Remote sensing-based assessment of land use dynamics and ecosystem services in Albanian Coastal Lagoons: implications for sustainable tourism development

Abstract

Coastal lagoons of Albania are multifunctional ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate environmental processes, and sustain local economies through fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. In recent decades, urban expansion and tourism development have increased pressure on wetlands. The Kune-Vain wetlands, located between Shëngjin and Lezhë, are an important protected wetland on the northern Albanian coast and are increasingly affected by land transformation. This study investigates land use dynamics and vegetation changes in the Kune-Vain wetlands using remote sensing techniques and assesses their implications for ecosystem services and sustainable tourism development. The research covers the wetland ecosystem and adjacent coastal and urban areas influenced by the expansion of Shëngjin and Lezhë. Multi-temporal land use/land cover (LULC) datasets derived from Copernicus CORINE data were used to evaluate spatial changes. Vegetation dynamics were analyzed through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from satellite imagery representing historical conditions from the late 1980s–early 1990s and recent observations. GIS techniques were applied to identify patterns of urban growth, land transformation, and vegetation variability. Preliminary results indicate progressive land transformation around the wetlands, especially in areas affected by urbanization and tourism. Built-up areas expanded, surrounding landscapes were modified, and NDVI showed localized vegetation changes in sensitive wetland zones. Continuous spatial monitoring is essential for sustainable tourism planning and integrated coastal management.