The basin-landscape approach to the protection and condition optimization of the lakes of the national parks

Abstract

The essence of the basin-landscape approach to the protection of the lakes of the national parks as an actual direction of research, which is formed at the junction of nature protection landscaping, hydrology and geoecology has been substantiated. The research algorithm, peculiarities of analysis and assessment of the status of the lake-basin system (LBS) have been found out, the factors that worsen the geo-ecological state in the lake and basin subsystems have been revealed, optimization measures in the objects of the nature reserve fund located within the natural reserve have been substantiated. The purpose of the study is to determine the parameters of the structure of lake-basin landscapes (on the example of Zasvitske lake, Nobel National Natural Park, Ukraine), liminary and landscape-metric indicators of the geo-ecological status of the LBS and the factors influencing it as an information and analytical basis for ensuring the protection and management of the LBS located in nature conservation area. The materials of the study were the long-term field landscape-limnological and geo-ecological studies of the authors within the Polesia region of Ukraine and, in particular, the LBS of the Nobel National Nature Park. The research methodology was based on complex physical-geographical methods, hydrological profiling and creation of bathymetric models of reservoirs, hydrochemical diagnostics of water masses of the lakes, geochemical analyses of bottom sediments, landscape mapping using GIS-technologies. The results of geo-ecological (landscape-ecological) researches of the lake-basin system of Zasvitske lake have been presented, in particular, original profiles and bathymetric model of the reservoir, landscape maps of the aqual complex and the lake catchment, limno- and landscape characteristics of the LBS have been shown. Considering the level of anthropogenic transformations of the LBS and the presence of a high proportion of ecologically-stabilizing lands (forests, reservoirs of natural origin), the level of sustainability of the LBS is estimated as high. An assessment of the hydrological characteristics of the reservoir and hydrochemical characteristics allows to attribute this lake to an oligotrophic type. The results of a comprehensive analysis of the geo-ecological parameters of the state of Zasvitske lake and its landscape-limnological functioning indicate the expediency of recreational specialization of nature management in the Nobel National Park, that includes this lake. Scientific novelty. The application of proposed landscape-basin approach and the algorithm of the LBS study increase the possibilities of functional zoning of national parks with high index of lakes, as well as solving the problems of nature protection and optimization of nature management. Practical importance. The created electronic landscape maps and the base of limnometric parameters can be used as reference documents for the certification and cadastral evaluation of the transboundary protected areas of Ramsar type, geo-ecological monitoring and an integrated management of lakes by the basin approach in conditions of intense climate change.