The Tasks And Methods Of Geographical Studies For Forecasting Economic Development And Resource Use (with particular reference to the South of Krasnoyarsk Kray)

Abstract

Geographical preplanning studies for the long-term planning of regional economic development are found to be inadequate to modern needs because they focus on resource use for industrial purposes and neglect the potential feedback effects of the environment on human activity. Several preplanning studies are examined and found deficient in this respect. The problem is illustrated with particular reference to the South of Krasnoyarsk Kray, where the new Sayan territorial production complex is under development. Preplanning studies are found to have neglected the potential impact of development on landscape ecology, agricultural geography, population geography and medical geography of the area. The need for quantified results suitable for planning purposes is stressed.