Degradation risks and prospects for valley and river landscapes conservation in east Podilsk Transnistria (on the example of the Nemiya river)

Abstract

Formulation of the problem. The urgency of the problem put forward is associated with the growth of anthropogenic development of the unique valley-river landscapes of the East Podolsk Transnistria is still taking place without a comprehensive geographic justification for the organization of nature management of the territory. These valley-river landscapes are unique in terms of the richness of bio- and landscape diversity.

The purpose of the article is to assess the landscape and biotic diversity of the valley-river landscape of the lower reaches of the Nemiya city of the Mogilev-Podolsk-Yampolsky physical-geographical region in order to form priorities for the environmental activities of Transnistria.

Materials and methods. To achieve the goal, a visual survey of the territory of the Nemia basin was carried out. The studies were carried out on the basis of: hydrological-geographical, biogeographical, botanical and zoological generalizations of the results of route observations in the Nemia River valley. Materials were used, including remote and field observations carried out in the Dniester basin. Also, data from various organizations and institutions were used (Vinnitsa Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting, Basin Water Resources Management of the city of Southern Bug, etc.). In particular, data from rural councils of settlements of the Mogilev-Podolsky urban territorial society were used. In the course of the study, such traditional methods as: statistical, literary and cartographic methods, the method of analogies, the method of comparisons and the method of generalizations were used. At the same time, such specific methods were used: a system of modeling, analysis, synthesis methods, cartographic and mathematical methods and methods of forecasting, expeditionary, continuous survey of natural areas, geophysical, identification of landscape components, etc.).

Results. The study made it possible to study the ecotone of landscape and biotic diversity, including the high vulnerability of anthropogenic valley-river landscape complexes, primarily under the influence of mining and industrial developments. The features of the influence on the formation of these landscape complexes of natural and historical and social conditions were also revealed. At the same time, it was possible to establish the modern anthropogenized structure (landscape, phyto- and zoocenotic) of natural and anthropogenic landscapes within the Nemia River valley.

Scientific novelty and practical significance. The conditions for the functioning of the valley-river landscape, the trends and intensity of its changes under the influence of natural and anthropogenic conditions and factors are analysed. The problems of protective belts and water protection zones are considered to assess the possibility of the Nemiya River performing the function of an eco-corridor in the projected regional ecological network. The factors influencing the ecological state of the valley-river landscape are determined. At the same time, microfoci are identified, with which successional, material-energy, transformational and destabilization changes are associated. Based on the studies carried out, proposals were made for the implementation of environmental protection measures for the Nemia River. The results of these researches can become the basis for monitoring the dynamics, development and evolution of landscapes, primarily for the formation of priorities for the environmental activities of Transnistria.