Date of Award
Spring 2025
Language
English
Embargo Period
5-12-2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College/School/Department
Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability
Program
Biodiversity, Conservation & Policy
First Advisor
Dr. Alexander Buyantuev
Committee Members
Dr. Shiguo Jiang, Dr. Andrei Lapenas
Keywords
ecosystem services, land use change, geospatial
Subject Categories
Biodiversity | Natural Resources and Conservation
Abstract
Ecosystem services encompass the broad array of direct and indirect advantages that people derive from nature and its ecosystems. Considering accelerating environmental change and degradation, recognizing the importance of these services is more crucial than ever, as they illustrate the many ways in which healthy ecosystems sustain human life. However, these services are diminishing at a rapid and unprecedented rate, raising global concern over both the transformations taking place and their root causes. Among the leading threats, land-use change stands out as a particularly significant one, influenced by a variety of driving factors. Albany County, New York, characterized by its mix of forested highlands and urban areas, offers a compelling setting for assessing essential ecosystem services. This study evaluated how three projected land-use scenarios for the county would affect three vital services: recreation, water quality, and net primary productivity (NPP). The findings of this study demonstrate the major impacts that land-use changes have on the availability of key ecosystem services in the region. Through scenario-based analysis of ecosystem functions, the research sheds light on both the risks and opportunities associated with future land-use paths.
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Zin, Kyaw Khaung Thant, "Identifying the Impacts of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on Ecosystem Services From a Geospatial Perspective in Albany County" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 231.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/231
Comments
This thesis investigates the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on critical ecosystem services in Albany County, New York. By utilizing geospatial modeling and scenario-based analysis, the research evaluates three future land-use scenarios—Business-as-Usual, Green Expansion, and Rapid Growth—and their influence on recreation potential, water quality, and net primary productivity (NPP). Through spatial analysis and comparative assessment, the study highlights the importance of integrating ecological considerations into urban planning and land management strategies. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how human-driven land transformation can alter ecological functions, with implications for sustainability, policy-making, and regional conservation planning.