Landscape mapping of the Russian Black Sea coast

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to study structure, evolution and present ecological state of background and anthropogenically modified landscapes of the Abrau Peninsula. This region has been recommended as one of the main conservation sites on the Russian Black Sea coast due to its relatively low anthropogenic transformation and its historical importance. The ecological situation is aggravated today by the construction of a pipe-line and oil terminal near Novorossiysk and by an increase in unregulated recreation activity within the peninsula’s narrow coastal zone. A special landscape-ecological map has been compiled for the model area. All ecosystems shown on the map can be grouped into four main categories based on changes of landscape structure resulting from direct impact of human activity and indirect impact mainly from chemical pollution. Ecosystems exhibiting a high degree of transformation are more typical for regions characterized by settlements, vineyards and the coastal recreation zone. Ecosystems with moderate changes also exist in the coastal area, including, for example, some unique ecosystems with pine-tree forests, pistachio-juniper and juniper open-lands. Nearly 50% of pine-tree (Pinus pithyusa) forests are in the fourth and fifth stages of recreation degradation. Some protection measures are suggested to maintain biodiversity and sustainable development of these coastal landscapes and to improve their current condition.