Prioritization of areas degraded by forest fires for rehabilitation

Resumen

Objective: To assess fire severity in affected areas through spectral analysis and geographic information systems in order to identify priority areas for restoration and strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources.

Design/methodology/approach: Field and remote sensing data from areas affected by forest fires were used to determine and classify fire severity using the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) spectral index, thereby enabling the identification and quantification of priority areas exhibiting the greatest severity. In addition, an analysis of the topographic factors influencing fire regimes was incorporated to establish management and prevention strategies.

Results: The period from November to April accounts for the highest number of events, with 90% corresponding to surface fires, mainly triggered by anthropogenic activity. The most severely affected sites, which require rehabilitation, are associated with pine and fir forest ecosystems, slopes of 31° (difficult access and greater fire spread), a southeastern aspect of 135° (high solar exposure), and transitional zones between forested areas and high-mountain grasslands.

Limitations on study/implications: The availability of open-access data, remote sensors, and spectral analysis constitutes a strategic resource; however, these tools may present technical limitations that affect accuracy. Accordingly, future research directions are proposed to evaluate the dynamics of ecological recovery and thereby strengthen methodological robustness. Findings/conclusions: Anthropogenic pressure and climate change intensify the degree of impact, thereby compromising ecosystem functions. Therefore, differentiated rehabilitation measures are required, supported by policy instruments that reinforce territorial governance oriented toward environmental security and productive sustainability.