GEOGRAPHIC HORIZONS

Vegetation health plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance and serves as an essential indicator of environmental and ecosystem vitality. It reflects the overall well-being of plant life, influenced by factors such as climate change, soil quality, water availability, pest infestations, and human activities. The concept of vegetation health is increasingly gaining attention due to its significance in ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change impacts. Importance of Monitoring Vegetation Health Monitoring vegetation health helps assess agricultural productivity, detect early signs of plant stress, and manage ecosystems effectively. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely used tools for analyzing vegetation health on a large scale. Vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) are frequently employed to quantify vegetation greenness and detec...

Urban green spaces (UGS) are critical to sustainable urban development. These areas, encompassing parks, gardens, urban forests, green roofs, and recreational fields, provide invaluable ecological, social, and economic benefits. In an era of rapid urbanization and escalating climate challenges, integrating and preserving green spaces is essential for fostering livable and resilient cities. The Role of Urban Green Spaces Environmental Benefits : Urban green spaces act as the lungs of cities, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. They mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect by lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity by providing habitats for flora and fauna (Gill et al., 2007). Additionally, green spaces contribute to stormwater management by reducing runoff and enhancing soil permeability (Chiesura, 2004). Social and Psychological Benefits : Green spaces offer urban dwellers opportunities for recreation, relaxa...