Historical and geospatial aspects of formation of the eco-network of the Transcarpathian region

Abstract

Formulation of the problem. For the time being the formation of an ecological network in Ukraine is the most effective way to preserve biological and landscape diversity. This process is characterized by the use of two approaches. The first is based on national legislation, methods of spatial planning in accordance with the geobotanical and landscape features of the region. The second approach is based on the European legislation, in particular, the Bern Convention. Transcarpathian region is no exception. The project of the regional scheme of the ecological network was approved for the region and Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs – sites of the Emerald network), were determined and adopted by Standing Committee. Purpose and methods of research. Today there is a need for a comprehensive spatial analysis of the currently existing planning models of the regional ecological network of Transcarpathia and the establishment of the most important areas for biodiversity and landscape diversity protection. The purpose of our study was to characterize the main stages of formation of the ecological network of Transcarpathian region and to establish a list of structural elements of the ecological network, for which it is important to develop measures to protect biodiversity within them. We analyzed international and national legal documents, cartographic and planning documents to determine and characterize the main stages of development of the ecological network of the region. we compiled maps showing the spatial relationship of nature reserves, elements of the regional eco-network and areas of special conservation interest, using software QGIS 3.16.0, schemes: planning of the eco-network of the Ukrainian Carpathians, eco-network of Transcarpathian region, Transcarpathian territory planning areas; data on the Structural Elements of the Emerald Network, the network of objects of the nature reserve fund and their large-scale plans; detailed plans of forest plantations. Based on the obtained data, we conducted a spatial analysis of the elements in order to identify areas that require additional measures to preserve biotic and landscape diversity. Results of the research. Based on the obtained data, we have identified and characterized the main stages of formation of the ecological network of the Transcarpathian region. Based on a detailed cartographic analysis, we have identified areas that require natural research on the need for additional measures to preserve biotic and landscape diversity. Scientific novelty and practical significance. In our article for the first time a comprehensive and detailed spatial analysis of the currently existing planning models of the regional ecological network of Transcarpathia was conducted. For the first time, areas have been identified that do not currently belong to the nature reserve fund and areas of special conservation interest, but need to be studied in terms of their value to preserve biotic and landscape diversity.