Journal of the Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijic" SASA - Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijic"
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E-WOM AND HERITAGE TOURISM IMAGE FORMATION: YOUNG TOURISTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF BANGLADESHI WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Full text linkThis study examines the implications and formation of a heritage destination image through e-WOM (Electronic Word-оf-Mouth) among young Bangladeshi visitors, with a specific emphasis on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research adopts a quantitative methodology. This study is based on the Goal-Directed Behavior Model (GDBM) by collecting data from 400 respondents. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to examine the hypothesized relationships among the constructs. The model exhibited high predictive validity, and e-WOM significantly influenced cognitive image (β = .552), affective image (β = .493), and desire (β = .615). The heritage image and travel intention were also revealed as major mediators of tourist behavior for young Bangladeshi visitors to the World Heritage Sites. The results indicate that e-WOM significantly enhances both cognitive and affective perceptions of a destination, thereby strengthening its perceived heritage image. Psychological constructs such as emotion, attitude, and desire influence the connections between e-WOM and the desire to travel. The study extends the GDBM to incorporate e-WOMs and heritage images, and thus contributes to the existing literature. The insights offer pragmatic suggestions for location managers and marketers to entice tech-savvy young tourists by employing techniques that highlight positive online evaluations and emotional interaction
IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL LAKES IN KAZAKHSTAN USING REMOTE SENSING DATA
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for automated determination of water surfaces and identification of small lakes in Kazakhstan using cartographic methods and an array of multi-time remote sensing (RS) data. The methodology involved automated surface water classification using multi-temporal Sentinel-2 satellite imagery (spanning the period 2016–2021, focusing on the warm months from May to September), Python-based processing on the Google Earth Engine platform, geographic information system (GIS) based morphometric analysis, and field validation to accurately identify and characterize small lakes in Kazakhstan. The study applied the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to enhance surface water detection, reduce noise from vegetation, and improve the accuracy of lake boundary delineation from multi-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery. A technique for automated extraction of morphometric characteristics of small lakes has been developed, data on lake morphometry have been obtained. Verification against field measurements demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, with relative error rates of 12% for lake lengths and 13% for the widths. However, challenges such as dense vegetation, high salinity, and the color of shallow lake bottoms led to some classification errors, highlighting the need for further refinement of automated algorithms. As a result, a list of small lakes in Kazakhstan with a surface area from 1 to 10 km2 was identified
CARBON FOREST PROJECTS IN THE CONTEXT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Full text linkCarbon Forests Projects (CFPs) play a significant role in climate change mitigation strategies. Implementation of such projects should bring environmental benefits to companies, as well as contribute to improving the environmental management efficiency in the region. The aim of this paper is to analyze the possibility of developing CFPs as a tool to achieve carbon neutrality, taking into account its environmental and economic benefits. The analysis is undertaken on the example of the Bystrinsky Mining and Processing Plant (MPP), located at the Zabaykalsky Krai (southern Siberia, Russia). The ability of the forest lands to absorb greenhouse gas emissions is assessed using the ROBUL methodology. An important feature of CFPs is the ability to combine a positive environmental effect by contributing to climate change mitigation with strengthening the image of an environmentally friendly company. However, the analysis of CFPs implementation in the example of Bystrinsky MPP shows the excess of costs over benefits. In this regard, more effective projects can be proposed for regions with a high degree of forest cover, such as Zabaikalie. Reducing the risk of forest fires in such regions can have a more tangible environmental impact by preventing additional CO2 emissions. Identifying and comprehensively assessing the environmental and economic impacts of CFPs in the context of carbon neutrality facilitates the selection of the most relevant solutions
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN HIGHLAND WETLANDS: INSIGHTS FROM COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES
Full text linkHighland wetlands might be considered as an important aspect of ecosystem functioning, preservation of biodiversity, as well as of sustenance of human livelihoods. Delicate nature of these ecosystems, coupled with the necessity for judicious natural resource utilization, has prompted extensive discourse on strategies for fostering sustainable development within highland wetlands. Perception and involvement of the local community members in sustainable development of tourism within these regions are paramount for effective tourism management and preservation of designated protected areas. This research was conducted in Peštersko polje highland wetlands, designated special nature reserve and Ramsar Site in Serbia. Situated within an isolated border region of Serbia, the Peštersko polje Ramsar Site exemplifies the characteristics typical of highland wetlands. The main aim of this study was to provide better understanding of the local community members’ perceptions of sustainable development of tourism and the manner in which their perception is affected by socio-demographic profile. The collected data were analyzed on the basis of using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlations, ANOVA, and independent samples t-test. Findings of this research indicated strong community support for sustainable tourism, coupled with a commitment to nature conservation. However, disparities in attitudes between residents of highland and lowland wetland regions were observed. This underscores the need to account for diverse contextual factors influencing policy formulation and planning for sustainable tourism initiatives, tailored to the specificities of each individual wetland area. Consequently, the study advocates for the adoption of guidelines aimed at fostering sustainable tourism practices within highland wetlands
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM THROUGH THE 4P MODEL: THE SELECTED COASTAL TOURISM CASE IN INDONESIA
Full text linkIndonesia's coastal tourism offers significant potential for sustainable development. Yet, challenges persist in aligning community-based tourism (CBT) practices with sustainable tourism principles. This study examines partnership practices in the development of CBT at Pantai Panjang (Long Beach), Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, and evaluates its achievements to propose a Public-Private-People Partnership (4P) model. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered between June and August 2024 through four techniques including focus group discussion (FGD), in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. A total of 14 informants participated, comprising representatives from the public sector, informal sector, tourism-awareness groups (Pokdarwis), and local communities. The findings indicate that CBT implementation at Pantai Panjang is hindered by low community participation, the limited role of Pokdarwis in decision-making processes, and the inadequacy of infrastructure and supporting facilities, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Existing partnerships, particularly between the government and Pokdarwis, tend to prioritize specific economic interests rather than fostering comprehensive community empowerment. To address these challenges, this study recommends adopting a 4P model to enhance community involvement, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and strengthen tourism sustainability. Strategic actions such as restructuring Pokdarwis, building local capacity, and establishing inclusive regulations are proposed to optimize Pantai Panjang’s potential as a sustainable community-based tourism destination
ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT ON SOIL AND VEGETATION IN TURKISTAN REGION: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION
Full text linkThe main purpose of this study is to analyze the anthropogenic impact on the soil and vegetation cover of the landscapes of the Turkistan region (southern part of Kazakhstan), and to investigate the chemical composition of elements and pollutants. The current state of landscapes with patterns of distribution of chemical elements and the influence of anthropogenic activity have been revealed. Quantitative indicators of the content of chemical elements (carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, potassium, calcium, titanium, iron, lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, thallium, manganese, and strontium) were studied based on soil samples. The levels of concentration of chemical elements of vegetation cover, aboveground and underground parts (carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, iron and copper) were assessed. The results of the chemical analysis of the soil cover revealed an excess of the maximum permissible concentration of chemical elements (lead, copper, zinc, arsenic, and chromium), while elevated levels of insoluble ash were observed in plants
SOIL SALINIZATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE DEGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES OF THE TALAS DISTRICT, KAZAKHSTAN
Full text linkAs a consequence of global population growth and increasing demand for agricultural commodities, vast areas of cultivable land have been brought under cultivation, while natural ecosystems are being converted for agricultural use. This transformation has led to various forms of soil degradation, with excessive salinity emerging as a critical concern. Drought-prone ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to salinization processes, resulting in an annual reduction of arable land by approximately 1% to 2%. In the Kazakhstan, salt-affected soils account for approximately 43% of all agricultural land. The aim of this study is to assess the extent and spatial distribution of soil salinity in the Talas district of Kazakhstan and to identify the dominant chemical characteristics of soil salts across different land types. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from river valleys, desert pastures, irrigated lands, and sandy areas. The analysis focused on salinization processes, ion toxicity thresholds, and the chemical composition of soil salts. Results reveal that salt accumulation varies between the 30 cm and 80 cm soil layers in river valleys and desert pastures, whereas the highest concentrations are observed in the upper layers of irrigated soils. The greatest variation in average salt content by soil texture was ±0.81% in loamy soils and ±0.62% in silty loam soils. These findings highlight the urgent need for ecologically sound land management strategies to mitigate soil salinization, especially in irrigated areas. They also offer valuable insights for enhancing irrigation efficiency and preserving soil fertility in Talas and other comparable regions
FALLEN LEAVES AS A POSSIBLE DECISION TO IMPROVE SURFACE WATER BODIES’ QUALITY IN BELAYA RIVER BASIN (RUSSIA)
Full text linkCurrently, human activities significantly contribute to water pollution of natural water bodies. Pollution of water bodies with oil and petroleum products, especially in an urbanized area, is caused by the discharge of wastewater containing these products, as well as by oil leaks and emergencies. Similar pollution is typical for the water bodies in the basin of the Belaya River (Bashkortostan Republic, Russia), which is considered in this work. Bibliometric analysis by using VOSviewer revealed that pollution of water bodies is associated with crude oil pollution. For the remediation of water from crude oil, natural materials are widely used, including the sorbent from fallen leaves. Trees in cities produce a significant volume of fallen leaves every fall, which become plant waste. During the transition of the world community to a circular economy, fallen leaves should be considered as a material for obtaining a biosorbent. Five fraction sizes of Аcer platanoides were studied to determine crude oil absorption. It has been established that particles with a size from one to two millimeters have the largest sorption capacity (5.41–5.77 g/g). Fallen leaves of Аcer platanoides are capable of absorbing crude oil and can be recommended for treating polluted water from crude oil and petroleum products. The obtained proof of the ability of Аcer platanoides leaves to absorb oil with their high buoyancy can be used in further studies of oil sorption process from water and the interaction of sorbent with oil in an aqueous medium under static and dynamic conditions
GUIDING THE FUTURE: WHAT GENERATION Z EXPECTS FROM TOURIST GUIDES
Full text linkTourist guides have a significant role in the tourism industry, serving as intermediaries facilitating travelers' understanding of their destinations. Historically, guides have been essential in travel experiences, providing insights, narrating the history, and enhancing the overall journey. Hence, the influence of tourist guides on tourist satisfaction and their role in influencing the destination's image have been the subjects of numerous researchers. However, there is not much research regarding Generation Z attitudes about guides. Generation Z is the generation that will travel more in the future. With that in mind, the aim of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and preferences of Generation Z regarding tourist guides, focusing on the essential qualities, behaviors, and types of information that meet their expectations. The survey involved 203 participants. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, whereas R was utilized for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings highlight the need for tourist guides to possess substantial knowledge and demonstrate practical communication skills, as Generation Z respondents prioritize knowledgeable and well-informed guides, valuing their expertise about the destination. However, the study also found that facilitating active group participation and promoting connections with local communities are less important to this generation
REVEALING NOVEL INSIGHTS ON ECONOMIC STRUCTURE FROM A SPATIAL PERSPECTIVE: EMPIRICAL FINDINGS FROM VIETNAM
Full text linkEconomic structure plays an essential role in distributing resources and shaping the development trend of a country. Although it has become a topic of interest for scholars, most studies focus on analyzing factors affecting the structural transformation process but ignore the correlation in economic structure between localities. This study explores this correlation through the case of a country undergoing a remarkable economic restructuring process—Vietnam. Based on the data from 2010 to 2019, the Moran’s index (I) is used to assess the level of spatial correlation in the economic structure of localities and the Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) is analyzed to determine the specific locations where local spatial correlation occurs. Research results show that the economic structure of localities is unevenly distributed across geographical space. In addition, there exists a spatial autocorrelation phenomenon in localities' economic structure for two sectors—agriculture and industry. At the same time, there is no evidence to show this for the service sector. This discovery confirms the necessity of incorporating spatial factors in research related to economic structure to avoid inaccurate conclusions. From a business perspective, based on the findings of this research, companies can assess the level of competition, risks, as well as business partnership opportunities in different areas, and make appropriate investment decisions. The research results might also serve government agencies regarding planning and functional zoning and formulating and implementing development and economic restructuring policies for various regions