Socio-ecological system of the mountainous region: A case study from Georgia

Abstract

Aim: The research aim to study the change to characteristics of the socio-ecological system of the mountain regions of Georgia. Methodology: Research methods included geographic, cartographic, ecosystem, and landscape research methodology, landscape-ecological analysis and synthesis methods, and social-ecological systems concepts. Results: The results showed the following: Ecological characteristics of medium and high mountain natural landscapes and ecosystems within the Central Caucasus (Georgia's historical-geographical province of Pshav-Khevsureti); Main forms of cultural landscape, their economic and social values of the mountain region; Environmental protection of the local population, ethics and environmental history and the ecological, economic, and social culture of the population of the mountain region. Interpretation: In the mountainous regions of Georgia, there is a high potential for creating cultural landscapes, based on the results of the long-term and effective interdependence of man and nature. Cultural landscapes, depending on their importance, will further increase the sustainability of the socio-ecological system of mountainous regions. Key words: Cultural landscape, Ecological culture, Georgia, Mountainous regions, Socio-ecological syste