Human Geography Journal

Rapid urbanization and the erosion of place: a theoretical review of solastalgia and placelessness

Serdar Çelik, Mehmet Tahsin Şahin — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid transformation of urban landscapes globally presents a profound challenge not only to physical geography but also to human psychology. This theoretical review synthesizes perspectives from human geography, environmental psychology, urban sociology, and philosophy to explore the multidimensional impact of rapid urbanization on place identity. Drawing on Relph's (1976) concept of placelessness and Albrecht's (2005) notion of solastalgia, the paper analyses how the homogenization of regional spaces severs the emotional and ontological bonds between inhabitants and their environments. Integrating Stoic philosophical principles of resilience and adaptation with contemporary frameworks of environmental psychology and cosmopolitan geography, the study proposes a constructive interdisciplinary framework arguing that sustainable regional development must foster cultural synthesis that prioritizes psychological well-being and the preservation of authentic place identity. By cultivating "place resilience" at both individual and collective levels, and by fostering cultural syntheses that honor local heritage while engaging creatively with inevitable change, it may be possible to navigate the tensions of rapid urbanization without surrendering either to disabling grief or to the passive acceptance of psychological impoverishment.

Prospects for further development include empirical, qualitative case studies applying this theoretical framework to specific rapidly urbanizing regions, with priority given to Mediterranean coastal cities undergoing intensive tourism-driven transformation, emerging megacities in the Global South, and post-industrial urban areas in Eastern Europe. Future research should explore practical planning models that integrate psychological resilience metrics, community-based spatial memory preservation, participatory heritage documentation, and place-based mental health support into the core apparatus of urban development strategy and evaluation. Longitudinal mixed-methods research, combining surveys of place attachment, ethnographic fieldwork, and spatial analysis, would be particularly valuable in establishing the empirical basis for policy-relevant interventions.

Urban transformations and the contribution of development companies to sustainable cities

Viktoriya Yavorska , Olesya Kornus , Anatolii Kornus — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In modern cities, ensuring sustainable development is becoming a key task, and cooperation between municipalities and development companies is becoming particularly important. Analysis shows that partnerships between cities and businesses in the field of urban infrastructure development have great potential for creating a comfortable and environmentally safe urban environment. Effective interaction promotes the coordination of spatial, socio-economic and environmental priorities, allowing for a balance between the interests of the community, the state and business. The main challenges remain the coordination of the parties' goals and priorities, the complexity of the regulatory framework, bureaucracy and the high time costs of obtaining permits. The proposed strategies for overcoming these obstacles include the creation of platforms for regular dialogue, joint working groups, the use of financial incentives, and the development of a favourable regulatory environment. Examples of successful cooperation between cities and developers around the world – notably in Vancouver, Rotterdam, Pittsburgh and Malaysia – demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating innovative technologies, green solutions, energy-efficient construction and cultural heritage preservation. Development companies play a strategic role in transforming industrial areas into residential and mixed-use spaces, creating “new cities” with high standards of environmental friendliness and comfort.

The study shows that most scientific work in this field is qualitative in nature, based on case studies, interviews and analysis of archival materials, while the discipline of business management remains underrepresented. The geographical coverage of the research is mainly focused on Europe, Asia and North America, which highlights the need to expand regional examples for a global understanding of sustainable urban development. The main findings indicate that development companies play a key role in the implementation of green technologies, energy-efficient construction, and the development of social and transport infrastructure, which contributes to improving the quality of life of residents, preserving the environment, and ensuring social harmony. Further research, including quantitative methods, can provide more objective and scalable assessments of business performance in the field of sustainable urban development.

Conceptualization of the regional labour market: structure, factors and typology

Oleksandr Dumnov, Kateryna Sehida — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to deepen the socio-geographical approach to the analysis of regional labour markets under contemporary socio-economic, demographic, migration, and security transformations that significantly affect employment structure, labour mobility, territorial differentiation of labour markets, and functional linkages between territories. The purpose of the article is to generalize theoretical approaches to the study of the regional labour market and to identify its essence, structure, key formation factors, and typological features within a socio-geographical framework.

The regional labour market is considered as a multilevel system of socio-labour relations within which the processes of formation, distribution, utilization, and reproduction of the labour potential of a territory take place. Its structure includes subject, object, institutional, infrastructural, functional, and spatial components, the interaction of which shapes territorial characteristics of employment, labour mobility, and the localization of economic activity. Particular attention is paid to the spatial dimension of labour market functioning, which reflects territorial disparities in employment, the level of integration of local labour markets, transport accessibility, migration mobility of the population, and functional linkages between territories.

The main factors of formation and transformation of the regional labour market are systematized, including demographic, economic, social, migration, institutional, technological, infrastructural, spatial, and security factors. It is emphasized that under current Ukrainian conditions, the security factor has acquired a systemic character and significantly affects the territorial structure of employment, labour mobility patterns, functional boundaries of labour markets, and centres of human capital concentration. Approaches to the typology of regional labour markets are proposed based on the level of socio-economic development, the balance between labour demand and supply, the degree of spatial integration, openness, and resilience to crisis impacts. The generalization of theoretical approaches made it possible to develop an integral structural-functional model of the regional labour market, which reflects the interrelations between its internal elements, external factors, and performance characteristics.

Dynamics and structure of the Ukrainian population in the Maramureș Land (Romania)

Mihai Hotea, Nicolaie Hodor, Vasile Timur Chiș — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the dynamics and structural characteristics of the Ukrainian population in the Maramureș Land (Romania), with a particular focus on predominantly Ukrainian communes. Drawing on historical data for 1880–2021, census results from 2011 and 2021, spatial analysis, and field observations, it evaluates long-term numerical trends, age and sex composition, economic profile, educational attainment, and religious affiliation.

The results indicate three major phases: sustained growth until the mid-twentieth century, accelerated expansion during the socialist period, and marked decline after 1990, driven primarily by external migration and decreasing birth rates. Between 2011 and 2021, the total number of inhabitants decreased significantly across all analysed communes, accompanied by population ageing and a high dependency ratio. The economic structure remains dominated by primary activities, while services and tourism are weakly represented. Educational attainment is characterized by the predominance of lower and secondary levels, with a limited share of university graduates. Spatial concentration along valley corridors has supported cultural continuity and linguistic persistence, yet mountainous isolation and limited accessibility have constrained economic diversification. The study also highlights the presence of a distinct Ruthenian component and small Hutsul groups, partly underrepresented in official statistics. Overall, the findings underline the interdependence between physical environment, historical settlement patterns, and contemporary socio-economic transformations shaping the Ukrainian minority in this mountain region.

The impact of intensive agricultural exploitation on groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid areas: the case of the Tafrata Plain in Northeastern Morocco

Smail Bouguelba, Mohamed El Kallouchi — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Groundwater is a major source of water supply for domestic and agricultural purposes, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, changes in groundwater levels in the Tafrata Plain in the Guercif Basin, located in eastern Morocco, were tracked by measuring and analyzing the evolution of the water depths of wells and boreholes through official statistics and fieldwork. The results showed a significant and continuous decline in groundwater levels throughout the study area, with varying degrees of variation.

The agricultural transformations and the annual increase in irrigated areas at the expense of fallow and pasture lands, along with the accompanying well-drilling campaigns to pump water, reflect an unprecedented trend toward irrigated agricultural investment. However, the negative impact of agricultural modernization operations in the Tafrata Plain on water resources quickly became apparent.

This alarming situation is the result of the ongoing overexploitation and unsustainable management of limited vital water resources, particularly by the agricultural sector. This critical situation has also pushed the region into a water crisis. To mitigate the effects of groundwater depletion, it is recommended to rationalize groundwater use through effective measures, primarily related to promoting sustainable development in agricultural activity. Future research should focus on developing integrated water management strategies and adaptive agricultural practices tailored to the Tafrata Plain.

Socio-geographical features and structural transformations of labour markets in the European Union countries and Ukraine

Vitaly Bezugly, Viktor Hrushka, Halyna Lysycharova, Oleksandr Shevtsov — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Relevance of the topic is determined by the growing spatial disparities in employment, demographic changes, intensification of migration processes, as well as significant transformations of the Ukrainian labor market under martial law and the need for post-war economic recovery. The aim of the study is to conduct a comprehensive spatial analysis of the current state of labor markets in Ukraine and the countries of the European Union, to identify regional disparities in their functioning, and to determine the main development trends.

The paper analyzes contemporary demographic processes affecting the formation of labor potential, particularly population aging, changes in the age structure, and the reduction in the share of the working-age population. It is established that the labor market of the European Union is characterized by pronounced spatial differentiation, manifested in the concentration of economic activity and labor resources in capital and highly developed urbanized regions, while peripheral territories face depopulation, labor migration, and limited employment opportunities.

Special attention is paid to the analysis of changes in the qualification structure of the workforce associated with the transition to a knowledge economy, the spread of tertiarization processes, and digitalization. It is determined that the current transformations of the European labor market are accompanied by the emergence of new challenges, including a growing shortage of qualified personnel in high-technology sectors and the appearance of the phenomenon of overqualification.

The specifics of the functioning of the Ukrainian labor market are analyzed, which has undergone significant changes due to military actions, large-scale labor migration, internal displacement of the population, and the relocation of enterprises. It is established that Ukraine is experiencing a redistribution of economic activity and labor resources between regions, which is accompanied by an intensification of structural employment disparities.

Global trends and prospects for the development of gastronomic tourism in Ukraine and Odesa region

Valentyna Oliinyk — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines current trends in the global development of gastronomic tourism, examines the potential of gastronomy in the Odessa region, and identifies non-dimensional territorial development of tourism in the administrative districts of the region. The purpose of the article is to analyze the potential and organization of gastronomic tourism in the Odessa region and proposals for its stimulation and intensification in peripheral locations of the region. Methods of territorial and statistical analysis, synthesis, and generalization are used to study and achieve the goal of the work. According to the results of the research, the offers of food tours of Ukrainian tourist enterprises are analyzed, the features of gatronomic tourism, the main directions of reorientation of the industry in modern conditions are highlighted, namely: the use of the domestic market, orientation to local products, holding various events, including gastronomic ones. A SWOT analysis of the tourist potential of gastronomic tourism in the Odessa region was compiled, directions for reorientation of gastronomic tourism for its activation were proposed, the author's gastronomic tour was developed, and prospects for the development of gastronomic tourism in the region were determined.

Thus, the development of tourist destinations will contribute to solving social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges. Gastronomic tourism is considered as one of the possible strategic directions for the development of the economy, the preservation of traditional economy, cultural heritage, and should also be a factor in the sustainable development of communities. The promotion and positive growth of demand for gastronomic tourism has every reason, because the country has a significant number of unique culinary customs, history, culture, in addition, the possibility of combining with other types of tourism, the use of the latest technologies and support from the government and local communities will strengthen the positive trends.

The impact of population dynamics on water use in the Lviv region

Oksana Perkhach — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of population dynamics on water use in the Lviv region. The relevance of the topic is substantiated. The state of water use studies of geographical research are characterized. The volume of water resources of the Lviv region and their structure are indicated. The dynamics of water intake in the region are presented. The structure of water use in the Lviv region during 1991–2023 is analyzed. A conclusion was drawn about the transformation of the structure at the end of the specified period, compared to its beginning. If at the beginning of the period most water was used for domestic and drinking needs, and then for production and agricultural needs, then at the end of the period most water was used for the same domestic and drinking needs, but agricultural needs came in second place, and production needs came in third. This redistribution occurred due to changes in the sectoral structure of the economy.

The largest consumers of groundwater in the Lviv region are the following enterprises: LMK “Lvivvodokanal”, KP “Drohobychvodokanal”, KP “Chervonohradvodokanal”. The largest amount of surface water is used by the following enterprises: PrJSC “Lviv Regional Fish Farm”, SE “Research Farm of the Lviv Research Station of the Institute of Fisheries of the NAAS of Ukraine”. The problems of water use in the Lviv region include the unsatisfactory condition of surface sources of domestic and drinking water supply, outdated technologies, and deterioration of the quality of water supply networks. In recent years, there has been a trend towards increasing the use of surface water and decreasing the use groundwater. One of the main causes of surface water pollution in the Lviv region is the discharge of untreated and insufficiently treated wastewater. By river basins of Lviv region, the largest amount of wastewater was discharged into surface water bodies of the Western Bug River basin (78,5 %), less — into the Dniester River basin (18,9 %), the Sian River basin (1,6 %) and the Styr River basin (1,0 %).

Population change affects water use, although it is not the only factor that determines water resources. In 1991–early 2020, the dynamics of population and fresh water consumption in the Lviv region demonstrate very similar downward trends. Since 2021, fresh water consumption in the region has been increasing. The population has also been increasing since 2023. A decrease in population can reduce water consumption, while an increase in population can increase water consumption. But this is not a direct relationship. The impact of population changes on water consumption also depends on total water consumption, water consumption per person, and changes in the structure of economic activity. Improvement of the water and ecological situation in the Lviv region can be achieved by introducing water–saving technologies, improving the technical condition of existing treatment facilities, increasing the role of environmental education of the population and, of course, the victorious conclusion of the russian–Ukrainian war.

From a transit zone to a demographic recipient: mechanisms of labor and educational assimilation of Ukrainians in Slovakia

Volodymyr Mandryka — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the transformation of the Slovak Republic from a country that historically functioned as a migration transit territory into a destination increasingly attracting Ukrainian human capital during the period 2022-2026. Particular attention is paid to the institutional mechanisms that facilitate the labour market and educational integration of Ukrainian migrants and to their broader socio-economic implications. The analysis also considers the potential demographic and economic risks for Ukraine associated with the long-term settlement of its citizens abroad.

The research is based on a combination of general scientific and specialised methods, including comparative, statistical, structural-functional, institutional and analytical approaches. The empirical foundation of the study includes data from international organisations and national statistical institutions such as the OECD, European Commission, Eurostat, UNHCR, IOM, the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, ÚPSVaR, the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic and the National Bank of Ukraine. The interpretation of migration dynamics relies on quantitative analysis, comparison of key indicators (Slovak emigration since 2004 and Ukrainian migration during 2022–2026), and the evaluation of structural changes in the labour market, demographic composition, and educational mobility.

The findings demonstrate that after joining the European Union Slovakia remained a donor of human capital for a prolonged period. The number of emigrants increased from 1,600 persons in 2004 to 4,400 in 2024. However, the situation changed significantly after 2022, when the country became an important destination for Ukrainian migration. The number of individuals granted temporary protection grew from 79,960 in June 2022 to 151,870 in February 2026, while the number of employed Ukrainian citizens increased from 1,223 in 2015 to 49,193 in 2025. Ukrainian workers have thus become an important component of the labour supply, particularly in manufacturing, logistics and service sectors, helping to mitigate labour shortages in the Slovak economy.

At the same time, the research identifies a significant skill mismatch within the labour market. Approximately 46.2% of Ukrainian refugees are employed in positions below their qualification level, indicating a persistent problem of brain waste. Educational mobility also plays an important role in the integration process: in 2023 more than 10,000 Ukrainian students were enrolled in Slovak higher education institutions, representing 47.8% of all international students in the country. The economic contribution of Ukrainian workers is also substantial. In 2024 tax revenues and social contributions from employed Ukrainians exceeded €217 million, while their presence contributed an estimated 0.1–0.2% annual increase in Slovakia’s GDP.

Overall, the results indicate that the Slovak Republic has largely completed its transition from a migration transit country to a state that actively attracts and retains Ukrainian human capital. While this transformation strengthens the national labour market and contributes to fiscal stability, it simultaneously creates significant challenges for Ukraine, including risks of depopulation, labour shortages and the long-term loss of intellectual resources.

Labour market integration of Ukrainian forced migrants in Europe: spatial patterns, structural barriers and human capital implications

Nataliia Husieva, Olexander Bodnariuk — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a human-geographical analysis of the labour market integration patterns of Ukrainian forced migrants in European host countries in the context of russia's full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine. The theoretical framework draws on human capital theory (G. Becker, T. Schultz), the segmented labour market theory (P. Doeringer, M. Piore), nd the institutional country-comparative perspective on labour market integration (R. Ortlieb, L. Knappert). The empirical base comprises large-scale survey data from UNHCR (over 6,000 observations, mid-2025), supplemented by Eurostat and OECD statistics. Linear probability models with robust standard errors are employed to identify the determinants of employment and qualification matching.

The overall employment rate of Ukrainian forced migrants aged 20–64 in Europe stands at 57%, which is 22 percentage points (p.p.) below the comparable rate for host-country nationals. A pronounced geographical differentiation is identified: the highest employment rates are recorded in countries neighbouring or geographically proximate to Ukraine – Estonia (72%), Hungary (71%), Poland (68%) – while Switzerland (29%), Norway (37%) and Denmark (39%) form the lowest-performing group. These differences persist regardless of migrants' individual characteristics, indicating that host country labour market structure, institutional environment, and integration policy play a determining role.

Special attention is devoted to the phenomenon of skills underutilisation (skill mismatch): nearly 60% of employed forced migrants work below their qualification level, and the median wage gap compared to local workers reaches 40%. Unlike general employment rates, which gradually improve with duration of stay, skills mismatch does not diminish over time, pointing to structural rather than merely adaptive barriers. The key determinants of qualification mismatch are identified as: sectoral discontinuity after displacement (−29 p.p.), as well as complex credential recognition procedures, absence of suitable vacancies, and labour market discrimination – each reducing the probability of qualified employment by 11–19 p.p. Estimates suggest that removing these barriers could generate annual GDP gains of up to 0.7 % for host countries. It is argued that preserving and developing the competencies of forced migrants, even within the framework of employment abroad, represents a critical human capital resource for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. Practical policy recommendations are formulated covering language training, qualification recognition reform, and institutional support for quality employment.

Features of the development of Ukraine's foreign economic activity under conditions of a full-scale war

Serhii Kolosov, Ramin Mokhammad, Ievgeniia Telebienieva — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article analyzes the development of Ukraine's foreign economic activity under conditions of a full-scale war in 2024–2025. The main trends in foreign trade in goods are examined, in particular the dynamics of exports and imports, changes in their commodity and geographical structure, as well as the transformation of the country's role in international trade chains. It is established that trade operates under conditions of increased risk due to security threats, destruction of production and logistics infrastructure, and the restructuring of traditional sales markets. It is demonstrated that, despite the preservation of significant export potential, primarily in the agricultural sector, metallurgy, and the food industry, the import dependence of the economy is increasing. This is due to the need for energy resources, machinery, equipment, transport, and defense-related goods.

As a result, a persistent trade deficit is formed, reflecting military expenditures and structural imbalances in the economy. Particular attention is paid to changes in the geographical structure of trade, in particular the growing role of the EU as a key partner and the reorientation of export flows toward alternative routes. The functioning of the maritime corridor is identified as an important factor in stabilizing exports. Gradual changes in exports are also identified, namely the emergence of niche products with higher added value, although the raw material orientation still dominates. At the same time, these processes are accompanied by rising logistics costs and the need for enterprises to adapt to new conditions of international trade. It is concluded that Ukraine’s foreign trade model is transitional in nature, dependent on external factors, and requires transformation toward increasing the added value of exports, diversifying markets, and enhancing economic resilience.

Ukraine’s place among European countries by the level of human capital: a socio-geographical dimension

Valeriy Kryvolapov — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article explores regional disparities in human capital development among European countries through the lens of socio-geographical analysis. Particular attention is given to the methodological challenges of measuring human capital using existing international indices such as HCI, HCI+, HDI, SPI, and GHCI. The study demonstrates that conventional composite indicators provide only generalized rankings and do not fully capture the internal structure and territorial differences of human capital across Europe.

To address these limitations, the paper develops a methodological approach based on a multidimensional system of indicators reflecting the key components of health and education. The analysis includes life expectancy, healthcare infrastructure quality, average years of schooling, learning-adjusted years of schooling, and government expenditure on tertiary education per student. Using statistical data for 36 European countries, the indicators were standardized and examined through hierarchical cluster analysis employing Ward’s algorithm.

The findings reveal six distinct clusters of European countries that differ significantly in the balance between educational and health-related dimensions of human capital. Countries of Northern and Western Europe demonstrate the highest overall levels of human capital due to advanced healthcare systems, high-quality education, and substantial investment in higher education. Meanwhile, lower positions are occupied mainly by post-socialist countries, especially those remaining outside the European Union.

The paper also investigates Ukraine’s comparative position within the European context. Ukraine was classified into the cluster with the lowest aggregate indicators of human capital. However, despite weak healthcare-related indicators and insufficient educational financing, the country maintains comparatively strong educational performance in terms of schooling duration and quality-adjusted learning outcomes.

The study highlights the analytical potential of cluster analysis for identifying territorial patterns and typological differences in human capital development. The proposed approach contributes to socio-geographical research methodology and may serve as a basis for further comparative studies of regional human capital disparities and public policy assessment in Europe.

Concepts of relations between human and space: theoretical and methodological systematization

Hlib Ovcharenko — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this research article is to provide a theoretical and methodological analysis and systematisation of interdisciplinary categories describing the interactions between humans and space. The relevance of this work stems from the semantic and linguistic confusion within the terminological apparatus of several scientific fields (geography, psychology, sociology), in which different terms are employed for describing relations between humans and space. The author emphasises that systematising these concepts is essential for further research of these relations, particularly in the context of social upheaval, like war and forced migration, as an adequate understanding of them can play a significant role in the reconstruction and revitalisation of war-torn territories and in the creation of resilient communities in post-war Ukraine.

The methodological framework of the study relies on general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, and comparison, which allowed for the deconstruction of existing theoretical approaches and their grouping into four scientific paradigms. The phenomenological paradigm focuses on the subjective experience of space and encompasses the concepts of 'sense of place', 'topophilia', 'rootedness', 'insideness', and 'placelessness'. In this context, a distinction is drawn between the objective concept of identity of place itself and a person’s identification with a place, and the mechanisms underlying the formation of a sense of place are identified. The social-psychological paradigm examines space through the prism of its integration into the structure of personality. It operates with the concept of 'place identity' as a cognitive framework for an individual's self-identification and distinguishes between traditional and active types of emotional 'place attachment'. The social-constructivist paradigm shifts the level of analysis to supra-individual objects, where the concepts of 'regional identity' and 'territorial identity' are viewed as dynamic social constructs. The focus is on the processes of territorial institutionalisation and the participatory construction of the image of space by local authorities and communities. The synthetic paradigm combines elements of other paradigms, namely subjective experience with objective cultural, economic and political factors and discourses. The Ukrainian school of social geography also applies a synthetic approach to studying the relations between people and space.

As a result of the study, it is proven that the terminological diversity is caused by differences in approaches to researching the relationships between space and humans, and that the terminologies do not contradict each other, except for a few concepts. Phenomenology is capable of describing individual experience, psychology details the process of its incorporation into the personality, and constructivism explains the mechanisms of the social production of spatial-related identities at the group level. This performed systematisation allows clearly delineate the scope of each concept and provides a theoretical foundation for further interdisciplinary research into the concepts of the relations between humans and space.