Natural Resources, 2007, No.4

PRIRODNYE RESURSY (Natural Resources) Published by The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus & The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus

Number 4; 2007

CONTENTS

Land Resources

A. V. Olshevsky
ANALYSIS AND DIRECTIONS OF PERFECTION OF AGRARIAN LAND TENURE (ON THE EXAMPLE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT). pp. 5-13

Summary: Problems of agrarian land tenure which efficiency today is the important condition of sustainable development of Belarus are described in the article. It is emphasized, that agrarian land tenure is a part of wildlife management, and it should be considered in a complex with other categories of the lands. For counteraction to the modern negative processes observed during use of the agricultural lands (simplification of landscape structures, reduction of soil fertility, pollution of the lands, development of erosive processes, etc.) at a choice of directions of optimization of agrarian land tenure it is necessary to consider natural-historical, ecological and socio-economic factors of this or that territory. As the tool of the spatial analysis of these factors it is the most expedient to use geographical information systems (GIS), allowing quickly to process great volumes of the information, automatically to calculate many integrated parameters and to execute a complex estimation of agrarian land tenure. Results of the analysis of a modern condition of agrarian land tenure of Glussky district of the Mogilyov area and directions of its perfection are offered.In particular, for the organizations entering into a territorial economic complex, that is engaged an intensive agricultural production, and having high enough security resources, carrying out of internal reforming and perfection of the territorial organization of land tenure (optimization organizational structures-economic, structures of the lands and crops, accommodations of cultures) is offered. For these facilities actually increase in the area of the processable lands due to transformation, transfers of the lands from other land users, and also improvement of the lands (under condition of a recoupment of corresponding expenses and ecological expediency). Priorities of improvement of use of the lands in facilities with low security by resources which concern to an economic complex, are investment and technical re-equipment of manufacture. In the facilities entering into a territorial natural complex and having surplus of the processable lands because of very low security by resources, at absence of prospects of substantial growth of resources, especially labour, a priority - transfer of the lands to other land users (for development of a personal part-time farm, the organization country (farmer) facilities, part-time farms), a conclusion of the unproductive lands from active economic circulation and an effective utilization of the remained lands.

Water Resources

A. A. Volchak, P. I. Kirvel, V. I. Melnik
THE SPATIAL AND TEMPORARY EVAPORATION CHANGES FROM THE BELARUS WATER BASINS. pp. 14-23

Summary: Taking into account the growth of thermal loading on water system, the acceleration of eutrophication processes can be expected. Global warming, which is observed for the last 15...20 years, affected the temperature conditions of water basins. The spatial and temporary evaporation changes from the Belarusian water basins for the iceless period are examined in this article. The hydro-meteorological service materials were gathered and processed. Taking into account the water temperature changes and the speed of wind and using the formula of Braslavskaya-Vikulina for the evaporation calculations the evaporation for 43 Belarusian stations was calculated. On the basis of the researches for the period of 1985-2005 the maps of an average wind speed (May - October) and evaporations from the Belarusian water basins surface (iceless period, April - November) were worked out. The analysis of temporary rows of meteorological data determining water evaporations has revealed the presence of definite tendencies. Linear terms were used for quantitative estimation of these tendencies. Using the results of correlation analysis, the prognosis numerical characteristics of meteorological elements for the next decade were obtained and the quantities of evaporation were estimated. On the basis of the research the maps of the changes of evaporation quantities from the reservoirs surface during iceless period and the map of quantities per ser for 2015 were worked out. It was revealed that the two major factors determining the evaporation intensity from reservoirs surfaces are the wind and the temperature both having different direction quantities and mutually compensating their influences. The wind speed reduction leads to the evaporation intensity reduction. The air temperature strives for growth during the whole year but the statistic valuable growth quantities are fixed in July and the year. Taking into account the hypothesis that the stable tendencies of developing meteorological elements formed during the last 20 years, the essential changes in the evaporation intensity from the water basins surface during the current decade are not expected, except in the south of Belarus where the evaporation will reduce and the north-east where it will increase.

О. Kadatskaya, G. Tishchikov
DYNAMICS OF CONTENT OF BIOGENIC ELEMENTS IN WATER OF THE MUHAVETS AND THEIR TRANSPORT BY THE RIVER THRUOUGH TNE DOWNSTREEM SECTION. pp. 24-30

Summary: The article gives the results of research of dynamics of average annual content of mineral forms of nitrogen (nitrogen ammonium, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen) and phosphates in water of the Muhavets in the sites situated downstream of the cities (Kobrin and Zhabinka) and in the river mouth (Brest) for a period of long-term observations (1989-2003). For the downstream gaging station (Brest) dissolved biogenic substance flow was calculated. The study is based on data of observation for chemical composition of river water and river run-off carried out in National System of Environment Monitoring. The analysis of hydrochemical data in the temporal and spatial aspect revealed to show up tendencies toward the change in average annual content of biogenic elements, establish characteristics of their dynamics for the period under review, show up the resources of developing of eutrophication processes on the reach of the river subjected to the impact of industrial and municipal wastewater mentioned above cities. The examination of dissolved substance average annual flow through the downstream section line (Brest) showed that dissolved nitrogen ammonium flow for the period under review (1984-2003) has increased 2.4 times. Carry-over of nitrite nitrogen was rather sustained in the course of time and determined by high concentrations of nitrite nitrogen in river water. Positive and negative trends were found out for nitrate nitrogen flow. Phosphates flow had clearly defined tendency to the decrease of their volume determined mainly by reduction in phosphates concentrations in river water. Furthermore the priority role of the hydrochemical factor in the flow formation of dissolved biogenic substance was established. Following from these flow volumes of biogenic substance were determined in the first place by component concentrations in river water increasing or decreasing of which made conditional on quantity and dynamics of the transport of biogenic elements.

Z. K. Kartashevich, N. V. Kovalchuk, P. A. Mitrakhovich, N. N. Sharokh
THE VALUATION OF JOINING OF PHOSPHORUS INTO LAKE ECOSYSTEM BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF A BASIN (ON EXAMPLE OF LAKE LUKOMSKOE). pp. 31-40

Summary: The influence of spatial organization of the basin ground to the structure of phosphorus combinations joining to lake Lukomskoe was investigated. Gidrobiological and gidrochemical observations for the lake state were carried out. For the differentiation of the basin the landscape-geochemical approach and GIS-methods were used. The project was made in ArcGIS 9.0 software. The valuation of phosphorus streams to lake Lukomskoe was carried out by empiristic coefficients. It was revealed, that structure-management organization of the basin in our case is not needs in essential reconstruction, but the improvement of the lake ecosystem state are determined by the fishpond complex exploitation level. Reduction of number of the fishponds allows to bringing the real phosphor load to its admissible size. The differentiation of the lake basin to local basins keeps possibility to raise the effectiveness of the recommended environmental protection measures, kept their addressed, to form the most rational variants of their structure to make the caring out of biogen elements by the stream and ground flow to reservoirs the least.

Biological Resources

M. E. Nikiforov, M. V. Tarantovich, N. N. Yakovets
SEASONAL AND SPATIAL DYNAMICS OF POPULATION NUMBERS OF CORVIDAE BIRDS IN MINSK AND METHODS OF POPULATION NUMBERS CONTROLE. pp. 41-47

Summary: Estimated numbers of Corvidae birds in seasonal aspect and also the results of approbation of negative impact restriction of numerous species of these birds in the large city conditions are shown in this paper. It was revealed with the method of trial plots, that during the year (2006) regular changes in numbers and group structure of Corvidae birds took place in Minsk. Jackdaw was the most numerous bird in Minsk (80...320 individuals/1 sq. km of city area. This species dominated during spring-summer and winter periods. Rook was the next (up to 60 individuals/1 sq. km). Mobile group of birds was formed during the autumn period along with the resident group. Rook dominated in the mobile group in September - October, and Jackdaw - in November. The largest density of Corvidae birds was recorded in blocks built during 1960-1970-s. The numbers of overnight stop gatherings were estimated in Minsk. During the winter up to 30 000 birds of mobile group flied from the suburbs to Minsk during the dusk Total number of Corvidae birds in Minsk during the winter period was estimated as 5 5…60 000 individuals. The largest night roosting sites were located in Maxim Gorki Park and adjacent public garden in Krasnoarmeiskaya St. On the basis of these studies the measures for population control of Corvidae birds in Minsk were developed: bioacoustics scare, restriction of access to breeding sites, constraint of food resources. Successful approbation of bioacoustics device for bird scare was carried out. It was recommended to press and packet domestic waste before warehousing in open dumps and also to process domestic waste in special factories in order to restrict food resources for Corvidae birds.

A. V. Abramchuk
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF STRIGIFORMES STUDIES IN BELОVEZHSKAYA PUSHCHA BELARUSIAN PART. pp. 48-54

Summary: Little consideration to the detailed research of night birds of pray in the Belarusian part of Belovezhskaya Pushcha has been paid to. As a result, this information was desultory and incomplete. The author has investigated current status of night birds of pray on the territory of Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park and in its added zone. Studies of owls were done using methods of route-spot transects and sound recorder stimulations. We took stock of birds in moving on the route at the time of stoppage every 1 km. If there wasn't response in the spot, the next stoppage was made in 500 m. By means of extrapolation estimates of breeding species for the whole territory of Pushcha were given. Total numbers of species were calculated from findings of density and total area of the national park in the period of 1992-2002. Estimates Long-eared owls' number is given taking into account area of added zone (2002-2005). During the last century 12 species of owls were registered in Belovezhskaya Pushcha and its neighbourhood (Tyto alba, Bubo bubo, Nyctea scandiaca, Surnia ulula, Glaucidium passerinum, Athene noctua, Strix aluco, Strix nebulosa, Asio otus, Asio flammeus, Aegolius funereus). 9 of them breed or hypothetically breed at the present time (Tyto alba, Bubo bubo, Glaucidium passerinum, Athene noctua, Strix aluco, Strix nebulosa, Asio otus, Asio flammeus, Aegolius funereus). 2 species are straying (Nyctea scandiaca, Surnia ulula), and the status of Ural owl (Strix uralensis) is still not fixed. The most numerous species in the forests of Belovezhskaya Pushcha are Strix aluco, Glaucidium passerinum, Aegolius funereus. The rarest are Bubo bubo and Strix nebulosa.

I. E. Samusenko
CURRENT POPULATION STATUS OF THE WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia L.) IN BELARUS. pp. 55-62

Summary: The national white stork census in Belarus was conducted in 2004 and 2005 in frames of the VI-th International White Stork Census. Unlike to the previous censuses, new approaches for information collection and analysis were used. Absolute counts of nests and collection of additional population data on sample plots were carried out in 2004 in addition to standard mail questionnaires. Total area of all sample plots was about 6,2 % of territory of the country. Breeding population of the white stork in Belarus (minimal and maximal size) was calculated by application of correction factor and subsequent extrapolation of questionnaire data onto territories for which white stork population data was missing. This allowed to estimate Belarus national white stork population size for the whole territory of the country for the first time. Critical analysis of questionnaire data and its comparison with data on sample plots have allowed to correct considerably existing knowledge of the number, distribution and dynamics of White Stork population in Belarus. The national population of the White Stork in Belarus was thus estimated from 17 000 to 21 000 breeding pairs. It was almost twice higher than previous censuses. It is certain, that more than 9 % of White Stork world population breeds in Belarus. While all previous questionnaire surveys, including in 2004-2005, showed that the White Stork population in Belarus was stable over last several decades, the results of full counts on sample plots indicate that the white stork population increased in 1980-1990's. The specifics of the White Stork distribution is defined by presence of well developed river floodplains, sizes of open and drained areas. The highest population density of the White Stork was registered in southwestern, western and southeastern parts of the country. White Storks breeding success in 2004 was relatively high. Only 2,2 % of pairs failed to breed successfully and the mean number of fledglings per breeding pair was 2,52, that is much more than minimally necessary for self-reproduction of a population. During the last decades there observed a constant increase in the number of nests on water- towers and electric poles. It is essential problem both for birds, and for the human. The White Stork study on sample plots in 2004 lays a scientific base for further White Stork monitoring in Belarus, understanding of tendencies and mechanisms of population changes, and for the identification of practical solutions on elimination of the revealed problems.

Nature Management

S. V. Savchenko, N. K. Bykova, I. P. Samsonenko, V. S. Khomich
SPATIAL PECULIARITIES OF HEAVY METALS ACCUMULATION IN SOILS OF FLOODPLAIN LANDSCAPES OF MINSK. pp. 63-70

Summary: One of the directions of ecology-geochemical researches of cities is studying of features of heavy metals accumulation in components of the environment. From these positions floodplain landscapes are least investigated. Field researches of the soil cover of floodplain landscapes of the rivers in the territory of Minsk were carried out to the period of 1995-2006. The top 10 cm top horizon of soils were selected. Definition of total forms of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn Cu, Ni, Cr) was made by the method of atomic-absorption spectrometry. For the ecology-geochemical estimation of a soil condition absolute contents of chemical elements, factor of anomaly Ка (the relation of the contents of an element in the investigated object to a local geochemical background), and also comparison of absolute values with maximum concentration limits were used. As a result of the carried out researches was established, what the priority pollutants floodplain soils are Pb, Zn and Cu, to a lesser degree - Ni and Cd. The greatest pollution is dated of central part of city, where in a number of floodplain soil samples concentration of cadmium, lead, zinc and nickel exceed maximum concentration limits. The heterogeneity in accumulation of elements in soils of coastal territories is connected, first of all, with tecnogenic factors, such as influence of a vehicle and industrial manufacture, distribution of zones of inhabited building and landscape-recreational territories. The account of the average contents of elements in soils of floodplain landscapes has shown everyone river, that by the greatest concentration of the investigated metals are characterized the soils of Loshisa-river floodplain, where the contents of Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb in 2,3...4,4 times exceed a local geochemical background. Lower average contents of metals characterizes coastal territories of the rivers Svisloch and Mishka, where the concentration of the majority of elements (behind exception Cd) exceed a background from 1,7 up to 2,9 times. The minimal values of elements which are not leaving for background values, are fixed in floodplain soils of Trostianka-river. Thus in comparison with urban soils, soils of floodplain territories Loshisa-river are enriched with Zn, Cu and Ni, Svisloch-river - Zn, Mishka-river - Ni. In connection with that in territory of city floodplain landscapes carry out mainly recreational and water-protection function, for soils of the given sites the development of a complex of measures on minimization of negative consequences of their pollution and organization of constant monitoring behind a status of a soil cover is necessary.

L. A. Kravchuk
EXPERIENCE OF ESTIMATION OF SRTUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF LANDSCAPE-RECREATION TERRITORIES IN VITEBSK CITY. pp. 71-79

Summary: The main criteria of cities nature complex organization are: the people's providing of the landscape-recreation territories; the greening condition and stability to the urban environment factors (air pollution and recreation). The estimation of structure, a condition and stability of plantings in the landscape-recreational territories of Vitebsk by main criteria is carried out. A differential assessment of the peoples provision by the landscape-recreation territories, a map-scheme of the providing has been created. A low provision is marked near multi-floor districts the South, the East, near the living massive in the east and north-west, new cottage in the north-west part of the city. The cause of this low provision is the absence of functional recreation territories in the easy-access area. To avoid this deficit of green-zones in e several districts of Vitebsk it's necessary to build up some reservation green-zones on the territory of 265 ha, and organize the transports communication between the distanced districts of the city and big forest-pars and parks. Condition and resistance of the urban planting to anthropogenic factors are determined by the planting species, age and type structure, landscape and ecological situation, and also by the level of anthropogenic impact on the greening in different city's zones. The assessment of the state and resistance of free plantings of Vitebsk city to city factors environment showed that weakening of the life state is marked on greening sites, located close to transport highways with intensive traffic in the city's center. A resistance of common use plantings in the city is high in general, hence for a number of objects in central part it is moderate and low, and is stipulated by the structure of weak-resistance species and old plantings, as well as weakening of trees stand in the conditions of city environment. The plantings of a reserved territory are healthy, they show high resistance to technogenic loads. Forests mainly reveal good health of plantings. General city forests resistance is evaluated as a moderate. Greater parts of forests of Vitebsk (58,2 %) is characterized by moderate resistance to recreation, high and very high resistance is marked on 33,1 % and 8,7 % of forest lands.

S. Myshliakov
AUTOMATIC LANDSCAPE-INDICATIVE RECOGNITION OF SOILS OF FOREST-COVERED AREAS ON REMOTE SENSING DATA. pp. 80-88

Summary: Lately, the role of remote sensing data in the sphere of mapping, cadastre and environmental monitoring greatly increases. The work deals with studying of soil cover of forested areas. The subject of the work is Biarezina watershed (Neman river basin). Development of multispectral satellite surveys and automatic technologies of spatial data processing put new requirements to recognition process. The technology of soil map creation, based on landscape-indication and mathematical statistics methods, is described in the work. According to landscape-indicative conception certain type of forest corresponds with certain soils. Typical types of forest of the region were shared into classes of wood species and degree of moistening. These classes were used as basic units of automatic indicative recognition. Technology of automatic processing consist in finding and analysis the most informative and appropriate channels of multispectral images and their derivatives. The calculation of statistical parameters shows that infrared ranges of electromagnetic spectrum, 1st and 2nd principal components as well as vegetation index have the best possibilities for recognition of images. Automatic recognition is carried out by means of hierarchical sequential classification. The map of types of forests was created as a result of classification. This map put into a base of maps of soil cover structure. Geographical analysis of derived maps shows their good ecision and correspondence to the existing materials. The expediency of further using of multispectral satellite data for soil researches of different scale level is obvious.

Yu. V. Maksimuk, Z. A. Antonova, V. N. Kursevich
EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL RESOURCE AS SOLID BIOFUEL. pp. 89-94

Summary: The measurement' results of moisture, ash, heat of combustion and content sulfur for 60th samples of solid biofuels are represented in this article: fuel wood, straw, peat, lignine, cellolignine, agro-waste. The contrastive analysis for different biofuels are made, and scope of changes their properties are determination. The regularity of change for heat of combustion fuels in the different state against the composition are established. The conclusion about needs to preparation fuel before combustion in boiler of heat and power plant is drew, its greatly increase of effectiveness to using local resource as solid biofuel.

G. A. Vasilenko
POSSIBILITIES OF WOOD FUEL USE ON THE TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS. pp. 95-100

Summary: The possibility of wood fuel utilization on the territory of the Republic of Belarus is considered. The economic efficiency of its use for energetic objects is calculated. One of the sort of renewable energy is biomass, which in total consumption of energy carriers (TCEC) ranks fourth in the world. For power engineering targets as a fuel a primary biomass is used, which includes timber, waste of forest, timber treatment and cellulose-paper industry, as well as agricultural (hay, straw) and household waste. Most widely used type of biomass (BM) to produce heat and power energy is a wood fuel. At present leaders among industrially developed states in the sphere of bio-power are Finland (the biomass covers 21 % of total area) and Sweden (19 %). Great results in the development of bio-power have been achieved by Austria, Denmark, USA. In EC states amount of energy, obtained from solid BM (wood mainly) makes up at present about 3,9 % of total consumption of primary energy carriers. By 2010 it is planned to increase this index till 5,5 %. Republic of Belarus also has some experience of wood biomass use for power engineering aims. All the necessary equipment, assigned for power production, is manufactured at own enterprises. Belarus possesses great forest resources, total forests area makes up 8 676,1 thou ha. In the average as for the republic the percentage of forests volume makes up 37,7 %. The greatest percent of forest scope have Gomel and Vitebsk regions (44,6 % and 38,1 % correspondingly). Of 118 administrative regions the forest scope above 20 % have 15 regions (Rossonskiy - 66,8 %, Lel'chitsy - 66,5 %). The forest scope less 20 % is marked on the territory of 8 regions (Nesvizh - 9,6 %, Berestovitsy - 14,6 %, Zelvenskiy - 14,8 %). Wood reserves make up 1 437,9 % ml m³ on the republic's territory. The greatest wood reserves are noted on the territory of Gomel, (323,6 ml m³ ), Minsk (286,4 ml m³ ) and Vitebsk (272,0 ml m³ ) regions. The least ones - Brest and Grodno regions (191, and 158,7 ml m³ correspondingly). Reserves of coniferous sorts make up 955,9 ml m³ , solid-leaf-bearing breeds - 532,8 ml m³ , soft-leaf-bearing ones - 427,8 ml m³. The Republic of Belarus fuel timber potential resources consist of: 1. Wood to be stores as: a) main use of forests; b) cuts due to forest management; c) sanitary cuts; d) other cuts. 2. Loggings waste. 3. Wood sawing waste due to timber processing. Lumbering resources make up the basis of fuel potential of the Republic of Belarus in wood fuel and directly refer to fuel resources resulting from lumbering and timber processing. Main scope of forest funds to be assigned for industrial use is under the authority of Ministry of Forest Management. Amount of forest cuts waste (knots, branches, foliage, needles, stumps, roots) makes up 35 % of trunk wood volume. As a calculated forest cuts of 7,2 ml m³ in 2006 1,2...1,3 ml m³ (0,8...0,9 ml t) may be used as a fuel. By 2015 this scope may reach 2,0...2,5 ml m³ (1,4...1,8 ml t). Most reserves of liquid timber have district forestries of Vitebsk (1 628,2 thou m³ ) and Gomel (1 667,7 thou m³ ) regions. Their total reserve makes up almost 50 % of total republic's reserves. Grodno region's district forestries (431,4 th m³ ) have the least wood reserve. Regarding cuts of wood as forest plantations types, in general in the republic waste of soft-leave plantations make up 81,5 %, coniferous - 16,8 %, hard-leave ones - 1,7 %. Main wood cuts waste of coniferous and soft-leave plantations are concentrated in Vitebsk region (72 thou m³ and 412,8 thou m³ respectively), and hard-leave ones - in Gomel region (21,3 thou m³). Energy potential calculations show that along Gomel region in all reviewed periods the greatest values are observed in Kalinkovichi, Lelchitsy, Zhitkovichi and Petrikov regions (over 90 mln kwt h/year). In Dobrush, Loyev, Kormaynsky regions these values are less 30 mln kwt h/year, which are the least along the whole territory of the district. In Minsk district the values of the potential exceed 90 mln kwt h/year, and in Borisov and Logoisk regions are unknown unless the data are not submitted by the author of the article. Kletsk, Nesvizh have less than 20 mln kwt h/year. In Vitebsk region energy potential in all regions at present doesn't exceed 75 mln kwt h/year. In 2010-2015 its potential till 90...130 mln kwt h/year is expected in Gorodok, Dokshitsy, Polotsk and Rossony districts. On the territory of Mogilyov the greatest values of energy potential are observed in Osipovichy region (year of 2005 - 94,1 mln kwt h/year; 2015 - 117,4 mln kwt h/year). The least values are marked in Krichev region (2005- 15,8 mln kwt h/year till 19,6 mln kwt h/year in 2015). Values of energy potential in general along Grodno region don't exceed 1000 mln kwt h/year for all regarded periods. In Brest district the greatest values are noticed in Ivatsevichi and Pruzhany regions (over 80 mln kwt h/year). In general, it should be noted that values of energy potential of wood mass for the period 2005 to 2015 in all the districts will increase on the average 1,5 time. Economically purposeful potential of wood waste utilization as a fuel has been determined regarding the costs on logging, its transportation and processing, according to prices on imported fuel types, as well as considering the fact that part of timber waste is used for other aims: production of char coal, timber-fiber plates, methanol, etc. According to calculations done to substantiate construction of Osipovichi TEP on local fuel types, the economy of fuel resources when using woof waste comprises about 40 %. Forests of the republic possess rather a high ability to solve tasks of power engineering, and forest-economy branch may become a stable provider of renewable fuel-power resources of Belarus considering availability of consumption market and economic stimulus. At present the branch's raw material resources may ensure supply of 1,5 ml of wood fuel a year with the increase of supply till 2,5 mln of c.f. a year for the period till 2015. As it has been stated before, utilization of wood mass for fuel purposes for the period 2005 to 2015 in all the districts increases 1,5 time on the average. And on this basis 7,1 bln kwt h/year in 2010, in 2015 - 7,4 bln kwt h/year may be produced corresponding thus to 8,3 % of common need in boiler-furnace fuel. Therefore, made by us analysis of raw material basis of the republic of Belarus and fulfilled calculations of energy potential of timber fuel and its economic efficiency enable concluding the timber fuel to be an energy source in the prospect with next utilization in power engineering on the republic's territory.

Ecologically Safe and Resource-Saving Technology

N. I. Tanavitskaya
DETERMINATION OF TRENDS UTILIZATION OF THE CUT-OF PEAT DEPOSIT SITES WITH REGARD TO THEIR GENESIS. pp. 101-108

Summary: The article presents results of geomorphological and hydrological features of four peat deposits regarding their genesis. Two typical flood-plain peat deposits (Grichino-Starobinskoye and Karoliny ) and two hollow deposits (Dokudovskoye and Svyatoe) substantiate scientifically nature-protective utilization trend of former underlain by sapropel peat deposits. It has been shown that the choice of trends utilization of the cut-of peat deposit sites should be done with regard to geomorphological conditions of their formation, deposition type, agrochemical characteristics of peat odd layer, hydrological regime, duration of time after peat extraction, possibility of drying through natural mode, needs of the region in certain utilization sphere.

Protected Objects of Nature

V. M. Baitchorov, M. D. Moroz, V. V. Toropov
HYDROGEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF SPRINGS OF THE NATIONAL PARK "BRASLAV LAKES" AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THEIR USE. pp. 109-114

Summary: In the paper results of the study of a seasonal change of rates of 19 springs of the National Park "Braslav Lakes" and sanitary state of territories around springs and their surface drainage basins are presented. Springs of the National Park "Braslav Lakes" are characterized by their geomorphological features as springs of plains. Springs are situated mainly in depressions of a relief, river valleys, hill slopes at sites of contacts of layers with a different permeability. According to their hydraulic features all the springs investigated are subdivided to descending (non- pressure, overflow) and ascending (under pressure) ones. Descending springs are the least protected against the surface pollution including agricultural (agrochemical) and sewage pollution. Springs fed by water tables composed of coarse-grained sands and gravel - pebble materials have the greatest outputs. Spring waters of the National Park "Braslav Lakes" belong to fresh on a rate of their mineralization. They are hydrocarbonate calcium - magnesium on their chemical composition. Three of the springs studied are the hydrogen sulphide, the others are not gassed. All studied springs are cold. Their temperature ranges from 5 to 12 ^oC. Sources of the spring basin area pollution have not been found. Economical or other activities directed to contamination or exhaustion of spring waters in spring feeding areas have not been revealed. Investigations of a sanitary conditions of spring areas have shown their accordance with requirements Sanitary Rules 8-83-98 RB 98. Along with good water quality the springs of the National Park "Braslav Lakes" are distinguished in their unique biological diversity, ecological significance of their natural environment, esthetical, cultural and historic values which is a basis of a multifunctional use of them by humans.

Economics of Nature Management

O. S. Shimova, O. N. Lopachuk
METHODICAL ASPECTS OF WETLANDS ECONOMIC ESTIMATION. pp. 115-121

Summary: In the article actual questions of wetlands economic estimation from the point of ecosystem approach are considered. Real and potential benefits of wetlands biodiversity preservation and the role and functions of wetlands in biosphere processes are revealed. For ecological and economic analysis of ecosystems productivity, substantiation of nature protection projects financing, economic use of territories comparisons, definition of biodiversity role in national wealth structure it is necessary to conduct the adequate economic estimation of wetlands. The analysis of methodical approaches to an economic estimation of biodiversity developed by domestic and foreign scientists allowed ground the expediency of the mixed cost and rent approaches for calculation of cost indexes. The method suggested was tested with an example of Zvanetz nature reserve. Biological resources, and also ecosystem services of marshes in natural water treating and СО₂ deposition are chosen as an estimation objects. Considering specific character of the territory economic estimation of birds was carried out. Natural specific traits of wetlands allowed find out some functions which realization could be considered as an ecosystem service of marches. Because of absence of trustworthy information only water-purifying and consignation functions of wetland in Zvanetz reserve were estimated. The received result should be considered not as the real state income of wetland preservation, but the natural capital, that is the natural actives providing sustainable existence of the natural environment and future rendering of ecosystem services.

N. V. Dankova
ORGANIZATION & ECONOMIC QUESTIONS OF PARTICIPATION OF BELARUS IN REALIZATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL. pp. 122-128

Summary: The Republic of Belarus was among the first to sign the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) & on August 9, 2000 became a party to this Convention. The Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC, that regulates the quantitative commitments of the parties to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) & introduces efficient mechanisms to achieve such reductions, came into effect for Belarus after the Presidential Decree № 370 of August 12, 2005 "On the Accession of the Republic of Belarus to the Kyoto Protocol". At the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Nairobi in December, 2006 the Republic of Belarus committed itself to limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases to 92 % of the emissions of 1990. When the 3/4 Parties of the Kyoto Protocol ratify this amendment to the Protocol, the country will be able to approve & register the Assigned Amount of emissions & participate in such mechanisms as joint implementation (JI) & international emissions trading. The most important requirements of the Protocol are calculation and rationale of the Assigned Amount as it is prescribed by paragraphs 7 & 8 of Article 3 of the Kyoto Protocol, & support of obligatory reserves of emission reduction unites. In addition to this reserve, Belarus committed to keep in the National Registry additional 7 % of its Assigned Amount. In Initial Report to the UNFCCC Secretariat Belarus submitted calculation & rationale of the assigned amount units as part, which constitutes 92 % of GHG emissions by all sources in 1990 without taking land use, land use change & forestry (LULUCF) sector into account, & also, of values of main and additional reserves. The figures cited in the report (in million tons in СО₂ equivalent) are: Assigned amount - 585.87; Obligatory reserve - 371.94; Additional reserve - 41.01. Hence, for participation in the flexible mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol, Belarus has a surplus of assigned amount units of 34.6 million tons in СО₂ equivalent annually. During the entire commitment period Belarus will have a surplus of assigned amount units at the rate of at least 170 million tons in СО₂ equivalent. The situation allows the country to actively offer these assets to investors and buyers of carbon units, state-run and corporative carbon funds of other countries-members of the Kyoto Protocol in exchange for modern environmentally sound technologies & financial resources for their application in Belarus. The Republic of Belarus considers the joint implementation mechanism and "green" investment scheme as effective and appropriate tools to perform these tasks. In Belarus the GDP energy intensity rate (adjusted by purchasing-power parity) is by a factor of 1.6...2.2 higher than in European Union countries with similar climatic conditions. The prognoses of implementation of the national industrial policy do not expect a considerable growth of total consumption of energy resources until 2012 providing GDP energy intensity further declining by 6...7 % annually. Taking into account these factors one can indicate a considerable potential for reduction GHG emissions. The activities targeted at efficient use of fuel & energy resources fall within the priority measures for emission reduction. At present, joint implementation project proposals are being prepared in Belarus. The list of projects currently includes about 80 project ideas, which are now processed in accordance with the national procedure. Among them there are about 20 bioenergy projects (the potential is about 50 projects), 25 projects aimed at modernization of basic assets of energy enterprises, 35 projects related to industry, building, petrochemistry, & housing maintenance and utilities sector. Many of the underway projects are bundled ones, i. e. they relate to several objects of the same kind or within common boundaries. Projects aimed at GHG emission reduction will create the necessary investment medium, attract new investors from foreign countries, provide conditions for transfer of new technologies, lowering of merchant barriers, and free spread of information. In other words, a market of energy-efficient goods & services will be formed. The inclusion of Belarus in Annex B to Kyoto Protocol will provide the country a real opportunity of its participation in economic mechanisms of the Protocol, which stimulate implementation of GHG emission reduction commitments & promote attracting investments in contemporary technologies.

P. Andrusevich
THE IMPORTANCE OF ECOLOGICAL RENT AND ANTI-RENT IN THE PROCESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS IN LAND TENURE. pp. 129-134

Summary: Ecological rent and anti-rent are new economic categories which reflect new directions of conservation and effective utilization of natural resources. There are a lot of different approaches to define the categories "ecological rent" and "anti-rent" and the main idea is that ecological rent is special part of economical ground-rent which appears in nature management sphere as the result of more effective utilization of technical equipment, technologies and improvement in production processes. At the same time when ecological rent is used to improve the lands' quality, to preserve its natural quality, ecological anti-rent is the opposite concept to ecological rent and represent the illegal excess profit, obtained by businessmen through destructive utilization of natural resources. This rent should be claimed by the state to stimulate rational land tenure and help recovery or reclamation of natural resources. Agricultural organizations and farms which introduce ecological innovations should be beneficiary of ecological rent as well as the state. There are two different ways how the ecological anti-rent payments can be withdrawn. They are different in organizational or management structure. The application and utilization of mentioned categories in the theory and practice of land management helps to establish and to stimulate environmental improvements in the land tenure process.

Chronicle

A. N. Rachevskiy
BELGRADE-2007. THE SIXTH PAN-EUROPEAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT IN BELGRADE. pp. 135-139