PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS AT THE INTERSECTION OF TOURISM GROWTH AND THREATS: RESILIENCE CHALLENGES IN CROATIA

As a key element in the global development of sustainable tourism, protected natural areas play a particularly important role in local and regional development and are important for strengthening resilience to crises. In Croatia, where sustainable tourism is a one of the development goals, there is a significant risk that growing tourism activities in protected areas may result in the degradation and destruction of these sites. This paper presents the results of the first survey conducted in Croatia examining the correlation between visitor numbers in national parks and nature parks and the identified threats between 2018 and 2023. The findings highlight the relationship between the level of protection, the geographic location of the parks (coastal vs. inland), and three distinct periods: before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis (from 2018 to 2023). The findings of the research were also placed in the context of sustainable local and regional development for future planning of resilience to the well-being of the local population. The results indicate interesting changes in park visitation over the observed periods, as well as shifts in pressures on the core phenomenon. The recommendations highlight the necessity of monitoring and managing risks through a model of strengthening the resilience of protected areas. They can also support policymakers, park managers, local communities, and the tourism sector in ensuring the long-term sustainability of both Croatia’s protected areas and its tourism

SOIL SALINIZATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE DEGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES OF THE TALAS DISTRICT, KAZAKHSTAN

As a consequence of global population growth and increasing demand for agricultural commodities, vast areas of cultivable land have been brought under cultivation, while natural ecosystems are being converted for agricultural use. This transformation has led to various forms of soil degradation, with excessive salinity emerging as a critical concern. Drought-prone ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to salinization processes, resulting in an annual reduction of arable land by approximately 1% to 2%. In the Kazakhstan, salt-affected soils account for approximately 43% of all agricultural land. The aim of this study is to assess the extent and spatial distribution of soil salinity in the Talas district of Kazakhstan and to identify the dominant chemical characteristics of soil salts across different land types. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from river valleys, desert pastures, irrigated lands, and sandy areas. The analysis focused on salinization processes, ion toxicity thresholds, and the chemical composition of soil salts. Results reveal that salt accumulation varies between the 30 cm and 80 cm soil layers in river valleys and desert pastures, whereas the highest concentrations are observed in the upper layers of irrigated soils. The greatest variation in average salt content by soil texture was ±0.81% in loamy soils and ±0.62% in silty loam soils. These findings highlight the urgent need for ecologically sound land management strategies to mitigate soil salinization, especially in irrigated areas. They also offer valuable insights for enhancing irrigation efficiency and preserving soil fertility in Talas and other comparable regions

ENHANCING WIND ENERGY PRODUCTION ESTIMATION OVER MONTENEGRO USING MODELED AND OBSERVED WIND SPEEDS AND SYNOPTIC WEATHER PATTERNS

This study analyses the wind conditions over complex terrain and evaluates wind resources based on synoptic weather patterns. The wind direction showed a pronounced north-south bi-directionality. The cut-out speed occurs infrequently and is mainly limited to the north-east and south-south-east winds. The observed wind speeds at location Krnovo (Nikšić) verified the wind forecast of the Weather Research and Forecasting Non-Hydrostatic Mesoscale Model (WRF NMM). The model slightly underestimated the lower average hourly wind speeds; the errors were greatest during the winter season. The best forecast was for one day ahead. The correlation coefficients between the observed and predicted winds at 90 m height for one, two, and three days ahead were 0.85, 0.83, and 0.82, respectively. The synoptic situations were analyzed to identify the underlying weather patterns that favor maximum and minimum energy production lasting most of the day. Maximum energy production was associated with a deep trough over western Europe extending in a northwest-southeаst direction and a pronounced meridional meandering jet stream. A ridge or anticyclone over the Balkan Peninsula, a more or less zonal jet stream and strong warm air advection over Montenegro characterized the atmosphere during the periods of minimum energy production. Together with reliable wind forecasts, these results can improve the use of renewable energies in the future and make them more efficient

MEASURING SPATIAL SEGREGATION OF ROMA NEIGHBORHOODS IN URBAN SETTLEMENTS: CASE STUDY OF RUSE, BULGARIA

Post-socialist European cities face many challenges, such as growing socioeconomic inequality, spatial polarization, and a lack of sustainability. The rise of Roma ghettoized quarters in the cities imperatively imposes comprehensive research on the origin, evolution, and significance of these areas in the urban fabric. These ghettoized neighborhoods deepen the social, economic, and spatial divisions between citizens and significantly influence urban development and policy. Adapting the model developed by Divyani Kohli and coauthors in 2012, this study proposes a modified conceptual framework and index for assessing the spatial segregation of Roma neighborhoods in Bulgaria, using the four Roma settlements in the city of Ruse as a case. It aims to facilitate the elaboration of effective policies for integrated and sustainable urban development. The research utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and the analysis of normative documents, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS), to collect detailed spatiotemporal data on Roma neighborhoods and calculate an index reflecting their urban design. Applying the index to the case of Ruse, the Selemetya neighborhood emerges as the most distinct and segregated Roma neighborhood, while the other three neighborhoods exhibit features of partial segregation. Despite the fact that the level of spatial segregation of Roma neighborhoods can be measured based on various approaches and criteria, the suggested index, despite its shortcomings, can be considered appropriate, although not universal, and therefore, the local specifics of deprived areas should be taken into consideration

ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT ON SOIL AND VEGETATION IN TURKISTAN REGION: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the anthropogenic impact on the soil and vegetation cover of the landscapes of the Turkistan region (southern part of Kazakhstan), and to investigate the chemical composition of elements and pollutants. The current state of landscapes with patterns of distribution of chemical elements and the influence of anthropogenic activity have been revealed. Quantitative indicators of the content of chemical elements (carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, potassium, calcium, titanium, iron, lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, thallium, manganese, and strontium) were studied based on soil samples. The levels of concentration of chemical elements of vegetation cover, aboveground and underground parts (carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, iron and copper) were assessed. The results of the chemical analysis of the soil cover revealed an excess of the maximum permissible concentration of chemical elements (lead, copper, zinc, arsenic, and chromium), while elevated levels of insoluble ash were observed in plants

FALLEN LEAVES AS A POSSIBLE DECISION TO IMPROVE SURFACE WATER BODIES’ QUALITY IN BELAYA RIVER BASIN (RUSSIA)

Currently, human activities significantly contribute to water pollution of natural water bodies. Pollution of water bodies with oil and petroleum products, especially in an urbanized area, is caused by the discharge of wastewater containing these products, as well as by oil leaks and emergencies. Similar pollution is typical for the water bodies in the basin of the Belaya River (Bashkortostan Republic, Russia), which is considered in this work. Bibliometric analysis by using VOSviewer revealed that pollution of water bodies is associated with crude oil pollution. For the remediation of water from crude oil, natural materials are widely used, including the sorbent from fallen leaves. Trees in cities produce a significant volume of fallen leaves every fall, which become plant waste. During the transition of the world community to a circular economy, fallen leaves should be considered as a material for obtaining a biosorbent. Five fraction sizes of Аcer platanoides were studied to determine crude oil absorption. It has been established that particles with a size from one to two millimeters have the largest sorption capacity (5.41–5.77 g/g). Fallen leaves of Аcer platanoides are capable of absorbing crude oil and can be recommended for treating polluted water from crude oil and petroleum products. The obtained proof of the ability of Аcer platanoides leaves to absorb oil with their high buoyancy can be used in further studies of oil sorption process from water and the interaction of sorbent with oil in an aqueous medium under static and dynamic conditions

WHAT FACTORS DO TOURISTS CONSIDER MOST IMPORTANT WHEN EVALUATING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF TOURISM? THE FOCUS ON DEVELOPING ECONOMY

Tourism is a critical driver of economic growth in developing countries, where it often serves as a primary source of international revenue, job creation, and infrastructure development. Understanding the factors of tourism competitiveness is essential because it highlights the strengths and opportunities of a destination, helping it stand out in a competitive global market. By improving competitiveness, destinations can attract more visitors, promote sustainable economic development, and enhance the quality of life for local residents. Competitiveness in tourism also supports cultural preservation and environmental conservation, contributing to a balanced and resilient local economy. The objective of this study is to determine the main factors that impact the competitiveness of Serbia as a tourism destination, focusing specifically on tourists’ viewpoints. Through a comprehensive methodology, the research develops a tailored model for evaluating tourism destination competitiveness (TDC) in a developing economy context. The results highlight the significance of Serbia’s natural and cultural heritage, service quality, accessibility, technology, marketing, and sustainability as critical dimensions of its TDC. The study’s originality lies in its tourist-centered approach to TDC, which offers valuable recommendations for policymakers and destination management organizations (DMOs) in Serbia. This research adds to the existing literature by introducing an innovative, tourist-focused model that provides practical insights for improving tourism competitiveness in emerging markets

EXPLORING TOURIST PERCEPTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF SPA TOURISM IN MILE CITY, CHINA: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH

This qualitative study explores tourist perceptions and expectations of spa tourism in Mile City, China. The focus is on service quality, cultural authenticity, and sustainability practices. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants to explore how these elements influence visitor satisfaction and decision-making. The findings highlight the critical role of cleanliness, therapist expertise, and ambiance in shaping overall satisfaction and revisit intentions. Visitors likewise place considerable importance on the incorporation of indigenous cultural components, including customary healing practices and ethnic decorations, which significantly enrich their spa experiences. Additionally, a distinct need for transparent and observable sustainability initiatives has arisen, even though existing practices remain constrained. By employing a grounded theory methodology, this research presents a novel conceptual framework to direct forthcoming investigations in spa tourism. This research offers vital insights for local spa enterprises and policymakers to enhance service offerings and align promotional strategies with modern traveler expectations, thereby promoting asustainable and culturally immersive spa tourism industry in Mile City

THE NEXUS BETWEEN SOLAR ACTIVITY AND POPULATION DISPLACEMENT: THE CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN EUROPE

Solar activity, as the dominant feature of the Sun, has an impact on nature, technology, humans, and their activities on Earth. The aim of this paper is to investigate the linkages between solar activity, natural disasters, and population displacement in Southern Europe, particularly focusing on the characteristics of natural disasters induced displacement during different phases of solar activity. For the purpose of the paper, data on solar activity and displacements induced by hazards category and type in the period 2008–2023 (24 and 25 Solar Cycle) were collected. The quantitative analysis is supported by statistical procedures (seasonal-trend decomposition by Loess—STL, tests for stationarity, correlation analysis, cross-correlation functions—CCF, vector autoregression—VAR, linear regression model, principal component analysis—PCA, k-means) computed in the software R. The results show certain linkages between solar activity and displacements induced by weather related hazards, and indicate that the intensity of this type of displacement is significantly higher during periods of greater solar activity. This paper opens up new horizons for future research in the field of solar activity impact on population displacement

IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL LAKES IN KAZAKHSTAN USING REMOTE SENSING DATA

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for automated determination of water surfaces and identification of small lakes in Kazakhstan using cartographic methods and an array of multi-time remote sensing (RS) data. The methodology involved automated surface water classification using multi-temporal Sentinel-2 satellite imagery (spanning the period 2016–2021, focusing on the warm months from May to September), Python-based processing on the Google Earth Engine platform, geographic information system (GIS) based morphometric analysis, and field validation to accurately identify and characterize small lakes in Kazakhstan. The study applied the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to enhance surface water detection, reduce noise from vegetation, and improve the accuracy of lake boundary delineation from multi-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery. A technique for automated extraction of morphometric characteristics of small lakes has been developed, data on lake morphometry have been obtained. Verification against field measurements demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, with relative error rates of 12% for lake lengths and 13% for the widths. However, challenges such as dense vegetation, high salinity, and the color of shallow lake bottoms led to some classification errors, highlighting the need for further refinement of automated algorithms. As a result, a list of small lakes in Kazakhstan with a surface area from 1 to 10 km2 was identified