The article examines the rapid retreat of glaciers in the Andes, particularly focusing on the La Raya mountain range in Peru, and its impact on land use and ecosystem services. Over three decades (1986-2019), glaciers lost substantial area, which correlates with increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and human activities. This retreat significantly affects downstream ecosystems and hydrological regimes, threatening water management, food security, and biodiversity.
Using satellite imagery and the Random Forest classification method, the study mapped land use/land cover (LULC) changes and assessed the economic value of ecosystem services (ESV) across the Marangani district. Results indicate that while natural grasslands and sparse vegetation remained stable, fragile ecosystems like bofedales (wetlands) and glaciers diminished. ESV calculations demonstrated a slight monetary increase at the municipality level, yet, once inflation was accounted for, there was an overall loss attributed to the decline of glacier and bofedal areas.
The article emphasizes the need for improved management practices in these high Andean ecosystems to mitigate the significant impacts of ongoing glacier retreat and the changing climate, ultimately highlighting the intricate relationship between human activities, ecosystem services, and climate dynamics in mountainous regions. Future research should address the detailed classification of LULC types and their impacts on ESV.
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