Assessing Spatiotemporal Forest Cover And Eco-Tourism Activity: In Entoto Using Geospatial Technology Addis Ababa

Abstract

Forests, one of the most important natural resources on Earth, play an important role for the environment and mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability. Forests offer opportunities for recreation and tourism activities; they play an important role for the economy. Forest cover is being influenced by infrastructure and direct investment. Study examines the spatiotemporal changes in forest cover in the Entoto Forest over a 20-year period from 2003 to 2023 and evaluates the impact of eco-tourism on these changes. Using advanced machine learning algorithms to classify (LULC) data, the analysis reveals significant growth in forested areas, from 1,354.77 hectares in 2003 to 2,141.75 hectares in 2023, marking an overall increase of 12.55%. This growth is attributed to reforestation efforts and natural recovery; the built-up areas, largely due to urban expansion and infrastructure development related to eco-tourism, increased by 9.78% during the same period, underscoring the need for balanced development. The findings suggest that eco-tourism has had both positive and negative impacts on forest cover. While well-managed eco-tourism activities have contributed to forest conservation and community development, poorly regulated tourism has led to localized degradation, particularly in areas with uncontrolled infrastructure. This is the general importance of implementing sustainable eco-tourism practices that balance economic gains with environmental preservation. In addition to community engagement and regulatory frameworks, the study concludes by emphasizing the role of sustainable eco-tourism in promoting forest conservation while fostering local economic growth. To ensure long-term environmental sustainability, future efforts should focus on expanding eco-friendly tourism initiatives, involving local communities in conservation efforts, and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems. These measures will help preserve the ecological integrity of the Entoto Forest while supporting its potential as a key eco-tourism destination in Ethiopia.