Project Abstract

This project aims to investigate the spatial dynamics of urban sprawl and its far-reaching consequences on ecosystem services in a rapidly urbanizing region. Urban sprawl, the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding natural or agricultural lands, is a global phenomenon driven by population growth, economic development, and changing land-use patterns. While offering opportunities for residential and commercial development, this process can have detrimental effects on the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, compromising the essential services they provide to human communities. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the spatial patterns of urban sprawl and assess its impact on a range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, habitat provision, and recreational amenities. By employing advanced geospatial techniques, such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and spatial modeling, the project will map the temporal and spatial changes in urban land cover, identify the drivers of sprawl, and evaluate the corresponding alterations in ecosystem functioning and service delivery. The study will be conducted in a rapidly urbanizing region, where the pressures of population growth and economic development have led to the rapid conversion of natural and agricultural lands into built-up areas. The project will utilize a multidisciplinary approach, integrating data from various sources, including satellite imagery, land-use records, ecological surveys, and socioeconomic indicators. By combining these diverse datasets, the researchers will develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between urban expansion and ecosystem services. One of the key aspects of this project is the assessment of the trade-offs and synergies between urban development and ecosystem service provision. The project will identify areas where urban growth has resulted in the degradation or loss of critical ecosystem services, as well as regions where sustainable development practices have enabled the preservation of ecosystem functions. This information will be crucial for informing land-use planning and decision-making, ensuring that the needs of both human communities and natural environments are met. The findings of this study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the environmental impacts of urbanization, providing valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and conservation practitioners. The project will also develop a set of GIS-based decision-support tools and spatial modeling frameworks that can be used to evaluate the consequences of alternative land-use scenarios and guide sustainable urban development strategies. By addressing the complex interplay between urban sprawl and ecosystem services, this project aims to promote more informed and responsible land-use planning, ultimately enhancing the resilience and sustainability of urban-rural systems. The outcomes of this research will have far-reaching implications for the long-term well-being of both human populations and the natural environments upon which they depend.

Project Overview