Application of remote sensing for ecosystems monitoring and risk assessment

In recent years on the territory of Bulgaria it has been observed the existence of events with extreme character - floods, forest fires, etc.- that have a negative effect on ecosystems and ecosystem services. The purpose of the present research is the application of remote sensing for ecological monitoring implementation for the ecosystems upon the appearance of natural hazards. In this paper a methodology for ecological monitoring in different temporal intervals has been proposed and additionally the results from the application of remote sensing for the purpose of ecosystem monitoring and risk assessment in case of events that induce negative effect on ecosystems have been presented. The methodology and criteria have been implemented in observing different types of ecosystems. For the purpose of the present investigation satellite data with different spatial, temporal and spectral resolution from Sentinel 2, Landsat and air photo images have been used. Terrestrial data have been used for results verification and validation. The introduced results have been obtained for different temporal intervals from ecological monitoring, on which base criteria for optimization of the temporal characteristics of the ecological monitoring have been suggested. The present research is with conformance of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds. The results from the completed research can be of benefit for defining concrete actions for the implementation of measurements appointed in the Action Plan for nature, people and the economy of 27.4.2017 COM(2017) 198.