Eastern Podilia as a structural unit of Pan European Environmental network

Abstract

Based on scientific, methodological and practical principles and approaches, the scheme of Eastern Podilia ecological network, which forms a part of the pan-European ecological network, was developed. Different types of its structural elements, such as key, connecting, buffer and rehabilitating territories were distinguished, their geographic confinement, area and status were determined. Typical plant groups, which are the basis for formation of biogeocenotic cover of the key territories (biocentres), were defined. The results of the research show that the ecological network of the region is formed by 24 key, 16 connecting and 60 rehabilitating territories. Currently, the number and area of buffer zones that are established around key and connecting territories is being clarified. The total area of structural elements of the ecological network of Eastern Podilia (key, connecting and rehabilitating territories) is 884,087.53 ha, which makes 33.37% of the total area of the region. It should be noted that world experience determines the biological balance of territories only if at least 60% of natural Environmental Research, Engineering and Management 2018/74/3 56 ecosystems are present. Therefore, the ecological network of the region still needs substantial improvement and scientifically grounded implementation.

The first data regarding the effect of the exotic Eisenia ventripapillata (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) on the cation composition of soils in Western Siberia

“…The factor interaction was associated with changes in NH 4 + , K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ (p<0.001). Our results correspond to the conclusions drawn by other researchers stating that both soil type and the original content of elements determine the processes related to elemental soil composition changes caused by earthworms [21,33]. This holds true for exotic endogeic A. caliginosa and O. lacteum in New Zealand [25] as the nature of their impact on the cation content also depends on the properties of soil.…”

“…The invasions of endogeic earthworms can most drastically modify soil chemical composition [18][19], nutrient redistribution [20], and the availability of nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Na, NH 4 ) for plants [21][22] as earthworms ingest and transform a large amount of soil [23]. The exotic endogeic Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) changed the Mg, Ca, K, NH 4 content and pH in Colombian soils compared to the endogeic earthworms already inhabiting the area [24].…”

Mining and Industrial Landscapes of Podillia as Potential Structural Elements of the Regional Eco-Network

“…The pan-European ecological network, as a single spatial system comprising natural and semi-natural territories, was defined as the main vector for implementing the pan-European strategy for Biodiversity and Landscape Conservation (Pan-European strategy for Biodiversity and Landscape Conservation, 1995), adopted at the conference "Environment for Europe" (Sofia, 1995). Most countries in the European community have made the transition from conservation strategies for biotic diversity units to the creation of national ecological networks (NENs) (Mudrak et al, 2018). Considering European regulatory practices (Smyrnova et al, 2021), protection and use of nature reserves, development of the national eco-network in Ukraine is carried out according to the basic requirements of the functioning of the pan-European eco-network at the national, regional, and local levels.…”