DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e159882

Authors: Samira Alakbarova

Abstract: Strengthening the interrelations between spatial risk analysis and sustainable territorial development has emerged in recent years as one of the key directions in geographical and socio-economic research. This study employs a complex approach to ensure the integration of spatial risk factors into sustainable territorial development processes. The Shaki-Zagatala economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan was selected as the pilot area within the framework of the research. In the contemporary context of increasing natural and technogenic risks, global climate change, and the growing complexity of socio-economic and territorial development processes, the importance of spatial risk analysis and management defines the relevance of this research. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of natural-technological processes occurring between 1950 and 2024 in the six administrative districts (Shaki, Zagatala, Gabala, Balaken, Oghuz, and Gakh) of the Shaki-Zagatala economic region. Statistical analyses are conducted to explore the relationship between population density and the intensity of natural-technological disasters. By applying a combination of advanced spatial-statistical methods, such as the Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi* and Analytic Hierarchy Process, the study aims to evaluate the correlation between population density and disaster frequency, identifying high-risk areas and their temporal patterns. In the presented article, as a result of the complex studies conducted to achieve the set objectives, a map of the spatial distribution of natural disaster risks in the Shaki-Zagatala economic region has been developed. The results obtained allow for the identification of the area’s risk profile and the establishment of key priorities for long-term growth. A strategic planning model has been developed based on the identified opportunities and challenges in the field of sustainable territorial development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e142290

Authors: Ndidzulafhi Innocent Sinthumule

Abstract: Mopane worms have traditionally been harvested for subsistence purposes, however, in recent times, there has been increased commercialisation of these worms. In Muyexe and Nsavulani villages (falling under Mopani District), local communities have been selling mopane worms for the past two decades. A survey was undertaken in these two villages in June and July 2023 to document the process involved in the commercialisation of mopane worms—from raw material harvesting to a commodity sold to generate cash income, and to assess the importance of the trade for livelihoods and poverty allevia-tion of households. Interview-administered questionnaires were used as the main data collection tool, and systematic random sampling was used to select 161 households in Muyexe village and 82 households in Nsavulani village. The questionnaire that included closed- and open-ended questions covered the socio-economic profile of respondents, mopane worms’ availability and procurement, processing of mopane worms, market-ing, trading of mopane worms and livelihood benefits from selling mopane worms. Closed-ended questions were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, while open-ended questions were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that most of the harvesters in Muyexe (69% n = 111) and Nsavulani (59% n = 48) villages were females. Most harvesters in Muyexe (97%; n = 156) and Nsavulani villages (98%; n = 80) preferred degutting mopane worms at home, whereas only five and two respondents in Muyexe and Nsavulani villages, respectively, degut them in the harvesting fields. The researcher found that mopane worms are harvested for both household consumption and trade—this is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 1 (no poverty) and 2 (zero hunger). Most harvesters in Nsavulani village who trade mopane worms reported making between R2,100 ($113.79) and R3,000 ($162.55), whereas most harvesters in Muyexe village make between R1,000 ($54.18) and R2,000 (108.37) per season. The study found that 55% of households in Muyexe village and 70% in Nsavulani village derive income only from mopane worm sales. Although the income earned from the sale of mopane worms is seasonal, it is highly appreciated by communities and plays a significant role in alleviating poverty and improving their lives and livelihoods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e137445

Authors: Biljana Petrevska, Cvetko Andreeski

Abstract: North Macedonia possesses a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Ottoman period (14th–19th century). This heritage is evident in various architectural structures such as bazaars, bridges, hammams, clock towers, and mosques. While some of these sites are actively used for tourism, many remain untapped, each offering unique historical, cultural, and architectural significance. This study explores the potential of developing Ottoman heritage tourism products in North Macedonia. The research aims to identify and establish new tourism routes in the Northeast, East, and Southeast regions, by adopting an experiential approach. Through in-depth interviews with informants experienced in tourism, the study utilizes spatial intuition to map significant sites and designs routes highlighting the richness of Ottoman heritage. The research identifies Kratovo, Shtip, and Strumica as key cities within these regions, serving as pivotal points for the proposed routes. The study reveals that informants strongly believe that Ottoman heritage tourism can attract visitors, foster cultural understanding, and contribute to local economic development. The core appeal of these routes lies in the authenticity, unique aesthetics, architectural significance, and educational value of the Ottoman heritage sites. This study contributes to the existing literature by emphasizing the value of Ottoman heritage and advocating the critical importance of its preservation. From a practical standpoint, the proposed routes, interconnected across three regions, cater to diverse visitor interests and might offer a unique tourism experience.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e102519

Authors: Mariela Nekova

Abstract: The significance of review articles has been proved. This type of articles is especially necessary now, when immediate actions to save an important economic sector must be taken. The present research aims to determine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on one of the most important elements of tourism – the accommodation facilities, through bibliometric analysis. In order to achieve this goal, the VOSviewer software was used, and data from one of the world’s largest databases of scientific production – the Web of Science, was collected. The bibliographic coupling approach was used in the bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric analysis was followed by content analysis of the most cited studies from each cluster. The effects of COVID-19 on the accommodation facilities are summarized and classified by groups.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e89215

Authors: Aleksandra Ravnachka, Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: Light industry is one of the most important and priority industries in Bulgarian economy. It includes the production of textiles, clothing, and leather. Its development affects the state of the country’s overall economy. Despite the numerous studies that use GIS, in Bulgaria there have been no publications on the application of statistical analysis with the use of ArcGIS software. This study aims to apply Geographic cluster analysis using ArcGIS software to analyze the light industry in Bulgaria as of 2010, 2015, and 2020. The grouping of areas by selected indicators in the present study was performed with the Grouping Analysis tool. NO_SPATIAL_CONSTRAINT was selected for the Spatial Constraints parameter and FIND_SEED_LOCATIONS – for the Initialization Method. In this case, we used the K-Means algorithm to partition features into groups. That algorithm is one of the most popular and widely used clustering algorithms in GIS applications. The areas were grouped into 10 clusters. The selection of indicators on which the clustering procedure was based, is following the generally accepted indicators for assessing the state and importance of the food industry in the structure of the economy. The following indicators were used: output for 2010, 2015, and 2020; number of employees and export earnings as of 2010, 2015, and 2020, for each administrative-territorial unit. The spatial distribution of the population, in combination with the historical and the modern economic development of the settlements, forms the regional differences in the development of the light industry in the country. The cluster analysis of certain indicators for the assessment of the light industry at the NUTS 3 level as of 2010, 2015, and 2020, shows some changes in the spatial development trends of the industry. The cluster analysis shows that there are slight spatial differences in production at the NUTS 3 level, with large consumer centers and markets being the most important.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.7

Authors: Milena Stoyanova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.24

Authors: Boris Kolev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.22

Authors: Aleksandra Ravnachka, Gergana Metodieva

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.11

Authors: Rahman Nurković

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.14

Authors: Boian Koulov

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.11

Authors: Elena Todorova, Stelian Dimitrov

Abstract: 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.

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