Mangrove Vegetation Dynamics in Bossaso, Somalia (2020–2024): A Case Study Using NDVI and Community Insights

Mangrove forests are essential coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity, protect shorelines, and sustain livelihoods in Somalia’s coastal regions. This case study investigates the health and temporal dynamics of the mangrove forest in Bosaso, Puntland, from 2020 to 2024, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from Sentinel-2 satellite data. The study reveals a moderate decline in vegetation health from 2020 to 2022, followed by a gradual recovery through 2024. This trend is explored alongside qualitative data from local community members and security enforcement (PMPF), who reported restrictions on harvesting and grazing activities near the mangroves. Field responses suggest that institutional monitoring and potential restoration initiatives may have contributed to the observed vegetation recovery. By combining geospatial analysis with ground-level perceptions, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of mangrove change in Bosaso and offers data-driven recommendations for conservation, governance, and future restoration planning.