Landscape hydrological principles for planning the water protection zone of Lake Baikal: aims and results

Abstract

The article presents the aims and objectives of the water protection zoning of the Lake Baikal coast as well as the main points of the landscape hydrological substantiation of the dimensions for the water protection zone of this water body, which is a World Natural Heritage site. Analysis of the legislative framework as well as current natural and ecological state of the coastal area indicate serious anthropogenic impacts on the lake and the lack of the water protection experience, especially, in residential and recreational areas. The study considers the main landscape hydrological parameters and criteria for determining the boundary of the water protection zone as well as physiographical conditions and the ecological necessity to include certain types of landscapes in the protection zone. The individual hydrological characteristics of landscapes, depending on the structural components, determine water potential and water protection parameters of the area, which allows for the substantiation of the water protection zone dimensions that ensure the protection of the water resources of Lake Baikal. The problems of water resources protection in the areas of economic use are of special attention. The study suggests the approaches to functional water protection zoning of urbanized and recreational areas, including landscape hydrological principles for assessing the area and methodological elements of landscape planning as well as regulation of the natural resources use for the purposes of the ecological development of coastal areas. A scientifically grounded water protection zone of Baikal involves coordination and control of all activities related to the use and protection of the lake.