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- A review of regulating ecosystem services in the context of urban planning
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 48: 27-42
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e93499
Authors : Vanya Stoycheva, Davide Geneletti : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 2 Mar 2023 10:30:00 +0200
- Monitoring of water cycle in karst geosystems and its integration into
ecosystem assessment framework
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 48: 15-26
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e101301
Authors : Petar Stefanov, Hristina Prodanova, Dilyana Stefanova, Vanya Stoycheva, Gergana Petkova : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:30:00 +020
- Modeling of arsenic dynamics in groundwater of а river floodplain
contaminated with mine tailings: Ogosta River case, NW Bulgaria
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 48: 3-14
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e99206
Authors : Zvezdelina Marcheva, Tsvetan Kotsev, Assen Tchorbadjieff, Velimira Stoyanova : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +020
- Analysis of the national ecosystem database of Bulgaria: (Mis)matches with
the MAES framework
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 73-82
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e99268
Authors : Gergana Petkova, Hristina Prodanova, Vanya Stoycheva : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 15:31:00 +020
- Valuation of recreation-related cultural ecosystem services provided by
Pirin National Park, Bulgaria
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 61-72
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e97901
Authors : Mariyana Nikolova : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +020
- Characteristics of July 2019 Cherna Mesta River flash flood
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 53-59
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e97974
Authors : Ianko Gerdjikov, Zornitsa Dotseva, Eli Pavlova-Traykova, Dian Vangelov : One of the biggest rivers in the southern part of the Balkan peninsula – the Mesta River is wellknown for frequent flash floods, especially in the upper river course. As a result of severe storms and related heavy rain in mid-July 2019, the Cherna Mesta River flooded, and this resulted in heavy damage to the road infrastructure and water-supply systems. All data indicate that this was not a usual water flood, instead at peak flow, the river carried a huge amount of gravel. Our mapping of erosional and depositional features related to the 2019 event, as well as geomorphological analysis, allows for distinguishing distinct sectors along the river valley. Most hazards are defined in the lower reaches of the Cherna Mesta River, where the processes of channel aggradation and lateral erosion are pronounced. The field analysis of the flood-related deposits indicates the operation of debris flood and hyperconcentrated and water flood processes. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +020
- Comparative analysis of soil organic carbon in selected river catchments
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 45-51
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e98660
Authors : Petko Bozhkov, Borislav Grigorov, Alexandar Sarafov : The present study deals with the investigation of soil organic carbon in two water catchments in Northern Rila, Western Bulgaria. Field research, combined with analysis, provided sufficient data. Six key sites were selected and sampled in order to estimate and compare the amount of organic and inorganic carbon in the topsoil. The applied criteria for the choice of sites included: vegetation cover, predominant soil group, level of anthropogenization and transport accessibility. A total number of 13 samples from both catchments were collected and analyzed in the Central laboratory of the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection (ISSAPP) “N. Pushkarov“. The results concern the amount and composition of soil organic matter in different soils – Cambisols (Albic, Humic, Dystric), Fluvisols and Umbrosols. The total carbon content of all samples varies between 1.23 and 9.69%. The amount of organic carbon ranges between 0.45 and 3.73%. The results of the study prove once again that the preservation of natural vegetation and current condition of the soil is of great importance for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:30:00 +020
- Assessment of water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus along the
course of a river: A case study from Northern Bulgaria
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 35-44
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e97971
Authors : Kalin Seymenov : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +020
- Application of geographic data for spatial modeling of lead in
contaminated fluvial soils
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 23-33
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e97168
Authors : Tsvetan Kotsev, Velimira Stoyanova : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 25 Nov 2022 10:30:00 +020
- Soil catenas and plant sites on the northern macroslope of Rila Mountain
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 15-22
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e94913
Authors : Petko Bozhkov, Borislav Grigorov, Alexandar Sarafov : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Wed, 19 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +030
- Land use change and monitoring of endangered wetlands using geospatial
technologies: A case study of Boyana marsh
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 47: 3-14
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e94102
Authors : Leonid Todorov, Kristian Kirilov : 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”. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 4 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0300
- Examining the shifting role of the human in disaster studies
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 51-55
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e87743
Authors : Julia Cardwell : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 29 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +030
- Regeneration of urban space in Romania: A case study of Bistrita
municipality
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 43-50
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e87816
Authors : Alexandru Marius Tătar : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +030
- Clustering analysis of the light industry in Bulgaria
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 31-42
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e89215
Authors : Aleksandra Ravnachka, Velimira Stoyanova : Light industry is one of the most important and priority industries in Bulgarian economy. It includes the production of textiles, clothing, and leather. Its development affects the state of the country’s overall economy. Despite the numerous studies that use GIS, in Bulgaria there have been no publications on the application of statistical analysis with the use of ArcGIS software. This study aims to apply Geographic cluster analysis using ArcGIS software to analyze the light industry in Bulgaria as of 2010, 2015, and 2020. The grouping of areas by selected indicators in the present study was performed with the Grouping Analysis tool. NO_SPATIAL_CONSTRAINT was selected for the Spatial Constraints parameter and FIND_SEED_LOCATIONS – for the Initialization Method. In this case, we used the K-Means algorithm to partition features into groups. That algorithm is one of the most popular and widely used clustering algorithms in GIS applications. The areas were grouped into 10 clusters. The selection of indicators on which the clustering procedure was based, is following the generally accepted indicators for assessing the state and importance of the food industry in the structure of the economy. The following indicators were used: output for 2010, 2015, and 2020; number of employees and export earnings as of 2010, 2015, and 2020, for each administrative-territorial unit. The spatial distribution of the population, in combination with the historical and the modern economic development of the settlements, forms the regional differences in the development of the light industry in the country. The cluster analysis of certain indicators for the assessment of the light industry at the NUTS 3 level as of 2010, 2015, and 2020, shows some changes in the spatial development trends of the industry. The cluster analysis shows that there are slight spatial differences in production at the NUTS 3 level, with large consumer centers and markets being the most important. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +030
- Insights from feminist geography: positionality, knowledge production, and
difference
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 25-29
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e87749
Authors : Annie M. Elledge : Feminist geographers investigate the messy, power-laden, and embodied relationships humans and non-humans have with their environment. This review examines foundational texts in feminist geography in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and more recent work that engages with Black geographies, Indigenous geographies, and disability geographies. I discuss three important considerations in feminist geography: knowledge production, the formation of difference, and critical reflexivity. To do this, I trace the historical development of feminist geography as a subdiscipline to identify the numerous ways that feminists intervene within Geography. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +030
- Data quality assessment of Copernicus Climate Change Service health domain
data for the development of disaster risk reduction plans
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 13-23
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e85567
Authors : Eugenia Sarafova : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Fri, 1 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0300
- Prague: Belonging in the Modern City by Chad Carl Bryant
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 11-12
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e87283
Authors : John Pickles : HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +030
- Modeling of flood regulation for ecosystem accounting: a case study of
Ogosta river basin
Abstract: Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society 46: 3-10
DOI : 10.3897/jbgs.e86288
Authors : Petar Nikolov, Desislava Hristova, Vanya Stoycheva : 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. HTML XML PDF
PubDate: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 10:30:00 +0300
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