Scientific Bulletin of Kherson State University. Series «Geographical Sciences»
Scientific Bulletin of Kherson State University. Series «Geographical Sciences» is a scientific and theoretical journal of geographical focus area founded in 2014. The founder is Kherson State University. According to the Editorial Board policy, the goal and targets of the journal are to publish the results of researches, to familiarize an academic community with the latest achievements in the area of geographical science and education. The journal is aimed at disseminating knowledge in geography, sharing ideas and research findings among Ukrainian and foreign scientists. It publishes the results of researches in the sphere of geographical science and education achieved around the world prioritizing the study of Ukrainian territory and its educational and scientific space. Centre International de l'ISSN: Print 2413-7391, Online 2663-2780. Frequency: 2 times/year (half-yearly). Registered by the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine: Decision No. 2944 as of 24.10.2024 (Media ID: R30-05620). Media entity – Kherson State University (Universytetska str., 27, Kherson, 73000, e-mail: office@ksu.ks.ua. Tel: +38 096 310 26 36). USREOU code: 02125609 Publisher: Helvetica Publishing House (EDRPOU 38044877; 65101, Ukraine, Odesa, Inhlizi str., 6/1; tel. +38 (095) 934-48-28, +38 (097) 723-06-08; e-mail: mailbox@helvetica.ua; Certificate of the subject of publishing DK № 7623 from 22.06.2022). Publisher ROR: https://ror.org/0021ckm71 The journal is included in the List of Scientific Professional Publications of Ukraine in accordance with Order No. 928 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated June 11, 2026 (Appendix 12). The journal has been assigned Category “B” for three years, from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2029. Cluster: Human Capital Development, Social Sciences and Journalism. Specialties: C6 Geography and Regional Studies. The herald is posted on the website of Vernadsky National Library: Scientific Bulletin of Kherson State University. Series «Geographical Sciences» The journal is included in the international scientometric database Index Copernicus International (the Republic of Poland). Google Scholar journal profile: https://scholar.google.com.ua/citations?user=tFWlfMgAAAAJ&hl=uk Editorial staff awards every published paper with DOI (digital object identifier). The editorial board carries out external and internal reviews of all articles. The editorial board of the collection includes leading Ukrainian and foreign scholars. The journal cooperates with the best Ukrainian and foreign HEI, public and local authorities. Such cooperation involves publication of information materials and scientific articles, performance of round tables at the premises of the journal office. The collection contains scientific-theoretical and practical materials on topical general-theoretical and branch geographical issues. The editorial board accepts individual articles submitted by postgraduate students enrolled in state-funded programs for publication free of charge, provided that the manuscripts are authored solely by the students (without co-authors), comply with the journal’s requirements, and adhere to the principles of academic integrity. We invite all those who wish to collaborate with our journal and offer you to print your articles. This journal is intended not only for scientists, but also for practitioners, who will find a lot of useful information for their activities. Yours sincerely, Chief Editor, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Department of Geography and Ecology of Kherson State University D. S. Malchykova
UKRAINE'S HOTEL INDUSTRY AMID FULL-SCALE WAR: FROM CRISIS TO ADAPTATION AND CAUTIOUS RECOVERY
The article examines the adaptation processes and recovery trends of Ukraine's hotel industry under conditions of full-scale war that began on 24 February 2022. The industry, which previously contributed approximately 2.1 % of GDP, faced a systemic crisis caused by infrastructure destruction, a sharp decline in tourist flows, and a shift in demand geography. The key directions of business model transformation among hotel enterprises are identified: investments in security and operational autonomy (construction of shelters, backup power supply, autonomous water systems), service diversification, reorientation towards the domestic market, introduction of hybrid formats (coworking spaces, apart-hotels, long-term accommodation), and flexible pricing and marketing strategies including loyalty programmes and dynamic pricing, which according to global experience can increase revenues by 10–20%. The transformation of hotels' social functions is characterised – their role in housing internally displaced persons (up to 70% of the client base in the first months of the invasion), supporting volunteer activities, and facilitating humanitarian missions. Specific examples of corporate social responsibility by major operators are provided: «Bankhotel», «Ribas Hotels Group», and «Premier Hotels & Resorts» (charitable aid exceeding UAH 5 million in 2022). Signs of cautious sectoral recovery from 2023 onwards are analysed, including a 23% growth in tourist levy revenues in 2024 (reaching UAH 273 million), exceeding pre-war 2021 figures by 51.65%, an increase of 96 collective accommodation facilities, and activation of investment projects. Regional differentiation of recovery is shown, with the Kyiv region, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts leading. Structural market shifts towards apart-hotels, cottage complexes, and medical-wellness facilities are examined. The activities of leading international («Accor», «Radisson») and national («Optima Hotels», «Ribas Hotels», «Premier Hotels & Resorts») hotel operators are characterised. The prospects and challenges of Ukraine's post-war hotel industry development are outlined, including the need to expand accommodation capacity by at least one-third to receive a projected flow of 14.5 million visitors and to improve categorisation standards.
SECTION 3 GEOGRAPHY OF RECREATION AND TOURISM
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LAND-PEOPLE RELATIONSHIPS IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT
A methodological approach has been developed for the comprehensive analysis of spatial relationshipsbetween the concentration of various land categories and population concentration within territorial taxonomic units. The relevance of an integrated study of the land fund and demographic potential asinterrelated components of the "land–people" system is substantiated, as this system determines theefficiency of territorial economic organisation, the degree of spatial development, and the level of ecologicalbalance. The study is based on official statistical data on total and rural population size, the numberand structure of settlements, State Land Cadastre materials on the distribution of land by category, andcartographic materials unified within a single territorial hierarchy. A system of territorial concentrationcoefficients for land (TCC-L) and population (TCC-P) is proposed, grounded in a comparison ofthe area share and the corresponding land category or population within a higher-order taxonomicstructure. To enhance analytical precision, additional indicators have been introduced: the arable landconcentration coefficient, the forest ecological use coefficient, the residential development index, andthe water anthropogenisation coefficient, which allow the qualitative characteristics of individual landcategories to be taken into account. Ranking and matrix methods of spatial analysis are applied for thecomparative assessment of territorial units. The key outcome is an integral indicator of land-to-populationconcentration correspondence (L/PCC), which accounts for the modular values of concentrations, theirqualitative nature (excess or deficit), and the degree of system balance. An interval-based evaluation scaleis substantiated, distinguishing optimal, productive, notable, ineffective, and negative correspondence.The proposed methodology may be applied to territorial planning, land-use efficiency assessment, andthe identification of spatial imbalances in the "land–people" system.
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE CARPATHIAN REGION AS A RESOURCE FOUNDATION FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: A GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE
This article examines the natural environment as a fundamental resource base for tourism developmentwithin a geographical approach. This approach has enabled rethinking the role of the natural environmentand its spatial characteristics, and identifying natural and anthropogenic risks to ecosystem stability, environmental safety, and long-term development prospects. The scientific understanding of the role ofecosystems in the long-term competitiveness of tourist destinations has expanded. A number of scientificworks by national scientists on the importance of natural factors, environmental constraints, and theneed to balance tourist development of the territory have been analyzed. The theoretical approachto considering natural resources not only as a factor of development but also as a limiting and riskdeterminingfactor in the context of global transformations has been deepened. The concept of spatialdifferentiation in nature-oriented tourism has been substantiated, taking into account climate change andthe territory's ecological vulnerability. It has been found that relief, climate, water resources, biodiversity,and landscape structure should be considered as an integral part of natural resource potential, shaping theterritory's attractiveness and competitive advantages in tourist markets. The attention is focused on therelationship between the intensity of tourism development in territories and the level of anthropogenicpressure on natural complexes.Contemporary global challenges (climate change, soil degradation, and excessive tourist traffic) andtheir impact on the tourism resource base have been identified. The tourist load on the Carpathian region,in particular Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, and Chernivtsi regions, has been analyzed. It has beendetermined that Ivano-Frankivsk region accounts for the dominant share of regional tourist flows dueto its unique destinations, both natural and anthropogenic. It has been shown that the growth of touristflows raises issues of rational nature management, environmental safety, and the preservation of naturalheritage. Within the geographical approach, the need for a comprehensive assessment of natural touristresources is justified, taking into account their spatial location, capacity, resistance to recreational load,and functional role in regional development. The importance of introducing various mechanisms toregulate tourist flows and optimize the intensity of tourist traffic in the territories is proven.
MONITORING EUTROPHICATION OF WATER BODIES USING GEOINFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: A CASE STUDY OF THE KARACHUNIVSKE RESERVOIR
This paper proposes a methodology for monitoring eutrophication of water bodies using geoinformation technologies. The approach is based on the analysis of satellite multispectral indices, including NDCI, FAI, and NDTI, which respectively reflect chlorophyll-a concentration in the water column, the presence of surface phytoplankton accumulations, and turbidity levels. The study was conducted using the Karachunivske Reservoir as a case study. A spatiotemporal analysis of index variations was performed, cartographic models of their distribution were developed, and the features of their dynamics at different stages of eutrophication were identified. It was found that the NDCI index characterizes the diffuse development of phytoplankton within the water column, whereas FAI reflects the formation of surface accumulations with clear spatial localization, primarily in coastal and low-flow areas. It is shown that the highest spatial correspondence between the indices occurs during the peak stage of eutrophication, when a continuous surface biomass layer is formed. At the same time, the NDTI index demonstrates a relatively stable spatial pattern determined by hydrodynamic and morphological characteristics of the reservoir and is less sensitive to biological processes. A spatial correlation analysis revealed an unstable relationship between NDCI and FAI, with a sharp increase during peak eutrophication, as well as a stable negative relationship between indices representing organic and mineral components of turbidity. Based on the obtained results, an approach to identifying eutrophication stages through the integration of spatial characteristics and inter-index relationships is substantiated. The proposed methodology enhances the informativeness of remote monitoring and can be applied for assessing the ecological condition of water bodies and supporting environmental management decision-making.
SECTION 2 NATURAL-GEOGRAPHICAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESEARCHES
EDUCATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION UNDER WAR CONDITIONS: THE CONCEPT OF VIRTUAL VISITOR CENTRES (A CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL NATURE PARKS OF THE KHERSON REGION)
The article substantiates the concept of virtual visitor centres as an effective tool for ensuring environmental protection and educational communication under conditions of war-related restrictions and limited safe access to the territories of the Nature Reserve Fund of the Kherson region. The study is based on the analysis of the current condition of protected areas within the region, the peculiarities of the functioning of Nature Reserve Fund institutions in the pre-war and contemporary periods, as well as on the generalization of Ukrainian and international experience in the digitalization of the environmental protection sphere. It was established that a significant number of national nature parks and biosphere reserves of the Kherson region have lost the possibility of full-scale functioning due to military actions, temporary occupation, and security restrictions. This has considerably limited the implementation of environmental protection, recreational, scientific, educational, and outreach activities. In this context, virtual visitor centres are considered as integrated digital platforms capable of ensuring continuous access to natural, educational, informational, scientific, and multimedia resources of protected areas regardless of physical accessibility to their territories. The paper defines the essence and structural-functional features of virtual visitor centres and proposes a model that includes informational, educational, communication, multimedia, recreational-service, and scientific-outreach components. Particular attention is paid to the educational potential of virtual visitorcentres within the system of natural and geographical education. The main directions of their application for school pupils, university students, local communities, internally displaced persons, and other social groups are identified. It is substantiated that the implementation of virtual visitor-centres will contribute to preserving the connection between society and the natural heritage of the region, promoting environmental awareness and natural sciences, expanding opportunities for distance learning and environmental education, supporting public outreach activities, and maintaining the functionality of Nature Reserve Fund institutions under conditions of military risks and long-term restrictions on access to protected territories.
GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF FOREST COVER LOSS IN THE LOWER DNIEPER ARENA LANDSCAPES RESULTING FROM MILITARY ACTIONS
This study implements a methodological approach to geospatial analysis and assessment of losses inartificial forest plantations in the Lower Dnieper sandy areas within the Kherson region for the period2022–2026, resulting from the cumulative impact of military operations and the associated hydrologicalcollapse. Based on the Hansen Global Forest Change global raster datasets in the QGIS environment,differentiated monitoring of forest cover dynamics was conducted using two threshold criteria forcanopy closure: >75% – to identify the stable “core” of mature pine forests, and >15% – to document thedegradation of mosaic landscapes (sparse forests, young plantations, shrubs, and broadleaf undergrowth).Analysis of fire activity and thermal damage to the territory was conducted using satellite alerts from the VIIRS Active Fire Alerts system, which recorded 474 thermal hotspots with pronounced military macropeaksin 2022 and 2024–2025, associated with combat operations on the Krynky bridgehead and theactive use of UAVs. Using the northern section of the Kozachi Laheri arena as an example, abnormalspikes in forest loss were identified: in 2022, the area of simultaneous loss of high-canopy forest jumpedto 1,500 hectares, and in the peak year of 2024, due to the synergistic effect of artillery shelling and thedrying out of tree stands following the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, it reachedan extreme maximum of nearly 4,500 hectares (for a threshold >75%) and a colossal 16,000 hectares (fora threshold >15%).Aggregate data for the entire region indicate an irreversible loss of 8,600 hectares of forest land. It hasbeen proven that the rapid drop in the level of fresh groundwater following the draining of the reservoirdeprived the stands of their underground water supply, transforming the weakened forests into highlyflammable material, which led to a high frequency of fires and crown fires in 2024–2026. The resultingcartographic matrices serve as an objective basis for verifying environmental damage and for long-termplanning of post-war ecological restoration and nature conservation measures under conditions whereground-based monitoring is blocked, as the exposure of unstable sandy substrates poses catastrophicthreats of intensified wind erosion and desertification in Southern Ukraine.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL POLICY IN EU COUNTRIES ON THE EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES OF ROMA MIGRANTS FROM UKRAINE
The article examines transformations in the educational practices of Roma refugees from Ukraine inthe context of forced migration to European Union countries after 24 February 2022. Previous studiesconducted prior to the full-scale invasion documented deep and persistent problems in Roma educationin Ukraine, including low levels of educational engagement and an increasing proportion of people withinRoma communities who are unable to read and write. To a large extent, this was associated with low levelsof educational motivation, early involvement of children in the family economy, and the long-term socialisolation of Roma communities.Forced displacement to EU countries has posed a significant challenge for Roma refugees, related to theneed to adapt to new social, economic, and institutional conditions. One of its key dimensions has beenthe integration of children, who, like other Ukrainian children, were enrolled in local education systemswith a different language of instruction, curricula, and sociocultural environment. These challenges werefurther exacerbated by the insufficient prior educational preparation of Roma children relative to theirage. Based on in-depth interviews with Roma respondents, the study shows how the combination of newsocio-economic conditions and state support mechanisms in EU countries has led to a rethinking of therole of education in the lives of Roma communities. Child benefits have created a new economic logic inwhich education is increasingly perceived as a socially and economically significant activity for children.The findings also suggest a potential long-term transformation of educational orientations am Ukrainian Roma, both in the context of migration and in a broader social context.The article conducted within the open research project of Kherson State University “Ethnic Minoritiesof Ukraine in the Conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian War and Migration,” state registration number:0124U003022.
VISITOR CENTERS OF UKRAINIAN NATIONAL NATURE PARKS: ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND CONTENT DIVERSITY
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.
WATER REGIME CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOODPLAIN LANDSCAPES IN THE GNYLOPYAT RIVER BASIN BASED ON MULTISPECTRAL DATA OF THE NORMALIZED MNDWI INDEX
The article is devoted to studying the water regime characteristics of floodplain landscapes in the Gnylopyat River basin using the MNDWI multispectral index and modern remote sensing methods. The research objective is to establish patterns of seasonal dynamics and spatial differentiation of floodplain wateriness to substantiate scientific-practical approaches for monitoring and managing water resources of small rivers in the Polissya region. The study is based on comprehensive analysis of Landsat satellite data for 2022–2024 using the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index, which demonstrates high efficiency in detecting water surfaces while minimizing the influence of built-up areas and vegetation. Hydrological features of the 2150 km² basin were analyzed, including long-term runoff dynamics for 1991–2020 and water balance structure considering the role of infiltration-influent processes. MNDWI values show pronounced seasonal variability with maximum indicators during spring period due to snowmelt and floods, and minimum values during summer-autumn season. Progressive increase in floodplain landscape wateriness was revealed throughout the study period, especially in central and southern parts of the basin, where maximum MNDWI values exceeded 0.4000, indicating formation of new water surfaces or groundwater level rise. Spatial differentiation of water content closely correlates with geomorphological features of the floodplain: highest index values are characteristic of central lowered parts with prolonged water retention, while peripheral areas demonstrate better drainage. Research results reveal ecological significance of regime characteristics for floodplain biocenosis functioning and have important practical value for optimizing hydroecological monitoring, developing river basin management plans, and integration into early warning systems for extreme hydrological events.
GEOGRAPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY BRANDING: THE CASE OF IVANO-FRANKIVSK OPILLIA
The paper argues that place branding of Ukrainian territorial communities should be treated as reputation governance and spatial identification rather than logo-making, and therefore must rely on verified geographical characteristics, up-to-date physical-geographical regionalisation, and coherent landscape – cultural markers. The aim is to assess the scientific accuracy and completeness of how communities of Ivano-Frankivsk Opillia represent themselves on official websites and in strategic documents. Methodologically, a content audit of websites, investment passports and development strategies was conducted for seven communities (Bilshivtsi, Bukachivtsi, Burshtyn, Yezupil, Halych, Dubivtsi and Rohatyn), and the statements were compared with academic interpretations of Opillia’s boundaries and internal structure. Results reveal a systematic underrepresentation of Opillia identity, fragmented physical-geographical profiles, terminological and factual errors (including mislabeling of protected areas), and a lack of visual communication (photo banks, sketch maps, visitor navigation). At the same time, Burshtyn, Dubivtsi and Rohatyn show partial institutionalisation of an ‘Opillia brand’ through strategies, cultural initiatives and route practices. The paper proposes a standardised selfrepresentation template (concise physical profile, ethnocultural markers, heritage cores, recreation nodes and a glossary), a KPI framework (awareness, visitation, share of local content, number of initiatives, SME growth in creative – tourism niches), and a network platform ‘Opillia Communities’ for co-branding. The role of geographers is highlighted as crucial for boundary verification, terminology standardisation, protected-area audits and aligning official narratives with open sources and educationoriented actions. It frames branding as a geography-led governance tool todays.
METHODOLOGICAL AND STRUCTURAL VARIATIONS IN INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: LESSONS FROM CAPE TOWN AND ZHYTOMYR EXPERIENCE
The article examines the preconditions for introducing integrated planning in the Republic of SouthAfrica, as well as the key challenges of implementing the concept of integrated development from theperspective of its relevance for Ukraine. A comparative analysis of the integrated development models ofthe City of Cape Town (South Africa) and the City of Zhytomyr (Ukraine) was carried out with a focuson the use of statistical indicators, the structure of the analytical section, participatory methods, and theorganisation of the program component of the documents. The study revealed significant differencesin approaches to forming the analytical base: the standardised indicators applied in Cape Town ensurerepresentativeness, a focus on vulnerable population groups, and the ability to measure progress. Incontrast, Zhytomyr employs a unique set of easily measurable indicators, which results from limitedmunicipal statistics and leads to a lower analytical depth.Differences were also identified in the way data are presented: Cape Town’s analytics are conciseand visualised through infographics, whereas in Zhytomyr, they are overloaded with text and are lessrepresentative. The participatory approaches of the two cities demonstrate different methodologicalintensities: Cape Town relies primarily on a large-scale sociological survey. At the same time, Zhytomyr employs a wide range of tools to engage residents, ensuring multidimensional public participation. Theprogram components of the concepts also differ: Cape Town clearly defines the roles of the municipalityand responsible departments in implementing the goals, whereas Zhytomyr localises its strategic prioritiesspatially through focus zones and an urban framework.The study additionally established that the timeframes for preparing documents in South Africa(6-12 months) allow for deeper participation and higher-quality development processes, unlike thelimited timelines in Ukraine. It was also found that the absence of regular annual monitoring of conceptimplementation in Ukrainian communities (in contrast to South Africa) hinders the effectiveness ofstrategic document implementation. The findings highlight key directions for improving Ukrainianapproaches to integrated development.
WARTIME DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERNS: COMPARATIVE STRATEGIES AND ADAPTIVE APPROACHES IN SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT
The full-scale war in Ukraine has radically transformed the country’s demographic and spatial configuration, combining shock destruction with long waves of socio-demographic consequences. Amid multiple stressors, rapid needs assessments indicate that reconstruction requirements will amount to approximately $524 billion over the next decade, with GDP growth expected to slow to around 2% by 2025. It has been established that mass population displacement and new demographic patterns will remain a defining feature of Ukraine for years to come, shaping all social and spatial processes: degradation and depopulation of frontline and occupied territories contrast with population concentration in relatively safe central and western regions, creating a cascade of multidimensional impacts. Against the backdrop of a pre-war demographic crisis (low birth rate 7.3‰ and mortality 17.3‰ in 2021), the war has intensified ageing, labour force losses, and added risks of the “feminisation” of migration. Based on the identification of national and regional features of demographic transformations, directions for adapting spatial planning policy have been substantiated for two types of territories. For de-occupied communities, priorities include “smart shrinkage,” optimisation of service networks, managed repurposing or renaturalisation, and geriatric and mobile infrastructure. For recipient territories, priorities include emergency housing (subsidised rent, building conversion), expansion of educational and primary healthcare networks, integration hubs, and rapid employment tools. Common denominators are demographically sensitive planning, economic diversification, and strong community participation mechanisms. The proposed approach combines physical reconstruction with socio-economic programming, offering tools to reduce territorial disparities, stimulate birth rates, and support return and integration trajectories in the post-war period.
MODERN TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE SETTLEMENT SYSTEMS OF THE CARPATHIAN REGIONS OF UKRAINE
The study reveals the problem of revising approaches to determining the hierarchy of local-levelsettlement systems as a result of the ATU reform and decentralization. It is indicated that the vastmajority of newly created administrative-territorial units were formed around the nuclei of alreadyformed local-level settlement systems. although not always within the same limits. It is also shown howimportant it is for the further development of settlement systems in the studied regions to solve the problems of disparities in size, population and socio-economic development of communities. The studyregion is taken as the territory of the regional settlement systems of the Carpathian region (Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi regions). Which, on the one hand, have many common features insettlement processes, specific settlement patterns due to the diversity of natural conditions, in the courseof demographic processes, are connected by a network of transport routes and socio-economic ties, andon the other hand, they should be considered as a holistic settlement structure. After all, according toa number of scientists, these regions form the Lviv regional settlement system, and in the future theymay become one of the macroregions of Ukraine. The purpose of this study was to trace the territorial,structural and demographic transformations within the settlement systems of the Carpathian regions ofUkraine. Taking into account the changes that occurred as a result of the reform of the administrativeterritorialstructure. After all, we received new administrative units based on the existing network ofsettlements, with formed demographic characteristics and established system-regulating connectionsbetween them. Which will lead to cardinal changes in the settlement systems of the local level. Thus, theconcept of settlement systems and their study is fraught with new social demands for scientific researchand justification. The study of the features of the socio-geographical development of the regions ofUkraine, one way or another, emphasizes the heterogeneity of various types of connections between themdepending on their geographical location, and for the Carpathian regions even more so. The reform of theATU has become a catalyst for the reformatting of settlement systems. On the one hand, it has becomea reason for the destruction or transformation of existing systems, and on the other – it concentratesopportunities in new centers. Although this requires significant investments in transport to minimizethe risks of geographical isolation for peripheral settlements. The main transformational trends in thesettlement systems of the Carpathian regions of Ukraine that we have uncovered open new relevantdirections and ideas for research.
EXPERIENCE OF TERRITORIAL AND ETYMOLOGY RECONSTRUCTION OF SMALL RIVERS (USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE CITY OF VINNYTSI)
The article is devoted to the study of the state of functioning and naming of small rivers of the city of Vinnytsia for their restoration and introduction into the practical plane of everyday life. A comprehensive assessment of the state of small rivers was carried out and a significant transformation of the original natural valley-river landscape, which was formed in the process of urban development of the territory, was established. A deliberate artificial technogenic rupture of river basins was established, which was not reflected in information resources, in particular cartographic ones. It was determined that historical documents (lustrations of the Vinnytsia Castle, court cases and resolutions, and especially acts on the delimitation of Vinnytsia city lands) are important sources of information about the names of small rivers of the Vinnytsia city community. Their consideration, as well as the results of a survey of the local population and a comparison of ancient cartographic sources with modern ones, made it possible to establish ancient river names within the agreed segment of the hydrographic network of the studied territory. The historical-cartographic, historical-geographical and descriptive methods with its main methods of observation, generalization and classification of the material, the method of etymological analysis, the analysis of dictionary definitions, the methods of linguopragmatic, linguocultural, statistical and comparative analysis, toponymic identification were used. Their involvement allows: to restore the names of small rivers of the Vinnytsia urban community and add previously unaccounted hydronyms to the “Register…” during its next reprint. The periodization of the evolutionary process of hydronym formation was carried out. The reasons and factors of the historical transformation of river basins and their names were clarified and proposals were made regarding the historical reconstruction of lost geographical names and the acquisition of new ones for nameless ones to this day. The results of the study can be used by a wide range of specialists: local historians, geographers, historians, ethnologists, folklorists, linguists and employees of cultural institutions; their use will be useful in the educational process of educational institutions. The factual material is an information basis for further toponymic (etymological, lexical, etc.) interpretations of the rivers of Vinnytsia.
SATELLITE MONITORING OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE WATER SURFACE AREA OF LAKE SOLONETS-TUZLY, BLACK SEA LOWLAND, UKRAINE (FOR THE YEAR 2024)
The article presents the results of satellite monitoring of seasonal dynamics of the water surface area of Lake Solonets-Tuzly, located within the Black Sea Lowland, near the mouth of the Berezan River, during 2024.Sentinel-2 satellite images were used for the analysis, based on which the NDWI index was calculated and composite images in the SWIR range were formed. The obtained data were processed in ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Pro, and RStudio environments. Based on the analysis of satellite images, calculations of the water surface area of the studied lake were made for each month of 2024. The results obtained indicate significant seasonal fluctuations in the lake's area, from a maximum area of 5.53 km² (January) to complete drying up and the formation of a salt marsh (August). The maximum area of the lake was observed in winter, while in spring, the area of the lake decreased significantly by the beginning of summer. At the beginning of summer, the lake area temporarily increased, but then rapidly decreased until it completely dried up in August. In autumn, the lake area slowly but steadily increased until December.The average water surface area of the lake in 2024 was 2.98 km², with an amplitude of 5.53 km². Spatial analysis revealed heterogeneity in the drying of the lake basin: the northern part lost water faster and therefore dried up completely by July, while the southern part, especially in the center, remained wet for a longer period and dried up completely only in August. The presented heterogeneity of the lake surface drying is due to its morphological conditions.The NDWI index showed a high correlation with the area of the reservoir, confirming its effectiveness for monitoring small, unstable reservoirs. SWIR composites, in turn, proved useful for visual assessment of moisture levels but were not accurate enough for quantitative analysis. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using satellite indices to monitor water dynamics in small salt lakes under conditions of climate change and anthropogenic impact.
ON THE ISSUE OF GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF TOPONYMS IN THE INTERFLUVE OF THE DANUBE AND DNIESTER
Toponymic studies are an important tool for exploring the patterns of origin, formation, and development of both individual geographical names and entire toponymic systems or landscapes. The current stage of local self-government development is marked by active and often complex historical and geographical investigations aimed at studying the origin and meaning of toponyms. At the same time, focusing solely on the analysis of a name without considering its spatial context can lead to significant errors. Identifying a geographical object along with its toponym on a map makes it possible to reveal patterns in the location of the object and its spatial connections. Accordingly, one of the fundamental principles of toponymy is the inseparability and interdependence between the toponym and the geographical object to which it refers.This study covers the Ukrainian part of the interfluve between the Danube and the Dniester, which from a geographical perspective represents a toponymic landscape—a systematically formed set of geographical names shaped by the influence of geographical, social, and historical factors.Previous research on the toponymy of the region was primarily based on a historical-linguistic approach. Toponyms were presented in a simple chronological order, while geographical aspects were largely overlooked by researchers.This article presents the results of a study on the geographical patterns of the formation of the toponymic landscape in the interfluve between the Danube and the Dniester. The modern toponyms of the region were largely formed under the influence of natural conditions during the process of land development.Particular attention is paid to the phenomenon of the transfer of geographical names during population migrations, where names were preserved in new locations, provided the natural conditions resembled those of the regions of origin.This publication has been prepared within one of the research directions of the Department of Physical Geography, Environmental Management and Geoinformation Technologies at I. I. Mechnikov Odesa National University: "Anthropogenic changes on the coast of the classical liman type (based on the Black and Azov Seas within Ukraine)".The authors express their gratitude for the interest in the research and welcome comments and suggestions from fellow scholars. We would like to especially acknowledge the significant contributions of M. V. Kazanzhi and A. O. Kostiuk to the study.
KAKHOVKA RESERVOIR CATASTROPHE: INTERDISCIPLINARY DISCOURSE ON CONSEQUENCES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES (2025)
The deliberate destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam in June 2023 unleashed an unprecedented environmental and humanitarian catastrophe in Southern Ukraine, profoundly altering vast territories and impacting millions of lives. This event triggered an immediate and multifaceted scientific response, necessitating a rapid mobilization of expertise across diverse disciplines to comprehend its complex ramifications. This article undertakes a systematic organization and critical analysis of the current interdisciplinary discourse that has emerged in response to the consequences of the Kakhovka Reservoir catastrophe. This discourse, characterized by its dynamism and breadth, aims to understand, document, and propose solutions for the extensive ecological and socio-economic challenges presented by the disaster.Particular emphasis is placed on the significant body of scientific work that has been presented and robustly discussed within the framework of the International Scientific and Practical Conferences held consecutively at Kherson State University from 2023 to 2025. These annual gatherings have served as pivotal intellectual platforms, acting as a key manifestation of active communication, collaborative knowledge exchange, and the vital synthesis of findings among specialists hailing from various scientific fields, including geography, ecology, hydrology, biology, economics, and sociology. These conferences have collectively fostered a holistic understanding of the disaster, moving beyond isolated disciplinary perspectives to a more integrated assessment of the complex cause-and-effect relationships.To effectively process and interpret this burgeoning scientific output, a specially developed methodology for the typification of scientific sources has been rigorously applied. This methodological framework is structured around two crucial analytical dimensions: a chronological criterion, categorizing research conducted before, during, and after the catastrophic event, and a comprehensive landscape-component criterion. The latter systematically examines the impacts across biotic components, encompassing changes in biodiversity, ecosystem health, and ecological resilience; abiotic components, including profound alterations in hydrological regimes, hydrogeological processes, soil degradation, and geomorphological transformations of the former reservoir bed and riverbanks; and anthropogenic components, addressing severe socio-economic ramifications, damage to critical infrastructure, disruptions to water supply systems, agricultural losses, and the far-reaching impacts on human livelihoods and displacement.The in-depth analysis of the diverse research conducted reveals not only the breadth of academic engagement but also critical insights into the evolving understanding of the catastrophe. It highlights the extensive studies covering landscape transformations, the dynamics of biodiversity change in newly formed and altered ecosystems, the drastic influence on regional hydrological cycles, and the pervasive socio-economic consequences resulting from the destruction of the HPP. Beyond identifying the predominant research directions, the analysis critically pinpointed significant gaps within the current scientific discourse. Notably, there remains insufficient comprehensive coverage and high-resolution data regarding the immediate ecological consequences observed directly during the catastrophe's initial phase.Furthermore, a pressing need for more detailed pre-disaster baseline studies is identified, which are crucial for accurately quantifying environmental changes, alongside a requirement for more extensive, long-term monitoring and in-depth analysis of the complex, interconnected long-term consequences across all affected landscape components and societal spheres.Based on this systematic and critical review of existing knowledge and identified lacunae, priority perspectives for further scientific research are meticulously outlined. These future research directions are strategically formulated to address the critical gaps, enhance predictive capabilities, and ultimately contribute to the development of effective, evidence-based strategies for sustainable regional recovery, comprehensive environmental restoration, and resilient development in the post-catastrophe landscape.These priorities include establishing robust, integrated long-term monitoring systems, developing advanced modeling tools for predicting future environmental trajectories, crafting adaptive management plans for new ecosystems, and informing policy frameworks for regional planning and reconstruction.
MORPHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF THE COASTAL ZONE OF THE DNIPROVSKO-BUZKY LIMAN, BLACK SEA, UKRAINE
The article presents the results of field and remote sensing studies of the morphological conditions of the coastal zone of the Dniprovsko-Buzky Liman. Field studies were conducted in the period from 2012 to 2022, and remote sensing studies were carried out from 2022 to 2025. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the morphological conditions and determine the diversity of the shores along the largest Liman of the Black Sea - the Dniprovsko-Buzky Liman. During the research, the genetic features, morphometric, and morphological parameters of the components of the estuary coastal zone were determined. The description of morphological conditions was based on the results of genetic and spatial analysis, which allowed us to identify five morphogenetic coastal zones along the liman: Dniprovsko- Buzka, Dniprovska, Kinburnska Peninsular, Kinburnka Spit, and Ochakivsko-Buzka.The study found that the morphological conditions of the estuary coastal zone are determined by the geological features of the region, namely the presence of disjunct faults and regional tectonic blocks.The tectonic blocks are characterized by multidirectional movements that have led to the formation of elevated shores in the north and low-lying shores in the south.The elevated nature of the coastline in the north leads to the dominance of abrasive shores, within which there are abrasive, abrasive-collapse, abrasive-slide, and dead cliffs. Along the foot of the cliffs are small beaches of incomplete profile, composed of alluvial sands, shells, and shell detritus. Along the contour of the abrasive shores, on the underwater slope, there are benches, in most cases covered with a thin layer of sand.Along the low-lying coastal areas in the east, south, and west, there are accumulative banks, within which there are phytogenic areas in the form of reed and reed beds, within which silt deposits are actively accumulating. In certain areas of the western part of the southern bank, the accumulative banks are eroding and tend to recede.The results of the study allow for a deeper understanding of the genetic and evolutionary features of the estuary shores and can be used in certain types of anthropogenic activities.
CHANGES IN POPULATION DYNAMICS AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEMS OF SOUTHEASTERN BOYKIVSHCHYNA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE PEREHINSKA SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY)
The article is devoted to the study of population dynamics and the features of the spatial organization of settlement in the Perehinska territorial community of Ivano-Frankivsk region. The historical and geographical prerequisites for the formation of the settlement network in the community are analyzed, and the most important factors influencing population changes, migration processes, and the spatial differentiation of settlement density are identified. The research employs spatial analysis methods, as well as statistical, cartographic, and historical-geographical approaches. The study reveals territorial heterogeneity in the demographic situation: significant population decline in remote mountain villages, stable growth in the administrative center of the community, and internal migration flows directed toward more developed settlements. The influence of natural and geographical conditions on settlement patterns and overall population density is analyzed. Trends that may shape the community's demographic development in the coming years are identified, including the growing share of the administrative center's population and the risks of depopulation in small villages. The results obtained are advisable to use in the preparation of strategic and spatial planning documents for the Perehinska settlement community, such as the integrated development concept and the comprehensive spatial development plan, as well as for developing measures to improve the demographic situation in the community.
DEVELOPMENT OF RESILIENCE OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT IN UKRAINE DURING MILITARY CONFLICT
This article is dedicated to the relatively new concept of resilience, which has evolved from a rather narrow term in ecology and psychology into one that has gained popularity across various fields of science. Particular attention is given to the resilience of Ukrainian cities as an acquired ability to endure the challenging conditions of wartime. The manifestations of the ability to adapt to everyday challenges and to transform the environment in response to existing threats create a field for socio-geographical research.Exogenous and endogenous factors that may cause the emergence of this phenomenon have been identified. The article also explores the challenges of resilience development over time, the nuances of its classification, and the question of differences between rapid (adaptive) and long-term resilience.An analysis of the development of Ukrainian cities under both indirect and direct threats from the Russian Federation leads to the conclusion that, since 2022, Russian aggression has been the primary precondition and determinant for the formation of resilience. This risk factor should be considered key in conducting current research on the Ukrainian urban environment and its resilience.One of the attributes of a full-scale war is air alert, which has become a part of everyday life. The article examines the reaction of urban communities to such alerts and the impact of this factor on the functioning of the largest cities of Ukraine located in different regions (Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv). In particular, it analyzes the number and duration of alerts in 2024, their proportion during the operating hours of shopping malls, and their correlation with the real estate market (rent) over the selected period.The study also offers assumptions regarding directions for further research on this phenomenon.Conclusions are formulated as to why the military conflict should be considered as a key factor influencing Ukrainian cities. And how air alerts, which are one of the manifestations of threats to rear cities, demonstrate the ability of society to resist, absorb, adapt, transform, and recover from the consequences of danger, as, in fact, resilience is understood in a broad sense.
THE GREAT STEPPE DOCTRINE OF UKRAINE AS DEVELOPMENT OF THE MYKHAILO KOLODZINSKYI’S GEOSTRATEGIC IDEAS
Fundamentals of the Mykhailo Kolodzinskyi’s military doctrine of Ukraine are highlighted from the points of view of geopolitics and geosophy. The character of the epoch when it was shaped is lined in the context of the international state of Ukraine at that time. It is stressed that one of properties of that doctrine is the idea of enlarging of Europe to the East throw the integration into it Ukrainian ethnical lands which are situated now in the Russian Federation. The content of alien Ukrainian geopolitical doctrines shaped in the time between two world wars, such as Stepan Rudnytskyi’s Baltic – Black Sea doctrine and Yurii Lypa’s Black sea doctrine is analyzed. A comparative analyze of those doctrines which was realized, argues that the Mykhailo Kolodzinskyi’s construction, properly, like a difference from the others, oriented solely to Europe, has, as a fact, a Eurasian direction as soon as it provides enlarging boundaries of Europe throw its diffusion to Asia. It is accented also about the place of the Mykhailo Kolodzinskyi’s geopolitical doctrine among global space constructions of the first half of the XX century such as Halford Mackinder’s and Nicholas Spykman’s geopolitical doctrines based on the idea of opposition the maritime and continental forces. It is accented that the content of the Mykhailo Kolodzinskyi’s doctrine is oriented to the fight for domination over the Heartland as the world’s pivot. It is lined that the present day of Ukraine signified by the Russian-Ukrainian war, brightly actualizes the Mykhailo Kolodzinskyi’s geopolitical doctrine, as soon as its realization objectively promotes the disintegration of Russia. The development of the Mykhailo Kolodzinskyi’s conception in the modern conditions provides a political rapprochement of the countries of the Great Steppe, especially Ukraine and Kazakhstan. So, a modernized Great Steppe Ukrainian geopolitical doctrine may be shaped as no opposite, but complementally to the Baltic – Black Sea conception. In the middle-time perspective Ukraine could take up one of the leading positions in the region of the Great Steppe. As a geosophical content of this renewed doctrine may become accenting on the steppe space which can win the subjectivity in the whole Eurasia. In the same time, realization of the Ukrainian Great Steppe doctrine could allow to remove Russia a monopoly on Eurasian space conceptions and formulate a non-Russian Eurasian geopolitical alternative.
ASSESSMENT OF PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS: IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE CHORNOBYL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The article is dedicated to developing and implementing a Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) assessment method within the activities of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve (ChREBR). The relevance of PAME assessment for achieving international and national nature conservation goals is substantiated, especially in the context of the absence of an approved national methodology and challenges caused by the war. Existing international approaches to PAME assessment and the experience of their application worldwide are analyzed. The research aimed to develop and practically apply an adapted PAME assessment methodology in ChREBR, analyze the results obtained, and disseminate the experience. The development is based on the METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) method, which has been gradually implemented in the reserve. The result of the assessment was the overall management effectiveness index defined of the ChREBR. The strengths (planning, outcomes) and weaknesses (inputs, processes) of management were identified. Recommendations were made to improve management, in particular, to involve communities, demarcate boundaries, improve planning, and fundraising. A conclusion was made about the successful implementation of the adapted METT method in the reserve. The obtained effectiveness index correlates with the average values for other protected areas in Ukraine. Further research into the impact of the implementation of the method on the quality of management of the protected area is a prospect.
TERRITORIAL IDENTITY IN THE CONTEXT OF RESISTANCE TO RUSSIAN EXPANSION
The article examines the use of oikonyms as a marker of territorial identity and a means of geopolitical influence. The influence of the Soviet Union on the territorial identity of the population of Ukraine is analyzed, in particular, the Soviet practice of renaming settlements within the framework of the instrumentalist approach to territorial identity, which was aimed at the unification of cultural space and the weakening of local identity. The differences in the spread of Soviet toponymy on the territory of Ukraine are analyzed using the example of Chernihiv, Luhansk, Kirovohrad, Ternopil regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The instrumentalist approach of the Russian Federation to territorial identity, based on the restoration of Soviet toponyms in the occupied territories as a means of legitimizing expansion, is considered. The role of geopolitical narratives is analyzed, in particular, the role of local and global geopolitical narratives and their connection with the toponymy of Ukraine. Toponymic practices are analyzed within the framework of postcolonial theory. The similarity between the colonial practices of renaming toponyms in the British Empire and the Soviet methods of changing the names of settlements is noted. In particular, the renaming of local names in the British colonies is compared with the Russification of toponyms in the USSR, as well as giving geographical objects the names of prominent political figures. Special attention is paid to decommunization as a form of decolonization and protection of national identity. At the same time, it is noted that the relations of the Russian Federation with post-Soviet countries are more complex than classical colonial ties, since Russia uses the Soviet legacy for imperial influence on Ukraine. Russian toponymic practices are considered a form of neo-colonialism.The process of decommunization of toponymy is considered as an element of national security policy, which should counteract the use of toponymy as a tool of hybrid aggression. It is proposed to create a national policy of renaming oikonyms as an element of information stability, as well as the introduction of modern Ukrainian oikonyms as part of the decommunization process.
PRINCIPLES OF SHAPING SPATIAL RESILIENCE OF URBAN AREAS
The article examines the evolution of the concept of urban resilience in both global and Ukrainian contexts under the influence of global and local crisis challenges. Special attention is paid to spatial resilience as the capacity of the physical urban environment to adapt to shocks and ensure sustainable development. As modern cities increasingly face new types of threats — from climate and technological to social and military — there is a growing need to rethink the theoretical foundations that determine the adaptability of urban space. The aim of this article is to identify and formulate the key principles of spatial resilience, which constitute the theoretical basis of this concept. The main research objectives are to define the place and boundaries of the concept of “urban resilience” in the theory of spatial development of urban areas; to describe the mechanism of interaction between the modern core concepts of spatial development — “sustainable development” and “urban resilience”; and to formulate and describe the key principles of spatial resilience. A set of complementary methods was applied, including theoretical analysis and synthesis, comparative-analytical method, and systems approach. As a result of the research, it was determined that the concept of sustainable development, by integrating the notion of urban resilience, retains its role as an organizing principle for shaping spatial development strategies capable of adapting to contemporary challenges. It was revealed that a critical event can drastically alter the trajectory of spatial development in cities, pushing them through sequential phases that unfold within the framework of the urban resilience regime. It was also established that spatial resilience of urban areas should be regarded as a multidimensional crisis response mode, grounded in the interaction of six core principles — sufficiency, relevance, balance, interconnectedness, priority, and inclusiveness.
SUSTAINABLE REGENERATION OF FLOODED QUARRIES AS A PREREQUISITE FOR THE CREATION OF TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEXES (THE CASE OF KRYVYI RIH)
The article explores a significant multifaceted problem, the correct solution of which will have a significant positive impact on the development of recreation and tourism in Kryvyi Rih, a powerful industrial center of Ukraine, and will serve as a successful example of the regeneration of abandoned quarry landscapes. Today, the key question, not only in Kryvyi Rih, is the issue of recreation for local residents and city guests, as holidays on the seashores have become risky and almost impossible, city beaches have not been allowed to organize swimming areas for several years in a row, and suburban recreation centers have a rather limited resource and, as a rule, the price-quality ratio is not adequate. On the other hand, the city has a fairly large number of abandoned quarries that have been filled with water and have been used as spontaneous recreation sites for many years, which is also dangerous. The authors in their research propose to find a solution to this problem, gradually studying the world experience of regeneration and re-profiling of former quarries, using their own experience in organizing and conducting excursions and tours to the city, where visiting both active iron ore quarries and surprisingly aesthetically attractive quarry lakes is mandatory in the program. The article conducts a comparative analysis of the suitability of Kryvyi Rih quarries (Karachunivskyi, Kresіvskyi, and Vizyrka) for recreational and tourist activities and determines the most suitable for regeneration – Kresovsky quarry. To create a regeneration project for this object, the authors selected the Business Model Canvas and substantiated the «Business model of creative tourism «Green Wave Park» Eco-adventures in a flooded granite quarry». A successful choice of regeneration model and the implementation of sustainable practices will reduce the risks of operating such abandoned quarries, create valuable ecosystems and make a contribution to the balanced development of the community and a more sustainable environmentally friendly future.
DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY TOURISM IN THE DEOCCUPIED TERRITORIES: ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE RIGHT BANK OF KHERSON REGION
The article highlights that despite the challenges posed by war and pandemics, tourism in Ukraine continues. Research shows that a significant portion of Ukrainians continue to travel within the country. A notable trend in Ukrainian tourism is the emergence and development of military tourism in de-occupied territories. This type of tourism is becoming a relevant tool for preserving historical memory and rebuilding regions affected by armed conflict. The article analyzes the experience of the «Visit Ukraine» public association in proposing tourist routes specifically in de-occupied territories. The goal of the article is to analyze the potential for developing military tourism in the de-occupied territories of Kherson region as a result of Russian aggression (using two territorial communities as examples). The most affected settlements, with their residential buildings, infrastructure, local population with their tragic experiences, and newly formed belligerent landscapes, are considered from the perspective of development and opportunities rather than decline. The authors provide a list of potential tourist locations in the Vysokopilska and Velykoaleksandrivka communities, based on a detailed description of the damage and destruction presented by the Ukrainian Research Society in the Atlases of Conditions and Resources for pre-war development and post-war reconstruction of the studied territorial communities. It is noted that studying the potential for developing tourism in areas affected by armed conflict opens up prospects for regional revival and preserving historical memory. However, the implementation of such initiatives requires a balanced approach that takes into account ethical aspects and the needs of local communities. In particular, tourist routes should be organized in a way that does not diminish the significance of human losses and does not turn places of tragedy into entertainment venues. It is important to involve community members in the development and implementation of tourism projects. The article emphasizes that the primary condition for the development of military tourism in de-occupied territories remains the issue of security.
FEATURES OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MONITORING OF SMALL RIVERS IN CONDITIONS OF URBANIZATION AND MILITARY ACTIONS
The article addresses the urgent issue of planning and implementing monitoring of small rivers in the context of urbanization and military actions. The authors analyze the current state of the hydrographic network in Zhytomyr region and reveal that small rivers form the majority of surface water resources. The features of state monitoring of surface waters are examined, highlighting that small rivers flowing through urban environments and experiencing significant anthropogenic impact are not covered by the observation system. Using the Kamyanka River as an example, monitoring of hydrochemical indicators was conducted from 2019 to 2023, revealing exceedances in Chemical Oxygen Demand and total iron levels. These results are compared with data from the Teteriv River. The authors consider the impact of military actions in Zhytomyr region on the area's hydrological network and present a map of affected water bodies. The paper outlines the specifics of implementing small river monitoring in wartime conditions, including: prioritizing personnel safety, utilizing remote data collection methods, rapid response to environmental changes, integrating diverse information sources, focusing on detecting specific military pollutants, developing predictive models of pollution spread, increased attention to groundwater conditions, and establishing inter-agency and international cooperation. Prospective research directions are proposed, including the development of automated early pollution detection systems, creation of comprehensive models for aquatic ecosystem restoration, and advancement of biomonitoring methods adapted to conditions of increased anthropogenic pressure.
RESULTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF DYNAMIC TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIGENOUS ABRASION COAST WITHIN THE TENDRA–DZHARYLGACH SYSTEM (BLACK SEA, UKRAINE)
The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of dynamic processes on the indigenous abrasion coast within the Tendra–Dzharylgach system on the northwestern coast of the Black Sea. The study covers the period from 1965 to 2024 and includes an analysis of previous research, fieldwork (from 2018 to December 2021), and a retrospective analysis of satellite images for the periods 1965–1973, 1973–2006, 2006–2019, and 2019–2023. The main objective of the study is to determine the dynamic trends in coastal development, assess the impact of coastal protection structures, and predict future changes. It was found that the construction of coastal protection complexes led to local changes but, in turn, caused the activation of abrasion processes on unprotected areas. Field studies have shown that abrasion processes have significant spatial differences, depending on morphological and hydrodynamic conditions, as well as anthropogenic factors. The retrospective analysis of satellite images, conducted using GIS, confirmed these results and revealed spatial differences in the intensity of abrasion processes. In particular, the most intensive processes were observed in the areas of Zalizny Port and Lazurne. A comparison of remote sensing and field research data was conducted. Specifically, the results of field studies conducted by scientists in the 1950s–60s and 1980s–90s correlate with the data obtained during the retrospective analysis of satellite images. The study's conclusions emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to managing coastal zones to minimize the negative effects of abrasion. The study also highlights the importance of considering natural conditions and dynamic processes when planning and implementing coastal protection measures. The lack of a systematic approach and excessive anthropogenic activity can lead to unpredictable consequences, such as the activation of abrasion processes in other areas of the coast.
THE BOMBED SCHOOLS OF KHERSON: THE SPATIAL ASPECT OF EDUCATIONAL LOSSES
The article analyzes the significant educational losses and structural changes in the general secondaryeducation system of the Kherson city community as a result of the war, covering both students'academic performance and the school infrastructure's physical condition. The study also examines theprimary unevenness of the location of educational institutions, which was confirmed by an analysisusing Voronoi polygons. The problem of reducing the number of students in the Kherson communityis particularly acute. From the beginning of the war to the beginning of the 2024/25 school year, thenumber of students decreased from 32,500 to 21,000. This trend has intensified as a result of theoccupation of the territories, shelling, and psychological factors that have influenced parents' choicesto continue their children's education. Some children from the occupied territories were registeredin Kherson schools, but the overall number of students has declined sharply. The institutions withthe most significant losses are divided into small schools, institutions that have suffered significantdamage, and institutions whose reputations have suffered due to cooperation with the occupiers.Against demographic losses, the decline in academic performance is also significant. A comparisonof the 2021 EIT and 2024 NMT results showed only a conditional increase in average scores due to adecrease in the number of students in high school. For many highly rated schools (school #30, school #36, educational complex #56), a decrease inresults by 5–10% was recorded, indicating a deterioration in the quality of the educational process.At the same time, some institutions have demonstrated an increase in performance due to the transferof students from other schools. The material losses to the educational infrastructure are large-scaleand critical for further recovery. All educational institutions in Kherson were damaged, and the totaldamage to real estate exceeds one billion hryvnias. Five schools were utterly destroyed. Additional losseswere caused by the destruction of equipment, machinery, and school supplies that were looted by theoccupiers or flooded after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station was blown up. Further restorationof Kherson's educational system requires a comprehensive approach, considering the location of studentsand teachers, many of whom are abroad. Large-scale infrastructure damage and demographic changesexacerbate educational losses, prolonging the time it takes to rebuild the school network.
TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION OF RETAIL NETWORKS OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR (EXAMPLE OF «SILPO-FOOD» LLC)
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine at the beginning of 2022 had a significant impact on thework of the largest domestic food retail chains, whose trade facilities were forced to relocate, especiallyin the southeastern regions of the country. The purpose of the study is to analyze the transformationprocesses of the development of the territorial organization of the regional chain of supermarkets«Silpo-food» LLC, as one of the leading food operators in the country, in the conditions of a full-scalemilitary intervention of the aggressor country. To achieve the goal, the author summarized the maintrends and challenges for the operation of the objects of this network in the complex conditions of socioeconomicdevelopment, determined the potentially possible total amount of financial losses for the lostsupermarkets of the operator in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbass and Prydniprovya, andrevealed a quantitative representation of new retail locations of the network opened regionally during2022–23. It was found that from April to December 2022, the «Silpo» chain opened 8 new supermarketswith a total retail area of 10.6 thousand m2, mainly in regional and sub-regional centers of Kyiv and Lviv regions. In 2023, the operator continued active regional expansion by opening 11 new retail outlets(15.2 thousand m2) in the western and central regions, increasing their quantitative representation inthe network to 312 supermarkets. At the same time, our calculations showed that the total sales area forthe lost supermarkets of the chain in the above-mentioned temporarily occupied territories was about25.2 thousand m2, and the potentially possible total volume of turnover obtained by these enterprises in2022, under the condition of their usual mode of operation in peacetime time would amount to no lessthan UAH 3.7 billion.