22. Quantifying Landscape Metrics Land Cover and Forest Disturbance to Inform Management Models in the Tropical Basin, Bedugul, Bali

The Bedugul-Bali basin is home to nature reserves and protected forests, but unfortunately, these areas are at risk of forest degradation and deforestation. To combat these issues, we conducted a study to determine the landscape pattern of land cover distribution and identify disturbances in forest areas. Using Landsat satellite and historical vegetation index, we quantified the landscape metrics to understand the situation better. Our findings revealed that 51% of the Bedugul forest area remained stable between 2000 and 2020. However, forest degradation was identified in every location due to erosion and former land fires that are still undergoing resilience. Settlements showed the most significant increase in other land cover (OLC) and emphasized other lands, particularly forest areas. The distribution category shows the increased density vegetation of the Bedugul area, which reached 13% of the total forest area. The indication of deforestation in this area is 0.86%, while forest degradation is 21%, which can trigger sedimentation supply to the lake area and result in silting of the lake. Therefore, we urge systematic and structured management in area management planning, especially lake-mountain based on an environmental approach, to prevent further damage to this crucial ecosystem. By acting now, we can ensure that the Bedugul-Bali basin remains a thriving natural wonder for generations.