Podilian Tovtry: the uniqueness of their nature, anthropogenization and the necessity to preserve

Abstract

Summary The article considers the problem of unique natural objects’ anthropogenization, their current state, possible measures for rational use and preservation. Model unique natural object – Podilian Tovtry. It is noted that the uniqueness of the Podilian Tovtry is due to the process of their formation in the coastal zone of the Miocene seas and their further development as a continental coral structure. At the beginning of the XXI century, there are no such natural objects as Podilian Tovtry in Europe. Everything is unique here: the geological structure and the surface forms with the existing karst formations, the microclimate and the water masses, the soils and the partially preserved flora and fauna. It is shown that the natural uniqueness did not restrain the active economic, mainly mining, development of the Podilian Tovtry. It can lead to the loss of not only the geological but also the natural uniqueness of this object. The measures to restore the Podilian Tovtry and their gradual transformation into the status of the «Tovtry Barrier Reef Geopark» have been proposed. As an example, Podilian Tovtry is considered as an original natural object with the significant reserves of limestone, long-term irrational use of which can lead to the gradual destruction of this unique object of world importance.