Land use/cover change analysis in the Mediterranean region: a regional case study of forest evolution in Castelló (Spain) over 50 years

The second half of the 20th century has been characterised by rural abandonment in several regions Mediterranean basin. general collapse traditional agriculture and livestock activities brought about an intensive migration movement from inland to coastal areas, which produced a massive forest cover increase abandoned areas. This socioeconomic, spatial environmental change led situation unknown for centuries landscapes. As consequence, large wildfires have increased enormously importance society with predominant urban vision over rest territory. Indeed, public opinion considers as major natural disturbances related climate causing at end deforestation, while its prerequisite, substantial due collapse, is less known. research aimed deepen knowledge evolution implications after land process that started century. substantive source information was obtained photointerpretation sampling, using five land-cover land-use types four specific period 50 years (1957–2007) province Castelló (Valencian Region, Spain). Results showed area dominated dense forests (shrublands woodlands) 17% 28%, their transitional uses farming 8% 21%. Transition matrices enabled precise identification changes among dominant categories studied period. Random systematic transitions between analysed map pathways could be drawn, double alternative path identified. In context progressive region, we also found different rates may depend on site conditions. Their soil climatic factors should further order improve our understanding future region local scale. A robust these processes will contribute management planning optimising resilience, carbon storage provision services.