Assessment of Afforestation and Reforestation Suitability Using Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study of the Sisian Forestry Unit, Syunik Province, Armenia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11137/1982-3908_2026_49_72776

Keywords:

Forest restoration, Mountain ecosystems, Geospatial analysis

Abstract

This study aims to identify suitable areas for afforestation in the Sisian Forestry Unit of Syunik Province (Armenia) using remote sensing data and GIS-based spatial analysis. Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery was utilized to derive vegetation and moisture-related indicators, namely the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), which provide information on vegetation condition and vegetation water content. In addition, a 30 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was employed to extract key topographic parameters, including elevation, slope, and aspect, which are critical for forest growth in mountainous environments. NDVI and NDMI were calculated using appropriate Sentinel-2 spectral bands to identify degraded or sparsely vegetated areas with favorable vegetation moisture conditions for potential afforestation. Topographic suitability was assessed based on regional forest management guidelines, considering slope gradients of 10–30°, north-, northwest-, and east-facing aspects, and elevations ranging from 1200 to 2400 m. These criteria were integrated within a GIS environment to generate a composite afforestation suitability map. The results reveal spatially distinct zones that provide optimal ecological conditions for forest restoration and the establishment of new forest plantations. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating remote sensing and GIS techniques to support afforestation planning and sustainable forest management in mountainous regions.

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Author Biographies

Sargis Sargsyan, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia

Sargis Sargsyan is a Ph.D. candidate at the Faculty of Geography
and Geology, Yerevan State University (YSU), Armenia. His
doctoral research focuses on “Evaluating Reforestation Potential
Under Climate Change Scenarios Using Spatial Modeling and
Remote Sensing Data.” His academic interests encompass climate
change impacts, forest and landscape restoration, sustainable land
use planning, ecosystem resilience, and environmental
monitoring. He is also engaged in studies of geopark development, geotourism, and the use of
innovative geospatial tools for natural heritage management. Sargsyan has presented his
research at international conferences on geopark perspectives in the South Caucasus, including
in Germany. His work integrates GIS and remote sensing technologies to promote evidence
based environmental policy and sustainable development in Armenia.

Paruyr Efendyan, Yerevan State University, Faculty of Geography and Geology

Paruyr Sergey Efendyan Faculty of Geography and Geology Department of Cartography and Geomorphology Professor Personal information Date of birth 1952 Scientific interests
  • Geodesy, land construction, cadastre
Education Institution Moscow Institute of Geodesy and Cartography Faculty Applied geodesy Year 1982 - 1987 Rank/title Postgraduate student Institution Kiev Engineering and Construction Institute Faculty Urban construction Year 1969 -1974 Rank/title Certified specialist

Artak Piloyan, Yerevan State University, Faculty of Geography and Geology

Artak Sargis Piloyan Faculty of Geography and Geology Chair of Cartography and Geomorphology Acting head of the chair, assistant Personal information Date of birth 1984 Education Institution Masaryk University Faculty Faculty of Sciences / Department of Geography Date 2014 - 2016 Degree name PhD student Institution Yerevan State University Faculty Geography and Geology Date 2013 - 2018 Degree name PhD student Institution Yerevan State University Faculty Geography and Geology Date 2007 - 2009 Degree name Masters Institution Yerevan State University Faculty Geography Date 2001 - 2005 Degree name Bachelor Scientific Rank/degree Institution Yerevan State University Date 2018 Degree name Candidate Specialty Earth sciences Scientific Supervisor Vladimir Boynagryan Research Topic Classification of Landform Elements and Identification of Circular Structures in the Republic of Armenia based on Geomorphometric Parameters using GIS Methods

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Published

2026-07-02

How to Cite

Sargsyan, S., Efendyan, P. and Piloyan, A. (2026) “Assessment of Afforestation and Reforestation Suitability Using Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study of the Sisian Forestry Unit, Syunik Province, Armenia”, Anuário do Instituto de Geociências. Rio de Janeiro, BR, 49. doi: 10.11137/1982-3908_2026_49_72776.

Issue

Vol. 49 (2026): Anuário do Instituto de Geociências

Section

Environmental Sciences

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