Remote Sensing Assessment of Deforestation Impacts on Watershed Sustainability in Kalimantan

Abstract

Rapid deforestation in Kalimantan has substantially altered watershed functions and threatened long-term environmental sustainability. This study evaluates the impacts of forest cover loss on watershed conditions using multi-temporal satellite imagery, land cover classification, and hydrological indicators. Remote sensing data from Landsat and Sentinel platforms were analyzed to quantify changes in forest extent over the past two decades, while vegetation indices and runoff-related variables were used to assess watershed health. The results reveal significant forest conversion into agricultural and plantation areas, leading to increased surface runoff, declining vegetation density, and elevated soil erosion risk. Areas experiencing intensive land cover change also exhibited greater hydrological instability and reduced ecological resilience. The integration of remote sensing with spatial watershed analysis provides an effective approach for monitoring environmental change and identifying priority conservation zones. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening forest protection policies, promoting sustainable land use practices, and implementing ecosystem restoration programs to preserve watershed functions. This study demonstrates that satellite-based monitoring can support evidence-based natural resource management and contribute to climate adaptation strategies in tropical forest landscapes.