Conservation zoning by GIS and integrated optimization modeling in Mengla of Yunnan, China | |
| Author | Wu, Wenchun |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.SR-97-24 |
| Subject(s) | Geographic information systems Biodiversity conservation--China--Yunnan |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis : no. SR-97-24 |
| Abstract | One of the most serious problems world is facing today concerns the increasing loss of biodiversity as a result of environmental degradation. To protect habitats and biodiversity within certain regions, several strategies have been employed, such as developing reserves and corridors, changing land use patterns, managing the landscape within limits to protect biodiversity, etc. Studies have also been carried out with the aid of computer-based models to streamline strategies. One example is the Biodiversity Management Areas Selection (BMAS) model developed by Dr. Richard Church in 1995 for optimum zoning of biodiversity management areas in a regional scale. BMAS integrates a GIS database with a computerized heuristic model, to identity areas that are appropriate for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and at the same time large enough to represent a given area's biodiversity. This study applies the model in Mengla county of Xishuangbanna prefecture in China, using a small-scale GIS database which includes data sets on vegetation distribution as well as socio-economic parameters chosen as suitability indexes, The model is combined with an optimization algorithm run by a commercial software, which generates an optimum distribution of conservation zones in the study area against given target sets. The comparison of the optimum conservation zoning area with the existing nature reserve distribution shows the applicability of the BMAS model on problems of medium sophistication, and suggests a wider range of applications on more complicated problems. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. SR-97-24 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Space Technology Application and Research (SR) |
| Chairperson(s) | Lantican, Celso B. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kaew Nualchawee;Honda, Kiyoshi |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |