WP 1

The goal of this WP is to spatially characterize mangroves ecosystems at national level and different timescales. The first task consists of mapping those ecosystems based on a time series of remote sensing imagery and radar data using image classification techniques (T1.1). Then, validation of remote-sensing mapping will be undertaken using Landsat optical and high-resolution imagery, and ground-truth data (T1.2). Next, anthropogenic and natural pressures are identified. By analyzing images (T1.1) from different time-periods, impacts from urbanization or climatic events will be assessed. Spatial metrics will allow for a deep understanding of the type of historical mangrove changes (T1.3). To assess mangrove status, vegetation indexes, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index or Combined Mangrove Recognition Index, will be used (T1.4). Hence, the most vulnerable sites in Sofala Province (SP), to be explored in WPs 2-3, can be identified (T1.5). Finally, based on climate change scenarios, forecasting of mangrove spatial-temporal distribution using species distribution models (MaxEnt modeling) can be undertaken (T1.6). After identifying the environmental variables affecting distribution patterns, exposure to climate hazards and erosion will be quantified under climate scenarios.