Two decadal monthly forest ecological challenges and climate variability analysis in Cambodia

Forests' provision of numerous ecological services, including carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity preservation, makes them important to the planet's continued health. The life support systems depend on preserved forests because they manage soil fertility, prevent seawater intrusion, control erosion, regulate water supplies, and maintain microclimate stability. Deforestation happens in forest regions of Cambodia, while the duties in protected forest areas would be reduced. To control deforestation, novel methods are being used, and awareness is growing of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data from 2003 to 2023 analysis of forest ecological and biophysical phenomena in Cambodia, including temperature and rainfall variation. The Cambodian rainy season varies from June to September, with over 110 mm of rain falling annually in 2004, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2020. In December 2023, December is reported as being below 30 °C; however, from March to May, Cambodia experiences its summer, with temperatures above 30 °C during days 25–100. While vegetation health was high in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2020, and 2022, it is seen to be healthier during the monsoon season. From 2003 to 2023, high Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is recorded in September–December, and low Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is recorded in March–April. Evapotranspiration (ET) was low from January–May (> 250 kg/m²) and high from September–November (< 280 kg/m²). This time-series study offers researchers, policymakers, and innovators valuable insights by revealing significant monthly trends in Cambodia's forest cover. Through the application of these discoveries, interested parties can implement data-driven strategies to effectively prevent deforestation.