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Reforestation with exotic plans may alter the natural flora due to uncontrolled expansion of the inserted species. This study evaluated the potential of the object-oriented classification method using fuzzy logic algorithm for the differentiation of forest areas in intermediate/advanced stage and areas reforested with exotic species around the Rio Canoas State Park in Santa Catarina State of Brazil, using high spatial resolution SPOT6 imagery. The study region has regional importance for the preservation of mixed ombrophilous forest remnants and is belonging to the Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest, and hence, it is important to monitor the advance of exotic species in the region. The methodology consisted of the creation of the hierarchical network and process tree with numerous descriptor tests in Trimble Ecognition software, principal component analysis, multi-resolution segmentation algorithm and fuzzy logic functions. It was concluded that the use of principal components associated with the red band by a simple ratio of digital levels is extremely effective for identifying the areas reforested with exotic species. Fuzzy logic pertinence functions are the key in discriminating natural forest areas and areas reforested with exotic species in the study region accurately. The object-oriented classification was validated by points collected in the field and presented an overall accuracy level of 0.83 and Kappa index of 0.78, concluding that it is an efficient methodology in the delimitation of exotic species reforestation areas around Rio Canoas State Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A buffer zone can be defined as the surroundings of a protected area, restricting human activities, such as irregular urban growth, hunting, logging, and unsustainable agriculture. The general objective of this research was to propose a methodology for the delimitation of a buffer zone surrounding a conservation unit within the Atlantic Forest Biome, integrating physical, biotic and socioeconomic aspects with the use of map algebra and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The study area, Rio Canoas State Park, is a unit of integral protection type conservation containing araucaria forest, which is of great environmental relevance as it is situated in the Atlantic Forest Biome containing several species of wild fauna and flora. Firstly, natural vulnerability to erosion of the surroundings of the park associated with basic territorial units with the aid of map algebra and AHP technique was elaborated. Secondly, insertion of special areas such as permanent preservation areas and areas consolidated by the Ministry of the Environment in the buffer zone was done. Finally, the buffer zone of the park delimited from the results acquired in the previous two stages was established. It was verified that the calculation of natural vulnerability to erosion and the parameters of special areas were effective and adequate for the delimitation of the buffer zone with a total area of approximately 37,888 ha. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of buffer zone delimitation using remote sensing and GIS techniques based on environmental conditions, including the invasion of exotic species, of the surrounding areas of the conservation units. • Map algebra and AHP techniques for buffer zone delineation • Usual methods for delineating buffer zone consider only structural limits (rivers, roads, etc.) • The current methodology considers environmental conditions associated with conservation units • Invasion of exotic species into protected areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]