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Analysis of institutional authors

Valero-Jorge, AlexeyAuthor

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February 2, 2026
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Unraveling mangrove degradation in Jardines de la Reina National Park, Cuba: Integration of Landsat-8, machine learning and environmental factors

Publicated to: Remote Sensing Applications: Society And Environment. 41 101861- - 2026-01-01 41(), DOI: 10.1016/j.rsase.2025.101861

Authors:

Valero-Jorge, Alexey; De-Zayas, Roberto Gonzalez; Gonzalez, Angel Luis Becerra; Matos-Pupo, Felipe; Melati, Dian Nuraini; Gonzalez-Ferreiro, Eduardo
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Affiliations

Ctr Invest & Tecnol Agroalimentaria Aragon CITA, Dept Sistemas Agr Forestales & Medio Ambiente, Unidad Asociada EEAD CSIC Suelos & Riegos, Zaragoza 50059, Spain - Author
Inst Meteorol, Ctr Meteorol Prov Ciego Avila, Ave Deportes S-N, Ciego De Avila 65100, Cuba - Author
Natl Res & Innovat Agcy BRIN, Res Org Earth Sci & Maritime, Res Ctr Geol Disaster, Central Jakarta, Indonesia - Author
Univ Ciego Avila, Fac Ciencias Tecn, Dept Ingn Hidra Ulica, Ciego De Avila 65100, Cuba - Author
Univ Leon, Campus Ponferrada, Av Astorga S-N, Ponferrada 24401, Spain - Author
Univ Leon, Documentac Reconstrucc & Anal Objetos Complejos &, Av Astorga S-N, Ponferrada 24401, Spain - Author
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Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for coastal resilience, biodiversity, and climate regulation. This study assessed the spatial and temporal dynamics of mangrove cover in Jardines de la Reina National Park (JRNP), Cuba, between 2014 and 2024, using Landsat-8 imagery and five machine learning classifiers. Random Forest (RF) achieved the highest accuracy (97.60 %), with rigorous uncertainty propagation via Monte Carlo simulation, setting a new benchmark for mangrove mapping in the data-poor insular Caribbean. This method was selected for generating annual maps. Results revealed a loss of over 1500 ha of mangrove forest-an 18.65 % reduction-primarily in the western sector, especially Breton and Alcatraz keys. NDVI trend analysis confirmed significant degradation in these areas, while central keys remained more stable. Environmental factor analysis identified mean sea level (MSL) as the dominant driver of mangrove loss, followed by annual precipitation. Limited freshwater and sediment input, exacerbated by damming and droughts, likely impaired mangrove resilience. Patchy dieback patterns were observed, with localized mortality within otherwise healthy stands. Herbivory by hutia (Capromys pilorides) may contribute to stress, but recent data are lacking. Although JRNP is a protected area, the dominance of external environmental drivers-particularly sea-level rise and reduced precipitation-poses challenges that may exceed current local conservation management capabilities. The study highlights the need for integrated field and remote sensing approaches to monitor ecosystem health. Future research should focus on sediment accretion, primary productivity, herbivory impacts, and hydrological connectivity. This framework offers a model for holistic mangrove in marine protected areas across the Caribbean and supports adaptive management strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.
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Keywords

AccuracyÁreas marinas protegidasCambio climáticoClassificationCobertura verdeConservación de manglaresEcosistemas costerosForestsNivel del marProtected areaRemote sensingSea-levelSea-level riseSystemTeledetección espacialVegetation index

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency Scopus (SJR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2026, it was in position , thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Geography, Planning and Development.

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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-03-07:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 3 (PlumX).
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Leadership analysis of institutional authors

This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: Cuba; Indonesia.

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Valero Jorge, Alexey) .

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