VISITOR CENTERS OF UKRAINIAN NATIONAL NATURE PARKS: ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND CONTENT DIVERSITY

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution and functional diversity of visitor centres within thesystem of National Nature Parks of Ukraine in the context of sustainable development, environmentaleducation, and communication between protected area administrations, local communities, and visitors. Visitor centres are considered as key institutional components of park infrastructure that supportinformation provision, environmental awareness, recreation management, and regulation of visitorflows. The study is based on a comprehensive interdisciplinary methodology combining retrospectiveanalysis, spatial analysis, content analysis of open information sources, and typological classification.A spatial assessment of 55 national nature parks was conducted using the framework of major touristregions of Ukraine, revealing a pronounced territorial imbalance in the distribution of visitor centres. Theresults show that only about one third of parks possess fully established visitor centres, while a significantproportion operate partially or remain temporarily closed due to the impacts of military actions andoccupation. Content analysis identified substantial variation in functional capacity, infrastructure, andoperational status of existing centres. Based on functional characteristics, three main types of visitorcentres were distinguished: informational centres with minimal infrastructure, classical centres withexhibition facilities, and multifunctional interactive centres combining educational, exhibition, andvisitor service functions. Informational centres dominate the national network and primarily serve asbasic points of orientation and information. The most advanced multifunctional models are concentratedin the Carpathian and Podillian tourist regions and are largely the result of targeted investments andinternational cooperation projects. The findings highlight systemic disparities in the developmentof visitor centre infrastructure across Ukraine and indicate a strong dependence on external funding,regional governance capacity, and geopolitical conditions. The study substantiates the need for unifiedstrategic approaches to planning, functional zoning, and modernization of visitor centres in accordancewith international standards in order to strengthen environmental education, visitor management, andsustainable use of protected areas. The article highlights that.