Monitoring of Afforestation Activities Using Landsat-8 Temporal Images, Billion Trees Afforestation Project, Pakistan

In context of Bonn Challenge commitment, Pakistan (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) has implemented forest restoration and afforestation on 0.35 million hectares between 2015–2017. Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP) is an initiative mass to meet the commitment. The current study a pilot evaluate success plantation activities by assessment regeneration, growth performance survival rate plantations raised under BTAP in Malakand Forest Division. Further, four vegetation indices were computed from Landsat-8 image, which include Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Adjusted (SAVI), Modified (MSAVI) (DVI). A total 72 sample plots 0.1 ha laid out 11 sites extended over area 647 Timargara, Chakdara Jandool. According results, all selected showed good terms rate, mostly above 90%. species composition, Eucalyptus camaldulensis highest share (81%) followed Robinia pseduacacia with 17% Pinus roxburghii 2% plantation. Growth was species; attained average girth 14.3 cm height 3.21 feet, whereas pseudoacacia mean 10.3 12.1 8.6 8.2 feet 27 months, respectively. correlation observed volume (m3) spectral values. (R2=0.63) recorded NDVI SAVI. temporal changes values images 2013 2018 that successful at these sites. concluded FLR across Khyber Pukhtunkwa province will rehabilitate improve existing ecosystems support local livelihood for climate change mitigation.