Unique Natural Objects Research Articles

Охрана озера Байкал как объекта всемирного природного наследия в условиях изменяющегося климата

The article examines the problem of improving the normative and organizational princi-ples of protection of World Natural Heritage properties from threats caused by global climate change. The importance of the topic in the light of the implementation of the order of the Pres-ident of the Russian Federation on the formation of regional adaptation plans to the effects of climate change is shown. The international legal basis of climate regulation is given, typical threats to the state of unique natural objects determined by climate change are revealed. The documents of the World Heritage protection system in the sphere of adaptation to the conse-quences of global climate change are analyzed, their most important provisions are summa-rized. It is noted that there are climatic risks to the state of conservation of Lake Baikal, as well as a clear lack of reflection of this topic in environmental legal studies. Measures are proposed to improve environmental legislation in terms of enshrining the peculiarities of protection of World Natural Heritage properties and taking into account climate change issues in the man-agement of Lake Baikal as a World Heritage property. A proposal is made to amend the Federal Law "On Protected Areas" in terms of the need to prepare management plans for World Natural Heritage properties, including adaptation to the changing climate.

THE IMPACT OF MILITARY ACTIONS ON UNIQUE NATURAL OBJECTS OF KHARKIV REGION

This article explores the impact of military actions on unique natural objects in the Kharkiv region. A comprehensive analysis of the consequences of armed conflicts on the natural environment and nature reserves of the region has been conducted. In particular, aspects such as loss of biodiversity, pollution of water resources, and damage to ecosystems are examined. The article also discusses possible measures for the restoration and preservation of natural objects after military events, aimed at restoring ecological balance and ensuring the stability of natural ecosystems in the region. Risk calculations for public health due to soil pollution after a forest fire in the "FELDMAN ECO-PARK" show that the risk corresponds to Class 4 for mobile forms and gross content of pollutants (significant impact, severe acute effects). The use of a methodological approach to assess potential health risks allows determining the level of danger of recreational activities in the eco-park, identifying priorities for the implementation of nature conservation measures. Conducting such research will help identify effective ways of restoring and preserving natural ecosystems in the area affected by Russian aggression, ensuring their sustainable functioning in the future. The restoration of the eco-park is not only about designing and building new enclosures and playgrounds. It is also about restoring the ecosystem, a unique nature reserve for preserving biodiversity and rare species of animals and plants. According to various estimates, complete cleaning of forests and other areas from explosive remnants of war may take from one to several decades after the end of hostilities. Therefore, it is crucial for the international community to take responsibility for protecting nature and the environment during armed conflicts and contribute to its further development. The Protocol to the Geneva Conventions calls for protecting nature from war damage, representing a significant direction in international law recognized by many countries worldwide.

Outstanding Universal Value of World Natural Heritage Sites: Definition Issues

The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of outstanding universal value of world heritage sites, which is the supporting category of the entire system of protection of unique natural sites. The paper considers the normative basis for the definition of this concept in the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the Guidelines for its implementation, the practice of the World Heritage Committee and the acts of its advisory bodies. The tripartite division of the composition of outstanding universal value is critically analyzed and the reasons for its appearance are highlighted. Methods of formalizing the analyzed concept are explored, shortcomings in the formulation of wordings of outstanding universal value are highlighted, and various ways to improve this institution are proposed. The comparative legal method of research is widely used: all the problems discussed in the paper are illustrated by the current law enforcement practice of the World Heritage Committee in reviewing the state of conservation of unique natural objects located in foreign countries. The results obtained are compared with the problems of protecting Russian World Natural Heritage sites.

Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan: The Unique Natural Objects of the Geoheritage

Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan: The Unique Natural Objects of the Geoheritage

Ecosystem services of forests and their economic valuation: Prospects for sustainable development

The relevance of the topic is justified by the diversity of unique natural ecosystem objects in the territories of Kosovo and North Macedonia, where forestry activities are traditional. The aim of the study is to analyse the current state of ecosystem services provided by forests in Kosovo and North Macedonia in the context of their assessment and development prospects. Several general scientific empirical and theoretical research methods were employed, including comparison, generalization, analysis, synthesis, and abstract-logical methods. The article characterizes the current state of forest resource utilization in Kosovo and North Macedonia, highlighting key issues in the management of forest lands, including those hindering the development of ecosystem services. The study justifies indicators of the level of forest resource utilization in Kosovo and North Macedonia, examining the percentage ratio of forest cover indicators in the Western Balkan countries. The relationship between land areas of different categories and purposes in Kosovo is analysed, along with the designation of protected areas within forested areas in North Macedonia. The necessity of conducting an economic assessment of specific ecosystem services provided by forests is justified. Six methods used in the economic valuation of natural goods resulting from forest resource utilization are detailed, deemed most suitable for the Western Balkan countries. A comprehensive list of the most relevant functions of forests requiring economic assessment is compiled. Throughout the justification of all stages of the work, specific ecosystem services provided by forests that may gain greater importance in the future are identified. The practical significance of the study lies in forming the fundamental methodological aspects that can be utilized in the assessment of ecosystem services provided by forests

Studying and mapping natural complexes of the piedmont plain of the Dokuchaev ridge (Kunashir island, Great Kuril ridge)

The article presents the findings of geosystems studies of the piedmont accumulative plain located between the mountain massifs of Dokuchaev ridge and Tyatya volcano on the Kunashir island. The plain is a unique natural object, as denudation prevails in the Kuril Islands and accumulative forms are not widespread here. Field surveys of vegetation, soils and topography were carried out according to standard methods. Ultrahigh spatial resolution satellite image, topographic maps and scientific literature were also used as materials. As a result, thematic maps were compiled and features of spatial distribution of geosystems were identified.

Ecological analysis of higher aquatic and semi-aquatic plants of Lake Alakol

From an ecological perspective, the study of biological diversity is a key element for maintaining the sustainability of ecosystems and for developing and implementing effective conservation and natural resource management strategies. Lake Alakol, a slightly saline, endorheic lake in Kazakhstan, is a unique natural object with rich biodiversity. According to research results, diversity indices such as Simpson (0.99), Shannon (3.48), Margalef (0.78), have similar values, which indicates a sufficient variety of macrophytes. Four ecological groups were identified, with a significant number being hygrophytes (Hg) - 30 species and hygromesophytes (HgM) - 26 species. The hydrophytic index of Lake Alakol was 0.7, which indicates the sustainability of the aquatic flora and a high proportion of true aquatic plants. Among the life forms, perennials (75 species) and annuals (16 species) predominate, which is explained by the morphological and anatomical characteristics of aquatic plants and determines their adaptation to the aquatic environment. Thus, ecological study of macrophytes of Lake Alakol can offer important data for devising successful management and conservation strategies for water basins and their surrounding environment.

Characterization of Antenna Radiation Pattern and Penetration Depth in Ground Penetrating Radar Field Missions

This article discusses the methods and results of assessing the angular resolution and sounding depth of enhanced-power ground penetration radars obtained during archaeological and geographical expeditionary works in various natural areas. Elongated local objects were used as test objects to evaluate the horizontal radiation pattern of the Loza–V georadar in the upper- and lower-half spaces. The depth of operation of the Loza–N low-frequency radar was estimated during a geophysical study of a unique natural object in the Siberian taiga. The variability of the GPR antenna radiation patterns in different materials (air, dry, or wet soils) confirms the necessity of quantitative measurements with controlled electrophysical parameters.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION AND ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KUIALNYK ESTUARY

ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION AND ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KUIALNYK ESTUARY

Экологический туризм в горных регионах России: сущность и перспективы развития

The article analyzes modern concepts and approaches in the works of Russian and foreign researchers to the formation of ecological tourism as a form of nature-oriented tourism. The peculiarities of mountain ecotourism consist in taking into account the specific conditions inherent in mountain ecosystems (ecological vulnerability to anthropogenic impact, dynamism of landscape-forming processes, etc.). In the mountainous regions of Russia, favorable prerequisites have been identified for the development of various areas of ecotourism (apitourism, agritourism, geological tourism, scientific tourism, etc.) both within specially protected natural areas and outside their borders. SWOT analysis on the example of mountain regions of the Northeast Caucasus showed that there are many strengths and opportunities for the development of ecotourism within the boundaries of specially protected natural areas (unique natural complexes and objects, attractive natural landscapes, high biological diversity, the presence of endemics and relics in the structure of biodiversity, favorable climate, transport accessibility, significant labor resources, etc.). Also, weaknesses were identified that impede the development of ecotourism, and possible threats (poor development of tourist infrastructure, organized tourist routes, equipped ecological trails, a shortage of qualified personnel in the field of ecotourism, etc.).

Thermal regime of the Danube Delta and the adjacent lakes

Abstract The Danube Delta is a unique natural object influenced by natural and human factors. According to the available observation and remote sensing data, the features of the water temperature in the Danube Delta, as well as in nearby lakes and the adjacent area of the Black Sea, have been determined. The water temperature in the Danube River was found to be much higher than the air temperature, especially in autumn. Generally, it is also higher than in nearby lakes and the adjacent part of the Black Sea. During 1961–2021 the mean annual water temperature in the Danube Delta increased significantly, especially during the last three decades. It has been determined that water temperature is affected not only by air temperature, but also by water discharge and wind. With a large water discharge the mixing of water is intensified and it causes the decrease of surface water temperature during the main part of the year with the exception of the coldest months. The greatest impact of water discharge on the water temperature is observed in June. The cool breeze in summer months also has some effect on the surface water temperature of the river near the seashore. The results show the potential of remote sensing to track the changes of water temperature along the river and to identify the shallow sections.

On the issue of the development of religious tourism in the Republic of Dagestan

Aim. The article deals with the development of religious tourism in the Republic of Dagestan as excursions, educational and religious studies and pilgrimage tours. Discussion. The recreational potential of the republic includes numerous places of worship, monuments of spiritual culture and cultural and historical complexes, favourable natural and climatic conditions, the warm Caspian Sea and sandy beaches and unique natural objects, such as the Sulak Canyon, the Sary‐Kum dune, the Saltinsky underground waterfall, the Samur forest, the Tobotsky waterfall, majestic mountains, which have attracted a large number of guests to Dagestan in recent years. During 2022, more than one and a half million people visited the republic, while the population in the republic itself is three million. In view of the fact that paganism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity were practiced on the territory of modern Dagestan before the spread of Islam, cult objects associated with these religions have been preserved. Of course, the largest group of places of worship is associated with Islam. Conclusion. The presence in Dagestan of shrines associated not only with Islam, but also with Christianity, makes it possible to develop religious tourism in the republic not only in the form of excursions and educational and religious studies, but also pilgrimage tours for believing citizens of the country, which will undoubtedly contribute to the education of religious tolerance and mutual understanding of representatives of different religions.

Factors in the development of smart villages regarding tourism in the Baltic states

PurposeThis study aims to examine the nature of smart villages and the factors in their development in relation to the tourism industry in the Baltic states.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed theoretical literature analysis to conceptualize the factors contributing to smart village development, discourse analysis (analysis of good smart village branding practice), a qualitative approach and descriptive analysis to analyse semi-structured expert survey e-questionnaires to identify the nature of smart villages, as well as to analyse factors in the development of smart villages in relation to tourism in the Baltic states. Specialists who represent tourism, other businesses and the discipline of economics were chosen as experts.FindingsThe experts indicated that the development of smart villages can contribute to essential and important factors in the development of tourism such as the growth of a creative economy, the development of community culture, values, traditions and symbols, the production of local food, the establishment of unique natural, cultural and recreational objects, as well as improvement in infrastructure and the introduction of new technologies.Originality/valueThe study contributes to an understanding of the development of smart villages, given the important factors that were examined. The smart village approach is a relatively new approach to sustainable rural development and tourism promotion. In Europe, it is a better-known approach to developing local areas and tourism, yet each region has its own distinctive features.

ASSESSMENT OF THE NATURAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF THE IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF THE NORTH KAZAKHSTAN REGION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORNITHOLOGICAL TOURISM

To assess the potential of the allocated Important Bird Areas (IBA) of the North Kazakhstan region for the development of ecological tourism in the region. The work uses the materials of field research of domestic and international ornithological expeditions, cartographic method, statistical and mathematical processing of the data obtained. The territory of the North Kazakhstan region is of interest for the development of ornithological tourism. This is facilitated by the natural resource potential of the allocated promising IBA. The borders of these territories coincide with lake ecosystems located in the forest-steppe and steppe zones of the region. The selected ornithological areas are confined to lake ecosystems that are on the way of migrations and nesting of birds. IBA are characterized by floristic and faunal diversity, insignificant human development. The habitation of rare and endangered species has been noted. The presence of roads ensures accessibility to the studied territories of tourists and wildlife lovers from Kazakhstan, near and far abroad. The allocated territories may be used not only for ornithological, but also for recreational and educational tourism, as well as amateur fishing. The results of the resource potential assessment confirm the prospects for the development of ornithological tourism in the territory of the North Kazakhstan region in the implementation of environmental measures aimed at preserving the uniqueness of ecosystems. The selected IBA have significant natural resource potential and uniqueness. Key territories associated with lake ecosystems can serve for the development of ornithological and recreational tourism. The comprehensive assessment made it possible to identify the weighting coefficient of the studied properties of the territories. This confirms the fact about the prospects of their use as unique natural objects for scientific research, amateur fishing, various types of tourism on the territory of the North Kazakhstan region.

Информационное обеспечение мониторинга земель на примере Тюменской области

Currently, among the most important priorities of any state is to ensure safety and favorable conditions for human life, limit the negative impact of economic and other activities on the environment and provide the protection and rational use of natural resources in the interests of present and future generations, as well as increasing the attractiveness of urbanized areas. In order to ensure and maintain a favorable environmental situation in the built-up and development areas and to improve the quality of life, there is a need for monitoring the lands of urbanized locations, as well as unique natural complexes and objects using modern technologies and geographic information systems. The authors propose the crowdsourcing platform “EcoZemNavigator” and the geoinformation system “Monitoring of lands of specially protected natural areas ofthe Tyumen region” for information support, exchanging up-to-date data, creating a regional monitoring system for the spatial development of the Tyumen oblast territory based on information technologies.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ СТРУКТУРЫ ПРИРОДОПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ В ПРИРОДНОМ ПАРКЕ «КАНДРЫ-КУЛЬ» (ПРЕДУРАЛЬЕ, РЕСПУБЛИКА БАШКОРТОСТАН)

The current trends in the development of specially protected natural territories and the organization of rational nature management in these territories are determined by the following circumstances: 1) preserving the integrity and uniqueness of the landscape and natural complex, 2) creating conditions for people's access to unique natural objects, 3) ensuring environmental safety, 4) creating optimal infrastructure on the territory to ensure the greatest comfort for vacationers. The analysis of the current situation in the Kandry-Kul Nature Park confirms the high level of attendance in the coastal zone of the lake. Kandry-Kul. One of the effective ways to reduce anthropogenic loads on the territory while maintaining the attractiveness for people's recreation can be the organization of intercepting guarded parking lots. The landscape and ecological characteristics of the territory and the assessment of vegetation cover are the basis for determining places suitable for the organization of parking vehicles. Identification of preferred and permissible parking areas in terms of compliance with the requirements of environmental legislation makes it possible to preserve the landscape and natural complex of the Kandry-Kul Nature Park and ensure people's access to organized recreation.

Features of protection of transboundary objects of the world natural heritage: Russian and foreign experience (Part 2)

This article is a continuation of the analysis of the fulfillment by Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso of international obligations and the application of national law norms for the protection of the transboundary object of the V-Arly-Panjari Complex, as well as the implementation by Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands of a set of measures for the protection and conservation of the Wadden Sea. The authors identified the main provisions for the protection and management of the outstanding universal value, considered the foundations for the formation of systems of bodies that perform the functions of protecting objects, analyzed the main measures for coordinating the actions of national authorities to eliminate the main threats and maintain the state of unique natural transboundary objects in order to fulfill obligations under the Convention. The novelty of this study is predetermined by the fact that at the present time there are practically no legal studies of the practice of protecting World Heritage sites in general and transboundary (transnational) sites in particular. The analysis leads the authors to the conclusion that the extrapolation of the main provisions to the current situation in the field of conservation of such Russian transboundary natural objects as the Ubsunur basin and the Landscapes of Dauria gives rise to the need to develop appropriate individual adjustments in the legislation of our country, regardless of the relevant UNESCO measures. The authors make proposals to improve the situation in the field of ensuring its protection of a Russian transboundary natural objects.

Geographical prerequisites for the development of tourism in Kazakhstan

Tourism is an actively developing branch of the economy. Despite the fact that Kazakhstan's tourist destinations are not yet widely represented on the world tourism market, having unique natural resources and objects of cultural and historical heritage, the country has a huge potential for a worthy place in world tourism. All the necessary cultural, historical, geographical and climatic conditions are sufficient for the development of tourism in the country. There are three cultural heritage sites and two natural heritage sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan. However, the attractiveness of the tourism industry is characterized not only by beautiful natural landscapes and historical sites, but also by developed infrastructure and services, access to transport and security. The regions of interest to domestic and foreign tourists in the republic are national parks and specially protected natural areas. The most popular destinations among Kazakhstanis are the cities of Almaty and Astana, as well as the East Kazakhstan region, and the most popular among foreign tourists is the Almaty cluster. There are opportunities in the regions of Kazakhstan to increase the share of this industry in the country's economy through the development of tourism. To do this, it is necessary to solve the current problems of the development of the industry.

Results of Seismological Monitoring in the Baltic Sea and Western Part of the Kaliningrad Oblast Using Bottom Seismographs

In 2007–2015, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IO RAS) carried out seismological observations in the water area and on the coast of the Baltic Sea using autonomous seismic stations. Here, in the area of the Sambia Peninsula, previously considered aseismic, a strong perceptible earthquake with a magnitude of about M = 4.6 occurred in 2004. The most interesting data were obtained by IO RAS in 2008–2009 from seismological monitoring using autonomous bottom and coastal seismic stations. The data obtained in 2010–2015 turned out to be unsuitable for full-scope processing due to several causes (losses of bottom seismographs, high noise level at coastal stations, etc.). Seismological monitoring in the west of the Kaliningrad region and in the adjoining area of the Baltic Sea detected weak earthquakes with magnitudes ML = 2.5-3 whose sources are confined to the development are of the Kravtsovskoe offshore oil field. Some of these earthquakes have been recorded by the stations of the Norwegian seismic array NORSAR and by the seismic stations of Sweden. The Kravtsovskoe oil field is located on the shelf northwest of the unique natural object, the Curonian Spit. The detected weak earthquakes are likely to be anthropogenic, induced by reservoir pressure disturbances as a result of intensive hydrocarbon production, and are probably precursors of a strong man-made earthquake.

Biodiversity of Phototrophs and Culturable Fungi in Gobustan Caves.

Unique natural objects, such as the caves of the Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Preserve, are also of great cultural and historical value due to rock art and sites of ancient people. A favorable microclimate makes these habitats convenient for colonization by microbiota, including phototrophs. In arid regions with intense seasonal fluctuations of microclimatic parameters, the conditions for survival are the least favorable; therefore, it becomes especially important to determine the composition of communities that are the most adapted to specific conditions. This work aimed to identify the biodiversity of communities of caves and grottoes of the Gobustan Reserve. The studies were carried out in July 2019. Samples were analyzed for cyanobacteria and algae by microscopy and cultivation methods, microfungi were isolated by soil dilution, and the fouling glass method was also used. In total, 29 taxa of cyanobacteria and algae, 18 taxa of fungi, and 3 species of mosses were identified. The studied habitats were dominated by the algae Chlorella vulgaris, Aphanocapsa sp., and Stichococcus bacillaris; the subdominants were Jaaginema subtilissimum, Leptolyngbya tenuis, Chlorococcum minutum, and Humidophila contenta. Microfungi had the highest occurrence of Aspergillus niger, Aureobasidium pullulans, Alternaria alternata, and Talaromyces ruber. It was noted that cyanobacteria dominated in morphologically differentiated biofilms and green algae on the rocks. The greatest number of microfungi was found in the aphotic zone and bryophyte tufts. The dominance of green algae is atypical for most caves of other regions and may be associated with intense lighting of habitats. The absence of protonema is a consequence of the aridity and low moisture content of the substrates.