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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.e87283

Authors: John Pickles

Abstract:

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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.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.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.2020.43.9

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.2020.42.25

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.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.2019.41.16

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.2019.40.7

Authors: Mariana Soultanova

Abstract: Investigation on the public opinion of people in the Smolyan region focuses on determining the public awareness of sustainable development (SD) and the policies related to it, on the one hand, as well as finding out if the people from this region take actions, corresponding to SD, without associating them with it, on the other hand. The article also contributes to revealing the barriers which arise with the implementation of SD, being laid down in the Regional Strategy for Development of the Smolyan Region for 2014-2025. The research toolkit includes a survey (on-line), using Google’s functions of data collection and processing. To come to the most adequate and applicable conclusions on mountain regional development, the territorial scope of the study is based on the idea that a "region" is considered to be a mountainous territorial system within an area that includes all mountainous municipalities according to all typologies.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.6

Authors: Kamen Petrov

Abstract: This report examines the problematic aspects of the regional development of two areas of the Southern Central Planning Region. The focus on the development of Haskovo and Kardzhali districts is an attempt to outline the need for joint efforts of regional communities for the purpose of integrated management of larger territories as well as the promotion of regional cooperation. In purely spatial terms, the two areas have one-size-fits-all problems, respectively the need for common solutions and the construction of sustainable regional infrastructure to improve the regional connectivity and competitiveness of their settlements. The focus of the report is to outline the strategic location of the two areas by grouping their specifics and outlining guidelines for improving the regional development of the two areas.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.12

Authors: Leonid Todorov

Abstract: One of the spheres where our country marked the most serious stagnation during theperiod of transition tomarket economy is the spatial and urban planning. Currently the campaign of preparation of new urban master plans for Bulgarian municipalities is in its peak. The better knowledge of the sources of information and all the specific characteristics of the different information arrays, as well the specific procedures of data processing, is very important for achieving good results. The purpose of this study is to mark all the specific characteristics of the data,that we need, and the procedures of their processingwith a view to providing the necessary information base for the development of the municipality's Master Plan. Here we mark all the main problems which may occur in the process of information provision of the project,the compatibility of the data from different sources with a view to achieving the required quality of the final products.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.1

Authors: Vasil Marinov, Elka Dogramadjieva, Mariana Assenova

Abstract: The issue of defining tourist regions in Bulgaria and their management has been discussed in the country over the last 50 years and is still relevant nowadays. So far, many attempts have been made to develop an acceptable solution in regards of the nature, functions and scope of the tourist regions in the country but for a number of reasons and in different political and economic context they have not been successful. At the same time, the need for tourist regionalization in Bulgaria has been recognized by almost all stakeholders in the tourism sector over the last 10-15 years. The aim of this article is to review and compare the existing tourist regionalization schemes of the country, thus allowing to trace the evolution of tourist regionalization and to highlight the main theoretical deficiencies, as well as the underestimation of scientific principles and approaches that underlie its practical inapplicability. The comparative analysis covers all concepts developed over the last 50 years that present a specific scheme of tourist regions, taking into account the relevant explanatory notes. For the purpose of the comparison, 9 criteria have been selected, which refer both to the approach and objectives, and to the specific schemes and their compliance with basic practical requirements. The results of the comparative analysis are chronologically presented in a table for their clearer and easier perception. The analysis has shown that the numerous tourist regionalization concepts of Bulgaria differ greatly in objectives, approaches and tools applied, and respectively provide different results in terms of country coverage, taxonomy, degree of the schemes’ details, etc. It has also shown significant differences in the tourist structuring of the country’s territory, which are more visible in the period after 1990. The development of a methodologically sound, politically acceptable and applicable scheme of tourist regions is a difficult political and scientific task but it is achievable through a reasonable compromise between the theory and the views of key stakeholders, in compliance with legislation and in the context of its objectives. The effectiveness of tourist regionalization for the purposes of tourism policy and destination marketing ultimately depends on its practical implementation. Otherwise, it could be considered merely as an “academic” exercise, which may have a scientific but not an applied value.

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