EXISTING FUNCTIONAL ZONING OF THE ZMIINY ISLAND AND ITS WATERS AND ITS IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Problem Statement and Purpose. Economic activity, housing development of Zmi­iny іsland, increasing recreational load negatively affect the ecological condition of unique local landscapes. In order to preserve the ecosystem of the island there is a need to normalize the anthropogenic load. It will be advisable to adjust the existing functional zoning of Zmiiny іsland with an indisputable priority to the preservation of landscape and biological diversity. The purpose of the study is to analyze the existing functional zoning of Zmiiny іsland and the surrounding area and improve it.Data & Methods. The work is based on the results of our research in 2005-2019 on the natural conditions of Zmiiny іsland, genesis and geography of soils, their bioproduc­tivity, assessment and mapping of the state, as well as economic use of the territory. The zoning of the island uses an ecological and landscape approach, which consists in a comprehensive study and analysis of the diversity of natural landscapes, their changes due to economic activity and the location of protected areas.Results. Zmiiny іsland is the only dome-shaped remnant of the Paleozoic age in the Black Sea, a piece of land for migratory and resident birds. The island is distinguished by its unique geographical location, archaeological and geological value, as a result - natural and geographical conditions and resources, landscape and biological diversity, which has no analogues within Ukraine in the number of rare species and can be a source of reproduction and enrichment of northwest flora and fauna parts of the Black Sea. Today the island has the status of a general zoological reserve of national impor­tance and a geological monument of special nature and scientific value.The existing functional zoning of Zmiiny іsland is analyzed. So four zones are allo­cated: economic - 13 hectares, perspective development of social infrastructure - 2.8 hectares, land reserve - 4.7 hectares and sea reserve within a radius of 500 meters 227.3 hectares. The land reserve area occupies only 22.9% of the island's area, and there is no transitional buffer zone at all, which does not comply with current legis­lation.The functional zoning of the island and its waters has been improved by allocating four zones with clarification of the boundaries and areas of these zones: the protected land zone (8.0 ha) and the sea protected area within a radius of 500 meters (227.3 ha), which should serve as protection and restoration of the most valuable natural systems of the island. To protect the preserved land area from anthropogenic impact, it is pro­posed to allocate a zone of regulated activities and regulated recreation (5.7 hectares). The rest of the territory of 6.8 hectares is an economic zone with clear regulations, which is not prohibited on sites with environmental status.In the strategy of measures to preserve the unique steppe landscape of the island, the priority activities of people should be environmental activities, scientific and monitor­ing research, recreational and educational activities.In order to preserve the island's biocenoses, soils, vegetation, landscape and biological diversity, we emphasize the possible revision of the island's conservation status by classifying it as a landscape reserve, nature park or even a reserve with appropriate statutory norms of use and protection.