In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have revealed significant impacts of tourism on Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) dynamics in the Buner and Shangla districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Using remote sensing data spanning 30 years, the authors employed advanced models to assess how tourism activities are reshaping the region’s landscape.
The study highlights that between 1990 and 2020, both the built-up and agricultural areas increased, with net changes of +0.8% and +3.2% in the Shangla and Buner districts, respectively. This transformation reflects the growing popularity of the area as a tourist destination, driven by its scenic beauty and favorable climate.
Importantly, the research indicates that future predictions for 2035 and 2050 forecast a further 4.5% and 5.8% rise in built-up areas, leading to an alarming increase in regions with Land Surface Temperatures above 31 °C, which are projected to cover 76% and 88% of the areas in those respective years.
The analysis of key tourist spots—Shangla Top, Bar Puran, Shahida Sar, and Daggar—showed that Shangla Top experienced the most significant changes in built-up areas, while Daggar recorded the highest LST of 28 °C in the study period. This rise in temperature is attributed to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where urban areas experience significantly warmer conditions than their rural surroundings, mainly due to human activities.
As tourism flourishes, its impact on the local environment and climate becomes increasingly critical. With a regional average temperature of about 18 °C, peaking at 28.1 °C in June, the landscape is becoming more susceptible to alterations brought about by both human and climatic factors.
The authors emphasized the need for sustainable tourism policies that would help mitigate these environmental impacts. They advocate for careful planning and regulation in tourism development to protect the fragile ecosystems of Buner and Shangla.
This study serves as a crucial reminder that while the economic benefits of tourism are substantial, they come at the cost of environmental degradation and changing climatic conditions. The relationship between tourism, land use, and temperature dynamics in these regions illustrates the broader implications for climate change and land management globally, calling for integrated approaches to manage these interconnected challenges.
In conclusion, as tourism continues to expand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an in-depth understanding of its environmental repercussions is vital. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and local communities to develop strategies that balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
