NATURAL RESOURCE USE IN SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS OF THE CRIMEAN PENINSULA

Abstract

On the backdrop of increase in number and area occupied by specially protected areas (PAs), their involvement in economic activities increases. The trend is typical for a new Russian territory – the Crimean Peninsula. The article presents results of analysis of current structure of natural resource use in PAs of the Crimean Peninsula that is represented by 208 objects. The current PAs system of Crimea along with its structure by categories, number of objects and their areas is demonstrated. The maximum PAs area is accounted for wildlife refuges (zakazniks) and nature reserves – the objects of strict protection (75%). The data also provided on the dynamics of PAs system formation from 2000 to 2014. It was indicated the increase in number of protected areas by 46%, and their area by 57%. Proportion for the areas covered by PAs in each administrative unit of the Crimean Peninsula has been calculated. It was found that the proportion of protected areas is higher in the urban districts. Bakhchisarai district with PAs ratio above 10% stands out from the other peninsula districts. In seven districts protected areas has not been established yet. A wide range of land use types is indicated for wildlife refuges and natural monuments. Types of natural resource use are identified, which are represented in protected areas of the Crimean Peninsula (a case of Baidarskii Reserve), and their spatial structure is demonstrated. The main types of nature resource use in Baidarskii Reserve are recreational, forestry, agricultural and residential. At the same time, special attention has been paid to the geoecological problems that have arisen because of different types of nature resource use. Agriculture caused transformation of vegetation, soils, and pasture digression. Recreational use of natural resources contributed to changing the composition and structure of plant communities, along with transforming density of upper soil layers. Recreational load is localized mainly along touristic trails.