EFFECTS OF HYDROELECTRIC DAM CONSTRUCTION ON LAND USE LAND COVER CHANGES IN BUI NATIONAL PARK, GHANA

EFEITOS DA CONSTRUÇÃO DE BARRAGENS HIDRELÉTRICAS NAS MUDANÇAS NO USO DA TERRA NO PARQUE NACIONAL BUI, GANA

EFECTOS DE LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE PRESAS HIDROELÉCTRICAS EN LOS CAMBIOS EN LA COBERTURA DEL SUELO EN EL USO DE LA TIERRA EN EL PARQUE NACIONAL BUI, GHANA

Abstract

The construction of hydroelectric dams in forest reserves has become a matter of concern for biodiversity conservationists. Spatio-temporal change of land cover in the Bui National Park was analyzed using indices calculations of the landscape based on land cover maps obtained from Landsat satellite images for pre-and post-dam construction periods. Significant changes in land cover following the dam construction were observed. Notable changes include the built-up areas and water body, while the forest area decreased. Significant reduction in rainfall and an increase in temperature were observed between the pre-and post-dam construction periods. Increased human activities within the reserve after dam construction could likely compound the changes in land cover.

Keywords:
Nature reserve; Settlements; Impoundment; Climate