-around-kisangani-154817/
Malik, T., Tsibenko, B., Honchar, I., Kravchenia, V., & Tsvyk, O. (2025). Analysis of the condition of agricultural lands damaged as a result of military actions using remote sensing methods. In Conference Proceedings: International Conference of Young Professionals “GeoTerrace-2025” (pp. 1–5). https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202552078
Malik, T., Tsibenko, B., Honchar, I., Kravchenia, V., & Tsvyk, O. (2026). Comprehensive assessment of the impact of Semeru’s volcanic activity on vegetation cover and the atmosphere using Earth remote sensing data (2025–2026). In Conference Proceedings: 19th International Conference Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment (pp. 1–5). https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202655053
Musavandalo, C. M., Essouman, P. F. E., Ndjadi, S. S., Balandi, J. B., Nguba, T. B., Sodalo, C., Mweru, J.-P. M., Sambieni, K. R., & Bogaert, J. (2025). Anthropogenic disturbances in northwestern Virunga Forest amid armed conflict. Land, 14(4), 732. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040732
Shapiro, A., d’Annunzio, R., Desclée, B., Jungers, Q., Kondjo, H. K., Iyanga, J. M., Gangyo, F. I., Nana, T., et al. (2023). Small scale agriculture continues to drive deforestation and degradation in fragmented forests in the Congo Basin (2015–2020). Land Use Policy, 134, 106922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2023.106922