Mapping Incremental Loss of Biodiversity Through Zoning

This study addresses the challenge by assessing the incremental loss of biodiversity within the District of Sechelt, British Columbia, due to land use zoning. Focusing on a region renowned for its diverse ecosystems, the research evaluates current zoning practices, identifies potential threats to ecosystems and biodiversity, and proposes an integrated framework for sustainable urban development.

Employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technology, a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework is constructed, incorporating criteria like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), land cover type, and proximity to sensitive ecosystems. Through this, land parcels are assigned ecological values, creating a composite map that visualizes high-priority conservation areas. The results reveal that areas zoned for Commercial, Industrial, Residential, and Residential-Multiple uses harbor lower ecological values and face greater risk of degradation.