Spatial Structure and Fragmentation Assessment of Forest Resources of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Regions
Purpose: This study examines the spatial structure and fragmentation of forest resources in two neighboring regions: the West Pomeranian Voivodeship (WP) in Poland and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) in Germany. The analysis seeks to identify differences in forest cover, property distribution, and the ecological consequences of fragmentation. The aim is to provide insights into the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the forested landscapes of these regions. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using high-resolution raster data from the European Environment Agency, the study employed GUIDOS software for analyzing forest fragmentation through methods like Foreground Area Density (FAD) and Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), identifying structural classes, core areas, and isolated fragments. Findings: WP has greater forest cover (35.4%) compared to MV (24%) and larger contiguous forest complexes with better habitat connectivity. MV, however, is more fragmented, with smaller patches and higher private ownership. Both regions are dominated by small patches (<1 ha), which constitute most patches but cover a minor portion of the area. WP forests are primarily state-managed pine monocultures, while MV features more deciduous species. Practical Implications: Conservation strategies should focus on creating ecological corridors, protecting large forest patches, and managing land use to enhance biodiversity and resilience. These efforts are particularly critical for the more fragmented MV region. Originality/Value: This study provides a novel comparison of forest fragmentation between transboundary regions with shared history but differing management practices, offering valuable insights and a robust framework for forest conservation at multiple scales.