GIS-Fuzzy Logic Approach for Ecological Restoration Suitability Mapping in Semi-Arid Steppe Ecosystems: A Case Study of Naâma Province, Algeria

This research evaluates the ecological restoration suitability in the northeastern region of Naâma Province, Algeria, a fragile environment undergoing increasing degradation from both climatic stresses and human activities. The study area, including the municipalities of El Biodh and Mecheria, is located in a semi-arid steppe zone, known for its biodiversity and restoration potential. The objective of this study is to produce a spatially explicit map of restoration suitability by integrating fuzzy logic, GIS-based multi-criteria analysis, and environmental variables. A total of 20 indicators (topographic, pedological, climatic, and vegetative) were normalized and combined using fuzzy membership functions. The fuzzy overlay was followed by a defuzzification step using the centroid method to produce a composite suitability map, which was categorized into three classes: suitable, less suitable, and unsuitable. The results showed a heterogeneous spatial distribution, with 47.65% of the landscape classified as unsuitable, 36.08% as less suitable, and only 16.27% as suitable. For model validation, 300 random points were generated, and multiple linear regression was applied to evaluate the influence of each variable group. Climatic variables showed the strongest correlation with suitability (R = 0.924, p < 0.001), followed by proximity factors (R = 0.719, p < 0.005), topography (R = 0.647, p < 0.001), soil properties (R = 0.521, p < 0.001), and vegetation indices (R = 0.337, p < 0.001). The study confirms the effectiveness of combining fuzzy logic and GIS for ecological restoration planning and highlights priority areas for intervention within arid and semi-arid landscapes.