Aim. To identify the trends in ecological and geochemical transformations of the soil cover of the territories of the cities of Smolensk, Vyazma, Roslavl, Yartsevo and Gagarin of the Smolensk region under the influence of anthropogenic impact.

Methodology. Based on the use of archival materials, in the immediate vicinity of these cities the sites that were not subjected to anthropogenic impact were identified and stated as the background sites. Laboratory studies of the soil samples of various functional zones of the cities of the Smolensk region were carried out to determine the physicochemical properties and content of geochemically mobile forms of metals Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb by the method of flame atomic absorption on the atomic absorption spectrometer “Spectrum – 5”. The iron content in the soils was carried out colorimetrically (with sulfosalicylic acid) on a photoelectric photometer KKK2MP. The obtained indices of the mobile forms of metals Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Fe were compared with the indices of the background sites.

Results. The obtained results of the comparative analysis revealed changes in the physicochemical properties of the soils of the cities of the Smolensk region. Changes in the pH value towards a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction have been established, which in turn affects the decrease in the mobility of metals. The analysis of soil contamination with heavy metals of urban landscapes of the Smolensk region showed that the cities of Vyazma and Smolensk revealed the highest concentrations of zinc in soils. The copper content in the soil cover of the cities of the Smolensk region significantly exceeds the regional background level. Manganese, belonging to hazard class 3, in the soils of the cities of the region slightly exceeds the background level. In general, there is a low monoelement and complex pollution of the soils of the cities of the Smolensk region. It was established that the greatest contamination of the soil cover was detected in Vyazma and Smolensk.

Research implications. The obtained results can be used for monitoring studies of the impact of man-made sources of pollution on the adjacent territory and forecasting the environmental situation in cities, as well as for planning measures aimed at improving the quality of the urban environment.

Aim. To analyze the changes in the green belt of the city of Smolensk that occurred from 2017 to 2022.

Methodology. The main research methods that were used in the work are field research, statistical and cartographic methods. The authors analyzed scientific, regulatory and legal sources, information abstracted from the Unified State Register of Real Estate. This data covers the conditions of the use of the territories. The observations covered the period from 2017 to 2022.

Results. One of the main areas of environmental protection is the creation of protected areas at various levels. The Smolensk region was the first in Russia to organize a green forest belt around the city of Smolensk in 2017. Maps of the green protective belt of the city of Smolensk and a separate new cluster – Pasovsky – forest were compiled. The transition of the protected area “Vyazovenka – Pasovsky forest” from the rank of protected areas of local significance to a natural monument of regional significance will allow preserving territories that are valuable in scientific, ecological, recreational, aesthetic terms.

There is a unique natural complex of the territory, which includes valuable tree species and plantations of Siberian larch, exotic for the zone of mixed (coniferous-deciduous) forests.

The forest pathological study of tree plantations showed that the main diseases common in the park are necrosis-cancer and rot diseases of trees. Manifestations of diseases are noted in 15–20% of the forest.

Currently, work is underway to increase its size and form an effective spatial structure by including additional territories located in different parts of the city and suburbs, which will create a full-fledged environmental shield for the city of Smolensk.

Creation of the protected area of the regional level “Vyazovenka – Pasovsky Forest” will preserve natural complexes that are well accessible to the residents of Smolensk, on the territory of which rational nature management is possible, as well as the organization and conduct of monitoring studies and effective control over compliance with environmental legislation.

Research implications. The study of actual changes in the green belt of the city of Smolensk was performed for the first time. A quantitative and qualitative assessment of the changes that have taken place in the protected area “Vyazovenka – Pasovsky forest” is given. The results obtained will contribute to understanding how the development of green areas will affect the improvement of the ecological state of the urban environment.

Aim.  To study the environmental problems of the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain as a specially protected natural area in connection with the topical issue of housing, business, sports and recreational development and construction.

Methodology. Materials on construction and violation of the ecological situation and ultra-high resolution satellite images were analyzed, biogeographic observations on the ground were made.

Results. A few environmental problems have been identified: a large number of landfills, the failure of the Moskvoretsky Arboretum project, the withdrawal of near ¼ of the floodplain territory from protected areas in 2018, construction  sites with a height of 75 m on the main part of the floodplain, a threat to the existence of valuable natural complexes. The atlas information system of the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain was designed.

Research implications.  Environmental violations and their consequences during the modern development of the floodplain were identified, the role of multi-temporal satellite images was determined, methodological approaches to the creation of an atlas information system were developed.

Aim. To determine the role of chromosomal polymorphism in the adaptation of malaria mosquito populations to different landscape zones.

Methodology. Cytogenetic analysis of samples of malarial mosquitoes in 10 landscape zones (subzones) of Eastern Europe and Southern Urals was performed. Species composition and frequencies of chromosomal inversions in Anopheles messeae s. l. mosquitoes, including sibling species of An. daciae and An. messeae s. s., were determined from the structure of polytene chromosomes of larvae.

Results. It was established that populations of each landscape zone (subzone) are characterized by a certain composition and frequencies of chromosomal inversions. In the steppe zone, species-specific inversions XL₀ and 2R₀ of An. daciae predominate; in the taiga zone, inversions XL₁ and 2R₁ of An. messeae s. s. are common. Populations of the sub-taiga zone are characterized by intermediate frequencies of inversions.

Research implications. It is shown that the landscape zone has its own historically established karyotypic structure of malarial mosquito populations.

Aim. To evaluate the current state of agricultural primitivization and search for ways of possible agricultural development in the Smolensk region in the face of complex processes in the economy of Russia and the subject of the Federation.

Methodology. The analysis of factors of primitivization formation in agriculture of the Smolensk region is carried out. To understand the current processes, it was necessary to introduce and delimit the concept of «primitivization of agriculture» by territory, to identify clear features that are characteristic of the Smolensk region. The role of the region in the country’s economy and the possibilities of its studying were analyzed based on the available scientific sources. Dynamic trends were calculated, which made it possible to compare the region with the surrounding territories and draw conclusions about the ongoing processes. The study used the method of comparative analysis and typology, comparative historical method, factor analysis.

Results. Based on the study, the agricultural primitivization influence on the development of the Smolensk region economy is shown, at the same time the role of the primitivization of the industry in connection with the depopulation and the depressive development of the territory is revealed. It is shown that primitivization is determined both by the conditions of the existing natural resource potential and by the influence of the institutional factor that determines the conditions for supporting the industry and the possible use of investments. A few ways of possible development of the territory are suggested relying on the innovative approaches.

Research implications. The article summarizes new material and introduces into the scientific circulation the concept of “primitivization of agriculture”, as well as proposes the approaches to change the trajectory of the development of the agricultural industry in the conditions of a depressive economy and a deteriorating social situation in the region. The main provisions proposed in the article can be used to improve the economic policy of the governing bodies of the Smolensk region. 

Aim. To assess the dynamics and prospects for the development of foreign trade interaction between the Smolensk region and the Republic of Belarus.

Methodology. The Smolensk region as a border region and an important trade bridge between Russia and European countries has significant advantages for the development of foreign trade due to its favorable economic and geographical position (EGP). On the basis of the official data collected by the author comprehensive analysis of the foreign trade of the Smolensk region was carried out. Using mathematical and statistical methods the key trends in the dynamics of the cost volumes of exports and imports of the region were determined, as well as the shifts in the geographical and commodity structure together with the main features of trade with the Republic of Belarus.

Results. The dynamics of foreign trade indicators of the Smolensk region over the past 15 years shows the outpacing growth rates of imported goods over export. Against the background of the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation and the unfavorable foreign trade situation the geographical transformation of the foreign trade of the Smolensk region is taking place in the direction of enhancing relations with the CIS countries and, above all, with the Republic of Belarus. The commodity export structure of the Smolensk region is determined by the sectoral structure of the region’s economy, but the commodity import structure largely correlates with the commodity structure of Belarus export to Russia.

Research implications. The author has developed recommendations for the development of foreign trade cooperation between the Smolensk region and the Republic of Belarus against the background of aggressive anti-Russian sanctions.

Aim. To conduct a comprehensive study of tourism and recreational resources and their impact on the territorial organization of tourism in China.

Methodology. The article gives a comprehensive (integrated) assessment of China’s tourism resources (by individual parameters and an integrated indicator), shows the territorial differentiation of the tourism development levels of China’s administrative regions, identifies the most and least promising regions for tourism development (by individual parameters and an integrated assessment). The main methods of research are: comparative, analytical, statistical, cartographic, system research methods and GIS technologies.

Results. The study showed a high concentration of the natural and historical-cultural tourist resources in China regions, revealed a direct correlation between the level of economic development of the region and the state of its tourist infrastructure, which directly affects integrated indicators of the level of development of the regions tourism industry. On the basis of a score assessment, 3 groups of regions were identified according to the level of tourist resources and the state of tourist infrastructure (favorable, less favorable, unfavorable). Most of the regions belong either to the 1^st or 3^rd group.

Research implications. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive analysis of tourist and recreational resources and the creation on their basis of a series of maps of the administrative regions of the PRC, as well as maps of tourist and recreational potential. The materials of the article can be used as a basis for further research on this topic.

Aim. To study the problem of shortage of qualified personnel in the field of tourism in the Smolensk region.

Methodology. To conduct the study, we used statistical methods: database analysis methods (static data from Rosstat and Rostourism), comparison, generalization, methods for constructing dynamic series. Of particular importance in this work is the trend analysis of the main indicators of the tourism industry development in the Smolensk region, as well as extrapolation forecasting of the demand for personnel in the region.

Results. A statistically justified forecast of the personnel needs of the tourism sector for the Smolensk region for the period 2021-2026 is presented. The correlation of the tourist flow volume with the indicator of the average number of employees in the tourism sector of the Smolensk region is revealed. The results of the study made it possible to assess the current personnel situation in the tourist industry of the destination and prove that the Smolensk region in the future will be in a state of chronic shortage of highly qualified personnel for tourism and hospitality.

Research implications. This study showed that in order to form a competitive tourism industry in the Smolensk region, it is necessary to develop a number of measures to reform the regional system of training through the introduction of an integrated approach to the development of human resources that meets the needs of the regional economy and is in accordance with the strategic guidelines of national tourism. At present, the level of tourist services provision in the Smolensk region does not meet the dynamically changing needs of the tourist market which leads to a decrease in the level of service assessment by the consumer. The reasons for this are the lack of highly qualified specialists in the region, the insufficient level of tourism education, as well as the lack of modern skills and competencies among tourism and hospitality workers. 

Aim. To study geographical aspects (features of reflection in the names of small territorial objects of the geographical environment) of the toponymization process at the regional level. To develop a geographical approach to the allocation of boundaries of microtoponymy (using the example of geographical names of the Smolensk region).

Methodology. The main content of the study includes the analysis of the toponymic material of the Smolensk region. In 2014–2021, microtoponyms were collected on the territory of individual municipalities of the Smolensk region, which were identified as the key research areas. Through the methods of the analytical method, the classification of microtoponyms was carried out, as well as differentiation and etymological analysis. The statistical method was used to determine the names frequency and calculate the proportion of microtoponym classes. In the course of comparative analysis at the qualitative level, the correlation was carried out between the levels of toponymization and the classification of geomorphological objects, the criteria of microtoponyms were determined.

Results. The study established that the nomination at the local level reflects the positivity of toponyms and has a pronounced dependence on the geographical environment. The list of nominated objects in the Smolensk region is determined by the features of the landscape, its consumer and aesthetic qualities. The nomination process involves small territorial objects distributed in accordance with the physical and geographical conditions of the region, which have a certain uniqueness and corresponding requirements of the economic structure of the population. Microagroonyms and microdrimonyms are the most numerous in the region. The specific properties of microtoponyms determine the criteria for their allocation: geographical (scale, status of an object determine its belonging to a certain tier of toponymy), historical (function for a short historical period, being constantly updated and characterized by their relative youth), social (have a narrow area of use, are characteristic only of the local residents speech and are not recorded in official documents), genetic (their origin is associated with the modern ethnic layer of vocabulary). The author proposes and develops a geographical approach to defining the boundaries of microtoponymy.

Research implications. The results of the study contribute to the development of the issue of regional toponymy. Identification of criteria for microtoponyms, development of geographical aspects of the problem of differentiation of levels (tiers) toponymies can be used to form new toponymic universals. The accumulated factual material contributes to the enlargement and enrichment of the Dictionary of Microtoponyms of the Smolensk Region.

Aim. To expand tourism facilities through the involvement of stone formations, obvious similarities of ancient statues, as exceptionally attractive phenomena. To classify these objects.

Methodology. The materials of the study were field studies, as well as the analysis of data on the sculptures of specialists and travelers both in Russia and abroad. The main method of research is the systematization of the data obtained, which made it possible to classify these formations, as well as map the most significant ones on the territory of Russia, giving an idea of their distribution. Three groups of likenesses of statues were established – zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, fantastic and disappeared creatures.

Results. The analysis of the stone sculptures distribution has shown that they are mainly confined to the river banks, lakes, seas, as well as elevations. The features of zonality in the distribution of a number of sculpture types are noted, as well as the landscape confinement of some of them. Sometimes sculptures are concentrated in areas of mineral deposits. Some of them served as landmarks for navigation. The well-known likenesses of the statues have become iconic for local residents, and sometimes sacred phenomena, which are associated with legends significant for tourists, which increases interest in them. The ideas about the similarities of stone statues as both natural and man-made formations by origin are compared.

Research implications. A systematic assessment of the similarities of ancient stone statues has been undertaken, mapping of the most famous objects on the territory of Russia has been carried out, some features of their geographical distribution have been identified, which make it possible to present them as attractive, debatable by origin tourist objects.

Aim. To analyze the concept and main methodological approaches to the development and teaching of the discipline “Regional Nature Management”.

Methodology. The specifics of regional nature management is considered as the basis of the classification developed by the authors. The following types of nature management are distinguished: background, large-frequency, focal, and dispersed. In turn, the background is divided into agricultural, forestry, traditional, resource and commercial. Large-frequency and focal are further divided into industrial, transport, energy, residential, and special. Environmental and recreational protection are classified as dispersed.

Results. As a result of teaching the discipline, a certain structure of the course has been developed. The authors’ versions of the following concepts were introduced: regional nature management, types and kinds of nature management. A typology of recreational nature management is proposed.

Research implications. The conceptual plan summarizes many years of experience in teaching this discipline to the students of the Department of Rational Nature Management at the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University.