2026-10-12T06:10:43Z https://jbgs.arphahub.com/oai.php

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.1 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Marinov, Vasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0081-9828 Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Dogramadjieva, Elka https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4025-8439 Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Assenova, Mariana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6639-5816 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 3 10 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.1 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32230/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32230/download/pdf/ The issue of defining tourist regions in Bulgaria and their management has been discussed in the country over the last 50 years and is still relevant nowadays. So far, many attempts have been made to develop an acceptable solution in regards of the nature, functions and scope of the tourist regions in the country but for a number of reasons and in different political and economic context they have not been successful. At the same time, the need for tourist regionalization in Bulgaria has been recognized by almost all stakeholders in the tourism sector over the last 10-15 years. The aim of this article is to review and compare the existing tourist regionalization schemes of the country, thus allowing to trace the evolution of tourist regionalization and to highlight the main theoretical deficiencies, as well as the underestimation of scientific principles and approaches that underlie its practical inapplicability. The comparative analysis covers all concepts developed over the last 50 years that present a specific scheme of tourist regions, taking into account the relevant explanatory notes. For the purpose of the comparison, 9 criteria have been selected, which refer both to the approach and objectives, and to the specific schemes and their compliance with basic practical requirements. The results of the comparative analysis are chronologically presented in a table for their clearer and easier perception. The analysis has shown that the numerous tourist regionalization concepts of Bulgaria differ greatly in objectives, approaches and tools applied, and respectively provide different results in terms of country coverage, taxonomy, degree of the schemes’ details, etc. It has also shown significant differences in the tourist structuring of the country’s territory, which are more visible in the period after 1990. The development of a methodologically sound, politically acceptable and applicable scheme of tourist regions is a difficult political and scientific task but it is achievable through a reasonable compromise between the theory and the views of key stakeholders, in compliance with legislation and in the context of its objectives. The effectiveness of tourist regionalization for the purposes of tourism policy and destination marketing ultimately depends on its practical implementation. Otherwise, it could be considered merely as an “academic” exercise, which may have a scientific but not an applied value. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society tourist regions tourist regionalization regional schemes Evolution of Tourist Regionalization in Bulgaria: Objectives, Approaches and Results Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.2 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Dimova, Adelina 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 11 16 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.2 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32233/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32233/download/pdf/ This paper presents practical importance of space-time models and creation methods in GIS environment. It contains definitions of basic concepts, specifics of time-space modeling, someapproaches for modeling time and methods for integrations time-space models in GIS.Practical importance of space-time models is presented by sixexamples in two categories: study of natural factors and elements and study of socio-economic factors and elements. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Spatial-temporal model GIS time-spase temporal mode Time-space models in GIS. General characteristics and application areas Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.3 2018-11-13 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nedkov, Stoyan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0052-9815 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 17 24 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.3 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32236/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32236/download/pdf/ Mapping and assessment of ecosystem services (ES) is a complex activity which includes spatial data acquisition, its organization into databases and generation of maps for the areas of ES supply and demand. GIS is an integral part of these activities and plays key role for the mapping and assessment of ES. There is a significant advance in the development of various tool and models for mapping and assessment during the last decade. The use of GIS in ecosystem services mapping can take three general approaches, analysis tools built into GIS software packages, disciplinary biophysical models applied for ecosystem service assessment and modeling tools designed specifically for ecosystem service assessment. This paper presents the main advantages of the GIS application in these three approaches through analysis of the available tools, models and techniques. The applications are illustrated by examples of mapping works in different areas in Bulgaria. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Ecosystem services GIS based models InVEST AGWA GIS tools and models for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.4 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria author Sarafov, Alexandar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0026-1556 author Tcherkezova, Emilia 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 25 28 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.4 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32237/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32237/download/pdf/ This paper presents the results of soil investigation in the archaeological site 27 near the settlement Kapitan Andreevo (SE Bulgaria). The following soil types are recognized: Fluvisols, Vertisols, Luvisols and Planosols. Their spatial distribution is closely related to the Pliocene facial surface that consists of erosion, abrasion and accumulative deposits in the region and presents a transitional zone in the investigated archaeological area.These circumstances depend on the terrain and climate conditions over thousands of years and have determined the mosaic nature of the three soil types. The results support the archaeological investigation in the study area and were additionally filled with GIS-based analysis of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) using open software GRASS GIS. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Soil Types Fluvisols Vertisols Luvisols and Planosols Kapitan Andreevo GIS Digital Terrain Model (DTM) GRASS GIS Soil-geographic Study in the Area of Iron Age Pits Sanctuary and a Middle Ages Settlement near the Kaptain Andreevo Railway Station Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.5 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Naydenov, Kliment https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5599-5303 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 29 34 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.5 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32238/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32238/download/pdf/ The number of countries that are considered highly urbanized has increased dramatically in recent decades and is expected to continue to grow in the coming decades. The world is entering the era of sustainable urbanization. By 2030, the world is predicted to have 41 mega cities. Megalopolis is the laboratory of a new urban way of life that spreads out into the civilized world. Today, it is a uniting of all activities related to the production of value added. They are the basis of what we call the globalization of the economy. Continued urbanization means that societies must continue to provide more food, more employment, more housing and more transport to the growing number of citizens. Megalopolis today is becoming a vulnerable place and is directly affected by climate change. If climate change continues and the appropriate measures are not taken, the urban way of life will depend on different natural cataclysms such as storms, droughts, as well as rising sea levels and heat waves. Today, urbanization is uncontrollable, megalopolises are growing without planning, and the urban spaces in the world are extremely small. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Megalopolis agglomeration urbanized territories mega-region Global megalopolis: problems and trends or how much can a city grow? Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.6 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Temelkova, Maria 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 35 40 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.6 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32240/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32240/download/pdf/ Karst waters are widespread in the studied area. In the area of the Misia Platform karst aquifers are formed, and in the zones of the Pre-Balkan and the Western Balkans are numerous karst basins formed. The aim of this work is to evaluate the resource in the area and the possibilities for its use in the water management sector. A map of the karst basins in the area is drawn up and a table with their characteristics is made. For this purpose, cartographic methods have been applied using GIS technology. On the basis of the collected data, recommendations have been made for the more efficient utilization of karst waters in the area. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society карстови води карстови басейни северозападна България Karst Waters in Northwestern Bulgaria Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.7 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Penin, Rumen author Zhelev, Dimitar https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9652-8042 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 41 44 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.7 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32241/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32241/download/pdf/ The mud volcanoes in the valley of the Sazliyka River and its tributaries are a geological phenomenon that has attracted scientific attention for decades. They are a specific element for the local lowland landscapes. This study focuses on the content of heavy metals in mud volcanoes. The total content of the elements: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) in mg/kg (ppm) has been identified. The obtained contents have been analyzed by the clarke of concentration indicator (KK) - the ratio between the content of a given element in a given natural component (soil horizon, vegetation, surface water, etc.) - Ci, and a clarke of the same element in the lithosphere - K: The researched geochemical nature of the local litho-geochemical and soil-geochemical conditions may have been influenced by the geochemical specifics of the materials entering the earth’s surface upon activation of mud volcanoes in the area of study. They might have an impact on the geochemical structure of the bottom sediments in the local river currents and hence the influence on the main river artery Sazliyka River. The obtained results give to some extent information about the geochemical nature of this rare phenomenon for our country. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Landscapes landscape geochemistry mud volcanoes heavy metals clarke concentration Landscape-Geochemical Research of the Mud Volcanoes in the Sazliyka River Valley Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.8 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Sarafova, Eugenia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1164-1204 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 45 50 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.8 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32243/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32243/download/pdf/ The paper will examine the methodology for spatial modeling and ecotourism potential analysis through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in GIS, integrating data from satellite imagery. The AHP, combined with data from satellite images and GIS analysis, is an appropriate way of analyzing the ecotourism potential of a territory as it is possible to make a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the researched topic. The proposed methodology for assessing ecotourism potential could be used in different administrative territories both in Bulgaria and in other countries. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society пространствено моделиране дистанционни изследвания екотуризъм Spatial Modeling of the Ecotourism Potential of Kyustendil Municipality through Analytic Hierarchy Process and Remote Sensing Data in GIS Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.9 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Nikolov, Svetoslav 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 51 54 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.9 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32245/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32245/download/pdf/ There is a growing public interest in the role and value of natural ecosystems and how they contribute to our quality of life and to human wellbeing. Ecosystem services and their continued provision underpin human existence, health and prosperity. They are the direct source of provisioning services, such as food and fibre, and sets up regulating and supporting services, such as clean water and air, through the role of organisms in energy and material cycles. This paper provides an overview of key concepts about ecosystem services and approaches of their valuation. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Ecosystem services provisioning services regulating services cultural services supporting services ecosystem services valuation Ecosystem services and their valuation – brief review Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.10 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Peychev, Alexander 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 55 57 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.10 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32246/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32246/download/pdf/ The object of the study is separate territory with natural boundaries - the water catchment of the river Struma. Within these limits is digitized (in the environment of GIS) soil map of Bulgaria (S 1:200000). Рolygons of 18 different soil types are established. From large-scale (S 1:10000 and S 1:25000) soil survey of the country is extracted and processed a large database of both characteristics – soil texture and humus content. With generalized data on these characteristics the identified 18 polygons are filled. Two thematic maps are composed. Area distribution of soil (classified according to two studied characteristics) is established. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Soil soil texture humus content of the soil small-scale mapping largescale mapping databases environment of GIS thematic maps Texture and humus content of the soils in the watershed of the Struma River Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.11 2018-11-13 jbgs

Forest Research Institute - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Todorova, Elena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0931-4829 Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Dimitrov, Stelian https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3007-9659 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 58 63 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.11 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32247/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32247/download/pdf/ The contemporary higher education in Bulgaria accumulated a number of problems over the years and they become a hindrance for it to successfully function as a driver of research and development activities, produce experts for the labor market and be a strategic business partner. Meanwhile, the higher schools have the potential to develop and influence on the regionaleconomic profile. This paper elaborates on the problems and influence of the higher education from socio-economic point of view while focusing on the regional manifestationof these problems, using visualizations, generatedby geographic information systems and studies the contemporary trends and development opportunities. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Higher education regional development geographic information systems socio-economic influence contemporary trends Socio-Economic Aspects of the Higher Education in Bulgaria Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.12 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kl. Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Todorov, Leonid https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4820-4817 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 64 67 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.12 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32248/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32248/download/pdf/ One of the spheres where our country marked the most serious stagnation during theperiod of transition tomarket economy is the spatial and urban planning. Currently the campaign of preparation of new urban master plans for Bulgarian municipalities is in its peak. The better knowledge of the sources of information and all the specific characteristics of the different information arrays, as well the specific procedures of data processing, is very important for achieving good results. The purpose of this study is to mark all the specific characteristics of the data,that we need, and the procedures of their processingwith a view to providing the necessary information base for the development of the municipality's Master Plan. Here we mark all the main problems which may occur in the process of information provision of the project,the compatibility of the data from different sources with a view to achieving the required quality of the final products. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society GIS spatial and urban planning data sources data processing Characteristics of the information provision of spatial planning Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.13 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Vodenska, Maria 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 68 72 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.13 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32249/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32249/download/pdf/ More than 20 years after the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro the issue of sustainable tourism development as part of the overall sustainable development is being discussed in numerous academic and practical oriented publications Action…, 2007.. The importance of tourism impacts increased significantly lately in the context of tourism policy and tourism planning and of the widespread sustainable tourism development concept. The equity of economic, social and ecologic tourism aspects is stressed upon. The paper analyses social tourism impacts in particular and their significance for sustainable tourism development in Bulgaria. General conclusions and recommendations for future actions are drawn. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society tourism sustainability social tourism impacts factors applied research Sustainable Tourism and Social Tourism Impacts – the case of Bulgaria Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.14 2018-11-13 jbgs

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Koulov, Boian https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0732-254X 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 73 78 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.14 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32251/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32251/download/pdf/ The goal of this study is to produce a comparative analysis of the socio-economic transformations in a typicalmountain administrative district at the NUTS 3 level since the 1989 transition to market economy in Bulgaria. Demographic and economic indicators are utilized to provide a diagnosis of the current state of affairs, but also to highlight tendencies, which are noteworthy for the investigation and administration of districts that belong to both border and mountain peripheries. The main proposition of this paper is that in the post-1989 conditions the Oblast’s “double” periphery position is severely impairing its overall development in relation to the rest of the country. The large and widening discrepancies between national and regional demographic and economic indicators point to a pronounced process of marginalization of certain areas, which necessitates the implementation of a specifically targeted development policy. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society areas with special geographic characteristics deep periphery development of mountain and border areas transition economy Bulgaria Social and economic transformations in Bulgarian mountain periphery: A 1986–2014 comparative analysis Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.15 2018-11-13 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Assenov, Assen Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Grigorov, Borislav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5936-3573 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 79 82 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.15 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32254/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32254/download/pdf/ The current study investigates the development of the land cover in the mountainous territory of Mala Planina, located in the western part of Stara Planina. It focuses on cameral and terrain research in which basis is the CORINE Land Cover (CLC), initiated by the European Union. All existing databases for the country were applied (CLC 1990, 2000, 2006 and 2012). Each updated version of the CLC data shows typical transformation in Mala Planina’s land cover. A thorough investigation is made about all parts of the mountain and published within the results. Four GIS derived maps are published. The results show that the most significant dissonance occurs between CLC 1990 and the rest CORINE Land Cover data sets (CLC 2000; 2006; 2012) and the reason for the imparity lies mainly in the extensive timeframe. Almost no distinction is observed, when we compare CLC 2006 and 2012. The most common changes are connected with the transition to land principally occupied by agriculture, with significant areas of natural vegetation, which is explained by the decreasing number of population and abandonment of the agricultural areas. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Mala Planina CORINE Land Cover GIS changes Development of the land cover in Mala Planina Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.16 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Kostadinova, Sofia author Markov, Boris author Petrov, Nikolay 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 83 87 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.16 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32255/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32255/download/pdf/ Все по-голямото прилагане на географските информационни системи води до натрупване на информация, която налага нейната систематизация и подредба във вид подходящ за многократно ползване. Пространствените бази данни са мощен инструмент, който освен съхранение на данните в подреден вид, позволява различни потребители да извличат информация полезна за взимането на решенияи решаване на проблеми, планиране и др. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society spatial database SDMS spatial query GIS Simple queries - Simple answers. First steps in the spatial databases Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.17 2018-11-13 jbgs

author Kotsev, Alexander 2018-11-13 2018-11-13 2018 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 39 88 91 2018 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.17 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32258/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32258/download/pdf/ The manuscript provides an overview of several prominent web-based sources of geospatial information that can be used to complement, and under certain conditions substitute traditional sources of data. Each potential data source is critically reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages outlined in the article would allow informed decisions concerning the use of those sources. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Low-cost sensors Twitter data new data sources cell phone data Innovative web-based sources of data for geographical analyses. Advantages and disadvantages Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.1 2019-04-03 jbgs

South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria author Gachev, Emil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8832-0273 author Djurović, Predrag author Stoyanov, Krasimir author Bezinskа, Galina South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria author Ivanov, Miroslav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2347-8029 author Petrov, Stefan 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 3 9 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.1 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32259/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32259/download/pdf/ The article presents the latest views about the origin of Hridsko lake in the mountain range Bogicevica, an eastern part of Prokletije massif (Dinaric range). Previous studies define the lake, which is situated at 1980 m a. s. l., and occupies an area about 3,5 ha, as a cirque lake, formed after the retreat of wuermian glaciers following the classical mechanism of glacial lakes formation. In result of our researches, which started in 2013, a new hypothesis evolved that the lake lies inside a large relict rock glacier, formed in the period after the termination of glaciers, which means that the lake depression has a rather periglacial origin. The new bathymetry mapping of the lake done in 2017 provides a support to this hypothesis. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Bogićevica Hrid lake rock glacier formation bathymetry About the formation of Hridsko lake in Bogićevica Mountains, Montenegro Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.3 2019-04-03 jbgs

NIGGG-BAS, Plovdiv, Bulgaria Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Seymenov, Kalin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0858-8403 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 17 23 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.3 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32261/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32261/download/pdf/ The study of high flow characteristics within the Alpine catchments represents one of the most challenging tasks for the modern hydrological science, because of high vulnerability response of these areas to the global and regional climate changes, including to the proven positive air temperature trends. The current picture of the hydro-climatic processes in the Rila Mountain – the highest mount within the Balkan Peninsula, is not exception. Study area covers eight Alpine catchment areas, located above 1600 m sea level in the Rila Mountain. The aim of this research is to perform a spatio-temporal analysis of the extremely high streamflow characteristics within the researched drainage basins. Study period includes six years in the beginning of the XXІ century: there are very dry (2001), very wet (2005) and four normal water years. The analysis is based of Threshold level method (TLM) with fixed constant threshold value: 5th percentile of all discharge daily data for the given term. Results obtained show the number of extremely high streamflow events ranges from 6 to 26 – for the catchments of the Stara River at Kostenets and the Blagoevgradska Bistritsa River at Bistritsa, respectively. The maximal duration of these events varies from 15 (for the Mesta River at Yakoruda) do 39 days (the Stara River at Kostenets), but the oneweek extremely high flow periods are most typical here (a frecquency to 88% of all cases). The temporal analysis shows a concentration of studied hydrological events during the spring season (in the months of April, May and June), when occurs also a high streamflow phase, due to the snow melting and rainfalls. An exception of this statement is the wettest year in Bulgaria from the beginning of this century – 2005. Then because of heavy prolonged rainfalls during the months of July, August and September, were detected sharp peaks of the hydrographs. Present work establishes some spatial differences of extremely high flow characteristics (time of occurring, duration, frequency) in study area due to the slopes exposition peculiarities. Results obtained supplement previous scientific works and give new information about the risk hydrological processes within the mountainous catchment areas in Bulgaria. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society extremely high flow alpine catchments Rila Mountain threshold level method Extremely high flow within the Alpine catchments in the Rila Mountain Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.5 2019-04-03 jbgs

St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria author Petrov, Galin https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3560-5201 National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Prodanova, Hristina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-8975 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 30 34 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.5 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32264/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32264/download/pdf/ The names of geographical objects on a particular area are peculiar store for conservation of historical-geographical information. Typical versatility of the toponymic system gives possibility for usage of different approaches for analysis of it, including spatial analysis. Information for state of natural environments and their changes is coded in the toponymic system. Historical localization of landscapes with coniferous vegetation on the northern slopes of Shipchenska Mountain (Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria) on toponymic basis is presented in the article. Some conclusions about probability for existence of coniferous belt in the past are formulated. The study is an initial attempt to build a link between toponymy and onomastics on the one hand and historical geography of landscapes on the other. The used approach has some weaknesses and could be used successfully in combination with the results of other studies such as paleobotanical, paleoecological, etc. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Shipchenska Mountain coniferous belt historical geography of landscapes About existence of coniferous belt on the northern slopes of Shipchenska mountain in the past Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.6 2019-04-03 jbgs

author Petrov, Kamen 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 35 39 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.6 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32265/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32265/download/pdf/ This report examines the problematic aspects of the regional development of two areas of the Southern Central Planning Region. The focus on the development of Haskovo and Kardzhali districts is an attempt to outline the need for joint efforts of regional communities for the purpose of integrated management of larger territories as well as the promotion of regional cooperation. In purely spatial terms, the two areas have one-size-fits-all problems, respectively the need for common solutions and the construction of sustainable regional infrastructure to improve the regional connectivity and competitiveness of their settlements. The focus of the report is to outline the strategic location of the two areas by grouping their specifics and outlining guidelines for improving the regional development of the two areas. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society region areas populated areas regional development problems location Opportunities to improve the regional development of Haskovo and Kurdzhali districts Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.7 2019-04-03 jbgs

author Soultanova, Mariana 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 40 46 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.7 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32266/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32266/download/pdf/ Investigation on the public opinion of people in the Smolyan region focuses on determining the public awareness of sustainable development (SD) and the policies related to it, on the one hand, as well as finding out if the people from this region take actions, corresponding to SD, without associating them with it, on the other hand. The article also contributes to revealing the barriers which arise with the implementation of SD, being laid down in the Regional Strategy for Development of the Smolyan Region for 2014-2025. The research toolkit includes a survey (on-line), using Google’s functions of data collection and processing. To come to the most adequate and applicable conclusions on mountain regional development, the territorial scope of the study is based on the idea that a "region" is considered to be a mountainous territorial system within an area that includes all mountainous municipalities according to all typologies. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society regional sustainable development (RSD) mountain region survey Investigation on Public Opinion of People Towards Regional Sustainable Development Policies Implementation in the Smolyan Region Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.8 2019-04-03 jbgs

author Vasileva, Vanya https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2390-8827 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 47 53 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.8 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32267/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32267/download/pdf/ Mountains are one of the most attractive tourist forms for tourism. Bulgaria has over 30 mountains. It fall entirely or partially on it teritory. Tourism practiced in the mountains is generally referred as mountain tourism. This conception includs various of tourism activities practiced in mountain conditions. The aim of this paper is to expose specifics in the current state of tourism in the Bulgarian mountains. It is maked overview of the main types of tourism practiced in mountain conditions and specifics in the mountainous tourist infrastructure and superstructure. Bulgarian mountains are typed according to their degree of utilization for the needs of tourism. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society mountains mountain tourism utilization infrastructure superstructure Mountain tourism in Bulgaria Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.10 2019-04-03 jbgs

author Vasileva, Maya 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 59 62 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.10 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32274/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32274/download/pdf/ All processes and phenomena have geographical dimensions which justify the presence of geography science as the main subject of study in Bulgarian school system. As such the role of geography in development of specific competences and patterns of behavior is with undeniable value for students. Against the background of growing public demands for education (and geographic one in particular), it is necessary to develop a new educational paradigm, respectively new educational models that set the student's personality and their needs, interests and responsibilities in the center of geography training process. In this regard, we are taking a step forward by presenting an exemplary educational model of geography education. We construct it on the basis of current interpretations from contemporary geography didactics in Bulgaria and in countries with developed educational systems. We present it through a metaphor having in mind that "severe" theoretical issues may be broken and examined from a different perspective and give us the possibility for further researches of the issue. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geography geography education geography training geography didactics didactic modeling „The House of Geography Education“ – an Example Model Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.4 2019-04-09 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Cholakova, Zornitza https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3041-4717 2019-04-09 2019-04-09 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 24 29 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.4 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32262/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32262/download/pdf/ The essence of karst landscapes is considered. The content of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Cd trace elements in the soils of karst landscapes in the Ponor, Vrachanska and Vlahina Mountains, as well as those in The Western and Middle Fore-Balkan (Arbanassi Plateau), Bulgaria, is analyzed using landscape-geochemical, laboratory, mathematical and statistical methods. The obtained results are compared with the average content in the carbonate rocks of Bulgaria (Kuikin et al., 2001), the rendzina (Rendzic Leptosols, LPk, FAO) and the gray forest soils (Haplic Luvisols, LVh, FAO) in the country (according to Atanassov et al., 2002). The importance of the carbonate rock substrate on the concentration of the chemical elements - heavy metals in the studied zonal and azonal soil types was determined. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society karst landscape heavy metals soils rendzina soils gray forest soils Comparative analysis of the content of heavy metals in the soils of karst landscapes Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.9 2019-04-09 jbgs

author Ivanov, Subin author Videv, Krasimir author Kastreva, Penka 2019-04-09 2019-04-09 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 54 58 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.9 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32273/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32273/download/pdf/ Symbols have a great impact on humans, so the use of map symbols has its advantages in creating and using the map. They communicate between the map author and the reader by helping to read the map faster. There are many unified symbols in the tourist maps. However, they do not deplete the diversity of objects that represent our cultural and historical heritage (CHH). Mapping and researching of the cultural and historical heritage sites is one of the priority themes of the INSPIRE program which aims to locate them on the Earth's surface and to describe in detail their characteristics. There is no comprehensive information system in Bulgaria and a specialized map of the cultural heritage. This is yet to be done and is an urgent task. The aim of this study is to highlight the need to develop a universal symbol system covering cultural monuments of national significance. In the framework of this experiment a symbol system has been developed for the cultural and historical sites in the region of Shumen. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society cultural and historical heritage a symbol system monuments of culture Map Symbols of Cultural-Historical Heritage Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.2 2019-06-17 jbgs

Space Research and Technology Institute - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gikov, Alexander author Dimitrov, Petar 2019-06-17 2019-06-17 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 40 10 16 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.2 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32260/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32260/download/pdf/ At the end of the summer of 2017, the weather in Bulgaria was very dry and hot and this contributed for the occurrence of a series of wild fires. The largest and most prolonged was the wild fire that raged in Kresna gorge. The fire broke out on August 24 and lasted for nearly a week. The aim of the paper is to make an assessment of the damage caused by the August fire and by a smaller wild fire in the same region, which broke out on July 13, 2017. The assessment is based on images from the satellites Sentinel-2A and -2B. For the identification and mapping of burned areas the spectral indices NBR (Normalized Burn Ratio) and dNBR (difference NBR) were used. Map of burn severity within the fire perimeter was compiled by reclassifying the dNBR values into three classes. The total burned area was 2199.1 ha; of this, the August fire covered 96%. The greatest part of the fire scar, over 50% of the area, is characterized with medium burn severity (dNBR between 0.27 and 0.66). Both, the lowest (dNBR between 0.1 and 0.27) and highest (dNBR>0.66) burn severity levels covered about ¼ of the total burned area. A map of the major land cover types in the study area was prepared in order to assess the most severely affected land cover types. The map is derived from supervised SVM (Support Vector Machine) classification of a Sentinel-2B image acquired before the fires. It was found that the coniferous forest class is dominated by the highest burn severity level (43.7% of the area). In the broadleaf forest class the areas with the lowest level of burn severity prevail (53.5%). The main reason is that coniferous forests in the study area represent artificial plantations created at altitude lower than the usual altitude of coniferous species in the region. Therefore they are much more susceptible to fire than broadleaf species which are native to the oak belt. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Wild fires Fire scar mapping NBR index Sentinel-2 Mapping of burned area and assessment of burn severity of the 2017 wild fires in Kresna gorge Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.3 2019-08-14 jbgs

"St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria author Petrova, Mariya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2828-7982 2019-08-14 2019-08-14 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 18 22 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.3 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32278/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32278/download/pdf/ Field surveying and mapping of anthropogenic landscapes, their analysis, and modelling of the complex processes and structure that are formed in them are all relevant questions in contemporary landscape studies. Numerous territories can be observed in our country where, after reducing or terminating of the anthropogenic activity, landscapes that were impacted to various degrees by human activity start gradually restoring to their previous state, having, however, a modified structure with specific complexity. The present piece of research deals with some theoretical and methodological aspects of the study of the self-restoration of anthropogenic landscapes in Bulgaria. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society landscapes anthropogenization self-restoration of landscapes landscape structure key section landscape maps Self-restoration of landscapes: theoretical and practical aspects Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.12 2019-08-14 jbgs

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain author Koroutchev, Rossen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1105-156X 2019-08-14 2019-08-14 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 67 71 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.12 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32291/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32291/download/pdf/ This paper researches the Night-time public transport in Madrid, one of the most famous by its night-life European city. By explaining the history of its night-time transport since 1974, when 11 night urban lines have been created, an analysis of the current situation is presented, which concerns the night transport extension to the rest of the municipalities inside Madrid area. Based on official statistical data and surveys provided by the corresponding municipality authorities, the efficiency of two interurban night-time lines of interest is analyzed. The methodology uses demographic and network analysis based on the passenger patterns during 2017. Quantitative graph measures of the Madrid’s night transport such as diameter and clustering are also presented. Finally, some comments and recommendations for improving the current city´s night-time public transport, as well as some future extensions of the analysis are presented. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Urban Night public transport Network analysis Night-time public transport: case study of Madrid, Spain Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.5 2019-08-16 jbgs

author Nam, Kamen author Tamburadzhiev, Ilia 2019-08-16 2019-08-16 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 31 36 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.5 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32280/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32280/download/pdf/ The present research covers the lowland part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River. This is those part of the catchment area of the river, which is in the range of Pazardzhik-Plovdiv field. Object of research are the contemporary landscapes in the lowland part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River. Subject of research are the processes of differentiating and classifying the anthropogenic landscapes in the considered area and determining the degree of anthropogenization of the landscapes. The differentiation of the landscapes is carried out by the interaction between the landscape-forming factors – the natural components and the types of land use. The classification of the landscapes used in the present research is based on the information in the European Landscape Character Areas. There are differentiated 17 types of landscapes in the studied area. The determining of the degree of anthropogenization is realized by implementing the "Distance to Nature" compiled indicator, which is calculated by the combination of the individual indicators „Degree of Naturalness” and „Distance to Natural Habitat”. A map of the contemporary landscapes in the lowland part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River, representing the degree of naturalness of the types of landscapes, is generated in GIS. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society anthropogenization landscape classification landscape indicators Luda Yana River Specificity of the anthropogenic landscapes in part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.7 2019-08-16 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Traykov, Toni Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Tsvetkov, Kaloyan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-5000 2019-08-16 2019-08-16 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 43 47 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.7 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32282/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32282/download/pdf/ The concept of reproductive behaviour of the population is closely linked to the process or reproduction. In a demographic sense, this is the realization of reproductive attitudes in terms of number of children desired by married couples or co-habiting partners. Several synonyms to the term “reproductive behaviour” are used in demographic, geodemographic and sociological research, such as generative, procreative and proliferative behaviour. These serve to express the processes and practical actions involved in the birth and raising of children. In a wider sense, child rearing includes also upbringing and education and even the passing on of certain attitudes toward future reproductive behaviour. Viewed in its narrower essence, reproductive behaviour has two manifestations. The first finds expression in actions ensuring the reproductive process and the second – in actions restricting and impeding this process. These actions are defined with the terms ‘birth regulation’, ‘family control’ or ‘family planning’. Changes in the social and economic situation in Bulgaria after 1989 led to changes in the reproductive behaviour of the population. The transition from centrally planned economy to market economy and the accompanying economic crisis created conditions for a rapid drop in the economic activity of the population and an increase in unemployment. The sharp decrease in actual income had a very direct impact on the reproductive behaviour of the population during this period. As a result, birth rates rapidly deteriorated, reaching an all-time low of 7.7 ‰ in 1997. The negative changes in the living standard of the population altered the reproductive attitudes of single-child families. Material difficulties experienced during raising of the first child resulted in temporary or permanent refrainment from the birth of a second child. The relative stabilization of the economic situation, which commenced in the beginning of this century resulted in the moderate improvement of some of the indicators related to reproductive behaviour. The birth rate registered at that time (9.8 ‰ in 2007) owes mainly to an increase in the fertility of the childbearing population, measured through the total fertility coefficient. In 2001 the average number of live births per woman was 1.24 and in 2007 – 1.42. Although this small increase in fertility was maintained in the course of the following decade (1.56 children in 2007), Bulgaria remains among the countries with lowest birth rate in the EU. The main issues of the current demographic situation are the increase in the median age of women at first birth, the large share of children born out of wedlock with no registered data on the father and early age at first childbirth. These negative specifics of the reproductive behaviour of the population are further exacerbated by the significant differences in birth rates between towns and villages and different regions and districts within the country. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society reproductive behaviour family planning market economy Trends and specifics in the reproductive behaviour of the bulgarian population at the beginning of the 21-st century Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.19 2019-08-16 jbgs

author Levkov, Krasimir 2019-08-16 2019-08-16 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 106 111 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.19 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32301/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32301/download/pdf/ Zhecho Chankov is an example of a person who has dedicated his life to geography and who has contributed a lot to its consolidation and popularization in Bulgaria. He has also contributed greatly to the foundation and organizational consolidation of the Bulgarian geographical society. He is the author of the first monograph on the population of Bulgaria and the author of geography dictionaries and textbooks. Chankov is one of the greatest donators of Dobri Voynikov chitalishte in his hometown Shoumen. Because of his professional, academic and social work he should be considered one of the most prominent Bulgarian geographers from the first half of the 20th century. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Zhecho Chankov Bulgarian Geographical Society founder librarian vice-chairman trade unionist compiler donator Zhecho Chankov’s contribution to the Bulgarian Geographical Society and Bulgarian geography Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.6 2019-08-20 jbgs

author Boyadzhiev, Veselin author Veselinova, Neli author Zarkov, Vasil 2019-08-20 2019-08-20 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 37 42 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.6 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32281/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32281/download/pdf/ The theme of the article is from the historical geography of Bulgaria. It reveals the complex interaction of human society in the past with the nature. The analysis is based on the relationship between natural and humanitarian geography. It helps to compare the past and the present day and, if it is necessary, conclusions to be used for the future. In this case, the mountain Sredna Gora is an environment for the creation and development of the ethnic diversity of the Bulgarian society. The article is oriented to the scientific researches, but also to the authors of textbooks, to the teachers and to all who love the bulgarian nature. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Cultural landscapes Sredna gora ethnic groups The natural and the cultural landscapes of the Central Sredna gora as a center of affirmation of ethnic groups Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.9 2019-08-21 jbgs

author Maslarska, Ekaterina 2019-08-21 2019-08-21 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 52 57 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.9 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32285/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32285/download/pdf/ Last few years the topic of immigrant’s crisis in Europe is one of the top priorities for European union. The scope and the matter of this problem is very important, as it relates to finance, politics and the future of the old continent. The importance of the problem is mainly related to its scale. Previously the European parliament stated that the current migration crisis is the worst since World War II. In 2015 and 2016 alone, more than 2.5 million people applied for asylum in the EU, while more than 2,030 people are thought to have lost their lives in the Mediterranean in the first six months of 2017 alone. The aim of the publication is to make a quick overview of the current state of immigrant’s integration policies in the European Union. The publication includes the newest data regarding the integration of immigrants in EU. Part of it are Eurostat data base from the last few years and the latest survey of Eurobarometer 469 (April 2018). Also, there are presented the latest analysis on the topic, regarding the integration of immigrants. The purpose of this publication is to show the importance of the problem and the policies of the EU which are attempting to solve the issues. The importance of the integration of immigrants will grow in future for sure. Opinions of the EU citizens are shown in the publication and they illustrate that there are still some significant variations in perception of immigrant integration. This would be a big opportunity and a challenge for the EU. The role of the policies of the Union is to improve the approaches of the countries and to help them to create a smooth process of the integration. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society immigrants immigrant’s crisis EU policies integration of immigrants migrants Тhe current state of immigrant integration policies in the European Union Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.8 2019-08-22 jbgs

author Dimitrova, Teodora 2019-08-22 2019-08-22 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 48 51 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.8 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32283/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32283/download/pdf/ Bulgarians and Albanians cohabitations together more then 13 centuries. From a historical point of view this is a period, that covers the domination of two empires – Byzantine and Ottoman. The subject of the Bulgarian ethnic minority has existed for years. This issue also arises with the creation and recognition of an independent Albanian state in 1912. But only in 2017, the Albanian parliament in Tirana approves of the Minority Protection Act, in which the Bulgarian-ethnic population officially obtains their minority status. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Bulgarian ethnic minority Albania population Origin, development and modern state of bulgarian ethnic minority in Albania Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.17 2019-08-22 jbgs

author Vasileva, Maya 2019-08-22 2019-08-22 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 94 100 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.17 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32297/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32297/download/pdf/ The geographic map is a diagrammatic symbolic depiction of the earth's surface or a part of it, typically represented on a flat surface. The maps are widely used in geography science as a model of the studied territories and phenomena. At the same time, the importance of maps as a learning tool in geography education is immense. The maps are labeled as "the second language of geography", "alpha and omega of geography"; "litmus paper that shows what is geographic" The map for geography is what is the microscope for biology. So why and what is it all about? What is so special about the geographic map? The current paper will try to find the answers of these difficult questions. It will be presented an up-to-date interpretation and the most general didactical and methodological characterization of the geographic map as a "special source" of information in geography education. Also the author explores map essence, its meaning and peculiarities, and the place of map in regard to the goals, content and methodology of geography training. In the paper is presented an open for discussion model of cartographic competence achieved by pupils in the training process. Consequently, the stages of cultivation of cartographic competence are explored: reading the map - decoding the graphic images and map description; map interpretation – reading and evaluation of the map. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geography didactic teaching methodology geographic map The map - "evergreen" in geography education Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.18 2019-08-22 jbgs

author Mihaylov, Pelo 2019-08-22 2019-08-22 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 101 105 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.18 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32300/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32300/download/pdf/ Prof. Anastas Ishirkov, apart from a remarkable scientist, was also a good writer. Only recently did it become known that he was among the first tourists to have climbed Cherni Vrah in August 1894. The object of the article is Ishirkov's other talent – painting. A small drawing on a postcard is testified to him. An unknown archivist considers Anastas Ishirkov as its creator. Because of this, in the only one account to his authorship the adjective ’unproven’ is used. And his pictorial talent, albeit a little, is already known, as the watercolor have already been seen by a considerable number of people. The drawing is a seal of a lifetime of Bulgarian students in Leipzig. Memorable texts testify that an important part of the student's being was formed by the picnics on Sunday in the vicinity of the city. Among the characters of the painting are the poet Pencho Slaveikov, the lawyer Joseph Fadenhecht, the author of the Bulgarian anthem Tsvetan Radoslavov and Ishirkov himself. Two pictures also show the recipient of the card – Ivan Ivanchev from Lovech. It is possible that unsigned cartoons in the humorous newspaper „Farkat List“ are also the result of the drawing talent of Anastas Ishirkov. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Anastas Ishirkov painting postcard Leipzig Bulgarian students The painting – unproven or little-known talent of professor Anastas Ishirkov Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.1 2019-09-25 jbgs

author Tzankov, Tzanko Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Shumen, Bulgaria author Stankova, Svetla author Iliev, Rosen author Mitkov, Ilia 2019-09-25 2019-09-25 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 3 9 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.1 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32275/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32275/download/pdf/ The Complex Morphostructural Passages are the first rare negative morphostructural units in the Late Quaternary (Late Pleistocene- Holocene) Relief of the Balkan Peninsula East Part. They are composed by morphostructural passages, kettle morphostructures, morhostructural thresholds, river valley morphostructures and morphostructural gorges. The mentioned negative compound morphounits present the contemporary relicts from the post Early Pleistocene Orthoplain Denudation or Denudation-accumulative Plane. The Complex Morphostructural Passages participle together with the younger positive dome-like and mountain arched morphostructures in the contemporary relief building. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society morphostructural passage kettle morphostructure morhostructural threshold river valley morphostructure morphostructural gorge orthoplain relict Complex morphostructural passages in the East part of Balkan Peninsula Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.2 2019-09-26 jbgs

author Kyurkchiev, Stoyan 2019-09-26 2019-09-26 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 10 17 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.2 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32277/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32277/download/pdf/ Chelevchinitsa Cave is formed in the southwestern part of the Dobrostan karst region, Western Rhodopes. It has been subjected to microclimatic monitoring since April 2016. Air temperature, cave water and sediments are periodically measured at eight points, and thus the air humidity is determined. A micro-climatic zoning of the cave was being done on the basis of the analysis of the data on the temperature regimes for the period 2016–2018. A link has been sought between cave microclimate and global climate change using available data for the period 1979–2017 . The issue of the influence of the anthropogenic load on the speleomicroclimate as well as the impact of the cave enviorment on the health and safety of the tourists is also discussed. Particular attention is paid to the role of cave ventilation on the gas composition of the cave atmosphere, and especially on the regime of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and radon (222Rn). text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society karst caves microclimate speleoatmosphere monitoring Microclimatic characteristic of the Chelevechnitsata cave in Western Rhodopes Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.11 2019-09-26 jbgs

author Nurković, Rahman 2019-09-26 2019-09-26 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 62 66 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.11 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32290/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32290/download/pdf/ This paper analyses changes in the modern industrialized pellet manufacturing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, transition of industrial manufacturing, changes in industrial enterprises and changes in industrial branches. Very important changes, closely connected with the introduction of technical- technological innovations and occurrences of new industrial pellet products, have been made in the industrial structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pellet manufacturing from renewable sources of wood energy is ensured for the future as well. Pellet is manufactured from quality dry sawdust, from local resources, our forests, and it is manufactured in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Manufacturing pellet in such way ensures a constant price stability. Under pressure, sawdust turns into bio-fuel which gives of clean and highly efficient thermal energy during burning. Through technological process of pellet manufacturing, raw materials are dried which maximally decreases moisture, and this ensures excellent burning and high energy value. The environmental impact of pellet is minimized because the normal amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is not increased. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society location factor modern industry pellet economy Bosnia and Herzegovina Modern changes in pellet manufacturing industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.10 2019-11-12 jbgs

author Penerliev, Milen 2019-11-12 2019-11-12 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 58 61 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.10 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32287/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32287/download/pdf/ The paper deals with the functional and spatial structure of the mono-functional urban settlements in Bulgaria. Some examples have been given, using parameters such as population number, depopulation rate, unemployment rate, etc. Special attention has been paid to urban settlements without any leading function. An attempt has been made to clarify the situation that has led to that negative fact. Through analysis of literary sources, a universally valid definition of monofunctional urban settlements has been proposed and applied. The elaboration of that definition was based mainly on the experience of Russian researchers, considering the fact that such type of urban settlements prevail in that country, and as such, are subjected to systematic analysis and research. As a result of the analyses, the introduction of a separate group of mono-functional urban settlements without any leading function is proposed, which would enhance the identification of problems, as well as the elaboration of more accurate projections. Some basic guidelines for future studying of mono-functional urban settlements have been given, considering that so far the issue has been somewhat disregarded. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society mono-functional cities indicators problems perspective On the necessity of studying the mono-functional urban settlements in Bulgaria Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.15 2019-11-13 jbgs

author Vladeva, Rositsa author Vladev, Ivaylo 2019-11-13 2019-11-13 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 83 88 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.15 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32295/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32295/download/pdf/ A characteristic feature of the scientific toolkit of geographic science is the ability to study objects, phenomena and processes simultaneously in their vertical and horizontal hierarchy. It is precisely such territorial configurations that can be identified by exploring one of the components of the territorial systems that is related to the population, its location and the specifics of the particular demographic situation. The results are aimed at creating and applying a model that can more effectively manage territorial systems and administrative units of different rank and hierarchy. The proposed model will complement the researches in the methodology for determining the gravitational zones, their typology and prognosis for the development of the demographic situation. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society gravity zone system approach situational analysis demographic situation typology demographic forecast Practice-applied aspects of the regional research methods in the territorial unit exploration Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.16 2019-11-13 jbgs

author Lichev, Tihomir 2019-11-13 2019-11-13 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 89 93 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.16 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32296/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32296/download/pdf/ The present study examines the main features of the implemented regional policy in the Republic of Bulgaria. The main stages of its implementation are followed. Its relationship with the separate administrative-territorial divisions is being established. The peculiarities of the spatial planning of the country, which was conducted with the purpose of rational development of the territory, are considered. In its history, the country's ATD is constantly changing. In the present study, in a chronological way, the ideas on the division of the country into separate territorial units - municipality, district, planning regions, (statistical regions) are being chronologically analyzed. Due to the ongoing acute demographic crisis and the lack of economic and administrative capacity of individual territorial units, their consolidation is necessary. The opportunities for this process are outlined. In recent years, in connection with the country's membership in the EU and the requirements for absorption of European funding, it is necessary to consolidate the statistical regions in the country. The different options, as well as their advantages and disadvantages are mentioned. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society administrative territorial division regional policy area Municipality Statistical planning regions The need for changes in the administrative-territorial division in the Republic of Bulgaria in the context of its membership in the European Union Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.14 2019-11-15 jbgs

author Nekova, Mariela https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7115-4726 2019-11-15 2019-11-15 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 78 82 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.14 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32294/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32294/download/pdf/ Scientific explorations of this kind are not novelty. They help us to follow the development of a particular scientific area, point out and research its stages of evolution, distinguish the most remarkable achievements, and to make prognoses for its future development. The current report makes a retrospective analysis of scientific publications in the field of Geography of Tourism in Bulgaria published in the Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, Annual of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Faculty of Geology and Geography, Book 2 - Geography", and Problems of Geography. The analysis of the scientific explorations defined three periods related to the existence and activities of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, which were grouped in various topics. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society tourism geography retrospective analysis scientific publications periodical journals Retrospective analysis of scientific explorations of geography of tourism in Bulgaria (on the example of selected editions) Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.13 2019-11-20 jbgs

author Vasileva, Vanya https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2390-8827 author Staneva, Tatyana 2019-11-20 2019-11-20 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 72 77 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.13 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32292/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32292/download/pdf/ Finland is a northern country with a significant and unique tourist resource potential. This is a country of lakes, white nights, the northern lights. Finland is one of the few places in Europe with a relatively well preserved natural environment. In addition, the country is characterized by very good values of socio-economic development indicators, which affect the tourism industry too. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current state of tourism in Finland, to highlight its place in international tourism, and to outline likely prospects for its future development as a tourist destination. The object of the study is Finland. The subject of the survey is tourism-resource potential and the tourism industry in the country. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Finland natural tourism resources anthropogenic tourism resources tourism tourist regions Contemporary state and prospects for tourism development in Finland Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.20 2019-11-26 jbgs

author Grozeva, Mariya 2019-11-26 2019-11-26 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 112 116 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.20 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32302/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32302/download/pdf/ Professor Dr. Lubomir Antonov Dinev is undoubtedly- among the most notable geographers in Bulgaria and is a scientist with European fame. The proposed article is dedicated to his life, creativity and public affairs. Getting acquainted with his biography, scientific work, practical elaborations, and his social activity is not only an expression of tribute to him, but it is also important for younger generations of geographers to learn more about this remarkable Bulgarian scientist and researcher. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Professor Lubomir Dinev Bulgarian geographer tourist regionalization geography of tourism Professor Dr. Lyubomir Dinev (1911-1986) – a prominent scientist and public man, one of the reformators in Bulgarian geography Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.4 2019-12-26 jbgs

Space Research and Technology Institute - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gikov, Alexander 2019-12-26 2019-12-26 2019 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 41 23 30 2019 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.4 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32279/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32279/download/pdf/ Maps of contemporary landscapes for 1966, 1980, 1997 and 2016 in key area "Bogdaia" have been made by processing and visual interpretation of historical aerial photographs and recent satellite imagery. The identified changes in the study area show that there is a clear trend of increasing the area of forest landscapes and decreasing the area of grass landscapes which are of secondary origin. For the same period, the transitional forest-shrub landscapes show fluctuations without a clear trend. The restoration of natural forest landscapes is explained by the changed land use and the almost complete lack of grazing in recent years. The process of natural forest landscapes restoration is more active in the coniferous landscape belt and on slopes with northern exposure while in the lower deciduous belt and on slopes with southern exposure component it is slower. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Landscape dynamics Landscape maps Historical aerial photographs Rila Mountains Large-scale mapping and analysis of changes in contemporary landscapes over a 50-year period in the key area "Bogdaia", northwestern Rila Mountains Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.1 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolova, Mariyana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4878-3051 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 5 11 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.1 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32303/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32303/download/pdf/ The article traces the development of geographic research in Bulgarian Academy of Sciences since the creation of the Bulgarian Literary Society until today. The purpose of this study is to show that from the time of historical and political vicissitudes in Bulgaria after the Liberation, the Bulgarian geographic science has always been at the height of the public needs and its achievements was highly valued by world geographical community and the Bulgarian state. The development of geographic science after the establishment of the Institute of Geography at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was traced in three conditional periods of development, which shows the strong influence of the socio-political changes in the country on the priorities and objectives of the geographical research. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Institute of Geography geography history Bulgaria Historical Notes on the Development of Geographic Science in Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.5 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Stoyanova, Velimira https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6632-7514 author Metodieva, Gergana 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 36 42 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.5 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32309/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32309/download/pdf/ The paper is dedicated to the life and scientific activity of prof. Zheko Radev, in commemoration of the 145th anniversary of his birth. The paper focuses on his background and family, his education and professional career. An overview of his renowned and significant scientific publications has been made. Prof. Zheko Radev is the first Bulgarian scientist in the field of physical geography and one of the most distinguished Bulgarian geographers of the XX century. For the generations to come, Zheko Radev left 29 scientific works, some of them topical even a hundred years after they were published. He worked as a university professor for 25 years, during which he laid the foundations of physio geographical disciplines in Bulgaria. His scientific and pedagogical work is worthy of respect and admiration, and should serve as a bright example today and in the future. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society physical geography geomorphology karst landscape Bulgarian Geographical Society 145 Years Since the Birth of Professor Zheko Zhekov Radev Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.6 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Nikolov, Valentin 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 43 51 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.6 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32310/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32310/download/pdf/ The article is dedicated to the creative path and the scientific heritage of Vladimir Popov – one of the remarkable scientists for the Bulgarian geography of the last century. The experience during the professional development from a research precision and focused interest in geomorphology, karstology and physical geography. In this respect, original are the researches on the contemporary relief genesis and evolution, karst region and caves in Bulgaria. The karst in Bulgaria occupies an area of 26 170 km2 or 22.7 % of the territory of the country (Popov 1970). It is distributed in carbonate bodies with a different structure, dynamics and spatial relationships. New zoning of karst is being carried out for the Bulgarian territory. It is divided into: plain; marine and transformed marine karst into plain and plain-marine karst; plateau-like karst; mountain and intermountain karst; karst wetlands and gravitation karst, provoked by catastrophic earthquakes. Karst in Bulgaria is characterized by great diversity due to the complex combination of the factors and conditions of its formation (geological, tectonic, geomorphologic, hydrological and hydrogeological, climatic, etc.) and to the geodynamic development. Regardless of the fact that karst is well studied, there are still fundamental problems in karstology that have not been solved as a whole. In 1970 and 1976yy Popov made the first zoning of surface and underground karst in Bulgaria according to the geological base. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society structural geomorphology neotectonics karst caves earth surfaces processes sea-coast processes Vladimir Popov – Life and Creativity Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.8 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Velchev, Angel 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 61 62 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.8 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32312/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32312/download/pdf/ Assoc. Prof. Martin Glovnia works on the problems of the relief in high mountainous areas, especially the glaciation and periglacial zones with appearance of cryogen processes. He publishes many learning books for students in the universities and high schools. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society glacial relief cryogenesis periglacial relief Assoc. Prof. Martin Glovnia – A Favourite Pedagogue from the Second Half of XX Century Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.9 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Tcherkezova, Emilia 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 63 70 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.9 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32313/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32313/download/pdf/ Prof. PhD Dinyo Dimitrov Kanev was one of the most distinguished Bulgarian scientists and university lecturers in geomorphology of Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. The paper presents prof. Kanev’s main scientific works. On the basis of their analysis, they have been grouped into books, maps and atlases, as well as publications related to various thematic topics, e.g. investigations of denudation surfaces, the impact of the base level of erosion on the relief development, studies of the geomorphological evolution of various areas in Bulgaria, morphostructures and morphostructural development of Bulgaria’s relief, the neotectonic movements and their geomorphological response, studies of the volcanic relief in Bulgaria, as well as analysis of the seismic activity and the impact of the relief on the seismic effects, etc. Other works, such as ones related to the problems of the geomorphological investigations in Bulgaria, the geomorphological specifics of the Main Watershed of the Balkan Peninsula, the relation between relief and recreational resources, etc., have also been presented in the paper. Additionaly, the contributions of Prof. PhD Dinyo Kanev to the establishment of section “Geomorphology and Cartography” (now “Climatology, Hydrology and Geomorphology”) in the Faculty of Geology and Geography at the Sofioter University “St. Kl. Ohridski”, Sofia and to the development of geomorphology and cartography as scientific fields in Bulgaria are highlighted. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Prof. PhD Dinyo Kanev geomorphology cartography geomorphologic investigations Prof. PhD Dinyo Dimitrov Kanev (1922-1997) – A Distinguished Scientist and University Lecturer in Geomorphology of Bulgaria and Balkan Peninsula Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.10 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kroumova, Yulia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3117-3504 author Vlaskov, Vladimir author Nikolov, Valentin 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 71 80 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.10 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32317/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32317/download/pdf/ The article is dedicated to the creative path and the scientific heritage of Prof. Ivan Vaptsarov – one of the remarkable scientists for the Bulgarian geography of the last century. The experience during the professional development from technician-geologist to professor and director of the Institute of Geography is accompanied by a research precision and focused interest in geomorphology, geology and physical geography. In this respect, original are the researches on the contemporary relief genesis and evolution, on the ore-controlling morphostructures of Southern Bulgaria, on the denudation surfaces number and age, as well as on the genesis of the piedmonts surfaces of the "glasis" type. As a leader of many large scientific teams and an initiator of large-scale projects, Prof. Ivan Vaptsarov successfully unites the highly professional knowledge on structural geomorphology and on geomorphological mapping with the qualities of a skilful administrator and a prominent and valorous geographer. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society structural geomorphology morphostructural analysis neotectonic ore deposits denudation surfaces geological and geomorphological mapping Contributions of Professor Ivan Vaptsarov for the Bulgarian Geography Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.11 2020-05-04 jbgs

Space Research Institute , Sofia, Bulgaria author Jelev, Georgi Space Research and Technology Institute - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Gikov, Alexander author Roumenina, Eugenia 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 81 87 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.11 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32318/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32318/download/pdf/ This paper presents the biography of the scientist Professor DSc Hernani Borisov Spiridonov. July 2020 marks the 85th anniversary of his birth. His scientific achievements are related to geomorphology, geotectonics and the development remote sensing methods, He is one of the founders of the scientific major Remote Sensing of the Earth from Space in Bulgaria. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Remote Sensing Land Cover Geomorphology Prof. DSc Hernani Borisov Spiridonov (28 July 1935 – 21 June 2018). Рrominent Bulgarian Geomorphologist, Geotectonist and Specialist in Remote Sensing on the Earth Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.12 2020-05-04 jbgs

Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Shumen, Bulgaria author Stankova, Svetla author Tzankov, Tzanko author Hristova, Raina author Stoyanova, Milena author Penerliev, Milen 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 88 94 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.12 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32319/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32319/download/pdf/ The article is dedicate to the life and the creation of one notable Bulgrian investigator, scientist and pedagogue – Prof. Todor Ivanov Krastev DSc (Geography). The principal features of his personality are the big creative energy, impressive capacity for work and restless research spirit. It worldly and creative way is a splendid example for a dedicated work for the science. The results of Prof. Krastev investigations belong to the most Bulgarian Natural Geography achievements for the second part of the twenty century. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geomorphologer geographer Bulgarian Black Sea area delimitation paleo karst Todor Krastev – A Life Dedicated to the Geomorphology and Geology of Eastern Bulgaria and Black Sea Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.13 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Vekilska, Bistra 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 95 98 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.13 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32320/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32320/download/pdf/ Based on the review and analysis of existing scientific publications in the Bulgarian literature on geography and climatology, the present paper provides main biographical information about Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and highlights his contributions in the field of climatology and geography. The article also presents the author's personal assessment of the scientific and teaching activities of Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov as a weather forecaster, climatologist and geographer. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society climatology climate of Bulgaria climatic resources Professor Dimitar Dimitrov (1915-1999). Scientific Contributions to Climatology Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.14 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Mateeva, Zoya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6170-4392 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 99 103 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.14 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32321/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32321/download/pdf/ This study is dedicated to the bioclimatic studies of Prof. DSc Haralampi Tishkov concerning the mountainous territories of the country. The work presents the basic methods covered in the bioclimatic approach of these studies, namely the complex climatic method, the method for studying the stability of weather classes and the degree of contrast of their changes, as well as the method for assessing the degree of suitability for stay of person outdoors. The work provides an overview of the results obtained from the application of these methods to vast sub-mountain and mountain areas in the country, covering hypsometric belts through 200 m starting from 200 m asl. and reaching 2800 m asl. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society bioclimatic approach complex- climatic method weather steadiness/ stability contrast of weather changes suitability of time for outdoor stay mountain territories Bulgaria Prof. DSc Haralampi Tishkov Bioclimatic Approach at Investigation of Bulgarian Mountains in the Research Works of Prof. DSc Haralampy Tishkov Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.15 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Velchev, Angel 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 104 107 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.15 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32323/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32323/download/pdf/ This paper reviews the life and creativity of one of the most famous Bulgarian geographers of 20th century – Prof. Petar Penchev. He is the founder of the genetic branch of the Bulgarian Hydrology. His scientific works are related to the problems of the karst hydrology, genetic contents of water flow, methodology for mapping of hydrological objects. He creates the first hydrological regionalization of Bulgaria. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society genetic branch of hydrology underground karst waters hydrological regionalization Prof. Petar Penchev – A Distinguished Geographer, Founder of the Genetic Branch of the Hidrological Science in Bulgaria Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.16 2020-05-04 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Cholakova, Zornitza https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3041-4717 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 108 114 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.16 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32325/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32325/download/pdf/ The article is dedicated to a scientist who has contributed to the establishment and development of landscape science in Bulgaria. Associate Professor PhD Mimoza Konteva worked in the Department of Landscape Ecology and Environmental Protection at the Faculty of Geology and Geography at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” throughout her whole scientific and teaching experience. She created about 70 scientific papers, participated in numerous scientific and educational projects, successfully advised more than 30 graduates and 2 doctoral students, worked for the promotion of geographical science in higher and secondary education in Bulgaria. Leading lecturer in the courses “Physical Geography of Continents”, “Landscape Ecology”, “Physical Geography of the Balkan Peninsula” and others. A long-term member of the editorial board of the Sofia University Yearbook, Faculty of Geology and Geography, vol. 2 - Geography. She was a good leader and an active member of the geographic community at Sofia University and the Bulgarian Geographical Society. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society landscape landscape structure landscape regional division anthropogenization physical geography Associate Professor PhD Mimoza Konteva – A Life Dedicated to Landscape Science (1952-2018) Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.18 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ilieva, Nadezhda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9553-2509 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 132 140 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.18 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32327/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32327/download/pdf/ Anastas Razboynikov is a scientist, geographer, historian, ethnographer who has been in the shadows over the last decades and his life, creativity, role as a public figure, especially in the years before World War II, remain forgotten and unknown. In this article, based on the review of his work and published biographical materials, the life, creativity and the main contributions to the geographical science of Anastas Spasov Razboynikov have been traced. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Anastas Razboynikov biography creativity scientific contributions to geographical science The Unknown Anastas Razboynikov Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.19 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography — Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Varadzhakova, Desislava https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6072-464X 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 141 145 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.19 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32328/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32328/download/pdf/ The present paper is dedicated to the life and scientific work of assoc. prof. PhD Krum Dronchilov because of the 130th anniversary of his birth in 2019. The article focuses on his background and family, his education and professional career. An overview of his renowned and significant scientific publications is made. Descriptive and analytical methods have been used. Materials of the Faculty of Geology and Geography of the Sofia University, conserved at the State Archives, scientific publications of famous Bulgarian geographers of the last century and of contemporary authors are used as sources of information. As a result, a new, more thorough and comprehensive look at the importance of the research and the contribution of assoc. prof. PhD Krum Dronchilov to the development of geography in the early twentieth century in Bulgaria was made. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Krum Dronchilov biography geography anthropogeography twentieth century 130 Years from the birth of Krum Dronchilov Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.20 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Zhelezov, Georgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6159-0097 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 146 149 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.20 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32330/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32330/download/pdf/ Acad. Anastas Beshkov (1896-1964) is one of the leading Bulgarian geographic researchers of the 20th century. His fundamental work is connected with development of regional geographical researches in Bulgaria and the first economic geographic regionalization of Bulgaria (1934). The scientific work and expertises of acad. Beshkov are related to important economic national projects as the importance of transport for development of the economy and settlements, decision of the transport problems in Dobrudzha, position of the factory for fertilizers near Stara Zagora town, an idea for the channel Varna- Devnya, developed in a project in 1965 and realized in 1975. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society regional economic geography Acad. Anastas Beshkov – Founder of the Regional Geographical Researches in Bulgaria Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.22 2020-05-04 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Ravnachka, Aleksandra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3502-7815 author Metodieva, Gergana 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 156 162 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.22 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32334/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32334/download/pdf/ The paper is dedicated to the works of Prof. Tyanko Yordanov (1914 - 2003) - a prominent Bulgarian geographer, longtime lecturer and established researcher in the field of economic geography. Tyanko Yordanov left a lasting trace in geographical sciences with his numerous studies related to agriculture, economic regionalization of Bulgaria, problems of world economy, research in the field of local history, as well as teaching activity. Along with that, Prof. Tyanko Yordanov will remain in the history of Bulgarian geography as one of the co-founders and hosts of the popular “Atlas” Television show. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Tyanko Yordanov economic geography teaching contribution Professor Tуanko Yordanov – Life and Creativity Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.23 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Dimov, Neno 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 163 167 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.23 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32336/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32336/download/pdf/ The paper traces the life course of prof. Todor Hristov, with an emphasis on his major scientific works and contributions. Todor Hristov’s contributions to the transformation of economic geography into socio-economic geography were of crucial importance for the geographical science, and so was his role in clarifying the theoretical foundations of socio-economic geography and theoretical geography, the geopolitical position and the zoning of Bulgaria’s geospace, as well as the geopolitical cadaster of the world and the modern (at the beginning of the twenty-first century) political geography of Bulgaria. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society life path scientific produce scientific contributions lecturing activities Life and Scientific Produce of Todor Hristov – Professor, PhD, Corresponding Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.24 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Kolev, Boris 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 168 170 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.24 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32337/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32337/download/pdf/ Prof. Peter Nikolov Popov, DSc, is among the innovators in the post war Bulgarian geography. He is one of the geographers working in several geographical areas such as the territorial location of productive forces, regional development, economic regionalization of Bulgaria, the application of mathematical and statistical methods in economic geography, systems theory, environmental protection. His publications include a number of other innovations in the form of approaches, methods and models. Prof. Peter Popov, thanks to his high scientific and linguistic training and erudition, presents with dignity the Bulgarian geography at numerous international scientific forums in which he has participated. He was also a respected lecturer wherever he taught. He has held a number of scientific and organizational positions as deputy director and director of the Geographical Institute of BAS and others. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society economic geography quantitative methods mathematical statistics linear programming systems theory Prof. Peter Nikolov Popov, DSc – One of the Innovators in the Post War Bulgarian Geography Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.25 2020-05-04 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Tsvetkov, Kaloyan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-5000 author Georgieva, Svetla 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 171 176 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.25 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32338/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32338/download/pdf/ The article deals with the research and professional activity of Prof. Gesho Geshev in the field of demography, regional planning, transnational cooperation, territorial and urban planning, urban geography and urban ecology. The author has more than 100 scientific publications, most of which have been published abroad. In addition, Gesho Geshev participates and manages dozens of projects in which he applies his theoretical knowledge in practice. As the head of two scientific institutes at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Demography and Geographical Institute), he applies his management skills as well. There, he has been able to form a large team of experts in different fields with whom he works on topical geographical issues. Prof. Geshev combines his research work with teaching activity at South-West University “Neofit Rilski” and University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. Cyril and St. Methodius”. He has been a chairman of the National Geography Committee of the International Geographical Union. Its name remains well known among scholars from Poland, Hungary, Russia, Greece, the Netherlands, Angola and many more, and the applicability of its works is relevant to contemporary geography. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Gesho Geshev transborder cooperation regional development demography urban geography Gesho Geshev – Innovation and Contributions Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.26 2020-05-04 jbgs

author Vekilska, Bistra 2020-05-04 2020-05-04 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 177 181 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.26 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32339/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32339/download/pdf/ This article presents the highlights of the life and scientific work of Pavlina Vekilska, a renowned Bulgarian researcher in the field of geography training. Based on her scientific publications, the main contributions of P. Vekilska in the study of geography, polytechnic and programmed training, students' independent work and environmental education are analyzed. The article also provides information on the administrative and organizational work of P. Vekilska as Head of Section and Scientific Secretary of the Scientific Research Institute of Education “T. Samodumov”. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society methodology of geography training polytechnic and programmed training environmental education Senior Research Fellow Pavlina Miteva Vekilska (1918-2013) Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.17 2020-05-05 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Prodanova, Hristina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-8975 "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria author Petrova, Mariya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2828-7982 2020-05-05 2020-05-05 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 115 131 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.17 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32326/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32326/download/pdf/ The paper is devoted to Assoc. Prof. PhD Nikola Todorov’s life and professional contributions (1955- 2018) – a prominent Bulgarian geographer, unreservedly dedicated to the science and field researches, who left а rich creative heritage in the field of Physical Geography and Landscape Science. He was the leading author in the development of the second landscape classification system of Bulgaria and in the creation of а landscape map of Bulgaria on a 1:500 000 scale, which is one of his main contributions. An important contribution in his research activity is the developed classification system of anthropogenic changes and landscape disturbances in Bulgaria, which is applicable to the whole country and encompassing the enormous variety of natural-territorial complexes and their changes. He was a scientific mentor for 26 master students and 4 PhD students. Assoc. Prof. Nikola Todorov was a Lecturer who inspired generations of students and many young researchers with his erudition and oratory skills. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society physical geography landscape ecology landscape map anthropogenization landscape classification and regionalization geophysics of the landscape Assoc. Prof. PhD Nikola Todorov (1955-2018) – A Life Dedicated to Geography Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.7 2020-05-07 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Stoyanova, Velimira https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6632-7514 2020-05-07 2020-05-07 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 52 60 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.7 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32311/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32311/download/pdf/ The present paper is dedicated to the life and scientific work of Corresponding Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Professor Kiril Mishev Ivanov because of the 15th anniversary of his death in 2020. The article focuses on his background and family, his education and professional career. An overview of his renowned and significant scientific publications is made. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geomorphology Geographical Institute Problems of Geography geomorphological map landscapes Corresponding Member of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Professor Kiril Mishev Ivanov – Life and Scientific Activity Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.2 2020-05-10 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Zhelezov, Georgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6159-0097 National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nikolova, Mariyana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4878-3051 2020-05-10 2020-05-10 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 12 17 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.2 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32304/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32304/download/pdf/ This article aims to fill the honorary place, which is laid on the founder of the Bulgarian Geographic Science, Acad. Anastas Ishirkov, in this collection of papers, but also to highlight some lesser known details of his research, socio-political and charitable activities. At the same time, the authors removed some inaccuracies in his biography accumulated over time and added new information about his life and activity. This was made possible by our research in the Archive of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and from the materials for him in the Gipson Archive, as well as by the careful reading of the handwritten autobiography of Acad. Ishirkov. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Anastas Ishirkov biography geography history of Bulgaria Academician Аnastas Ishirkov – A Life Dedicated to the Geographic Science and to Bulgaria Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.3 2020-05-10 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Zhelezov, Georgi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6159-0097 2020-05-10 2020-05-10 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 18 23 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.3 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32305/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32305/download/pdf/ Prof. Ivan Batakliev (1891-1973) is one of main persons in the process of foundation and basic development of geographical sciences in Bulgaria. His general scientific works are related with political geography, geopolitics and antropogeography in Bulgaria. He is founder of these scientific subjects and directions in Bulgaria. The work of prof. Batakliev is also connected with important contributions in physical geography, geography of population and settlements, economic geography, methodology of geographical education and regional geography as first landscape regionalization of Bulgaria (1934), first climate regionalization of Bulgaria (1941) and fundamental works for Pazardzhik town and the region of Pazardzhik (1922, 1923, 1969). text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society political geography landscape regionalization climate regionalization Prof. Ivan Batakliev – Builder of the Geographical Sciences in Bulgaria Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.21 2020-05-10 jbgs

author Grozeva, Mariya 2020-05-10 2020-05-10 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 150 155 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.21 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32333/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32333/download/pdf/ Prof. PhD Lyubomir Antonov Dinev is among the distinguished Bulgarian geographers. He is interested in this science since from his early childhood. This is due to his father Anton Dinev - Kartografov, a teacher of geography, who created the first study maps in geography, as well as the first methodological foundations of teaching in this subject. Lyubomir Dinev graduated with a degree in geography from Sofia University in 1935. After he completed a specialization in Prague. After his return to Bulgaria he entered Sofia University as an assistant in geography. Later, he reoriented himself to socio-economic geography, and in particular to the area of geography of population and settlements. Gradually he is habilitated for associate professor and professor. In addition to what he has achieved in his research work, Prof. L. Dinev stays in science by expanding the research field of geography in Bulgaria through the specialty “geography of tourism”, created by him, and the Department of the same name in the “Kl. Ohridski ”Sofia University. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Professor Lyubomir Dinev economic and social geography geography of tourism Prof. PhD Lyubomir Antonov Dinev-Kartografov (1911-1986) – The Creator of Specialty “Geography of Tourism” in Bulgaria Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.4 2020-05-18 jbgs

author Mihaylov, Pelo 2020-05-18 2020-05-18 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 42 24 35 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.4 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32308/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32308/download/pdf/ The article covers all 27 persons registered in the Founding protocol of the Bulgarian Geographic Society. Namely, these are 23 founding members and four other persons who did not attend the founding meeting. Two documents have been published – a copy of the Founding protocol of the Bulgarian Geographic Society, 1918 and a list of the founding members. Each of the 27 persons from the political, cultural, scientific and economic elite of Bulgaria in the past is presented through brief biographical notes. These include the names of one general, two prime ministers, five ministers, five ambassadors, six rectors, eight journalists, ten members of the parliament, ten academicians, one correspondent- member as well as a total of 13 professors. Only four of them are professionally involved in geography – Prof. Anastas Ishirkov, Prof. Zheko Radev, Zhecho Chankov and Ivan Pastuhov. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Bulgarian Geographical Society Founding protocol persons biographies To the Personalities of the Founding Protocol of the Bulgarian Geographical Society Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.1 2020-11-23 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Sarafova, Eugenia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1164-1204 author Pilev, Spasimir 2020-11-23 2020-11-23 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 3 8 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.1 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32340/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32340/download/pdf/ Caricature maps have long been used for political propaganda, forging ideas and views. This study examines the successful examples of political propaganda from different historical periods by combining the caricature genre with cartography. Caricature maps from Bulgaria and the world are discussed, paying special attention to one of the most famous Bulgarian cartoonists – Rayko Alexiev. In his works can be found many examples of spatial representation of geopolitical events and processes from the 30s and 40s of XX century in Bulgaria, the Balkans, other world regions, and even the whole globe. Examples of 21st century political propaganda through caricature maps of Brexit are also discussed. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Caricature maps propaganda Rayko Aleksiev Brexit Caricature Maps – Tools for Political Propaganda (on the Example of Rayko Aleksiev’s Work in the Shturets Newspaper) Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.2 2020-12-02 jbgs

author Gartsiyanova, Kristina https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8965-9953 author Varbanov, Marian NIGGG - BAS, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kitev, Atanas author Genchev, Stefan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7080-5678 author Georgieva, Stela 2020-12-02 2020-12-02 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 9 15 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.2 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32343/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32343/download/pdf/ In this article the current changes in the water quality of rivers Topolnitsa and Luda Yana have been analyzed and evaluated. The river basins are under the significant anthropogenic impact of various origins and nature. The main sources of pollution, the emitted substances and the spatiotemporal features of the change of the water quality are determined. Several indices for complex assessment of river waters have been used to assess the status of water - (Water Quality Index - Canada; Water Pollution Index - Russia; Chemical Index for River Water Quality (CJ) - Germany). text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society water contamination pollutants water quality indices anthropogenic impact river waters Territorial features and dynamics in the water quality change in the Topolnitsa and Luda Yana rivers Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.12 2020-12-03 jbgs

author Tzankov, Tzanko Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Shumen, Bulgaria author Stankova, Svetla 2020-12-03 2020-12-03 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 75 77 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.12 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32356/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32356/download/pdf/ The article represents the author’s contemporary mobility concept about the morphotectonic nature of the South Moesian Morphostructural Zone in North Bulgaria. The mentioned morphounit corresponds with the Moesian Continental Microplate South Margin between Timok River to the west and Kamchia River to the east. The north boundary of the zone coincides with fault bundle system along the Lower Danube River between Timok River Infuse to the west and the town of Cherna Voda to the east and between the towns of Cherna Voda and Constantsa in Nord Dobrudzha. The south boundary of the zone is following on the north slopes of the Fore Balkan and Stara Planina Mountain Ranges. The short west boundary near the Timok River separates the zone from the Carpathian Continental Microplate. The east zonal boundary limits it from the Black Sea Oceanic Microplate. The South Moesian Morphostructural Zone is representing one of the most contemporary fragments from the large post Early Pleistocene Orthoplain in the Balkan Peninsula North-East Part. It plane-lowland zonal relief contrasts with the relief of the neighbor first-rare morphotectonic units. The internal zonal pattern includes the Lower Danube Morphostructural Area (with Lom and Lovech Morphostructural Regions) and Ludogorie Morphostructural Area (with Isperih, Shumen and Dobrich Morphostructural Regions). The South Moesian Morphostructural Zone is a north part of the Maestrichtian-Early Neozoic Morphotectonic Suture between the Bulgarian and Moesian Continental Microplates during the New Europe Continental Massif Building. The till today continued Gondwana-New Europe Transcontinental Collision in the Mediterranean Region has bring very intensive Post Early Pleistocene Orthoplain Destruction and high mountain relief building (Rila, Pirin, Rhodope Mountain Massifs) in the Bulgarian Continental Microplate South-West Parts. The mentioned collision has causes the Fore Balkan and Stara Planina Syncinematic Uplifting in the suture zone between the Bulgarian and Moesian Continenta Microplates to. The South Moesian Morphostructural Zone has stay unaffected from those morphotectonic processes. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society morphostructural zone transcontinental collision morphotectonic suture orthoplain mountain uplifting Morphotectonic Nature of the South Moesian Morphostructural Zone Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.8 2020-12-06 jbgs

author Vasileva, Maya 2020-12-06 2020-12-06 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 51 57 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.8 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32351/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32351/download/pdf/ The acquisition of intercultural competence in the modern world is no longer a necessity, but a vital condition for building full-fledged interpersonal relationships, security and predictability in communication. It is particularly important in a context of conflict, both between members of the ethnic and/or religious majority in a country and minorities, and within minorities themselves. Whatever the reasons for this, a solution can be sought through integration. This is an issue of intercultural education and intercultural learning. The contribution of geography education to the formation of intercultural competence is significant. This is quite understandable, given the specifics of the subject. The role of geography is clearly outlined at several levels: at the level of goals; at the level of educational content; at the level of educational process; at the level of performance control. It is these levels that should be the subject of more in-depth study in the context of intercultural learning. The present study offers their most general didactic-methodological characteristics. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geography education competence geographical competence intelectual competence intercultural learning Formation of intercultural competence in the teaching of geography – theoretical foundations Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.9 2020-12-09 jbgs

author Penerliev, Milen 2020-12-09 2020-12-09 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 59 62 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.9 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32353/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32353/download/pdf/ The paper grounds the importance of regional public geography for both the geographical community and the main users of geographical data. The possible alternatives for development, the modern object and significance of this branch of the geographical science are indicated. It justifies the need for integrity not only between the branches of geographical science, but between them such as ethnography, demography, sociology, culturology, etc. The "new" tasks for the regional public geography of Bulgaria and the ways for their realization are outlined. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society human geography problem areas future culturology On the need of regional human geography in Bulgaria Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.7 2020-12-10 jbgs

author Stoyanova, Milena 2020-12-10 2020-12-10 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 43 49 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.7 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32350/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32350/download/pdf/ The wine sector is a traditional industry for Bulgaria, which is of particular importance in rural areas, as it creates employment, generates income for local people, solves some of the demographic problems, promotes sustainable agriculture, diversifies the local economy. Nationwide, the sector has huge export potential and expanding markets worldwide, increasing competitiveness and earnings in the overall economy, improve its image abroad, promotes the development of other economic sectors such as tourism and food industry. The aim of the paper is to make a general overview of wine production in the XXI century based on analyzes of statistical data on the wine industry in Bulgaria for the research period. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society viticulture wine production Bulgaria twenty-first century wine tourism Current State and Trends in Viticulture and Wine Production Development in Bulgaria Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.14 2020-12-10 jbgs

author Petrov, Kamen 2020-12-10 2020-12-10 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 87 93 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.14 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32358/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32358/download/pdf/ The article is devoted to the problems accompanying the development of world cities and the trends in the formation and functioning of global urban networks. A review and analysis of the basic concepts for the development and formation of world cities and their functional characteristics is made. Thus, the formation and development of global cities has several dimensions: geographical, economic, demographic and others. The ongoing processes of urbanization and globalization of socio-economic relations lead to the formation of transnational networks of cities through spatial interaction between global urban centers. The intensification of these processes is also dictated by the dynamic development of new technologies, which puts global cities as centers of development and growth. Thus, global cities appear as a center of attraction and form the new geoeconomic system of the new century. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society regional development territory urban networks global city urbanization Territorial development of urban networks from global cities – trends and models Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.13 2020-12-11 jbgs

"St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria author Petrova, Mariya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2828-7982 2020-12-11 2020-12-11 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 79 85 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.13 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32357/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32357/download/pdf/ The term synergetic is proposed by the german physicist Henry Hacken as the name of a new interdisciplinary scientific field studying the processes of origin and evolution of space-time structures. The main task of synergetics is to reveal the general ideas, methods and patterns of self-organization processes in various fields of science - from nature science to the humanities. Synergetics seeks to reveal the internal mechanisms of self-organization, the general laws of these processes, their synergy. In landscape synergetics, the problem of time is related to the irreversibility of processes, which leads to the idea of instability and chaos. In this regard, the present study is aimed at exploring the possibility of using the synergetic approach in landscape research, and in particular in the study of self-restoration of landscapes after the weakening of anthropogenization. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society synergetics self-organization anthropogenization self-restoration of landscapes The synergetic approach in the landscape studies Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.10 2020-12-21 jbgs

author Yanakiev, Alexander 2020-12-21 2020-12-21 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 63 68 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.10 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32354/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32354/download/pdf/ Rapid development of remote sensing technologies, including the introduction of new sensors and platforms opened up a whole new field of their application such as monitoring of vulnerable habitats without direct contact, bearing potential harm of the ecosystems within them. The paper explores such opportunities and looks at the conditions of riverine forests along Kamchia river in 2019, using Sentinel-2a, b imagery. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society ESA forestry Sentinel-2 NDVI NDWI Remote sensing of dynamics of development of riverine forests along Kamchia river Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.6 2020-12-23 jbgs

author Filchev, Lachezar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6248-0148 2020-12-23 2020-12-23 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 37 42 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.6 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32349/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32349/download/pdf/ In the article is made an overview of the application of different satellite remote sensing methods and technologies in detection of the abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes. The review paper is discussing in short the application of different remote sensing technologies such as: satellite multispectral and infrared (thermal), imaging spectrometry and fluorescence imaging. The studied period spans from the onset of the satellite remote sensing in the 1960s until present day. In conclusion, are drawn requirements for the perspective technologies in satellite remote sensing which should address the fast and reliable detection of the manifestation of abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society satellite remote sensing abiotic stress coniferous landscapes multispectral remote sensing imaging spectrometry fluorescence imaging Application of Satellite Remote Sensing for Detection of Abiotic Stress in Coniferous Landscapes Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.3 2020-12-30 jbgs

author Asenova, Milka 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 17 24 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.3 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32344/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32344/download/pdf/ In the present article, there are investigated, analyzed and interpreted opportunities for geoecological education activities in out-of-school environment. Didactic aspect is the principle of homeland studying, which allows realization of associative connections and consideration, evaluation and understanding of the student’s surroundings in order to form personal qualities as responsibility, environmentally friendly behaviour, care for nature and its resources. A generalized variant of geoecological homeland science in non-formal training on environmental protection has been developed as a version of pedagogical technology for formation of basic skills of the teacher for planning, organizing and conducting educational process in integrative environment. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geoecological education out-of-school activities non-formal training interaction behaviour Geoecological aspect of homeland science in non-formal education on environmental protection Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.4 2020-12-30 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Penin, Rumen author Zhelev, Dimitar https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9652-8042 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 25 30 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.4 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32345/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32345/download/pdf/ The article depicts the biogeochemical properties of the landscapes in the area of the Ada Tepe gold mine (Krumovitsa River Catchment, Eastern Rhodopes) before its launching as an active ore-extraction site. The research is conducted by examination of heavy metals content in particular samples of representative native plant species in the local landscapes. The conducted research surveyed the content of 7 chemical elements (heavy metals) in the tissues of native plants from the landscapes in the Eastern Rhodopes. These microelements are generally prioritized in terms of environmental protection. The interpretation of the obtain results was made by applying the Coefficient of Biological Absorption (Ax). It is as a result of the proportions between the chemical content in the plant tissue (lx) and the chemical content in the local soil/bedrock (nx). By default, this coefficient represents the absorption (and accumulation) intensity of chemical elements in the plants. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society contamination pollution mining plants gold environment mountains Pre-Monitoring Biogeochemical Research of the landscapes in the Area of Ada Tepe Gold Mining Site (Eastern Rhodopes) Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.5 2020-12-30 jbgs

author Chanev, Milen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8013-402X author Filchev, Lachezar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6248-0148 author Ivanova, Dimka 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 31 36 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.5 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32348/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32348/download/pdf/ In recent years, a number of studies have proven that the conventional agricultural system is not sustainable, toxic to the environment, human health, and its potential to feed humanity is limited to the next 50 years. With this in mind, as well as the increasing demand for healthy and safe foods, and the increase in the proportion of people who care about how the food they consume was produced, how much it does not harm the environment and health, farmers are starting to reorient their production into organic. Over the past 40 years, remote sensing methods and technologies have increasingly been used in agriculture. They have proved extremely useful for optimizing the working processes in the sector, as well as solving many of the problems in it. With this report, we aim to draw the scientific community's attention to the possibilities provided by remote sensing methods and technologies to solve a range of problems related to organic cultivation of cereals. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Remote Sensing methods Precision farming Organic farming Cereals Opportunities for Remote Sensing Applications in Organic Cultivation of Cereals – a Review Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.11 2020-12-30 jbgs

author Petrov, Stefan author Drenovski, Ivan 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 69 73 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.11 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32355/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32355/download/pdf/ Air as a component of the natural environment is subjected to constant pollution caused by anthropogenic impact. Air can be considered polluted when the concentration of pollutants is higher than in a normal environment and this leads to a deterioration of the ambient air quality. This problem is also relevant for the region of Vidin and the town of Vidin in particular. Every year the city holds one of the highest ranks for the most polluted air in Bulgaria, even though the city has not been a place with a developed industrial activity that can be linked to air pollution for years. This report aims at identifying the causes of pollution and whether the measures taken in the “Programme for reducing the levels of PM10 and reaching the established norms of their content in the air in the region of Vidin for the period 2015-2020” are effectively implemented. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society environment atmospheric air antropogenic impact Bulgaria dust Air quality management in Vidin Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.15 2020-12-30 jbgs

author Misheva, Stanislava 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 95 99 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.15 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32361/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32361/download/pdf/ A current problem of the educational policy in the secondary school in Bulgaria is the introduction of innovative teaching methods, leading to new quality and efficiency. Efforts are aimed at finding new approaches in order to provoke the interests of students, stimulate their motivation to learn and expand activities in the process of learning geography in the context of sustainable development and environmental protection. In this sense, object of study are methodologies with such focus, offering real opportunities for application in practice. The issue is also addressed in the present study. The most general characteristic of Maria Montessori's methodology is offered, deriving specific possibilities for application in the practice of teaching geography. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society geography education Montessori method innovative learning principles of education Applicability of the Montessori Method in geography education Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.16 2020-12-30 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Burdarov, Georgi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3186-6942 author Dimitrova, Teodora 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 101 106 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.16 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32362/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32362/download/pdf/ The Western Balkans are one of the most vulnerable parts of the European continent. This clearly defined territory of the EU has its own geopolitical explanation for its condition. The abandonment of the Western Balkans to neighboring countries is easy to explain. As some countries took steps to build democratic governance and a functioning market economy, the countries of the Western Balkans fought. At present, countries in the process of transposing EU law into their national law or the so-called "Candidate countries" are albania, serbia, montenegro and northern macedonia. Potential candidate countries are Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The current situation of the countries in the region, in particular the status of Kosovo, the reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the national question of Albania and its idea of a "Greater Albania" are, subject to in-depth analysis. In general, the Western Balkans have a complex ethnic composition, which is a prerequisite for future conflicts text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society ethnicity ethnocultural identity conflict Ethno-demographic situation and future of the Western Balkans Review Article

10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.17 2020-12-30 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nedkov, Stoyan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0052-9815 National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Prodanova, Hristina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-8975 Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Naydenov, Kliment https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5599-5303 2020-12-30 2020-12-30 2020 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 43 107 120 2020 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.17 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32363/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/32363/download/pdf/ The article presents a comprehensive historical review of the development of “Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society” since its establishment, and points out the perspectives that lie ahead. We highlighted three periods of development of the journal: First (1933–1943), Second (1953–1993), and Third (2018–2020) based on key moments within the life-cycle of the Society caused by various socio-political situations in Bulgaria across time. We conducted the review following several key points: (1) periodization; (2) analysis of the publications based on the publishing language, types of the articles, and the major research topics; (3) expansion of the editorial board; and (4) design of the journal including its format, cover and paper layout. We pointed out a few challenges in the present state of the publication process in Bulgaria within the geographic community in particular, and gave valuable recommendations on how to deal with them in the light of the global tendencies in the academic publishing process. For the future development of the journal, we have marked major goals and changes that will lead to improving the quality of the geographic publications in the country. They are as follows: building a journal management concept, determination of the focus and scope, types and characteristics of the publications, and improvement of the graphic design. In conclusion, we highlighted the strengths and the weaknesses of the past development of the journal, and underlined the new changes, which will give the journal an international recognition. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society articles development design editorial board periodization review Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society: past, present and future Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e68981 2021-05-31 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nedkov, Stoyan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0052-9815 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States of America author Pickles, John https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9088-9015 Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Naydenov, Kliment https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5599-5303 National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Prodanova, Hristina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-8975 2021-05-31 2021-05-31 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 3 5 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e68981 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/68981/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/68981/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/68981/download/xml/ The Journal of Bulgarian Geographical Society was the first scientific geographical journal in the country established in 1933. During the long period of its development, it became a leading journal for publishing scientific results in geography and related interdisciplinary fields in Bulgaria. Geography of the 21st century is expected to contribute to the development of human capital and the knowledge society, to offer place-specific solutions for sustainable regional development and use of the planet’s natural and human capital. One of the main goals of the Bulgarian Geographical Society is to stimulate the geographic community to search for smart spatial solutions which can contribute to meet the challenges of modern society. The Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society will contribute to the achievement of this goal by providing a platform for scientists in the main fields of geography and the interrelated sciences as well as decision-makers, and the interested public to share their knowledge in an efficient and open manner. In these days of continuous speeding up of paces of work and life, the idea of facilitating the sharing of existing knowledge in order to create synergies, new knowledge, and innovation is more than timely and our journal can join the efforts to achieve these goals. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Journal of Bulgarian Geographical Society periods perspectives Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society: the new vision and perspectives Editorial

10.3897/jbgs.e64223 2021-06-04 jbgs

University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States of America author Brunn, Stanley 2021-06-04 2021-06-04 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 7 14 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e64223 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/64223/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/64223/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/64223/download/xml/ Issues related to morality have been discussed in the geography literature off and on for the past fifty years. Since morality deals with correctness—right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, or correct vs. incorrect—it is not difficult to understand how these value labels also exist in geography contexts. The geography literature often deals with morality questions in a light or superficial way which leaves geographers and others wondering if there are more value questions we might address in studying human actions and behavior. Three major foci are addressed in this discussion. The first is to explore moral questions geographers might address when looking at cultural behavior, economic development, social policies, allocation of resources, environmental understanding and interpretation of places and landscapes. The second focus is on mapping moralities, including examples of maps that display visible and invisible geographies about moral places and spaces. The third discusses how this moral thread is worthy of further study in many fields of human and human/environmental geography. A greater understanding these threads will strengthen our understanding and appreciation of “why things are the way they are” but also “why we make decisions that we do” at local and global scales. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society morality ethics disciplinary history silences Mapping Morality: Visible and Invisible Geographies Short Communication

10.3897/jbgs.e67249 2021-06-30 jbgs

Group of Mediterranean Studies, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain author Koroutchev, Rossen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1105-156X Institute of Geography, Facutly of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia author Novotný, Ladislav https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2012-1347 2021-06-30 2021-06-30 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 15 20 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e67249 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/67249/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/67249/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/67249/download/xml/ The paper studies the contemporary migration of Bulgarians to countries of the Visegrad Group (V4) – the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. After making a short historical overview of this phenomenon since the 19th century and the contemporary migration of Bulgarians in the years following 1989, the paper analyses the evolution of Bulgarian migration to the V4 countries in the recent years. The authors conclude that there are important migration flows of Bulgarian citizens towards these countries, due to job perspectives, similar social economic systems and the Bulgarian diaspora already living there. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Bulgaria Migration Visegrad countries Contemporary Bulgarian migration to the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4) Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e66377 2021-07-09 jbgs

Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria author Grigorov, Borislav https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5936-3573 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Velev, Nikolay https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6812-3670 Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria author Assenov, Assen Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nazarov, Momchil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9083-9202 FCG Povvik Ltd., Sofia, Bulgaria author Gramatikov, Mladen University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria author Genova, Beloslava Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Vassilev, Kiril https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4376-5575 2021-07-09 2021-07-09 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 21 24 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e66377 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/66377/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/66377/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/66377/download/xml/ The current research focuses on the investigation of shrubland vegetation in Dragoman municipality. The study is motivated by the willingness of the authors to check the shrubland habitats’ territorial extent and their importance to ecosystem processes, following the increased degree of succession over the last three decades. On the other hand, governmental subsidizing has been common for the last decade, leading to a clearance of lands with shrubs. Shrublands were studied through the application of the Braun-Blanquet approach and were defined by the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) classification. One main habitat type with three subtypes have been defined. Those are the Subcontinental and continental deciduous thickets (F3.24) that covers the largest area, Peri-Pannonic dwarf almond scrub (F3.24122), Moesian oriental hornbeam thickets (F3.2431), Moesian lilac thickets (F3.2432), covering a total area of 52.32 km2. Secondary succession has to be considered among the main reasons for shrubland distribution. The lower number of grazing animals and forest clearings act as boosters for this ecological process. Large areas in Dragoman municipality are characterized also by shallow soils that are unable to sustain forest vegetation, thus giving way to shrubs. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society EUNIS field verification mapping vegetation Shrubland habitats in Dragoman municipality: a case study from western Bulgaria Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e69814 2021-08-02 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Sarafova, Eugenia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1164-1204 2021-08-02 2021-08-02 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 25 37 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e69814 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/69814/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/69814/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/69814/download/xml/ Over the last decades, the pressure that people and their activities put on the environment has increased. Green areas in many cities are diminishing in size due to urbanization, which inevitably leads to a decrease in quality of life. This study uses remote sensing (RS) data for Sofia, Bulgaria, for a period of nearly four decades, analyzing the dynamics of NDVI of the urban development units (UDUs). Statistics for NDVI per were calculated for each UDU for eleven dates in the following years: 1987, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2011, 2015, and 2020.  An estimate was made of the amount of green vegetation per capita, similar to other coefficients used for population analysis. NDVI profiles for major urban parks showed differences for the studied period. Sentinel-2 data for 2020 was used for visualization of the current situation, in combination with detailed population data for all UDUs. The obtained data will help the decision-making process for the development of UDUs, while the methodology can be applied in any other city worldwide. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Landsat NDVI open data Sentinel-2 urban green infrastructure How green the urban development units in Sofia are: Earth observation and population time series analysis Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e68982 2021-08-27 jbgs

South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria author Gachev, Emil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8832-0273 2021-08-27 2021-08-27 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 39 47 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e68982 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/68982/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/68982/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/68982/download/xml/ Periglacial landforms are typical features of the high mountain environment on the Balkan Peninsula. Their formation and diversity is determined by climatic, topographic and geological factors. Presently active periglacial processes occur above 1700-2000 m a. s. l., while relict features are observed down to 1100-1400 m a. s. l. Among the most prominent periglacial landforms are the extensive talus screes and fans, the numerous rock glaciers (especially in Rila, Pirin, Shar and Prokletije Mountains) – considered mostly relict – and nivation features (nivation cirques, long-lasting snow patches), as well as cryo-clastuc landforms (stone seas and strips). The present study aims to focus on the importance of geological conditions (bedrock composition and structure, tectonic settings) for the diversity and style of periglacial landforms – a factor, whose role has often been underestimated. The analysis and the derived conclusions are based mainly on regional and local comparisons between the high mountains throughout the peninsula. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society frost action mountains rocks rock glaciers screes Periglacial landforms and the geological controlling factors: examples from the highest mountains of the Balkan Peninsula Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e72840 2021-09-23 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Traykov, Toni Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Tsvetkov, Kaloyan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-5000 2021-09-23 2021-09-23 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 49 57 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e72840 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/72840/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/72840/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/72840/download/xml/ The paper studies the past and contemporary marriage rates in Bulgaria. The analysis starts with the marriage patterns after the Liberation, when high marriage rates were observed, especially after the war periods. During socialism, the family was perceived as the main functioning cell of society and the marriage rates continued to be relatively high. In the 1990s and the beginning of the new century, a change in the marital behavior was observed – a significant postponement of entry into marriage and motherhood led to a family model that had not been common in the past. The authors also conclude that there are different stages in the marriage patterns in Bulgaria – both historically and spatially. The different factors affecting these processes are also studied and discussed in the paper. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society historical analysis marital structure reproductive attitudes reproductive behavior Marriage rates of the population in Bulgaria: features and trends of change Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e73825 2021-11-01 jbgs

National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Nojarov, Peter https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9635-2304 Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Arsov, Todor Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Kalapov, Ivo Institute of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria author Angelov, Hristo 2021-11-01 2021-11-01 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 59 72 2021 funder Horizon 2020 10.13039/501100007601 10.3897/jbgs.e73825 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/73825/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/73825/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/73825/download/xml/ This study reveals the effect of aerosols and water vapor on downward longwave radiation in the high mountain region of Musala peak, Bulgaria. The investigated period is 01/01/2017 (Jan. 1st 2017) – 30/09/2019 (Sep. 30th 2019). Statistical methods are the main tool for discovering the relationships between the different elements. The results indicate that air temperature is the leading factor for downward longwave radiation, specific humidity, and amount of aerosols in the air. That is why, in order to reveal the pure relationship between downward longwave radiation, specific humidity and amount of aerosols in the atmosphere, the air temperature was cleared from the data series. After this procedure, the results show that specific humidity has a significant influence on the downward longwave radiation flux, and an increase of 1% of the specific humidity results in an increase of about 12-15% in the values   of the downward longwave radiation. At air temperatures around 0ºC the influence of water vapor on the downward longwave flux is highest, which is due to the phase transitions of the water – a process during which release/absorption of radiation in the longwave spectrum occurs. The amount of aerosols in the atmosphere also has a significant effect on this type of radiation, and an increase of 1% of the amount of aerosols in the air at air temperatures above –5.5°C results in an increase of the downward longwave radiation of about 2-4%. The findings of this study show that coarser and opaque aerosol particles have a stronger effect on downward longwave radiation. In the area of Musala peak, as the air temperature rises, there is an increase in the amount of aerosols in the air, a decrease in their size, and a transition from transparent to opaque aerosols. The combination of these different tendencies causes the influence of aerosols on downward longwave radiation to be strongest in the middle temperature interval – air temperatures between –5.5°C and +5.5°C. Due to the increased total amount of aerosols and increased amount of opaque aerosols, their influence on downward longwave radiation is significant also at air temperatures above 5.5°C. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society aerosols Bulgaria downward longwave radiation high mountain water vapor Influence of water vapor and aerosols on downward longwave radiation in the high mountain region of Musala peak, Bulgaria Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e77102 2021-11-25 jbgs

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Popov, Hristo School of Economics, Pirot, Serbia Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria author Svetozarevich, Jelena https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0861-7246 2021-11-25 2021-11-25 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 73 79 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e77102 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/77102/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/77102/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/77102/download/xml/ The Republic of Serbia is а continental country located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, in Southeast Europe. In terms of physical characteristics, Serbia is divided into two parts: Pannonian part and mountainous part. The northern part of the country is located in the valley of the Middle Danube, the Sava River valley and the Tisza River valley. In the middle part of the country, the river valleys of the Drina, the Kolubara and the Morava are located. For the purposes of this research, the authors have used the annual precipitation data from 15 meteorological stations distributed throughout the Republic of Serbia. The data from these meteorological stations for the period between 1991 and 2019 has been provided by The Serbian Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. This data has been used to calculate the annual amount of precipitation, and the trends in annual precipitation. text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Balkan Peninsula climate change Southeast Europe Changes and contemporary trends in the annual amounts of precipitation in Serbia Research Article

10.3897/jbgs.e78374 2021-11-26 jbgs

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States of America author Pickles, John https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9088-9015 2021-11-26 2021-11-26 2021 Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 2738-8115 2738-8107 44 81 82 2021 10.3897/jbgs.e78374 https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/78374/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/78374/download/pdf/ https://jbgs.arphahub.com/article/78374/download/xml/ text/html en_US Bulgarian Geographical Society Political Geography and Critical Geopolitics Review Essay cGFnZT0xJnNldD1qYmdzJmZyb209JnVudGlsPSZtZXRhZGF0YV9wcmVmaXg9bW9kcw==