VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Tetiana Kucher
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL OPTIMIZATION OF THE
ECOLOGICAL NETWORK OF THE VINNYTSIA REGION
Master Thesis
Study Programme Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, state code 6211DX012
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Algimantas Paulauskas _________ ______
- (signature)
- (date)
Defended: Dean of the Faculty Natural Sciences Prof. Dr. Saulius Mickevicius_________ ______
- (signature)
- (date)
KAUNAS, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………….....3 SANTRAUKA…………………………………………………………………………………….4 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS……………………………………………………………………..5 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………6
1. LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………………………………...8
1.1. Basic establishment principles of the ecological network………………………………...8
1.1.1 Organizing the establishment of an ecological network at European level…...……..8
1.1.1.1 Global international agreements (conventions)………………………….....8 1.1.1.2 Pan-European international agreements…………………………………..10
1.1.2 Legal support the formation in the Ukrainian ecological network…..………….....12 1.1.3 Scientific and methodological support in the formation of an ecological
network………………………………………………………………….………………...16
1.1.3.1 Scientific and methodological principles of creating an ecological
network…………………………………………………………………………....16
1.1.3.2 Scientific developments to ensure the formation of an ecological
network……………………………………………………………………………17
1.1.4 Structural elements of the national ecological network…………..……………..….19
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS……………………………………………………………..23
2.1. Ecological and geographical characteristics of the research region…………………..….23
2.1.1. Geographical location and administrative-territorial
structure…………………………………………………………………………………...23
2.1.2. Features of relief and hydroclimatic conditions in Vinnytsia
region……………………………………………………………………………………...25
2.2. Methods of forming a regional ecological network………………………………………25
3. RESULTS…………………………………………………………………………………….28
3.1. Structure of the regional ecological network of Vinnytsia region………………………..28
3.1.1. Key areas…………………………………………………………………………...29
3.1.2. Connecting territories………………………………………………………………36
3.1.3. Restoration areas…………………………………………………………………...38
3.1.4. Buffer zones……………………………………………………………..................39
3.2. Characteristics of biodiversity in Vinnitsa region……………………………..................39
3.2.1 General characteristics of plant diversity in Vinnytsia region……………………...39 3.2.2. General characteristics of zoological diversity in Vinnytsia
region………………………………………………………………………………….….40
3.2.3. Sozological assessment of zoological diversity of vertebrates of Vinnytsia
region……………………………………………………………………………………..42
3.3. Structural-functional optimization of eco network in Vinnytsa
region………………………………………………………………………………………….43
3.3.1. Structural and functional analysis of the protected area in Vinnytsia
region……………………………………………………………………………………..44
4. DISCUSSION .…………………………………………………………………………….....49
4.1. Perspective directions and ways of formation of the regional ecological network of
Vinnytsia region…………………………………………………………………………..49
CONCLUSIONS…………………………………………………………………………............54
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................55
ACCESSORIES…………………………………………………………………………………..61
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ABSTRACT
Author of Master Thesis: Full title of Master Thesis:
Tetiana Kucher
Structural and functional optimization of the ecological network of the Vinnytsia region.
- Supervisor:
- prof. dr. Algimantas Paulauskas
- Presented at:
- Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of
Biology, Kaunas, 23.06.2020
- Number of pages:
- 59
- 9
- Number of tables:
Number of pictures: Number of appendices:
57
The purpose of this master's work is to study the spatial structure of the ecological network for the functional completeness and the effectiveness of ensuring the conservation of biodiversity. This research presents an analysis of the main normative and legal bases of forming an ecological network, the coverage of the current state of biodiversity. The study was done using analytical, descriptive, retrospective methods of analysis, the features of structure and functions of Vinnytsa regional ecological network. There were demonstrated dynamics of the formation of the NRF network and the distribution of protected objects among administrative regions with the help of statistical and comparative analysis of data. The results revealed the necessity to revise the current structure of econetwork and creation of new reserves in order to improve the functional efficiency of the network. The results suggest paying more attention to providing multifunctionality to eco-network elements, as well as avoiding the creation of island objects.
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SANTRAUKA
- Bakalauro darbo autorius:
- Tetiana Kucher
- Bakalauro darbo pavadinimas:
- Vinycios regiono ekologinio tinklo
struktūrinis ir funkcinis optimizavimas.
- Vadovas:
- prof. Algimantas Paulauskas
- Darbas pristatytas:
- Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of
Biology, Kaunas, 23.06.2020
Puslapių skaičius: Lentelių skaičius: Paveikslų skaičius: Priedų skaičius:
59
957
Magistro darbo tikslas - ištirti ekologinio tinklo erdvinę struktūrą siekiant funkcinio išbaigtumo ir veiksmingumo užtikrinant biologinės įvairovės išsaugojimą. Tyrime išanalizuoti
pagrindiniai normatyviniai ir teisiniai ekologinio tinklo formavimo pagrindai. Buvo apžvelgta dabartinė biologinės įvairovės būklė. Naudojant analitinius, aprašomuosius, retrospektyvius analizės metodus, buvo tiriamos Vinnitsa regioninio ekologinio tinklo struktūros ir funkcijų ypatybės. Atlikus statistinę ir lyginamąją duomenų analizę, buvo parodyta NRF tinklo formavimosi dinamika ir saugomų objektų pasiskirstymas tarp administracinių regionų. Rezultatai parodė, kad siekiant pagerinti tinklo funkcinį efektyvumą būtina peržiūrėti dabartinę ekologinio tinklo struktūrą ir sukurti naujus rezervus. Rezultatai rodo, kad reikia daugiau dėmesio skirti ekologinio tinklo elementų daugiafunkciškumui, taip pat vengti kurti salų objektus.
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
BR - Biosphere Reserve DADENR - Department of Agro-Industrial Development, Ecology and Natural Resources; DLR - Department of Land Resources DLR - Department of Land Resources; DP - dendrological park ECVSCC - executive committees of village, settlement and city councils. ERL - The European Red List; GIS - geographic information systems; NM - natural monuments, NNP - national nature parks, NR - nature reserves NRF – Nature reserve found PA - protected areas, PMLGA - park-monuments of landscape-gardening art. RBU – Red book of Ukraine; RDFH - Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting; RLP - regional landscape park, ІВА - (Important Bird Area)
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INTRODUCTION
Actuality of theme. Due to the intensive loss of biodiversity, in the twentieth century, the formation of a legal framework aimed at nature conservation activities, this lead to the development of methods and measures for conservation of landscape, ecosystem and genetic diversity began.
Ukraine has ratified a number of conventions and treaties and launched a fundamentally new line of political activity aimed at preserving natural landscapes, species and habitats, as well as introducing a sustainable use of nature (Nagorniuk et al., 2017). An effective way to achieve all of these points is to create and optimize the eco-network at all levels of its organization - local, regional, national and pan-European. Each of them has its own specific structural elements and requires the use of an individual compound of methods, principles and criteria for the selection of territories for potential involvement.
The physical and geographical conditions in the Vinnytsia region determine the qualitative and quantitative indicators of its diversity. Vinnytsia region is located in the central part of Ukraine, which serves as an explanation for its temperate continental climate with mild temperature fluctuations. The relief is heterogeneous, represented by an elevated plateau with numerous outcrops of rocks, which led to the formation of numerous valleys, beams, quarries, etc. An extensive river network is observed on the territory of the region, forming wetlands, which are habitats and breeding sites for species. Forests, steppe and meadow complexes are also natural for the Eastern Podillya, which provided conditions for the formation of a considerable diverse flora (Mudrak, et al., 2018a, Tkach et al. 2016) and fauna here. However, anthropogenic interference with the structure of biogeocenoses, and especially the uncontrolled influence of agro-industrial and agricultural activities, led to a decrease in the number or even to the destruction of many habitats and consequently species.
The mission of the Vinnytsia Regional Ecological Network is to ensure the effective protection of natural areas and the re-naturalization of partially altered or degraded territories. Its structure is now branched, but still heterogeneous and fragmented. Expanding the territories and increasing the efficiency of the functioning of the structural elements of the regional network will provide a possibility to take real steps towards the conservation and restoration of the natural state of biodiversity of the country and Europe (as three sub-meridional eco-corridors passes through Vinnytsia region). That is the reason why biodiversity research and analysis of the spatial organization of Vinnytsia regional eco-network with the purpose of its optimization are topical issues and need special attention.
The object of the study is the factors influencing the structural elements of the regional econetwork of Vinnytsia region, optimization, implementation, balanced use.
The subject of the study is the structural elements of the ecological network of Vinnytsia region.
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Purpose of the study: to identify ways of structural and functional optimization of the ecological network of Vinnitsa region.
To achieve this, the following tasks have been set and need to be addressed: 1. to investigate the regulatory support for the formation of an eco-network at the pan-
European, national and regional levels;
2. to study and analyze the ecological and geographical characteristics of the study area; 3. to find out the method of formation of regional ecological network; 4. to study and analyze the structure of the currently functioning regional eco-network of
Vinnytsia region;
5. to find out the peculiarities of Vinnitsa biodiversity, to compile general characteristics of the flora and fauna diversity;
6. to make a sozological assessment of the zoological diversity of vertebrates of Vinnytsia region;
7. to analyze the previous experience and practical achievements in the formation of the ecological network of Vinnytsia region and to propose ways of structural and functional optimization of the network.
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1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1. Basic principles of establishment of the environmental network
1.1.1. Organizing the establishment of an ecological network on the European level
The Ukrainian regulatory framework providing the formation of the ecological network and the protection of biodiversity was created by analogy and as an adaptation to the provisions of the European Strategy for the Conservation of Biological and Landscape Diversity (1995). In order to fulfil the requirements and recommendations of this Strategy, Ukraine adopted the National Program of Formation of the National Ecological Network of Ukraine for 2000–2015 of September 21, 2000,
as well as the Law of Ukraine “About the Ecological Network of Ukraine” of June 24, 2004
(Vashchishin, 2014a). Therefore, it would be appropriate to first consider first some stages of the formation of European environmental law and international multilateral agreements, conventions, protocols, which were ratified by Ukraine and had a direct impact on the legal principles of conservation and protection of its landscape and biological diversity.
1.1.1.1. Global international agreements (conventions)
These agreements aim to develop methods and ways of the protection of species, genetic and ecosystem diversity. International conventions allow to clarify the definition of international legal relations; contribute to the improvement and complication of the national environmental regulatory framework (since it is focused on international, European legislation); provide a mechanism for financing environmental activities at the international level and stimulate scientific activity.
1) Ramsar Convention on wetlands, Ramsar, Iran, 1971. The Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Constitution of Ukraine, 1996).
The purpose of the convention is to ensure the conservation of wetlands of international importance by rational use, visionary policies, the establishment of international cooperation, the creation of protected areas. It was ratified by Ukraine on 29.10.1996 (Mudrak et al., 2018e).
According to this convention each Contracting Party will designate suitable wetlands within its territory for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance, which then will be stored in the Bureau. The boundaries of each wetland will be accurately described and mapped. It may include coastal river and marine areas adjacent to wetlands, and islands or marine areas exceeding six meters in depth at outflow within wetlands, especially where, where there are important as a habitat for waterfowl. Wetlands should be selected for the List in view by their international importance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology. First of all, wetlands of international importance for waterfowl at any time of the year should be included (Constitution of Ukraine, 1996).
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2) The World Heritage Convention, Paris, France, 1972 Convention on the Protection of the
World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The purpose of the convention is to ensure the protection of cultural and natural heritage of unique and universal value through the compilation of World Heritage Sites.
Ratified 4.10.1988 (Mudrak et al., 2018e). “For the purposes of this Convention, "natural heritage" means: natural monuments created by physical and biological entities or groups of such entities of outstanding universal value in terms of aesthetics or science; geological and physiographic formations and severely restricted areas, which are habitats of endangered species of animals and plants of outstanding universal value in terms of science or conservation; natural landmarks or severely restricted natural areas of outstanding universal value in terms of science, conservation or natural beauty” (Constitution of Ukraine, 1988).
3) CITES, Washington, USA, 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The purpose of the Convention is to regulate the export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species of wild flora and fauna, to prevent the over-exploitation of endangered species. Accession to the Convention of 14 May 1999 (Mudrak et al., 2018e; Constitution of Ukraine, 1999).
4) Bonn Convention, Bonn, Germany, 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species of Wild Animals.
The purpose of the convention is to create conditions for the protection of migratory species whose conservation status is unfavorable and their natural environments by concluding relevant international agreements, strict introduction regulation (if appropriate), establishing a ban on extraction (Mudrak et al., 2018e; Constitution of Ukraine, 1999). Law of Ukraine on Accession to the Convention of March 19, 1999.
5) CBD, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992. Convention on Biological Diversity. The purpose of the Convention is to conserve biological diversity, to make sustainable use of its components and to share on a fair and equitable basis the benefits associated with the use of genetic resources. The sharing of benefits should be made by providing the necessary access to genetic resources and by appropriately transferring corresponding technologies, taking into account all rights to such resources and technology as well as through proper funding (Constitution of Ukraine, 1999; Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 2001, 2004). Ratified by Ukraine on 11.29.1994.
According to the provisions of the Convention, biological diversity is understood not only as living things, but also as their habitats, as ecosystems, as components of ecological complexes, emphasizing their inalienability (Global Biodiversity Outlook, 2001). Therefore, the Contracting
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Parties undertake to develop and implement integrated strategies, plans, programs and measures aimed at the protection of territories and species (in-situ) and their sustainable use.
1.1.1.2. Pan-European international agreements
Europe-wide agreements clearly identify a strategy for biodiversity conservation in the context of the species' environment: initiating and supporting recreational processes in ecosystems, reducing the burden on particularly significant areas, increasing the number and area of such regions (Appendix 7), rational use of natural resources, including biodiversity (Miller, 1994; Heywood et al, Global Biodiversity Assessment, 1995; Mudrak& Nagorniuk, 2010b).
1) Berne Convention, Bern, Switzerland, 1979 Convention on the Conservation of European
Wildlife and Natural Habitats (including the Emerald Network).
The purpose of the convention is the protection of populations of wild fauna and flora, especially those, which need to be protected by several States and those that are vulnerable or endangered (Constitution of Ukraine, 1996). Law of Ukraine on Accession to the Convention of 29.10.1996
A prerequisite for the establishment and adoption of the Berne Convention was the trend of declining populations of wildlife in Europe. Among the causes of this phenomenon, the most significant was the anthropogenic interference with the natural course of life processes of species. For example, pollution of ecosystems with industrial emissions, drainage, ploughing, depletion, salinization of land, use of herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers; unauthorized deforestation, overfishing, heavy tourist load, etc. All these factors change the state of the environment, thereby altering the distribution within the ecosystems and ecosystems. Because species are not able to adapt to new conditions so quickly, the ratio of dominant and sub-dominant often changes. Such changes might lead to degradation of the ecosystem, reducing its information content, incomplete use of resources, imbalance of material and energy flows. This in turn leads to a decrease in the competitiveness and ability of the species to withstand the biological invasion.
The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats draws attention to biodiversity in the context of the conservation of not only species but also their natural habitats, which is necessary condition for the survival and maintenance of all life cycles, including the migration of certain species, whose protection require collaborations of several states.
The Emerald Network is one of the effective projects created under the Berne Convention.
The Emerald Network is a network of areas of special European significance with protected status. “It is developed, initiated and controlled by the Berne Convention to promote nature conservation in non-EU countries by establishing an agreement on the protection of the habitat network. Legislative
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act - Directive 92/43 / EC of 21 May 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Species of the NATURA 2000. It should be noted that the network is being developed in accordance with the Birds Directive (Directive No 2009/147 / EC on the Protection of Wild Birds) - Special Protection Areas and the Sites of Community Importance” (Mudrak et al., 2018e, p.78).
NATURA 2000 sites exist in 27 EU countries and vary in size from several hectares to thousands of square kilometres, covering both land and much of the sea. This network, composed of sites which are types of natural habitats in general and habitats of certain species should allow maintaining or, where necessary, restoration of a favourable conservation status in their area of appropriate types of natural habitats and habitats of the relevant species (Vashchishin, 2014a).
The Emerald Network and NATURA 2000 sites form the core of the Pan-European
Ecological Network (PEEN). An important feature of the network is that it includes not only nature conservation sites and territories where any interference and anthropogenic loading is prohibited, but also privately owned land, which use is environmentally safe and appropriate.
2) Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International
Lakes, Helsinki, Finland, 1992.
The purpose of the Convention is to introduce and implement measures to prevent, limit and reduce water pollution, which is caused or may be caused by a transboundary impact; ensuring reasonable, rational use of water resources, their conservation, environmental protection and restoration of ecosystems (Constitution of Ukraine, 1992).
Ratified on 19.03.1999. 3) European Landscape Convention, Florence, Italy, 2000. The purpose of the convention is to create a new tool for the protection (preservation and maintenance of important or characteristic features of the landscape), regulation (ensuring the permanent retention of the landscape to harmonize change) and the planning (improvement, restoration or creation of landscapes) of all landscapes in Europe.
Ratified on 07.09.2005. Europe's geographical location determines the wide landscape, ecosystems and species diversity. Favourable conditions, including climatic conditions, enabled the multilateral evolutionary development of flora and fauna. The problem is that for many decades these natural resources have been rapidly depleting. Industrialization, agricultural and general anthropogenic, technological impact have contributed to the irreversible destruction of many settlements and, as a consequence, species.
The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS) was developed on the basis of many existing initiatives and programs, such as the Berne Convention, the European Conservation Strategy (1990), and the United Nations Conference on the Environment and