Lukianenko Y. Constructive-geographical fundamentals of protection and use of karst caves of Mountain Crimea.

Lukianenko Ye.A. Constructive-geographical fundamentals of protection and use of karst caves of Mountain Crimea. - Manuscript. Dissertation for obtaining a scientific degree of a candidate of geographical sciences on speciality 11.00.11. - constructive geography and rational use of nature resources. - Tavricheskiy National University named after V.I. Vernadskiy, Simferopol, 2006. In the dissertation the historical stages of nature protection researches of caves of Mountain Crimea are considered. As a result of the analysis of the existing system of nature protecting of speleological objects under conditions of acceleration of recreational use of Crimean karst areas, the basic contradictions in the nature protection policy are revealed. The main problems of the modern state of cave protection and using of Mountain Crimea are underscored. The concept of speleological resources is used as a basis for the methodological approach to nature protection assessment of karst cavities. This concept views the material-energetic complexes of caves as combined speleological resources with essential properties of integrity and interconnection. The author developed a concept of speleo-resource potential, viewed as a totality of all kinds of resources possible to use in the cave. On the basis of a comprehensive assessment of nature protection significance of the Crimean karst caves, methods of determination of their nature protection status is developed. The exact criteria for assessment of speleological objects that pretend on the nature protection status are suggested. The quantitative rating scales of speleological resource potential are developed, based on ascertainment of frequency and representativeness of the assigned elements of cave ecosystems. For optimization of the protected area network, the nature protection zoning of Crimean karst massifs is performed. The author introduced the new parameter - coefficient of nature-protected area that describes the speleological resource value per 1 sq. km of karst territory. As a result, the most perspective areas for creation of karst and speleological national parks and tourist-excursion speleological complexes are revealed. The constructive-geographical fundamentals of rational use and resource conservation activity of karst tourist-excursion speleological complexes are developed. The major factors of anthropogenic impact to the underground landscape are revealed and some measures on diminishing of the recreational impact on the cave environment are suggested. Keywords: karst caves, nature protection assessment, speleological resources, potential of speleological resources, constructive-geographical fundamentals, tourist-excursion speleological complexes.