Deforestation and Land Degradation's Impact on Ecosystem Services in Madagascar: A Socio-Ecological Assessment

Madagascar's forests are under threat from deforestation and land degradation, leading to a decline in ecosystem services that support its diverse population. A socio-ecological assessment was conducted using remote sensing data and field surveys to quantify changes in forest cover and land use patterns over time. Remote sensing analysis revealed a 15% decrease in tree canopy coverage from to , with significant loss occurring in the eastern highlands where soil fertility is crucial for agriculture. Deforestation and land degradation have severely impacted ecosystem services across Madagascar, particularly affecting agricultural productivity and water quality in the eastern regions. Immediate policy interventions are needed to restore degraded lands and protect remaining forest areas to maintain essential ecosystem functions. Madagascar, deforestation, land degradation, ecosystem services, socio-ecological assessment The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.