DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e168786

Authors: Davis Dinkov, Lyubka Pashova

Abstract: High-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are critical for accurate coastal flood risk assessment, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and other natural hazards. This study presents a comparative evaluation of five DEMs with varying spatial resolutions and data sources for a test area along the northeastern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast around the Durankulak Lake—an area identified as at risk of coastal flooding. A high-resolution Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) derived DEM was generated using Structure-from-Motion and Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogram-metry and compared against three other DEMs: BG DSM (4 m), MGS DEM (10 m), and re-sampled TanDEM-X (10 m). The vertical accuracy of DEMs was assessed using control points (CPs), including GNSS-measured and geodetic reference points, and parametric and non-parametric statistical methods, along with statistical tests to assess the error distribution. Results indicate that the UAV and BG DSM models exhibited normal error distributions with high vertical accuracy (root mean square error: 0.098 m and 0.776 m, respectively), while the MGS and TanDEM-X models display significant deviations from normality and lower precision. The UAV-derived DEM has offered the highest accuracy and reliability, though it requires significant field and processing resources. The findings highlight the importance of selecting DEMs based on the required precision, available resources, and application-specific context, particularly for hydrologic and hydrodynamic modeling and flood risk mapping under the EU Floods Directive. This study provides a robust methodological framework for evaluating DEM quality and suitability in coastal hazard assessments and contributes to improved geospatial data practices in flood-prone regions.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e185535

Authors: Saleh Eddine Zahli

Abstract: Soil erosion and sediment transport represent major environmental challenges in semi-arid Mediterranean watersheds, where high erosion rates do not necessarily translate into high sediment delivery to river systems. This study assesses sediment regulation ecosystem services in the Nfifikh watershed (Morocco) to clarify how landscape connectivity controls sediment export, retention, and internal buffering processes. A spatially explicit connectivity-based modelling approach was implemented using the InVEST Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) model, integrating a 30 m digital elevation model, land use and land cover data (2019), soil properties, and rainfall erosivity factors within a GIS environment. The results reveal a marked decoupling between potential soil erosion and effective sediment transfer. Despite high erosion potential in upstream areas, sediment export remains spatially limited due to reduced connectivity, whereas midstream sectors with moderate erosion exhibit higher sediment delivery efficiency. High SDR values are confined to a limited number of well-connected zones, while large portions of the basin function as sediment sinks. Valley-floor deposition locally exceeds 1100 kg yr-1, under-scoring their buffering capacity. Ecosystem service indicators further show spatial differentiation between avoided soil erosion and avoided sediment export, reflecting the role of land-cover configuration in regulating sediment fluxes. Overall, the findings demonstrate that sediment regulation is primarily governed by landscape connectivity and land-cover structure rather than erosion intensity alone, providing transferable insights for ecosystem-based watershed management in semi-arid Mediterranean environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e189118

Authors: John Pickles

Abstract: Recent political protests in Bulgaria, led in part by Gen Z students, workers, and unemployed young people, have sharpened popular demand for a rethinking of both public services and national identity. In the face of continued emigration of young people concerned about the nature of opportunities in Bulgaria, the protesters asked, in part, for a renegotiation of Bulgarian identity. In this context, Kapka Kassabova’s trilogy of biographical family explorations of the experience of the émigré, border lives, and shifting geopolitical landscapes have much to teach us about the interweaving historical geographies of the region. Kassabova’s writing both foreshadows and illuminates Bulgaria’s ongoing struggle about staying, leaving, and renewal.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e166425

Authors: Fiorella La Matta Romero, Vanessa Arevalo-Seijas, David Valqui-Peña, Moya MacDonald, Jemma Wadham, Raul Loayza-Muro

Abstract: The retreat of tropical glaciers in the Peruvian Andes, particularly in the Cordillera Blanca, has significantly altered hydrogeological and geochemical processes in mountain water-sheds. This study investigates the influence of glacier change-driven acid rock drainage (ARD) upon benthic macroinvertebrate communities in 19 glacier-fed streams of the Santa River watershed over two consecutive dry and wet seasons (2019–2020). The findings reveal that ARD driven by glacier melt and sulphide oxidation has led to increased metal concentrations (e.g., Fe, Mn, Al, Pb) and pH reductions (of 2–3 in some sites), creating a “toxic or treat” scenario for aquatic biodiversity. Statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), indicate significant correlations between physical and chemical changes and macroinvertebrate assemblages. Collector-gatherers (e.g., Chironomidae, Baetidae) were dominant in sites impacted by ARD, while sensitive functional feeding groups, such as scrapers and shredders, declined under high metal stress. Seasonal variations also affected taxonomic richness, with greater abundance observed during the dry season. These results highlight the cascading effects of climate-induced glacier loss on freshwater ecosystems and provide critical insights into the ecological consequences of ongoing environmental changes in high-altitude Andean rivers.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e177296

Authors: Dmytro Kasiyanchuk, Yaroslava Atamaniuk, Mykola Deputat, Svitlana Gavdey, Pavlo Horishevskyi

Abstract: The objective of the present study is to undertake a quantitative assessment of the spa-tial impact of tourism on natural complexes in the Carpathian region. This is achieved by employing geostatistical modelling methods. The present study deviates from con-ventional buffer methodologies insofar as it employs an integrated algorithm founded upon Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), thereby amalgamating multivariate analysis with detailed land use classification (LULC). In the analysis, each of the seven factors ̶ hydro-graphic network, relief, transport accessibility, hotels, tourist routes, land use types and nature conservation areas ̶ is standardised on a scale of 1–10 and synthesised into a single model of the vulnerability of natural landscapes to tourist pressure. The spatial integration of the factors demonstrates that areas exhibiting high and very high vul-nerability encompassed a total area of more than 310 km², constituting approximately 34% of the total area under consideration. These areas are predominantly concentrated within mountain valleys and along major transport axes. The findings demonstrate the substantial analytical superiority of KDE in comparison to buffer models, owing to its capacity to accommodate continuous impact gradients and its strong alignment with actual urbanisation patterns. The proposed approach can be applied to spatial planning for sustainable tourism and environmental monitoring in mountain regions.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e163188

Authors: Svetoslav Anev, Sonya Damyanova

Abstract: The impact of latitude and altitude on phenological rhythms was studied from 2017 to 2023 at two European beech forest sites in western Bulgaria, Petrohan and Belasitsa. These sites are part of the European Long-Term Ecological Research network. We used products from the Copernicus program’s High-Resolution Vegetation Plant Productivity to extract the main phenological events: start-of-season date, max-of-season date, end-of-season date, and season length. Our findings indicate that the spring phenology of European beech is closely linked to altitude, while autumn events are more significantly affected by latitude. Spring phenological events were delayed by 2.9 days per 100 m at Petrohan and 2.3 days per 100 m at Belasitsa. This relationship weakens in summer and almost disappears in autumn when latitude becomes a leading factor. The average difference in the end-of-season date between Belasitsa and Petrohan is 10.8 days, which means 5.4 days per degree of latitude. Although the end of the season has been occurring later each year, the relationship is still insignificant. The dynamics of individual phenological events in different years, at various altitudes and latitudes, show that European beech has good potential for acclimating to present climate conditions in the western Bulgarian mountains. Further research is needed on the influence of longitude, considering the uneven transition between Mediterranean and temperate-continental climates in the southeastern part of the species’ range.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e167413

Authors: György Orsós

Abstract: The study explores the relationship between geopolitics and tourism through the case of Cluj-Napoca, with a focus on processes of subject formation. The site was selected for two reasons: (1) the city is currently located in Romania but was part of Hungary before 1920 and remains ethnically divided between a Romanian majority and a Hungarian minority; (2) it has transformed from a post-communist industrial centre into a neoliberal IT hub. Through an analysis of Romanian and Hungarian-language guidebooks published over the past 100+ years (11 guidebooks, 1903–2018), I conducted a discourse analysis of both narrative and visual content, focusing on explicit nationalist elements, discursive contestations over historical heritage, and representations of communist ideology. The findings indicate that while Hungarian-language materials have remained unchanged in their portrayal of the city’s identity, Romanian-language materials have shifted markedly from nation-building narratives toward more multicultural and inclusive framings. This discursive transformation is accompanied, however, by what Simon Harrison terms the symbolic appropriation of cultural heritage. The study argues that Hungarian tourists from Hungary emphasize Cluj’s heritage as part of the Hungarian nation; while Romanian tourists historically emphasized ethnic character under national communism, more recently they focus on integrating the city into a European, multicultural civil identity.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e153003

Authors: Tsvetan Parov

Abstract: During the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, field studies were conducted to examine the internal microclimate of crevasse-drainage systems of the three glaciers: Balkan Ice Field, Johnsons and Contell Glaciers. The research is focusing on the relationship between fluctuations of surface meteorology parameters, internal air glacier temperatures in the crevasses and possible connection with solar activity. The total duration of the study exceeds 60 days, making it the longest temperature monitoring of glacier crevasses in Antarctica. Measurements of air temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure were carried out using autonomous sensors, while ultrasonic anemometers recorded airflow direction and speed inside the crevasses. Sensors were placed at depths of up to 25 m in central zones and 10 m near the glacier edges. The study identified a distinct temperature gradient at 3-meter intervals and mapped the depth of zones with persistently negative temperatures. Increased solar activity was associated with lower internal glacier temperatures and stronger air circulation. A negative correlation was found between solar activity and both temperature and downward airflow within crevasses. A glacial cave under the Balkan Ice Field allowed access to subglacial waters and sediment sampling. For the period of one year, the ablation zone of the Balkan Ice Field had expanded, and the constant negative temperature zone had deepened by 6–7 m since the previous expedition. Contell Glacier showed greater thermal stability and resistance to change compared to the larger ice fields. The extended daylight in January (approximately 20 hours) facilitated reliable correlation with solar activity patterns.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e165458

Authors: Nomin Enkhtamir, Gabor Pirisi

Abstract: This study examines the spatial and economic dimensions of 247 small rural towns across Mongolia between 2015 and 2023, focusing on the interplay between traditional mainstay economic base types, livestock herding, sown area, enterprise activity (including mining, business, etc.), and changes in total population and age structure. We track demographic outcomes as changes in total population and the working-age share; component processes (births, deaths, migration) are not decomposed. Nonetheless, the spatial patterns we observe near transport corridors and mining towns are consistent with net in-migration. Drawing on economic base theory and functional rurality, the research uses standardized spatial datasets to classify settlements and track population structure in relation to economic specialization and infrastructure access. The findings reveal that livestock remains the most widespread economic base, particularly in central and western Mongolia, though increasingly vulnerable to environmental shocks. Enterprise activity has expanded significantly, especially in towns with access to rail and road networks, contributing to labor retention and demographic growth. Sown area intensity has remained concentrated in traditional grain-producing regions, with only modest expansion observed in some central and western provinces. Towns dependent on a single economic base, especially livestock or aging mining, experienced working age population decline, while towns with diversified or infrastructure-linked economies showed demographic resilience. These results contribute to the understanding of rural transformation in Mongolia and offer insights for targeted, decentralized development planning. Findings highlight the need for coordinated investment in diversified local economies to support demographic sustainability in small rural towns.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e162641

Authors: Elena Todorova, Miglena Zhiyanski

Abstract: This study suggests an understanding, based on the local perspectives, of the underlying reasons why the municipality of Velingrad, a mountainous region with abundant natural resources and promising tourism sector does not retain its population and harness its endogenous potential to develop sustainably. Q methodology is employed to better comprehend how people collectively perceive certain problems and their solutions. The results lead us to three well-defined perspectives that highlight high-disagreement areas where dialogue and negotiation are most needed, especially around tourism’s role, environmental trade-offs, and benefit-sharing mechanisms. The study revealed deep distrust in the governing system and a general sense of political and ecological alienation. The future of mountain villages is not perceived as a collective responsibility, but rather as a challenge they are expected to manage on their own. As a result of these insights, the study suggests changing the course of local development and reframing the management model into a more open community-based platform that integrates local voices and energy by involving them not only in framing the policies but also in the implementation and monitoring process. This study uses Q methodology to explore how local stakeholders perceive the factors influencing the socio-ecological framework that guides local management decisions.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e164548

Authors: Youssef Lassiane, Farid El Wahidi, Hassan Ait Naceur, Hoda Benazun

Abstract: The Skoura oasis, located in the Ouarzazate region of southern Morocco, represents a fragile agro-ecosystem increasingly affected by land degradation processes. This study aims to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of desertification in the oasis from 1984 to 2024, in light of climate variability and anthropogenic pressures. An integrated approach combining remote sensing data and environmental indicators is adopted to characterize changes in vegetation and soil conditions. High-resolution satellite imagery from Pléiades 2023 and time series data from the Landsat (5, 7, 8) and Sentinel-2 missions are processed using object-based image analysis and segmentation techniques. Three key indicators are employed: the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), surface albedo, and the Sand Fraction Index (SFI). These indicators are integrated to construct a Desertification Monitoring Index (DMI) within the Google Earth Engine platform. Results reveal that in 1984, 24.3% of the oasis area was already classified as highly desertified, particularly in the eastern, southern, and central zones. A slight improvement was ob-served by 1996, with the desertified surface decreasing to 8.6 %. However, a renewed intensification occurred between 1996 and 2010, especially in areas dominated by date palms and olive groves. From 2010 to 2024, desertification progressed further, marked by significant vegetation loss. The findings highlight the persistence and aggravation of land degradation over four decades. The study demonstrates the value of integrated remote sensing approaches for monitoring desertification and supports the need for adaptive strategies to ensure the sustainable management of oasis ecosystems.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e159980

Authors: Aditya Kumar, Pankaj Kumar, Rumi Rongpi, Prabhat Ranjan, Aditi Kumari, Anju Singh

Abstract: Forests are vital to terrestrial ecosystems and they offer essential services for climate regulation and human welfare. However, the increasing trend in forest fires poses a significant threat to these ecosystems. This study aims to map and assess forest fire vulnerability zones within Almora district, Uttarakhand, India, using geospatial technologies and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. Twelve environmental indicators related to forest fire vulnerability, including elevation, slope, land use/land cover (LULC), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Vegetation Health Index (VHI), temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, Land Surface Temperature (LST), and distance from settlements and roads, were considered. The study revealed that a strip running from northern to southern Almora, including Someshwar, Dwarahat, and Ranikhet, is highly vulnerable to forest fires. This region is characterized by moderate to high elevation, a moderate to steep slope, and well-connected roads and settlements, particularly in Dwarahat and Ranikhet tehsils. The central and southern parts of Almora also exhibit good road connectivity, dense human settlements, and receive moderate to low precipitation, all of which contribute to a higher fire risk. In contrast, the eastern and western parts of Almora, comprising northern Sult, northern Bhikiyasain, and Banoli tehsils, are significantly less vulnerable to forest fires. These areas have moderate slopes, low to moderate elevation, higher precipitation in the eastern parts, and lower precipitation in the western parts, making them comparatively less prone to fire incidents. Validation through the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed the accuracy of the model, with an 82% area under the curve.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e157780

Authors: Arsen Gasparyan, Astghik Danielyan, Aida Papikyan, Arman Kandaryan, Alla Aleksanyan, Areg S. Karapetyan

Abstract: This article presents the case study of Sevan National Park to showcase the evolving conservation planning and management of protected areas in Armenia. We highlight the first application of the basic principles of the Open Standards for the Practice of Con-servation in the country, which has been piloted within the Park’s management planning process. We also address recent institutional reforms, including the establishment of the EcoPatrol service, to examine their implications for centralized protection. Further-more, efforts to align the management plan of Sevan National Park with the EU Biodiver-sity Strategy 2030, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the feasibility of designating the area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are discussed. Our findings demonstrate how Sevan National Park can serve as a potential model for adaptive con-servation planning across Armenia. Ultimately, the case of Sevan National Park provides valuable insights for countries aiming to bridge ecological conservation with inclusive and sustainable development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e159722

Authors: Igor Leščešen, Pavla Pekárová, Zbyněk Bajtek

Abstract: Accurate forecasting of river discharge is critical for the sustainable management of water resources, influencing applications such as irrigation planning, flood and drought mitigation, and infrastructure development. This study investigates the application of the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model to forecast minimum monthly discharges of the Danube River, addressing challenges posed by nonlinear and time-dependent hydrological processes. The study utilizes an extensive dataset comprising daily discharge records from ten stations across seven countries, spanning over a century. Monthly minimum discharges were computed and analyzed to identify long-term trends and seasonal patterns. The SARIMA model was selected for its proven ability to capture seasonal variations and optimize forecasting accuracy in da-ta-limited environments. Model performance was evaluated using statistical measures such as mean absolute error and root mean square error with results indicating robust predictive capabilities across the studied stations. The findings reveal significant vari-ability in discharge trends, with notable decreasing trends in minimum flows at several upstream and midstream stations, highlighting potential impacts of climate change and anthropogenic influences. In contrast, downstream stations exhibited relatively stable discharge patterns. These insights underscore the need for adaptive water manage-ment strategies to mitigate the risks associated with decreasing low flows. The study demonstrates the utility of SARIMA models in hydrological forecasting and provides a foundation for future research exploring hybrid modeling approaches incorporating climate variables. The results offer valuable inputs for policymakers and stakeholders in managing water resources under evolving climatic conditions.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e144418

Authors: Arman Rastkhadiv, Aisa Fouladi, Jafar Bapiri

Abstract: Cultural ecosystem services embedded in urban green spaces play a vital yet often underappreciated role in shaping tourists’ well-being. This study investigates the perceived contributions of cultural ecosystem services to tourist well-being in Zaribar Coastal Park, a multifunctional urban green space located in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Drawing on the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework, ten cultural ecosystem services dimensions were examined through a structured survey of 300 domestic tourists. The sample was selected via Mitra and Lankford’s method, and data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings reveal that outdoor recreation, aesthetic appreciation, social relations, cultural heritage, educational values, and sense of place significantly enhance tourists’ well-being, while cultural diversity, inspiration, knowledge systems, and spiritual values exerted limited or statistically insignificant effects. This study advances theoretical understanding by refining the cultural ecosystem services–well-being linkage within urban tourism contexts and demonstrating the contextual specificity of cultural ecosystem services impacts. Practically, the findings underscore the need for tourism planners and policymakers to integrate cultural ecosystem services into destination design and management strategies. Prioritizing experiential, aesthetic, and recreational dimensions of cultural ecosystem services can foster more inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered urban tourism models.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e163489

Authors: Radoslav Stanchev, Boris Nikolov

Abstract: We recently published an assessment of the wetlands in Bulgaria important for the wintering waterfowl species (order Anseriformes) based on the Mid-Winter Waterbird Census data (Stanchev and Nikolov 2025). However, self-reevaluation of the data led to the refinement of some of the values used and species names. The changes given below do not affect the results and their discussion described in the publication.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e152149

Authors: Aigul Sergeyeva, Imanaly Akbar, Yergali Karakulov

Abstract: The development of large cities has a significant influence on surrounding settlements. Urban areas are characterized by diversity and variability, depending on their size, function, combination of elements, and the spatial distribution of industrial and transport infrastructure. Over the past decade, due to population resettlement, urban settlements have undergone substantial transformations. However, spontaneous processes often accompany urban development, and land use efficiency remains suboptimal. The relevance of this study is determined by the necessity of analyzing urban territories as an integral part of the city. This paper presents an analysis of the structure and dynamics of suburban development in the vicinity of Aktobe. The expansion of these areas plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s economic landscape and determining its growth trajectories. The study employs statistical, comparative-analytical, and isochrone methods. From a geodemographic perspective, the suburban zone of Aktobe is of particular interest due to its formation characteristics and specific spatial dimensions. The most active and attractive development occurs within a 15–30 km radius from the city center, corresponding to 40-minute and 90-minute isochrones. In recent years, Aktobe has been experiencing rapid urban growth, necessitating the resolution of key planning issues such as functional zoning, urban regulation, development of major transport infrastructure, preservation of recreational areas, and the establishment of green spaces. A SWOT analysis of the settlements surrounding Aktobe was conducted as part of the study. One of the identified strengths is the favorable transport and logistics situation. Additionally, the study evaluates other strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential opportunities and existing constraints for suburban development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e145478

Authors: Ion Andronache

Abstract: This study investigates the application and performance of several fractal analysis methods for interpreting complex spatial patterns in 2D and 3D grayscale images. Using synthetic datasets with known properties, we systematically evaluate the accuracy of multiple fractal metrics. Among these, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) dimension and Higuchi dimension proved the most effective in capturing both isotropic and anisotropic structural complexity. The methods were then applied to case studies that address land use change, deforestation, reveal fragmentation patterns, and spatial heterogeneity. Notably, fractal metrics offer consistent and scalable tools for monitoring landscape transformations over time, providing valuable insights for environmental assessment and biodiversity conservation.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e144897

Authors: Altyn Zhanguzhina, Zhanar Ozgeldinova, Zhandos Mukayev, Meruert Ulykpanova, Perizat Zhanuzakova

Abstract: The article presents the results of an analysis of natural forest regeneration after a wildfire in the Amankaragay Forest Massif, Kostanay Region, Republic of Kazakhstan, during the post-fire period. The forest landscapes of the Kostanay Region are subject to pyrogenic impacts of both natural and anthropogenic origin, leading to changes in the phytocenosis of ecosystems. The study integrates field research findings with remote sensing data and methods (dNBR, NBR, NDVI) to assess post-fire conditions and forest regeneration in the Kostanay Region through the comparison of three sample plots. Changes in summer dNBR values indicate the severity of the fire, while annual and seasonal variations in NDVI values, particularly during the summer, reflect the intensity and level of post-fire forest recovery. The analysis of natural forest regeneration after the wildfire in the Amankaragay Forest Massif was conducted using field research methods, ArcGIS 10.8 software, and spectral index analysis of multi-temporal high- and medium-resolution satellite imagery. Based on the research objectives and the specific characteristics of the study area, necessary calculations and analyses were conducted for each sample plot. As a result, the natural regeneration of forest landscapes was assessed, and relevant findings were obtained. Fire intensity and type determine the rate of forest recovery. dNBR and NDVI indices confirm the effectiveness of remote sensing for monitoring post-fire forest recovery. Remote sensing data and field assessments enable not only the evaluation of current forest conditions but also predictions of future development. The changes in the structure of dominant tree species in the Amankaragay massif, detected through satellite monitoring after exposure to the pyrogenic factor, were verified using field research methods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e144247

Authors: Radoslav Stanchev, Boris Nikolov

Abstract: The main approach for the conservation of wintering waterbirds is through the identification of wintering sites, the assessment of their abundance and the determination of wintering population trends. The target sites are set for the implementation of management measures for both wintering species populations and sites falling within the Natura 2000 National Ecological Network. The aim of the present study is to identify the most important waterbodies in the country, based on data from the mid-winter waterbird census during the period 1977–2021. The assessment covers 75 waterbodies falling within the following five area categories used in the MWWC—the Danube River, the North Black Sea Coast, the South Black Sea Coast, natural and artificial waterbodies in North and South Bulgaria. The assessment was made from the analysis of data on 32 species of waterfowl birds, which were split into two groups—24 common species occurring in winter (with numbers over 500 individuals recorded during the study period) and eight rare species (with total numbers less than 500 individuals). The results show that the wetlands along the Black Sea Coast, the big inland reservoirs and the Danube River are the regions most frequently inhabited by wintering waterfowl, holding the highest abundance and number of species. Conservation value indices were calculated for each site, as well as biodiversity indices like the Shannon-Winner and Simpson indices, which identified which wetlands are of greatest the importance for the protected, rare and dominant waterbird species.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e140222

Authors: Elena Todorova, Miglena Zhiyanski

Abstract: This study develops a framework based on three indices—Soil Moisture Index (SMI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and analyzes their spatial variation across the Parangalitsa Reserve from 2015 to 2024. While spectral indices like NDVI and LAI are well-established tools for monitoring Earth’s processes, this research goes beyond their general application by tailoring these indices to the specific context of a high-value protected area. The framework is designed to identify areas with significant deviations in index values over time, which may signal ecological changes influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. By relating these deviations with land cover, slope inclination, and aspect, this study introduces a more holistic perspective to uncover meaningful patterns. The results reveal an overlap of deviations in the indices, particularly within coniferous forest areas, highlighting potential regions for targeted in-situ observations. This approach can improve forest management and monitoring by providing a framework for identifying ecologically sensitive areas. The research emphasizes the utility of proven spectral indices when integrated into a targeted, site-specific framework that contributes to forest management and ecological monitoring by providing a replicable methodology for pre-assessing sensitive ecosystems. By enabling a deeper understanding of localized dynamics, the study bridges the gap between well-documented methodologies and their practical application in safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services in protected areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e143055

Authors: Dimitar Doychev, Kristina Gartsiyanova, Gratsiela Yordanova, Lidiya Taneva

Abstract: The moderately salty and lightly salty lakes and marshes near the Black Sea are specific in terms of their high degree of physical alteration; intensive hydromorphological pressure; and point-source and diffusive enrichment with biogenic, organic and inorganic compounds. Nutrients are among the most regularly measured variables in monitoring programs, providing the most complete information for long-term analysis and assessment. Nonetheless, their results need a final summary score, such as the water quality index, which assesses spatial and temporal conditions very well. In this study, we used all available data for Varna and Burgas Lakes from state monitoring for six years (2016–2021), using the parameters monitored with the greatest frequency. The aims were to trace temporal changes in the water quality parameters to determine which of the biogenic elements had the greatest significance for the variance in water quality while seeking the most contributing elements for the formation of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment water quality index (CCME-WQI). The objectives were achieved via multiple factor analysis (MFA) loaded with the results for the environmental variables and the final scores of the CCME-WQI since this multivariate analysis allows simultaneous consideration of multiple data series while balancing the influence of each set of variables. MFA revealed that CCME-WQI scores were influenced solely by total phosphorus (TP) in Varna Lake, where TP was negatively correlated with total nitrogen. In Burgas Lake, TP had the greatest influence on the CCME-WQI, but in this slightly saline lake, pH and dissolved oxygen were also negatively correlated with the complex assessment scores. The approach developed in this study is simple to implement and provides information for the simultaneous use of both the CCME-WQI and the MFA, which could optimize monitoring programs by directing sampling efforts on fewer parameters that could be analyzed more often or from more sampling sites.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e143846

Authors: Kulyash Kaimuldinova, Shakhislam Laiskhanov, Duman Aliaskarov, Rakhat Tobajanov, Zhulduz Nizamatdinova

Abstract: This article considers the nature of climate changes in the Middle Ages of Central Asia and the influence of these changes on the toponymy in the region. The aim of the study is to analyze the manifestation of climate changes in the names of natural objects described in historical data of Central Asia and to study whether the semantic load of toponyms corresponds to the current geographical reality. The spatial identification of toponyms found in medieval historical sources, their etymological and semantic analysis, determination of the correspondence between toponyms and the present geographical nature of objects are carried out in accordance with the aim of the research. Climate changes will lead to changes in soil, vegetation and fauna. The presence of information describing the natural conditions in the period of their appearance in toponyms makes it possible to use them as indicators of landscape changes in historical geography. It was found that toponyms reflect climate changes in Central Asia, and thus they can be used as a source of information in the reconstruction of landscapes of past periods as a result of the research. It was found that the meaning of historical names preserved in the region from the period called “medieval pluvial” or “medieval climate anomaly” (between 900–1300 AD) does not correspond to the nature of the present landscape as a result of climate changes. The research methodology and results can be used in the future on a wider scale for other regions or in historical-geographical studies related to certain time periods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e135659

Authors: Hristina Bancheva-Preslavska

Abstract: The most successful approach to conserving biodiversity is the development of a worldwide network of protected areas that are effectively managed through various tools and criteria. The latest global project for management quality of protected areas is the IUCN Green List Standard. It offers an instrument for regular assessment and implementation of protected area management efficiency. Listed sites gain recognition as a good example in nature preservation, international promotion, know-how, access to and exchange of global expertise, support and financial resources for good conservation outcomes. Bulgaria has a well-developed network of protected areas and participates in international programs with several nature sites. Joining the Green List program could influence national policy and actions for further excellence of the national network and its effective management, as well confirm Bulgarian commitment to global conservation efforts. The aim of this study is to assess the possibilities for including sites from the Bulgarian protected areas network on the IUCN Green List, identifying sites, ready to complete the application phase and be credible candidates for inscription. A review of the Bulgarian protected areas network was done and an evaluation, corresponding to the application phase of the Green List, of 49 natural sites (three national parks, 11 nature parks and 35 managed reserves) showed that the best potential candidates for the Green List are the administrations of Central Balkan National Park, Bulgarka Nature Park, Persina Nature Park and Belasitsa Nature Park. It is recommended that they start an application procedure and join the IUCN network.

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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.e134780

Authors: Gulzhan Avgusthanova, Nazgul Zhensikbayeva, Saltanat Aitkozhina, Nazerke Amangeldy

Abstract: The article is dedicated to the matter of implementing a local history studies component among the students majoring in Geography at higher education institutions, in conjunction with the Geoinformation mapping courses. When studying courses of the major, the students consider the matter of local history studies that allows them not only to get informed about the territory of the native land as a whole but also enables them to create its general geoinformational model. The practical stage of the research engaged the 3rd and 4th year students majoring in Geography and Geography and History at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University. During the experiment, the students created a layout of unique places and tourist zones of their native land. As a result, using region information mapping, the students prepared digital layouts of the East Kazakhstan region, which had not been previously mentioned in the Geoinformational mapping course.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e142535

Authors: Hristina Prodanova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: Ecosystem services research in Bulgaria has been actively studying different aspects of this concept and its implementation. Although it is widely recognizable, the concept has still not been sufficiently implemented in Bulgaria’s decision-making process. Following the European and global initiatives for implementing biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) into the decision-making process, we have identified the stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the possible initiatives for improving the uptake and the lack of sufficient education program coverage within secondary and higher education. In this short communication, we suggest practical priorities for the future development of BES activities enabling the uptake in Bulgarian education and policy.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e128961

Authors: Hanene Guergour, Mohammed Cheraitia, Assoule Dechaicha, Djamel Alkama

Abstract: Climate-aware urban environments pose a significant imperative to obtain thermally comfortable outdoor areas. The present study addresses the optimization of urban block morphology in Guelma City, Algeria, to enhance thermal performance in a semi-arid climate. Using in-situ measurements and simulation generated by the ENVI-met simple forcing scheme, the impact of urban morphology on the variation of outdoor comfort factors, including air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed arameters, is identified. The conducted investigation illustrates building configuration, orientation, and street canyon geometry as key indices affecting thermal comfort. Results pointed out urban green cover’s role in mitigating heat island effects. In conclusion, the study underscored the significance of an interconnected analysis of urban patterns and heir correlated influence on urban microclimate for achieving thermally comfortable outdoor environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e131436

Authors: Gergana Nikolova, Emilia Patarchanova

Abstract: Healthcare is an activity of great humanitarian and social importance. Good health is a right of every human being, an asset and a source of economic and social stability. The health status of the population is crucial for reducing poverty and at the same time contributes to sustainable territorial development. Despite the established principles of accessibility and equality in the use of medical assistance and the existence of a valid health card, our research has shown that the population has different access to facilities and centers for medical assistance at the regional and local level. The localization and concentration of healthcare facilities and all other elements of the healthcare system in the studied Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) 3 area—the Kyustendil region, Bulgaria—are tied to the largest ities in the region and the administrative centers of the municipalities. This poses a problem for the population from the remote settlements of the district, which has considerable difficulties in obtaining medical care even in emergency cases and in accessing specialized hospitals, laboratories, etc. The geographical characteristics of the area have a significant impact on the time needed to cover the distance between the villages and the towns where the health facilities are located. Hence the specific case study to solve this problem at the local and regional level. The conducted research tries to solve this case study, which was made in the studied area, but is also relevant for many other areas in Bulgaria. It is important to note that the Kyustendil region has very good indicators of health infrastructure and supply of health professionals, which make it one of the leading places in Bulgaria. However, part of the population of the district has very difficult access to the healthcare system, which is the main reason for the higher premature mortality due to diseases, especially among the population living in the villages. An in-depth spatial analysis of the territorial location of all elements of the health system and the provision of specialist doctors was carried out. The results obtained are visualized through graphics and a map created with GIS software.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e126650

Authors: Tsvetan Parov

Abstract: Discovered only about 200 years ago, Antarctica is the poorest and most isolated ecosystem on Earth. Its thinner atmosphere, due to the centrifugal forces of Earth’s rotation, the ozone hole, and stronger solar radiation, creates a natural laboratory that provides information about the state and trajectory of Earth’s climate condition. This study aimed to determine the depth of heat penetration from the surface of the glacier into the crevasses in the ablation zone and establish the zone of constant temperatures in the glacier. It explored the relationship between the air temperature at the glacier surface and the temperature distribution in the crevasses, including the temperature gradient at different levels and the direction of the airflow. We used autonomous data loggers for measuring and recording temperature and relative humidity. The measured depth reached 18 m in the central part of the glacier and 9 m in the periphery. An ultrasonic anemometer was installed in the deepest crevasse in to the center of the glacier to determine the size and direction of air flows. Meteorological parameters such as air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and solar radiation were measured on-site using autonomous sensors and recording devices mounted on installations on the glacier surface and at depth using alpine techniques. The results show a temperature gradient through 3-meter layers, a relatively clear boundary of the constant temperature zone, and a significant infiltration of cold air through the crevices driven by turbulent wind processes. Additionally, a weak negative correlation was found between solar activity and temperatures in the crevasses. It appears that as solar activity increases, the temperature decreases. There are also weak but consistently positive correlations with air movement both upward and downward. The temperature becomes constant with the increase of the depth until a zone of constant temperatures is determined and the temperature variance becomes insignificant. This zone varies in different crevаsses, meaning it is influenced by the specific characteristics of each crevasse location. At shallow depths, temperature is influenced by external temperature, but with the depth increasing this influence decreases. On windy days, the zone of constant temperature expands. During higher solar activity, air circulation accelerates—both upward and downward. The relationship between solar activity and climatic processes in glacier drainage systems adds new insights to solar-terrestrial physics.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e129955

Authors: Elka Dogramadjieva

Abstract: Global trends of widening the scope of heritage for tourist consumption, as well as the growing interest among both producers and consumers in a more truthful and balanced representation of the past impose paying special attention to problematic cultural heritage in the context of tourism. Since the topic remains quite unpopular for tourism researchers in Bulgaria, this paper aims to present the key concepts explaining problematic heritage, outline the main features of such heritage as well as sketch contemporary research trends and gaps in this underestimated but promising academic field. Given the variety of terms used interchangeably in extant literature, the term “problematic” cultural heritage is proposed as appropriate for the Bulgarian context, emphasizing the notion of dissonant/contested heritage as a “problem to be solved”. Its relevance to Ottoman and communist heritage in the country is justified.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e126690

Authors: Tabaro Kabanda

Abstract: This study examines the effects of extreme temperature events, defined explicitly as the 98th percentile temperature for heat, in Tanzania from 1981 to 2023. The study utilises percentile analysis, z-score calculations, and trend mapping to highlight the prevalence of extreme temperatures. The z-score analysis examines the occurrence of extreme temperatures and their distribution in terms of frequency and space. It identified Tanzania’s mid-eastern and north-western regions as areas with a high concentration of extreme temperatures over the previous 43 years. The study analyses the length of extreme occurrences and reveals changing patterns. In 2020, the events were shorter, while in 2021 and 2022, they became longer-lasting, and there was a notable concentration of extended anomalies near the northern coastline. In 2023, the highest temperatures ever recorded were observed, with more than half of the regions seeing prolonged periods of extreme temperatures lasting for a week and significant deviations from the norm staying for four weeks or more. This was particularly notable in the southern regions of Lindi and Mtwara. The harmonic trend analysis of temperature shows an upward temperature trend noticeably in regions such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Kagera, Morogoro, Simiyu, and Shinyanga and is somewhat inconspicuous in most areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e117635

Authors: Mohammad Yunus

Abstract: Peatlands provide a broad range of ecosystem services (ES) that are critical to ecosystem regulating and human well-being. However, anthropogenic activities threaten their existence, leading to degradation, destruction, and loss of these ecosystems. To effectively convey the value of peatlands, it is important to share knowledge on the ES they provide. This review aims to provide an overview of the ES provided by peatlands in Indonesia. We undertook a critical review of articles published on Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to investigate various aspects of peatland ES. Our examination encompassed data types, valuation methods, modes of assessment, ecosystem services categories, study site scale, temporal patterns, purposes of publication, and study limitations related to peatland ES. From a set of 1,115 potentially relevant papers, 45 were selected for analysis. Our findings showed that ES studies are heavily concentrated on the Kalimantan and Sumatra islands, with most studies focused on specific provinces such as Central Kalimantan and Riau. The most commonly used data type, method, and mode of assessment were secondary data, look-up tables, and economic valuation, respectively. Provisioning services were the most frequently studied ES category, followed by regulating services, supporting services, and cultural services. However, gaps persist, including limited data, understanding, and long-term sustainability consideration. Future research should address these gaps by focusing on underrepresented peatland ecosystems, integrating diverse approaches, and considering global peatland issues.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e117725

Authors: Vanya Vasileva, Sevdzhan Sabrieva, Dora Kabakchieva, Maksimiliana Emilova

Abstract: Protected territories have great potential for nature-based forms of tourism. These specific forms of tourism have also been considered as a tool for developing sustainable forms of tourism. Therefore, they have been a subject of scientific research in recent years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tourist functions of the Shumen Plateau Nature Park in North-East Bulgaria. It is among the small natural parks in terms of area, but it is a valuable natural site among the vast, highly anthropogenically modified territory of the eastern part of the Danube plain. By using the survey method, the study determines the overall recognition of the area and analyzes the visitor‘s opinions regarding the tourist use of the park territory. According to the results of this study the Shumen Plateau Nature Park has potential for protection and management of natural processes and, in parallel, an opportunity for the development of sustainable tourism and the implementation of ecological-educational and tourist programs. Visitors are well aware of the possibilities for tourism and sports, while they do not take advantage of all possibilities, but only the ones that are a priority for them. 100% of respondents answer positively when asked “Would you visit the Shumen Plateau again?”. Further research could combine more innovative and mixed methodologies to broaden the research interest.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e116695

Authors: Boyko Berov, Antoaneta Frantzova, Plamen Ivanov, Nikolai Dobrev, Miroslav Krastanov, Rosen Nankin

Abstract: As part of the Reimbursable Advisory Services on Accelerating Resilience to Disaster Risks, the World Bank worked with the Interior Ministry of Bulgaria to develop a proposal for the National Disaster Risk Profile of Bulgaria. The purpose of this document, which is the fourth technical annex to the proposal for the National Disaster Risk Profile, is to provide particular conclusions, information, and techniques that were utilised to evalu-ate the risk of landslides in Bulgaria. For the first time at the national level, landslide risk assessment procedures based on ISO/IEC 31010:2019 Risk assessment techniques are being developed and applied in Bulgaria. The five primary categories in which the results are presented are physical safety, economic security, social well-being, environmental security, and security of tangible assets and critical infrastructure. The uncertainty (confidence) parameter is utilised, and it is subdivided into the following three basic categories: low uncertainty, medium uncertainty, and high uncertainty. The produced results demonstrate consistent applicability to empirical data analysis and real-world situations.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e114156

Authors: Nadezhda Nikolova

Abstract: In the period from 1955 to 1992, uranium ore was mined and processed in the Mesta River basin around the village of Eleshnitsa, region of Razlog. The ore processing plant was built and a tailings storage facility was built next to it. In the period 2002–2006, the tailings storage was reclaimed, and in 2011–2012 the ore mines were also reclaimed. For the treatment of drainage water, a treatment plant was built in the valley of Valchoto Dere River, a left tributary of the Mesta River. The radiological monitoring carried out by the Basin Directorate “West Aegean Sea Region” reveals a generally good quality of the surface waters in terms of the content of uranium and radium (226Ra) outside the area of the former uranium mining and the tailings storage facility. In this area, in some years a high content of natural uranium was found, with concentrations from 0.54 to 67.40 mg/l on average per year. The values significantly exceed (by 1.8 to 224.6 times) the norm regulated in the regulation for radiation protection and safety from the liquidation of the consequences of uranium mining. The spread of uranium is limited to a small area shortly downstream from the sources of contamination, but the potential risk to the local ecosystem should not be neglected. Radium, in contrast to uranium, has concentrations below the permissible limits in the twelve years studied. Its content varied from 0.025 to 0.11 Bq/l on average annually. The results show that the Mesta River near the border with the Republic of Greece is not contaminated with the studied radionuclides.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e113933

Authors: Valentin Kotsakov, Vasil Marinov, Mariana Assenova, Rumen Minkovski

Abstract: The paper presents the results from the application of the holistic approach to employability based on secondary data and a questionnaire survey of the human resources employed in the hotel and restaurant sector (198) and semi-structured interviews with tourism sector employers (11) in the municipality of Devin, Bulgaria. The results outline some of the dimensions of employability, existing problems of employability and their potential solutions. It is typical for the municipality of Devin that a large part of the local population in the region is directly dependent on tourism. This leads to relatively low staff turnover and high motivation to offer a quality tourism product. Respondents exhibit a high self-assessment of their own knowledge, skills and attitude in terms of development of tourism, but this does not correspond to the real situation given their activities to improve their own skills during the pandemic period closure. Recommendations are proposed for upgrading the qualification of staff at municipal and enterprise level.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e113924

Authors: Siya Cholakova, Elka Dogramadjieva

Abstract: The lack of comprehensive and reliable data regarding visitation and tourist behaviour at local level and especially in vulnerable environment has been acknowledged long ago as an issue by both academics and practitioners. In Bulgaria, this type of data is scarce and inconsistent, regardless of the increased visitor flow in certain mountain areas. The mass adoption of social media, as well as the development of online travel communities, allow research with more ease the target population, as opposed to traditional resource-intensive monitoring methods. This paper presents the results of an online survey of visitors to Urdini Lakes in Rila National Park, Bulgaria. The aim of the study is to identify the overall recognition of the area and the extent of effective visit by mountaineers, as well as the profile of visitors and their behaviour. According to the results of this study, the influence of social media on visitation and tourist behaviour in the case of Urdini Lakes appeared lower than expected and much outweighed by factors like accessibility and trail difficulty. Further research should combine more innovative and mixed methodologies regarding the usage of social media and its influence, which can combine and compare different types of data such as surveys, geolocated big data and visual methods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e113695

Authors: Mohamed Brahimi, Moussadek Benabbas, Djamila Djaghrouri

Abstract: Urbanization has radically transformed natural landscapes, giving rise to complex urban environments worldwide. This transformation poses unique challenges in terms of climatic conditions. We emphasize the crucial importance of understanding urban microclimates shaped by geographical, architectural and human factors, requiring meticulous management for sustainable urban planning. These multifaceted factors interact to produce spatial variations in solar exposure, temperature and wind conditions, leading to distinct microclimatic pockets within cities. This underlines the imperative need for sustainable urban planning and design that takes account of their impact. Our field survey is located in Djelfa, Algeria, featuring a semi-arid to arid climate with continental influences. This article presents a methodology involving a detailed morphological analysis of the urban fabric, focusing on its structure, vegetation cover and spatial characteristics. It describes the use of ENVI-met, a powerful microclimate simulation tool offering a complete three-dimensional modeling system that integrates various urban elements, including buildings, streets and green spaces. Our spatial considerations guarantee model accuracy, with a rigorous geometry validation process maintaining model fidelity. The tool produces invaluable output data, including air temperature, relative humidity and thermal comfort indices. This paper emphasizes on the application of the model in Djelfa, Algeria, highlighting its potential in evaluating thermal condition in urban environments. The results of our study highlight significant temperature and humidity disparities between urbanized and green areas in the survey area, with temperature differences of up to 6°C during the day. Urbanized areas consistently have higher air temperatures and lower humidity levels, particularly during the day. Conversely, green spaces, including gardens and tree-lined areas, exhibit lower temperatures and higher humidity levels, offering valuable respite from heat stress. The use of the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index allows us to assess thermal comfort, revealing variations in heat stress levels across the urban landscape. This research highlights the crucial importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to improve thermal comfort and livability in cities. Furthermore, our study reveals the value of advanced tools like ENVI-met in understanding urban microclimates and provides valuable information for sustainable urban development and climate adaptation strategies.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e114034

Authors: Tsvetan Parov

Abstract: This study focuses on the meteorological parameters of the near atmosphere, the surface of the Earth and karst areas, such as temperature of water and air, relative humidity, and wind speed. These parameters are significantly influenced by solar activity, which in turn affects the temperature distribution in karst underground cavities, specifically in the “Kolkina Dupka” cave located within the Ponor Mountain of the Western Balkan Mountains range in Bulgaria. This is the deepest and longest cave in Bulgaria with a length of more than 20 km and a calculated depth of 800 m. Meteorological data within the cave was collected using data loggers, while surface weather data was sourced from National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Bulgaria. Solar activity information was obtained from the website of the Royal Observatory of Belgium. The impact of solar activity on karst regions is substantial and affects temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric circulation. Changes in solar radiation can alter heat absorption on the surface of the Earth, leading to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. We performed statistical analysis and modeling to understand the complex interactions between Earth's near atmosphere, the karst system of the Kolkina Dupka cave, and the role of air and water flows in regulating cave temperatures. Results showed a significant negative correlation between air temperatures in the deep underground airflows (at a depth of 130 m below the surface) and temperatures at the cave entrance (at a depth of 40 m during the winter months. Conversely, during spring and summer, an intriguing reversal occurs where higher external temperatures are linked to increased air temperatures at the cave entrance, accompanied by lower temperatures in the deeper zone. Furthermore, by employing “lagged correlations” in result analysis, investigating correlations between internal temperatures and external temperatures over the preceding and subsequent seven days, cyclic variations in heat exchange between the near-surface atmospheric layer and the underground temperatures within the karst system were observed. Specifically, a consistent temperature elevation was noted at the cave entrance three days prior to an increase in external temperatures during the spring-summer season. This temporal relationship was also observed in the solar activity data, where an increase in temperature at a depth of -40 m was registered three days prior to the escalation of solar activity within the measured range of 2800 MHz. The obtained results formed the basis for the development of new theories in solar-terrestrial physics. In summary, there is a connection between solar activity and Earth's climate, but it is not a direct and simple correlation, and it is just one piece of the larger puzzle that shapes temperature variations of the Earth. Climate science involves studying these interactions over extended periods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the climate system of the Earth.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e113364

Authors: Meryem Koncak Doğruer, Mustafa Kahraman, Mesut Doğan, Aigul Yeginbayeva

Abstract: Detection of the exchange and distribution of agricultural lands allows many projects and plans to be made and interpreted correctly, such as food safety, planning, and environmental risk analysis. From this point of study in the spatial changes and distribution of agricultural land in time across Turkey were examined. CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data was used to identify agricultural land and examine changes over time. As a result of the study, it was observed that agricultural lands increased slightly from 1990 to 2018, but this increase has not always been in the form of preserving existing agricultural lands and adding existing agricultural lands. While some areas have lost their agricultural land characteristics, some areas have become agricultural land. New agricultural areas are usually realized by the transformation of forests and semi-natural areas while the agricultural areas that disappear are provided from heterogeneous agricultural areas. The Central Anatolia region stands out in the distribution of agricultural areas by region. The region with the highest concentration of agricultural land in terms of both proportion and area is the Central Anatolia region. Also, the Central Anatolia region is the region with the most intensive Non-irrigated agriculture. The area where irrigated agriculture is proportionally most made is the southeast Anatolia region. According to province-based, the provinces with more than 40% of the provincial surface area are Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, Nevşehir, Aksaray in the Central Anatolia region, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa in the Southeastern Anatolia region, Edirne and Tekirdağ in the Marmara region. The provinces of Artvin, Tunceli, Bingöl, and Hakkari are the provinces where the percentage of agricultural land is below 10%.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e115062

Authors: Mariela Nekova, Galin Petrov, Rumen Yankov

Abstract: Settlement formations are a specific and relative new category of territorial units in Bulgaria. They were introduced by law in 1995. According to the Act of Administrative and Territorial Structure of the Republic of Bulgaria, settlement formations are built-up areas outside the construction boundaries of settlements. Unlike settlements, settlement formations have no permanent population. They serve specific functions—residential, industrial, transport, etc. They are differentiated into settlement formations of national importance and those of local importance. So far, no special scientific studies have been conducted on the settlement formations in the country. This study focuses on the settlement formations of local importance with recreational functions. Settlement formations with potential for tourist supply are identified. An analysis of tourist resources and accommodation facilities as factors for their formation and functional development is conducted. On this basis, a classification of settlement formations of local importance is proposed, in which they are differentiated into six types. Examples of settlement formations with different recreational profiles are provided. The study presents the current state of settlement formations of local importance in Bulgaria, because they are a dynamic category of settlement structures. The results of the study are illustrated by relevant maps.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e109546

Authors: Eva Parvanova

Abstract: The paper uses methods of historical and comparative analysis and studies the functioning of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) since its establishment. It finds out, that the debate on the institutional performance is characterized by a consensus, i.e. the lack of reforms has led to the lack of its effectiveness. Nowadays, such a finding is even more evident, the aggressive war that one of the permanent members, Russia started against Ukraine, added new arguments of the same logic. The paper draws on secondary data to explore the weaknesses of the UNSC with a particular emphasis on the negative impact of the veto right. It highlights the limits of the UNSC and the attempts of state coalitions to overcome them. It elaborates on criteria for legitimate right to accede to UNSC permanent membership and justifies the relevance of four of them on the grounds of their current appropriateness. Further on, the paper introduces outcomes of a cross-country analysis of a G-4 (Germany, Japan, Brazil and India), the most influential state coalition for UNSC reform. The results of the comparison illustrate legitimate potential of states to become permanent members of the UNSC. The discussion includes policy recommendations for UNSC reforms: adopting criteria for legitimacy of permanent UNSC membership; change in the structure of the permanent UNSC membership; abolition of the veto right and introducing the method of qualified majority voting.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e109172

Authors: Bilyana Borisova, Maria Glushkova, Stoyan Nedkov, Miglena Zhiyanski, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: Habitat maintenance as an ecosystem service (ES) is essential for the protection of natural capital, however, it is among the most challenging services for definition and evaluation. The present study is focused on assessing and mapping habitat maintenance ecosystem service in Rila and Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria for strategic planning purposes by better understanding the link between the potential of providing this ecosystem service and biodiversity in five protected areas (PAs). An integrated approach for the assessment of the condition of ecosystems in PAs and their potential to provide ecosystem services was applied and further developed in the present study. The results showed that the conservation regime allowed the territories to preserve a high degree of naturalness in a very good ecological condition – 96477 ha (73%) of the total case-study area, and 33078 ha (77%) of the target PAs, respectively. The potential of ecosystems to provide habitat maintenance ES is high to very high for 84% of the total studied area (81258.9 ha) and for 96.4% (31906 ha) of the area of the target PAs. A current assessment and mapping show the role of protected areas as spatial natural capital assets that purposefully and actively support their prioritized habitat maintenance functions as spatial guarantors for the sustenance of rich packages of material, regulating, and cultural functions in significant geographic areas. The results demonstrate the importance of protected site management in mountain areas in ensuring sustainable cooperation and consumption of ecosystem services in peripheral mountain communities of the European Union highly dependent on available natural capital.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e106818

Authors: Eugenia Sarafova

Abstract: Natural disasters can significantly impact children's well-being, making it essential to effectively communicate risks and potential hazards to them. This paper outlines a data-driven holistic approach to enhance resilience among children by leveraging geospatial data and maps used in the classroom. By providing easy-to-understand information about the location, extent, and intensity of potential hazards, geospatial data, and maps can help children better understand the risks and prepare for emergencies. Also, the integration of geospatial data and maps can facilitate improved comprehension of risks among children while concurrently fostering their preparedness for emergency situations. During the primary research phase, various mediums were explored for effective communication of disasters. Presentation templates were developed to present information about different types of disasters, their causes, and appropriate actions during and after such events. Various practical activities that students can engage in to learn about natural disasters and their impact were developed. These activities include exploring flooding in different areas using a virtual globe, visualizing wildfires using satellite data platforms, and studying plate tectonics using a virtual globe. Students can also work with KML datasets containing fault lines and point GIS layers of all the earthquakes in the country since the beginning of the XX century, as well as explore the country’s landslide register using various maps and layers. These activities provide students with hands-on experience in using technology and data to understand natural disasters and their impact.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e105178

Authors: Patrick Sunday Asa, Idris Shehu Umar, Ambrose Audu Zemba

Abstract: The paper presents the results of studying the spatial and seasonal atmospheric temperature characteristics of Jalingo metropolis, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing seasonal temperature variations for thermal comfort planning. Temperature data for this study was collected across the local climate zones, otherwise known as thermal climate zones (TCZ), following the TZC classification of the area. Temperature data was collected for 30 days continuously and simultaneously across the TCZ. The collection of temperature data was done in the months of April and August 2021, and January 2022 – representing the dry season, the rainy season and the Harmattan period respectively. A Thermochron Ibutton sensor by Maxim Incorporation was used to collect temperature data, while the specific series used was DS1921. An improvised automated weather station was constructed to house the sensor. The result of the study indicates that air temperature varies considerably within Jalingo metropolis, as well as throughout the seasons, thus affecting human thermal comfort in the study area, as temperature is found to correlate well with both human morbidity and mortality, especially regarding cardiovascular diseases. The paper recommends increasing ventilation and nature-based solution to reduce high temperatures through tree planting in order to improve human thermal comfort in Jalingo metropolis area.

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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.e93499

Authors: Vanya Stoycheva, Davide Geneletti

Abstract: There is a high growing demand for regulating ecosystem services such as air quality regulation, regulation of air temperature and humidity, and flood regulation, in urban ecosystems which is important for urban planning. A comprehensive review of the current studies of the urban ecosystem, regulating ecosystem services, and their connection with urban planning actions is needed. The current paper presents such a review conducted in six stages to evaluate the state-of-the-art of regulating ecosystem services and their relationship with urban planning. It includes 58 papers selected after a precise keywords search and developed by publication screening, defining indicators, developing an assessment template, and meta-analysis of the results. The analyses are focused on spatial data used in the studies, the methods applied for ecosystem services assessment, and the relationships between regulating ecosystem services, urban planning, and green infrastructure. The most studied regulating ecosystem services within reviewed publications are regulation of chemical composition of atmosphere and oceans, regulation of temperature and humidity, including ventilation and transpiration, and hydrological cycle and water flow regulation (including flood control, and coastal protection). Although urban planning-related papers are only 1/3 of the pool of papers, appropriate results have been obtained for assessing the urban planning-regulating ecosystem services relation. The review also identified some significant knowledge gaps that can be used as a starting point for future studies.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e101301

Authors: Petar Stefanov, Hristina Prodanova, Dilyana Stefanova, Vanya Stoycheva, Gergana Petkova

Abstract: Karst is a widely spread natural phenomenon which provides essential benefits to human society, such as drinking water. The water cycle in the karst geosystems is the main factor for their formation and at the same time one of the main drivers for ecosystem services (ES) provision. The monitoring of the water cycle can provide valuable information regarding its functioning and ensure data for ES assessment. This paper aims to present an overview of the monitoring of the water cycle in the karst geosystems and the opportunities to integrate the monitoring data into the water regulation ES assessment. The monitoring of the water cycle is based on the methodological framework ProKARSTerra. It is applied in model karst geosystems, which are representative of the main karst types in Bulgaria. One of them is the Brestnitsa karst geosystem, which is the case study of this work. The monitoring ensures data for analyses of the water cycle which can be used in the assessment of water-related ecosystem services. The results from the analyses of the data requirements and availability show that some services such as water flow regulation and regulation of chemical condition of freshwaters can be easily provided through data for quantification, while for others further studies are needed. The results of the long-term integrated monitoring in Brestnitsa karst geosystem provide the foundation for important conclusions and models for the karst genesis and function under global changes and active anthropogenic pressure. Their integration into the assessment framework and mapping of ecosystem services is an essential step towards the development of models for sustainable use of natural resources in the karst areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e99206

Authors: Zvezdelina Marcheva, Tsvetan Kotsev, Assen Tchorbadjieff, Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: This study aims to reveal the arsenic dynamics in groundwater of а river floodplain contaminated with mine tailings under temperate climate conditions and natural river hydrodynamics. Arsenic concentrations were monitored in the primary morphological units of the floodplain in the upper stretch of the Ogosta River in NW Bulgaria. Iron, lead-silver, and gold mining heavily affected the river valley in the second half of the 20th century. We used groundwater monitoring data from 21 piezometers for the period 2016-2020. Based on the geochemical and geomorphological conditions in the valley, the piezometers were grouped into three clusters. Regression models were developed for each cluster and representative piezometers to predict arsenic concentrations. In the active floodplain, seasonal fluctuations in arsenic concentrations followed the river and groundwater regime. In this part of the valley floor, we determined two periods of elevated arsenic concentrations during the spring and autumn/winter seasons that coincide with high river water stages. Arsenic content in the groundwater of the higher floodplain was less dependent on the water level fluctuations but followed changes in redox potential, electrical conductivity, and water temperature. The obtained results showed the elaborated models as valuable tools for studying arsenic dynamics in alluvial aquifers of contaminated river floodplains. The suggested models could be coupled with groundwater monitoring systems to monitor arsenic concentrations and identify periods of the year with levels below and above threshold values.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e99268

Authors: Gergana Petkova, Hristina Prodanova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: The mapping of ecosystems is a significant element in the European Biodiversity Strategy and the results of its implementation should support the maintenance and restoration of ecosystems and their services. The quality of the spatial data is of crucial importance for the achievement of these goals. A methodological framework for Bulgaria in the form of nine separate methodologies has been developed in recent years. In this paper, we analyze the ecosystem typology for Bulgaria and the GIS database to assess the possibilities to develop a common database for the needs of integrated water management. The data analyses were carried out in two dimensions: 1) the typology and attributive data were analyzed by cross-tabular approach; and 2) the spatial data were analyzed by topology rules. The results of the study reveal three main problems of the typology: 1) for some types it is developed to the fourth level while for others it is to the third level; 2) in some of the ecosystem types, especially in the freshwater ecosystems, different categories are mixed within a single hierarchical level; 3: there are duplicated numerical designations between grassland and forest ecosystems. This necessitates a revision of the typology and the development of a correct uniform classification to be used for the needs of integrated assessment. The topology analyses of the merged data from the eight ecosystem GIS layers show extremely large numbers of gaps and overlaps. The main reason is the use of different sources for the mapping of different ecosystem types. The main conclusion is that it is practically impossible to generate topologically correct integrated GIS layers from the eight ecosystem type layers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new approach for mapping all ecosystem types into a uniform database.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e97901

Authors: Mariyana Nikolova

Abstract: The aim of this study is to propose a method for accounting of the recreation-related cultural ecosystem services (RRES) provided by protected areas of category National Parks оn the example of Pirin National Park (Pirin NP), Bulgaria in accordance with the System of Environmental Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) framework and the System of National Accounts (SNA) principles. The suggested Tourist consumption products – based method measure the value of actual recreation-related ecosystem services (RRES) flow as a difference between demand and supply of RRES provided by a protected area. It is based on respective indicators: Total tourism products consumption by the visitors of the NP (demand) and Expenditures for maintenance of the asset’s ecosystems (supply). The results show that the average value of RRES flow is estimated on BGN 170 Million for the period 2015 – 2019. The proposed method for valuation of RRES in protected areas of category National Park gives reliable results, based on a minimum of data which are public or easily accessible.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e97971

Authors: Kalin Seymenov

Abstract: The present article seeks to estimate water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus and to analyse the territorial specifics in the content of those physicochemical variables along the length of a river. As a case area, the watercourse of the Osam River (Northern Bulgaria) is selected. Data concern the values of the following parameters: ammonium nitrogen (N-NH4), nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3), nitrite nitrogen (N-NO2), total nitrogen (N-tot), orthophosphates (P-PO4), and total phosphorus (P-tot), collected at four sampling points during the period 2015–2020. The assessment is based on the guidelines of Regulation 4/2012 for characterization of the surface waters. The spatial changes in the content of the examined variables are related to land use and for this purpose a map of CORINE Land Cover (2018) is prepared. The resulting information reveals that parameters with the most frequent excesses over the reference norm include N-NO3, N-tot, P-PO4, and P-tot, whose highest observed concentrations remain up to four times above the permissible limits for ”Good status” recommended in Regulation 4/2012. However, the reported values appear to be lower than those established for previous periods, which shows a positive tendency in water quality. There are also spatial features as moving from upstream to downstream – the upper part is contaminated with P-PO4 and P-tot due to the release of raw municipal and industrial effluents, while the lower section is loaded with N-NO3 and N-tot as a result of the excessive fertilization of arable lands. This work enriches past studies with new data for a recent period.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e97168

Authors: Tsvetan Kotsev, Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: The present study aims to determine the spatial distribution of soils with lead (Pb) content above the quality thresholds in a section of the Ogosta River valley (NW Bulgaria). The study area was contaminated with mine waste from the extraction and flotation of iron, lead-silver, and gold-bearing ores in the second half of the XX century. Predictive modeling was performed with the software Maximum Entropy Species Distribution Modeling (MaxEnt), Version 3.4.4, which uses machine learning algorithms and applies the maximum entropy method. The choice of predictors of contaminated soil distribution is consistent with the main factor for Pb dispersal within the valley floor - flooding from the Ogosta River. The following six parameters explained the environmental settings related to the accumulation of contaminated floodplain sediment: vertical distance to the river channel, lateral distance to the Ogosta River, terrain slope, land cover (CORINE Land Cover, 2019), morphographic units of topography, and elevation. The results represent the average values of 10 replicates of the model. We evaluated the individual models by the value of the area under the relative operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the geographic logic of the obtained results. The AUC score for the test samples was 0.666 for the soil group 1 with Pb ≤120 mg/kg, 0.782 for group 2 with Pb (120-500] mg/kg, and 0.934 for group 3 with Pb>500 mg/kg. The most significant predictors for the models are the vertical and lateral distance to the river and the slope of the terrain. Lead concentrations tend to decrease with the distance from the main river and by increasing the elevation above the river channel due to lower inundation frequency and deposition rate of polluted river sediments. The soils with a Pb concentration below the permissible threshold of 120 mg/kg cover more than 58.42% of the valley floor of the studied section, and lands with Pb content above the intervention value of 500 mg/kg occupy nearly 10.82% of the investigated territory. The selected predictors describe the distribution of highly contaminated soils well and define the range of soils with lower Pb content worse. Combining clean and contaminated soil samples into one group is considered the main reason for the poor performance of MaxEnt for soils with Pb ≤120 mg/kg. However, the results prove the model's ability to predict the spatial distribution of not only biological species but also the dispersal of hazardous substances in soil.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e94913

Authors: Petko Bozhkov, Borislav Grigorov, Alexandar Sarafov

Abstract: The following paper represents results from a research focused on the soil associations and their corresponding vegetation communities (soil-plant catenas), located on the northern slopes (N, NW, NE) of the Rila Mountains. Data from eight key sites located between 815 and 2041 m above sea level is discussed. The slope in each site varies from 2° to 25°, and most often the tests and descriptions were carried out on sites with a slope of 10-15°. Vegetation cover is analyzed with plant community plots which provides data on species composition, abundance and coverage. The size of each plot varies from 16 up to 225 m2 depending on the vegetation type. Topsoil horizons were tested in each site in order to diagnose the subspecies diversity of brown forest soils (Cambisols) using ratio of humic acids to fulvic acids. That ratio varies from 0,69 up to 1,61 in all studied sites. Both acids are associated with the dominance of different vegetation types – deciduous, mixed or coniferous forest or herbaceous canopy. The results are interrupted in terms of the diagnosis and classification of Cambisols and Umbrosols in the area of interest. Differences in soil and vegetation cover of Northwest and Eastern Rila Mountain are highlighted and analyzed.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e94102

Authors: Leonid Todorov, Kristian Kirilov

Abstract: A specific feature of the period of transition in Bulgaria in the field of urban planning is that a large part of the newly developed urbanized territories was transformed from their previous purpose (mainly agricultural lands) via detailed urban plans that were very fragmented. When changing the purpose of the land in this way, the procedure is significantly easier than with an Urban master plan, but this leads to many negatives. Thus, the territory becomes significantly fragmented when it comes to the purpose of the properties. This leads to environmental consequences that are overlooked by the officials in charge. One such example is the basis of our present study - the attempt to destroy the Boyana Marsh so that the land can be used for building a residential complex. In this study we examine the application and integration of various types of geospatial technologies for the purpose of land use change detection and monitoring of endangered territories that should be protected. We examine the processes of collecting primary historical spatial data and their combination with two UAV field surveys carried out specifically for this purpose. Based on the collected data, specific analyzes of the affected territories were made. The data and all results are presented in a web application that aims to promote the case study and help garner wider public support for the initiative “Save the Boyana Marsh”.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e87743

Authors: Julia Cardwell

Abstract: This review essay considers the development of the field of disaster studies and specifically, examines the myriad ways in which the role of the human has shifted during this development. The essay focuses on four major periods of development within disaster studies, including: the hazard-risk paradigm, the bounded rationality paradigm, the concept of social vulnerability and critiques of social vulnerability.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e87816

Authors: Alexandru Marius Tătar

Abstract: This study aims to analyze urban landscapes by assessing the development of built space, one of the most dynamic elements within them. The spatial development of built environments is a phenomenon present in most urban areas. The study looks at the relationship between patterns of built space and urban green spaces. Implications on the connectivity of urban space, the planning of urban functions in their proximity, and the spatial distribution of recreational potential based on the perceived recreational value of the landscape by the local community are investigated. The theme of the paper is a topical issue in the study of urban landscapes, while at the same time it is an ongoing phenomenon - the growth of built space - for which optimal planning solutions are being sought. The analysis and results presented seek to increase understanding and awareness in addressing the dynamics of built space in the urban environment. The data used are collected both from official sources and from the ground. Urban regeneration aims to revitalize distressed urban spaces: The development and beautification of public spaces - squares, squares, parks, street furniture. The links between this category of urban space and the rest of the urban infrastructure are analyzed, as well as the role that urban planning plays in the development of built space in the vicinity of forest areas. The study area comprises territories in the municipality of Bistrita. The socio-economic context of the area has been the basis for understanding the patterns of evolution identified in the urban landscape, as well as being a driver in ongoing urban transformations and processes.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e85567

Authors: Eugenia Sarafova

Abstract: Bulgaria, located in the Balkans, is subject to a number of natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, strong winds, droughts, heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures. In addition to natural disasters, the country is at risk for man-made events like industrial and nuclear accidents, transport accidents, and infectious diseases. Disaster planning and prevention is a complex process that requires multiple data sources. At the same time, spatial data are often not available on-line, so the country's GIS specialists may find existing spatial data to be a great challenge. This research analyses the application of the health sector data provided by the Copernicus Climate Change Service to support the development, implementation and evaluation of disaster risk management plans in Bulgaria. The climate data visualizations provided by the service enable scientists and other stakeholders to view climate change data in a format that is simple to use, visually understandable, and usable for decision makers in government, business, and non-governmental organizations. Many of these visualizations are interdisciplinary and may be critical for gathering and applying information needed to develop disaster risk reduction plans.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e87283

Authors: John Pickles

Abstract:

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e86288

Authors: Petar Nikolov, Desislava Hristova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) is a spatially-based, integrated statistical framework for organizing biophysical information about ecosystems, measuring ecosystem services (ES). Water flow regulation ES and biophysical modeling are among the main topics in the individual ES part of the SEEA-EA framework and flood regulation ES is one of the important services. Characterizing and assessing flood regulation is a challenging task as both assessment and accounts of this ES need various data which are usually not available through direct or indirect measurements, therefore modeling approaches of water regulation are much needed. Despite growing attention and studies using hydrologic models to assess and/or map flood regulation ES, the accounting of this service is still not well developed. In this paper, we present an approach for accounting flood regulation at a local scale using ArcSWAT modeling. It is based on the results of flood regulation ES assessment, where modeling results are used to quantify the ES indicators and delineate the service providing areas (SPA) and service demand areas (SDA). The actual flow of flood regulation is calculated as a ratio between ES demand and ES potential and it represents the area of SPA which corresponds to the demand for flood regulation represented by SDA. The results show that predominant flood regulations ES supply is provided by the forest ecosystem as well as the actual flow. The accounting of flood regulation is strongly determined by ecosystem extent mapping. The CORINE Land Cover (CLC) provides the most appropriate and available data for mapping ecosystem extent at smaller scales. However, at a larger scale, it is too coarse and the combination of Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) national ecosystem mapping gives better results.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78975

Authors: Lidiya Semerdzhieva, Bilyana Borisova

Abstract: Natural habitats and their biodiversity are usually associated with protected areas, incompatible with direct anthropogenic influence. Is there a biodiversity in urban environment, what is the role of peri-urban areas to the provision of species richness and is their potential being properly utilized? These are current issues that deserve the attention of decision-makers because the human's need of natural environment in cities is expressed more intensely than in any previous period in history. Green and blue infrastructure elements, being part of the larger system of urban ecosystems, provide an essential and proven benefits to the city dwellers, like health improvement, opportunities for nature-based daily outdoor recreation, strengthening sense of place etc. The main objective of this research is to assess this part of the landscape elements in urban and peri-urban environment, which are most supportive to the maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity. Selected Functional urban area with center city of Burgas is choosen for a case study. The urban ecosystems are assessed in GIS environment with unified indicator (based on City Biodiversity Index approach) according to 5 criteria: hemeroby index, share of protected areas, fragmentation index, presence of water and species richness. The assessment is performed on two spatial levels: within Functional urban area by Urban Atlas spatial units and within urban core – by grid cells (local climate zones). The final higher scores identify areas that provide the greatest extent the maintenance of habitats and their biodiversity. The results could support the urban planning and help to optimize the link between the natural elements within the Functional urban areas, providing ecological, economic and social benefits to the regions through the enhancement of the urban ecosystem’s functions and their services.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e76457

Authors: Desislava Hristova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: The main purpose of the paper is to explore the relationship between the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) classification and the MAES typology in order to develop a basis for mapping of ecosystems at national level in Bulgaria, which could ensure a spatial framework for mapping and assessment of the ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage. Identifying the necessary data for our purposes, we found that, in spatial terms, CLC data is the only appropriate data source. The subtypes of ecosystems at Level 3 of the classification of ecosystems in Bulgaria (based on the European MAES classification) are identified as mapping units. Firstly, we decided to analyze the links between the CLC and the MAES BG classes through five categories of correspondence: 1) full correspondence – one CLC class corresponds to one MAES BG subtype; 2) multi-directional links – one or more CLC classes correspond to one MAES BG subtype; 3) discrepancies that necessitate further analyses; 4) CLC classes that are not found in Bulgaria; 5) MAES BG subtypes that have no correspondence to a CLC class. Secondly, we prepared a comparison table to determine the correspondence between the CLC classes and ecosystem subtypes, which we integrated into the GIS environment. Thirdly, we developed an algorithm for modifications of the spatial distribution of ecosystem subtypes. The algorithm was applied particularly to grasslands, where at Level 3 of CLC there are two classes of "grassland”, whereas at Level 3 of the classification of ecosystems in Bulgaria, the subtypes are five. This algorithm was applied to the 2018 CLC spatial data so as to develop a GIS database providing the basis for subsequent analyzes related to ecosystems. The database was used to delineate and map the ecosystems at national level in Bulgaria. Furthermore, a map of the potential of the natural heritage to provide ecosystem services was produced.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78719

Authors: Mariyana Nikolova, Velimira Stoyanova, Desislava Varadzhakova, Aleksandra Ravnachka

Abstract: The rich and diverse Natural Heritage of Bulgaria is a prerequisite for the development of nature- based tourism (NBT) of a new type. The research is carried out by the implementation of the ecosystem approach. The results include an assessment of the natural heritage capacity to provide goods and services for the development of NBT in the Tourist Regions (TR) of Bulgaria. The results show the spatial distribution of the natural heritage sites in all nine TR in Bulgaria and their natural capacity for development of different types of NBT. There are only 37 municipalities out of 265 with not a one Natural Heritage (NH) site, and all the rest have natural resources to develop NBT. The results can be of use for the achievement of the goals for sustainable tourism by assessment of the capacity to provide recreation ecosystem services (RES).

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78709

Authors: Mariyana Nikolova, Peter Nojarov, Stoyan Nedkov

Abstract: The area of the Seven Rila Lakes is situated in the North-West part of the Rila Mountain at an altitude between 2100 and 2500 m a.s.l. within the borders of Rila National Park. There are 140 glacial lakes in Rila Mountain but the area of the Seven Rila Lakes is the most visited and famous with its natural beauty and sacred significance. It is a valuable part of the national natural heritage. The popularity of this area grows constantly with the number of visitors from the country and abroad. This process leads to the deterioration of the natural conditions in the site. At the same time, it is not clear what is the effect of climate change on the environment in the lake’s area. There are many factors that contribute to the degradation of ecosystems in the protected area of the Seven Rila Lakes and pose risk to this valuable natural heritage. These factors are natural (mainly climate change-related), anthropogenic (associated with the excessive tourist pressures on the ecosystems in the protected area), and management (stemming from the ongoing conservation policy over the years). This study explores to what extent climate change may put at risk the ecosystems of Seven Rila Lakes. Mean monthly data from The European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5-Land reanalysis were used in this study. The resolution of these data is 0.1 x 0.1 (9 x 9 km) and their period is 1981-2020. Reanalysis data include air temperature, precipitation, evaporation, snow depth, etc. Based on data from various sources such as reanalysis data, in situ measurements, and statistical modeling, a scenario, based on current trends in different climatic elements, has been developed in order to project future changes and their impact on lake ecosystems. The results of the modelling of climate change show that in the coming decades an increase in temperature is expected in the high mountain regions of South-western Bulgaria and in particular in the Seven Rila Lakes area. This, combined with the ever-increasing flow of tourists, and high demand for the provided cultural ecosystem services, and insufficient management practices, put at risk the state of the lakes and their capacity to provide the same quality of cultural ecosystem services in the future, which attracts tourists in the area now. Recommendations have been made for the optimization of the management of the protected area in accordance with the observed trends.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e72766

Authors: Miglena Zhiyanski, Maria Glushkova, Yonko Dodev, Mariam Bozhilova, Rositsa Yaneva, Desislava Hristova, Lidiya Semerdzhieva

Abstract: The paper focuses on the role of the Natural Heritage in Forest Areas (NHFA) as a resource that can generate economic, social and environmental benefits for society through the provision of a wide range of cultural ecosystem services. In the assessment of the role of NHFA, the approach for assessment and mapping of ES in a given territorial scope was applied in a pilot region of Velingrad Municipality, focusing on the capacity of the forest ecosystems to provide cultural ecosystem benefits and services to the people. The study confirms that the identification of NHFA could be a powerful driver for regional development by creating significant positive effects such as improving sustainable cultural tourism in forests, diversifying forestry and supporting sustainable development and management of forest areas. The integration of the cultural services of NHFA into forest-related legislation can encourage job creation in different sectors and for different levels of employment, education and cultural training. Evaluation and mapping of ecosystem services is an appropriate tool to support the development of a concept and methods for assessing and mapping the general knowledge framework for NHFA policy in Bulgaria by applying an interdisciplinary approach.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e72500

Authors: Mladen Silvestriev, Bilyana Borisova, Radenka Mitova

Abstract: Nature-based tourism and recreation are attracting attention today as the most favourable form of direct connection between people and nature, and as a very successful tool to motivate people to protect their natural heritage. This study aims to develop and test a methodology to assess the potential of an acknowledged natural heritage site in Bulgaria - Malyovitsa Range and Urdini Cirque in ‘Rila’ National Park to provide cultural ecosystem services. A holistic approach is applied, using landscapes as the main territorial unit, and source of information. For the purpose of practicing representative types of mountain tourism: ‘mountain hiking’, ‘nature education’ tourism, ‘ski touring’ and ‘mountaineering’ a total of 15 ecosystem services were assessed based on 25 biophysical and social indicators. ‘Primary forest landscapes on moraine materials’ and ‘Primary landscapes with mugo pine on igneous rocks’ receive the highest score. Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the mainstream activity - access to mountain hiking provided by the landscapes was carried out and two touristic routes with very high potential to deliver this service were identified. The results of the study are directed towards the responsible parties in support of the natural heritage conservation in Rila National Park through sustainable management the potential to provide cultural (recreational) ecosystem services. The research was conducted within the scientific programme of the project “Conceptualization, Flexible Methodology, and a Pilot Geospatial Platform for Access of the Bulgarian Natural Heritage to the European Digital Single Market of Knowledge and Information Services” within the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 Establishment and Development of “Heritage BG” Centre of Excellence (Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, priority Axis 1 “Research and technological development”).

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78692

Authors: Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: The importance of the landscapes for the development of recreation and ecotourism is significant but very little studied. Usually, scientists use spatial units to map and assess the ecosystem services CORINE land cover or similar classifications. Traditional multi-level landscape classifications, very well-known and developed in the XXth century in Bulgaria, Russia, and other Eastern and Central European countries, could give valuable information for various indicators for ecosystem services assessment. From another hand, these classical landscape ecological maps are very little- known for the international scientific audience. We decided to conduct an experimental mapping and assessment of ecosystem services based on multi-level landscape classification. For this, we have chosen a case study area with hilly karst relief, which is part of the inner Predbalkan Region, located in North-Central Bulgaria. The site represents a scientific interest in terms of its transitional position between the Stara Planina Mountain and the Danube Plain and the presence of various anthropogenic changes. The study aimed to develop and test an original methodology for mapping and assessment of the capacity of the contemporary landscapes in the Strazhata syncline upland and Melovete hills to provide cultural ecosystem services – recreation and ecotourism. The results showed that 70% of the territory has medium or higher capacity, dominated mainly by karst areas with natural vegetation in protected sites.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e73687

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov, Radenka Mitova, Mariyana Nikolova, Bilyana Borisova, Desislava Hristova, Lidiya Semerdzhieva, Miglena Zhiyanski, Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: Natural heritage (NH) is an important element of the natural capital of each country, and as such, represents key assets that deliver various benefits to the citizens. The rich and diverse NH of Bulgaria is a prerequisite for the development of various activities such as recreation and tourism, but these activities have also negative impact on some of the NH’s elements. The concept of ecosystem services (ES) has the potential for bridging the gap between the conservation and exploitation needs. In this paper, we propose an approach to prioritizing the ES provided by the natural heritage of Bulgaria for the needs of recreation and tourism. The approach is designed for the mapping of the NH but it can also support the overall process of mapping and assessment of ES. It is based on application of ES prioritization matrix (ESPM) and a five-step algorithm designed to differentiate ES into priority levels according to their significance to recreation and tourism. Through the application of the proposed approach we were able to sort out the ES into three groups (high, medium and low priority) according to their importance to recreation and tourism. The first group contains obligatory ES for each mapping and assessment activity from national to local level. The second group contains optional ES recommended for studies at regional level, while the services can be selected according to the specifics of the study. The low priority ES are recommended for local level studies in cases where the assessment requires high details and accuracy. The mapping of high priority ES at national level shows that the products of the approach can be easily adapted for various studies for assessment of NH and sustainable tourism practices using the conventional mapping methods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78680

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov, Bilyana Borisova, Mariyana Nikolova, Miglena Zhiyanski, Stelian Dimitrov, Radenka Mitova, Boian Koulov, Desislava Hristova, Hristina Prodanova, Lidiya Semerdzhieva, Yonko Dodev, Ivo Ihtimanski, Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: Natural heritage (NH) includes natural features that can be described as outstanding universal value at a national level. It refers to the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and geodiversity for their existence value, and the ecosystems can be considered as the spatial units for its mapping and assessment. The ecosystem services (ES) concept provides an appropriate basis in the form of assessment and mapping methods that enable linking the state of ecosystems with human well-being. Thus, it can be used as a platform to find solutions to the problems related to the conflicts between conservation and the use of the NH. In this paper, we aim to present the process of developing a methodological framework for mapping and assessment of ecosystem services provided by the natural heritage in Bulgaria for recreation and tourism. The conceptual framework of the ecosystem-based assessment of NH in Bulgaria is based on the assumption that the generation of NH for the needs of tourism can be presented as the linkages between the natural systems and tourism in the form of ES potential, flow, and demand. The results demonstrate that the NH can be presented as a spatial phenomenon conceptualized by the flows of benefits from ecosystems to people which contribute to human well-being. The mapping and assessment procedures are fully developed for application at a national level, while for the regional and local level, few pilot studies mark some basic foundations for further development.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e79485

Authors: Mariyana Nikolova, Stoyan Nedkov, Bilyana Borisova, Miglena Zhiyanski, Stelian Dimitrov

Abstract:

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e66377

Authors: Borislav Grigorov, Nikolay Velev, Assen Assenov, Momchil Nazarov, Mladen Gramatikov, Beloslava Genova, Kiril Vassilev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.17

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov, Hristina Prodanova, Kliment Naydenov

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.16

Authors: Georgi Burdarov, Teodora Dimitrova

Abstract: 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

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.11

Authors: Stefan Petrov, Ivan Drenovski

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.4

Authors: Rumen Penin, Dimitar Zhelev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.3

Authors: Milka Asenova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.6

Authors: Lachezar Filchev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.10

Authors: Alexander Yanakiev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.13

Authors: Mariya Petrova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.9

Authors: Milen Penerliev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.2

Authors: Kristina Gartsiyanova, Marian Varbanov, Atanas Kitev, Stefan Genchev, Stela Georgieva

Abstract: 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).

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.4

Authors: Pelo Mihaylov

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.21

Authors: Mariya Grozeva

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.2

Authors: Georgi Zhelezov, Mariyana Nikolova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.17

Authors: Hristina Prodanova, Mariya Petrova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.26

Authors: Bistra Vekilska

Abstract: 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”.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.25

Authors: Kaloyan Tsvetkov, Svetla Georgieva

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.16

Authors: Zornitza Cholakova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.8

Authors: Angel Velchev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.1

Authors: Mariyana Nikolova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.4

Authors: Alexander Gikov

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.20

Authors: Mariya Grozeva

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.13

Authors: Vanya Vasileva, Tatyana Staneva

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.14

Authors: Mariela Nekova

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.16

Authors: Tihomir Lichev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.15

Authors: Rositsa Vladeva, Ivaylo Vladev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.6

Authors: Veselin Boyadzhiev, Neli Veselinova, Vasil Zarkov

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.5

Authors: Kamen Nam, Ilia Tamburadzhiev

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.3

Authors: Mariya Petrova

Abstract: 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.

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