ISBN: 978-80-7701-086-3 | ISBN online: 978-80-7701-087-0 | DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0
17th Conference Public recreation and landscape protection – with respect hand in hand? vol: 17
11.–13. 5. 2026 Křtiny
- Jitka Fialová (Ed.), Dastan Bamwesigye (Ed.), Věra Hubačíková (Ed.)
Published: 2026, online: 2026, publisher: Mendel University in Brno
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Conference papers
A COMPARISON OF DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE SVITAVA RIVER IN BRNO IN TERMS OF RECREATION AND LAND USE
Kateřina Sedláčková, Petr Hrůza
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0013
The industrial areas of Brno through which the Svitava River flows are gradually being revitalized. Emphasis is also placed on integrating the river into the surrounding area and utilizing it for recreational purposes. The aim of this article is to compare the current state with the situation in 2018. The area under consideration will primarily include locations within the city limits that directly border the Svitava River. The article will focus on locations where changes have taken place in recent years and will evaluate them in terms of their use for recreation.
A GIS-BASED INDEX TO IDENTIFY CRITICAL HOTSPOTS OF AGRICULTURAL PLASTIC PRESSURE IN VULNERABLE LANDSCAPES
Charbel Matar, Roberto Puglisi, Dina Statuto, Salvatore Margiotta, Pietro Picuno
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0016
The intensification of plasticulture may generate substantial quantities of agricultural plastic waste (APW), posing increasing risks to ecological integrity and landscape quality, especially in close proximity to protected sites or to areas subjected to mass summer tourism. This study proposes the Landscape Vulnerability to Agricultural Plastic Index (LVAPI), a GIS-based composite index combining the Agricultural Plastic Pollution Risk Index (APPRI) with a Landscape Sensitivity Index (LSI), to map critical hotspots of plastic pressure across an Italian Southern region (i.e., Basilicata). APPRI was computed by integrating plastic waste indices per crop type with relative risk indices, reflecting the micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) generation potential associated with each plastic application. LSI integrates three equally weighted sensitivity components: slope-based soil sensitivity, water sensitivity based on proximity to the regional hydrographic network, and ecological sensitivity based on proximity to Natura2000 protected sites. Applied at 10 m spatial resolution across 435,134 ha of agricultural land, LVAPI identified high-vulnerability hotspots covering 18,716 ha (4.30%), concentrated in some regional areas characterized by intensive agricultural production, ecologically vulnerable landscapes, intensive summer tourism, or close to drinking water watershed. As a proxy-based screening tool, LVAPI supports spatial prioritization of protection measures, rather than predicting field-scale micro- and nanoplastics concentrations.
AGRICULTURAL PARKS AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL RECREATIONAL LANDSCAPES IN METROPOLITAN REGIONS
Attila Tóth
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0021
Agricultural landscapes located within metropolitan regions are increasingly recognised as important components of multifunctional green infrastructure. While traditionally perceived primarily as spaces for food production, contemporary planning approaches emphasize their broader ecological, social and cultural functions. The concept of agricultural parks represents an innovative strategy for integrating agricultural production, recreation and landscape protection within urbanised territories. This paper explores agricultural parks as a specific form of multifunctional recreational landscape where productive agricultural land simultaneously provides ecosystem services, recreational opportunities and landscape identity. The study focuses on selected European case studies, including Landschaftspark Belvedere in Cologne, Parco delle Risaie in Milan and Espai Rural de Gallecs in the Barcelona metropolitan area. These examples demonstrate different approaches to the spatial organisation, governance and management of agricultural landscapes functioning as public open spaces. The analysis highlights the role of landscape architecture, green-blue infrastructure and nature-based solutions in transforming conventional agricultural landscapes into accessible and attractive recreational environments without compromising their productive function. Attention is paid to spatial design strategies such as recreational path networks, landscape interpretation and biodiversity-supporting elements integrated into the agricultural matrix. The findings illustrate how agricultural parks can contribute to sustainable metropolitan development by preserving farmland, enhancing biodiversity and offering new forms of everyday recreation in productive landscapes.
AI-MEDIATED SCENARIO MODELLING FOR EXPERIMENTAL INTERVENTIONS IN URBAN VOIDS
Miroslav Čibik$
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0025
Urban voids, often emerging as residual gaps within compact urban structures, represent both spatial challenges and opportunities for innovative design interventions. This research explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for generating experimental design scenarios for the regeneration of such spaces. The study focuses on a vacant lot located within a strictly urbanized environment, characterized by fragmented spatial conditions and limited development potential. The research applies AI-based modelling to generate a series of possible spatial interventions that reinterpret the role of the site within the surrounding urban fabric. Rather than producing a single design solution, the AI system is used to explore multiple speculative scenarios reflecting different spatial, ecological, and programmatic strategies. These generated proposals are subsequently analyzed and categorized according to their spatial logic, degree of intervention, and relationship to the existing urban structure. The resulting scenarios form the basis for a structured set of recommendations that contribute to a working database of potential regeneration strategies for urban voids. The findings suggest that AI-assisted modelling can serve as a supportive exploratory tool in early design stages, expanding the range of possible spatial strategies and supporting decision-making processes in the regeneration of small-scale urban gaps within dense city environments.
AIR QUALITY IN THE CITY OF HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ
Markéta Holíková, Martina Brenčič, Jaroslav Rožnovský
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0029
Hradec Králové is traditionally regarded as a city with a high proportion of greenery, representing an inspiring example of an urban environment. Consequently, both visitors and residents experience diverse urban climates within the city. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) operates two climatological stations (Nový Hradec Králové and Svobodné Dvory) and one air quality monitoring station (Brněnská) within the municipal area. The urban climate is further studied under the project "Mitigation of the negative impacts of meteorological extremes (temperature, wind, and precipitation) on public health and the environment in large agglomerations." Air temperature and humidity measurements are currently conducted at eight locations across the city. In this article, we present the results of an assessment of the urban climate and air quality with regard to the plan to plant additional fruit orchards as part of the urban greenery. We monitor the potential of fruit trees not only as adaptation elements of urban landscapes but also as bioindicators of pollution. As a specific case study, we provide the results of a microanalysis using the SEM/EDX method, identifying the nature of pollutants deposited on the surface of an apple leaf from the Na Potoce orchard.
APPROACHES TO THE USE OF HISTORICAL WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF RECREATION AND TOURISM
Miloš Rozkošný, Kuei-chen Lin, Miriam Dzuráková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0034
The protection, preservation and use of industrial heritage, including water management facilities and their systems, are among the main areas of care for historic buildings and monuments around the world. The purpose of the article is to compare approaches to the possible use of preserved or reconstructed historic water management facilities and their equipment (not only the buildings themselves, the premises of the facility complexes, but also machines, tools for operation and maintenance, etc.) within the framework of recreation for residents of the surrounding environment and tourism for visitors to the places and areas in which these facilities are located. In many cases, this is part of secondary use, when the original function of the facility has ended. In some cases, it is necessary to balance the requirements for maintaining a defined functionality with the need to present this historic heritage, the purpose of which is also to promote awareness of the field of water management, related industries and the historical development of the area. The article is based on research on sites in the Czech Republic and Taiwan.
ASSESSMENT OF LANDSCAPE VULNERABILITY IN THE CZECH-SLOVAK BORDER REGION USING NATIONAL APPROACHES
Vilém Pechanec, Peter Mederly, Pavel Cudlín, Michal Ševčík, Karel Macků, Jiří Jakubínský
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0038
Currently, there are important methodological procedures (applications) for landscape vulnerability assessment on both sides of the border Czech-Slovak Republic border. In Slovakia it is the application "Horia obce" and in the Czech ESAI+. However, both approaches focus only on their territories, taking into account administrative borders and the availability of national datasets.
In our study (carried out in the framework of the Interreg project JIZKES), the two methodologies were first compared at the level of the concept of the evaluation. This was followed by an analysis of the data used and the possibility of equivalent data sets on the other side of the border. Both methods were then applied, first on the home side and then on the opposite side, at the extent of the selected adjacent counties, to produce seamless maps of the whole study area. The main differences were identified in the climate data used (value, resolution) and the detail of the habitat map. The resulting maps were published on the project's public map portal. Finally, the applicability of the methodologies was evaluated using the SWOT method to create a (new) unified landscape vulnerability methodology applicable in both countries.
ATTRACTIVENESS OF FOREST LANDSCAPES UNDER CLOSE-TO-NATURE MANAGEMENT
Jakub Jehlička, Kateřina Mácová, Jan Melichar, Bronislav Farkač, Hana Škopková, Emily J. Hanson, ...
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0042
This study examines how communication framing shapes the attractiveness of forest environments under close-to-nature management. In an experiment with a representative Czech sample, participants evaluated forest scenes under different management regimes with ecological, historical, or no labels. Attractiveness was mainly driven by perceived naturalness and complexity, with only minor differences between management types. Communication framing did not uniformly increase attractiveness but selectively altered interpretation of specific features.
BALANCING ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONALITY AND SAFETY: ASSESSING MIYAWAKI FORESTS IN THE CONTEXT OF RECREATION
Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0047
The integration of nature into urban environments must carefully balance requirements of public recreation with long-term landscape protection. Recently, the Miyawaki "micro-forest" method has gained immense popularity as a rapid urban greening solution. However, this study critically assesses the functional and ecological realities of such densely planted structures against their promotional narratives. By applying conceptual modeling based on tree biomechanics, we demonstrate that the extreme planting density inherent to the Miyawaki method results in intense competition for light from the juvenile phase onward. This developmental trajectory results in spindly, pole-like tree habits characterized by high height-to-diameter (H/D) ratios, small crowns, and compromised mechanical stability. This structural vulnerability notably increases the risk of stem breakage and windthrow, posing direct safety hazards to park visitors. Consequently, these plantings fail to provide long-term microclimatic benefits - such as effective shading and transpiration cooling - essential for comfortable recreational spaces. Furthermore, their impenetrable, thicket-like structure limits spatial readability and safe accessibility, severely restricting their utility for public recreation. We conclude that while micro-forests offer a short-term visual greening effect, they cannot substitute traditional, thoughtfully spaced group plantings that ensure long-term landscape resilience, functional ecological services, and safe public use.
BARRIERS AND SOLUTIONS IN THE PROFESSIONAL INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN BUCHAREST
Carmen Ileana Dobrescu, Darius-Stefan Nestoriuc, Camelia Teodorescu, Florin Alin Butoi, Ana-Irina Lequeux-Dinca
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0052
This study aims to examine in detail the real and complex obstacles faced by people with physical disabilities when seeking employment, but also after employment, as well as their daily activities in an organized environment. In order to understand these difficulties from their perspective, the barriers they encounter and which must be overcome must be examined, presenting a realistic picture of the situation. The results should serve as a basis for developing concrete recommendations to employers, public institutions, and decision-makers with the aim of promoting inclusive policies, removing stereotypes, and creating a fair professional landscape for all.The study has four objectives: to classify barriers to recruitment and employment (subjective factors: employer attitudes and fear of discrimination; objective factors: physical accessibility and application procedures), identifying everyday obstacles in the workplace (infrastructural and technological accessibility, social dynamics), correlating and systematizing the solutions proposed by people with disabilities, and effectively disseminating the findings to facilitate the implementation of change. The methodology is qualitative, based on structured technological interviews with open-ended questions. The data will be analyzed through synthesis to encourage participants to share their personal experiences and propose detailed suggestions.
CAN WE ANTICIPATE WHAT CLIMATE CHANGE DOES TO THE RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE LANDSCAPE?
Jan Deutscher, Lenka Šipanová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0056
One of the most important factors that condition recreational potential of the landscape is landcover. At the same time, the existence of landcover types is heavily impacted by climatic conditions. In this article, we try to find links between landcover type changes in the future and their expected effect on recreational potential. Current landcover types are taken over from the CORINE inventory and predicted future climate date was purchased from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. The study Is performed in an upland experimental catchment representing similar areas in the Czech Republic. By analysing water requirements of landcover types via their potential evapotranspiration and available precipitation we conclude their current status quo and sustainability. Using predicted future climatic data, we track the increasing water requirements to the tipping point towards negative water balance. This indicates the need for change in landcover. There we arrive at a new sustainable status quo and discuss the associated changes in recreational potential between the two points in time.
CASTLE RUINS AS SITES WHERE GEODIVERSITY AND CULTURE MEET: A CASE STUDY OF JANŠTEJN (CZECHIA)
Karel Kirchner, František Kuda, Lucie Kubalíková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0061
Geocultural sites are perceived as sites where links between geodiversity and culture are particularly strong and interconnected. They may be represented by quarries, anthropogenic landforms, and historical buildings or constructions. Thanks to their values, geocultural sites possess an important potential for geotourism and geoeducation, but at the same time, they may become endangered by threats such as natural degradation, vegetation overgrowth, overtourism, inappropriate use, or indifference to their values. This contribution introduces a case study of Janštejn castle ruins situated in Jihlavské vrchy Highland (Czechia). The area represents a typical granitic landscape with the occurrence of rock walls, tors, frost cliffs and blocky accumulations. The ruins of Janštejn castle are situated on the rocky elevation formed by the Moldanubian granite. The construction of the castle dates back to the 14th Century, and it significantly affected the surroundings due to the extraction of local material and anthropogenic transformation of the relief. The site has been described in terms of geomorphological processes and landforms, mapped by the use of 3D laser scanning, and assessed by geomorphosite concept. Based on the SWOT analysis, threats and opportunities were identified, and possible management measures, proposals for further sustainable use, and research directions were designed.
CLIMATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE BESKYDY MOUNTAINS
Pavel Lipina, Veronika Šustková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0066
The area of the Beskydy Mountains covered in this article is 2,412 km², and the average elevation is 557 meters above sea level. The selected area covers only 3% of the territory of the Czech Republic.
The climate is changing worldwide, and the Beskydy Mountains are no exception. Given that the elevation range of the mountain range is 1,000 m, we calculated the characteristics of the Beskydy Mountains for individual years and months from 1874 to the present using available data. For precipitation totals, average air temperature, and new snowfall totals, we obtained 150-year time series, from which we are able to analyze trends and identify historical extremes in this region. Based on our knowledge of the past and present, we can better prepare for and adapt to the future climate, which influences and will increasingly influence most of our activities.
COMPARISON OF MULTISPECTRAL DATA FROM UAV AND SATELLITE IMAGERY FOR MONITORING THE VEGETATION STATUS OF GOLF COURSES
Petr Karásek, Jiří Burian
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0072
Recreational areas such as golf courses represent a specific type of landscape element whose maintenance requires intensive vegetation management, particularly in terms of irrigation, fertilization, and regular turf maintenance. Considering the environmental impacts of these activities, there is an increasing need for methods that enable more efficient and environmentally sustainable management of such areas.
This contribution focuses on the use of multispectral data for monitoring the vegetation condition of turfgrass areas on a golf course and compares different sources of remote sensing data. Specifically, data acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) DJI Mavic 3M and satellite systems Sentinel-2 and Planet are analyzed. The acquired imagery was processed into orthophotos and multispectral layers, from which selected vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI and GNDVI) were calculated.
The analysis focuses on comparing spatial resolution, level of detail, and the ability to identify spatial variability in vegetation condition among the different data sources. The results show that UAV imagery provides highly detailed information on local vegetation changes, while satellite data enable regular monitoring of vegetation development over a broader temporal scale. The combination of both approaches therefore represents a suitable tool for supporting the sustainable management of recreational areas, optimizing irrigation regimes, and reducing the excessive use of fertilizers and other environmental inputs.
COMPOSITIONAL APPROACHES OF HERBACEOUS PLANT COMMUNITIES IN A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS LANDSCAPE
Alica Saková, Michaela Hrúzová, Marek Hus
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0076
The paper addresses compositional principles in the design of herbaceous beds and grass–herbaceous plant communities within a university campus environment. The aim of the study is to highlight the possibilities of using ornamental herbaceous plants in the formation of aesthetically valuable, functional, and ecologically stable vegetation elements in an academic setting. In the design of the planting beds, fundamental landscape architectural principles were applied, particularly composition, rhythm, colour harmony, plant height gradation, and seasonal dynamics of vegetation. Attention was also paid to the adaptability of the selected species to local site conditions, their ecological requirements, and maintenance demands. The selection of plant material focused on species and cultivars with high ornamental value throughout the growing season, while considering their phenology, growth habit, and mutual compatibility within the overall composition. The design also reflects the need to enhance biodiversity and support ecological functions of greenery within the urbanised environment of a university campus, and addresses mowing strategies. The outcome of the study is a design of compositionally balanced herbaceous plant communities that contribute to improving the visual quality of university space while creating opportunities for educational and research activities, including monitoring plant growth, development, and adaptation to specific site conditions.
CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN NIGERIA: PERCEIVED KNOWLEDGE, PROBLEMS, AND POLICY DIRECTION
Dastan Bamwesigye, Henry Okeokpa Chima, Jitka Fialova, Evans Yeboah
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0082
The study explored sustainable tourism for conserving cultural heritage in Nigeria, thereby preserving various cultural geographies, historical sites, and rich traditions and customs. We deliberated on sustainable tourism as a realistic pathway to protecting immaterial cultural assets while nurturing socio-economic progress. The study gathered and utilized primary data with a well-structured questionnaire survey of 120 visitors of the tourist center Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Nigeria, which belongs to local communities. The study found that about 90% of stakeholders agreed that sustainable tourism can effectively preserve cultural heritage sites. Moreover, 75% of the respondents ranked Nigeria's cultural heritage conservation efforts as very essential, although showing very low familiarity (36%) and visitation to cultural heritage sites. However, the environmental problems and challenges threatening sustainable tourism in Nigeria were acknowledged as urban encroachment and pollution (26.67%), scarcity of funding and or coordination amongst the diverse government and non–government agencies (37.5%), and Insecurity (36.7%), among others. Furthermore, the survey disclosed that more than 60% of participants identified weak policy enforcement, underfunding, and over-commercialization as major challenges. The research confirmed that both community engagement and policy adjustments are necessary for enhanced and sustainable conservation of Osun-Oshogbo, and Nigeria in general.
CYCLING ROUTES AS RECREATIONAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE CITY OF NITRA AND ITS SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE
Mária Bihuňová, Miroslav Čibik, Attila Tóth
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0087
Cycle routes are an important recreational equipment of the landscape, whether urban or rural and open landscape. They provide active relaxation, but also the opportunity to learn, try new things, and discover new places. Their equipment is very important, not only in terms of construction, but also to provide the comfort of the users. The placement of rest areas, view points, or interesting elements—artistic or educational are essential for their attractiveness. The Paper provides an overview of the cycling network around Nitra and the possibilities for connecting interesting points, supplemented by the interventions of colleagues from the Institute of Landscape Architecture, whether it be rest areas or visual-interactive elements. The Paper presents as an example a student proposal for the design of the Water company garden in Nitra, which aims to open up its space to users and cyclists in the surrounding area.
DEGREE LEVEL AS DIFFERENTIATING FACTOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY IN RECREATIONAL USE OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Stanislav Azor, Štefan Adamčák, Michal Marko, Ľudmila Kuriplachová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0091
Recreational use of natural environment represents an environmentally sensitive area that requires responsible behavior and well-developed environmental sensitivity. The level at which individuals perceive the environmental context of recreation may be associated with their degree level in higher education; therefore, the aim of study was to identify differences in perceptions of environmental challenges and emerging trends in nature-based recreation between bachelor’s and master’s degree students. The research sample consisted of 1,178 university students (bachelor’s, N = 518; master’s, N = 660). Assessments of differences relied on chi-square test with Cramér’s V, followed by multivariable ordinal logistic regression adjusted for gender, age, and type of higher education institution. Analysis of response distributions using the chi-square test showed significant differences (p < .01) between bachelor’s and master’s students across all analyzed items (χ²; small effects - Cramér’s V). Differences involved perceptions of environmental pressure on areas, the environmental challenges associated with the recreational use of nature, and emerging trends in physical activity. After adjustment for control domains, master’s students showed approximately 60% higher odds of rating these aspects more than bachelor’s students. Degree level influenced perceptions of environmental context of recreation. Strengthening environmental education at the bachelor’s level may promote sustainable recreational behavior in natural environments.
DESIGN OF CREATING AN EDUCATIONAL TRAIL SELEC – INOVEC
Vladimír Juško, Hrvoje Sivrić, Matej Rozkopál
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0095
Educational trails represent a specific form of environmental interpretation of the landscape. These are thematically designed routes in a natural or cultural environment, which are an important tool of environmental education, especially in protected areas. The aim of the work was a practical design of the educational trail Selec – Inovec. The design consists of the proposal of the route, the content design and the placement of information boards as well as the design of additional recreational mobiliary. The proposed educational trail is situated in the area of interest of the Považský Inovec mountain range. It is linear with a total length of 5.607 km; on the route a total of 13 stops are proposed, which contain 11 information boards thematically focused on the area of natural attractions, history and forestry activity, 3 rest areas, as well as other necessary recreational mobiliary. The educational trail should serve as an element of forest pedagogy for the forestry entity managing the given area when working with the public.
DESIGN AND ESTABLISHMENT OF HERBACEOUS PLANTINGS IN RURAL ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC SPACE QUALITY
Marek Hus
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0100
Rural public spaces in Slovakia have undergone significant transformations in recent decades, often disrupting their traditional character and landscape identity. Appropriately designed vegetation represents an important tool for restoring the aesthetic, ecological, and cultural values of rural settlements. This study focuses on the role, functions, and potential applications of herbaceous plantings in rural environments and highlights their ecological, aesthetic, and social benefits. The paper also identifies common shortcomings in the management of rural greenery, including the absence of conceptual planning, the use of unsuitable plant assortments, and insufficient professional involvement in the design of public spaces. It presents a categorization of greenery within the built environment and discusses the specific characteristics of working with perennials and annual plants. In addition, suitable species for different site conditions are recommended, with particular emphasis on the use of local and traditional taxa. Herbaceous plantings contribute significantly to increasing biodiversity, supporting natural ecosystems, improving rainwater retention, and strengthening the identity of rural landscapes. The study ultimately emphasizes the importance of a professional and context-sensitive approach that respects local environmental conditions and cultural specificities to create sustainable, functional, and visually high-quality rural public spaces.
DESIGNING A RECREATIONAL GREENWAY IN A FORMER RAILWAY CORRIDOR: THE RADOŠINKA CYCLING ROUTE
Attila Tóth, Branislav Králik
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0106
This paper presents a landscape architectural design proposal for a regional cycling route in the Radošinka microregion in western Slovakia. The project explores the potential transformation of a former railway corridor between Zbehy and Radošina into a recreational greenway connecting the cities of Nitra and Piešťany. The aim is to develop a sustainable cycling corridor that supports everyday mobility and recreational use while simultaneously enhancing the landscape accessibility of the surrounding rural environment. The study is based on a comprehensive landscape analysis focusing on settlement structure, landscape character, visual relationships and existing mobility networks within the predominantly agricultural landscape of the microregion. Based on these analyses, the proposal defines the main cycling route primarily outside major roads and complements it with thematic cycling loops linking individual municipalities, landscape landmarks and cultural heritage sites. Attention is given to the design of rest areas, viewpoints and small-scale landscape architectural elements that integrate the cycling route into the open landscape and strengthen regional identity. The design approach emphasises a sensitive relationship between recreation and landscape protection, ensuring that the proposed infrastructure respects the visual structure, ecological values and character of the rural landscape. The project demonstrates how the reuse of abandoned infrastructure corridors can support sustainable recreation, landscape protection and regional development.
DESIGNING LANDSCAPE FRAMES AND PROCESSES – CONTEMPORARY DILEMMAS IN THE AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Rosłon-Szeryńska Edyta, Jacek Materski
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0110
Human attitudes towards nature and trees have evolved from fear, humility, and respect, through triumph and nonchalance, to concern for the future. Contemporary cities, in the age of climate change, should develop in accordance with the concept of "sustainable development," which is understood, among other things, as actions that reconcile the well-being of nature with human needs, with the well-being of future generations in mind.
Generally speaking, we distinguish three design trends in contemporary landscape architecture: conceptual (artistic), functional, and ecological. Unfortunately, it often happens that nature-based solutions or actions under the banner of biodiversity protection are based on form, placing a strong emphasis on aesthetics in the traditional sense and harmony. In this article, the author presents several important assumptions that should guide the actions of designers pursuing the mission of adapting to and mitigating climate change. The foundation for effective action is understanding the processes occurring in the ecosystem and the role and position of humans in nature.
The aim of the work is to present models of dynamic landscape shaping (DLS) with particular emphasis on vegetation typical of floodplains in the Vistula River valley in the city of Warsaw. The research results allowed us to formulate guidelines for the proper shaping of plant landscapes in river valleys in urban space, which has practical use in urban planning and landscape architecture.
DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS EVENTS IN DESTINATION KOŠICE BASED ON COOPERATION WITH THE SLANSKÉ HILLS REGION
Ivana Kavulič, Branislav Kršák
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0116
The article summarizes the successful cooperation between neighboring Destination managment organisations and the destinations of Košice and Prešov, whose main goal is to develop sustainable tourism in the Slanské Hills sub-destination and at the same time expand Košice's offer as a destination for business events. The connection and development of nature and incentive tourism with the congress segment strengthens the competitiveness of the region.
DEVILS AND ANGELS IN CZECH TOPONYMS
Marek Havlíček, Ivo Dostál, Aleš Bajer, Vilém Pechanec
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0120
The article aims to explore spatial distribution and relationships between toponyms in the Czech Republic between place names inspired by the themes of hell and devils on the one hand, and contrasting names derived from God, angels, and heaven on the other.
The key hypothesis verified was that local names derived from hell or the devil frequently indicate interesting geomorphological formations and dynamic relief and are generally more often used for natural objects and local names of land and forest areas, while names derived from God, angels, and heaven are mainly used for smaller man-made structures or buildings. The text is accompanied by examples of notable objects with interesting names closely related to tourism, recreation, or nature conservation.
DIVERSITY OF CYNIPID WASPS ON OAKS IN THE URBAN GREENERY OF NITRA
Ján Kollár, Katarína Miklášová, Jozef Porvazník, Ladislav Bakay
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0126
In this study, we focused on analysis of spectrum and trophic relationships of gall-inducing species from the family Cynipidae associated with the genus Quercus in the urban environment of Nitra city. The research was carried out in 2022-2025. We have also evaluated the visual attractiveness of the galls and which parts each species uses to create galls. We have found 36 species of gall-inducing cynipid wasps, on 6 oak species, which were planted in urban greenery of Nitra city. Our results reveal that the majority of cynipid wasps develop on pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and turkey oak (Quercus cerris). The most preferred part for gall formation is bud (24 species) and leaf (13 species). The least preferred part for gall formation was the roots. In 4 species, the part of development of the sexual generation is unknown. The galls of the agamous generation are more visually attractive. The sexual generation produces mostly inconspicuous types of galls from buds or male catkins. All found cynipid wasp species are native, except Andricus quercusfoliatus, which has native range in southern parts of North America and Mexico.
EDUCATION IN PARKS – PLANT COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS
Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz, Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Andrzej Długoński, Nataliia Boiko
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0131
Recreational and educational functions in parks are supported by purposeful plant compositions that enhance the attractiveness of these spaces and promote cognitive development. Such compositions include established collections of useful plants, such as herb gardens and orchards, as well as ornamental plants that form the foundation of thematic gardens, including rosariums, alpine gardens, and arboretums. Plant groupings featuring rare and endangered species are significant for biodiversity conservation, offering opportunities to preserve old and disappearing varieties of cultivated plants, including fruit trees. Additionally, plant arrangements facilitate the exploration of cultural dimensions, such as utilitarian and decorative uses of plants, and contribute to the formation of comprehensive landscape sequences.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND LEGAL SOCIALIZATION
Jana Dundelová, Martina Urbanová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0137
This paper deals with forming a responsible relationship to the environment and sustainable development, for which environmental education is the key, which not only transfer ecological knowledge, but also cultivates people in the field of nature protection. Applying Kohlberg's theory of moral development, the authors recall the issues of creating attitudes and accepting values, as well as the interconnection of social behaviour and social values.
Cognitive maturity is a necessary, but not sufficient, prerequisite for moral reasoning of higher stages of moral development. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to acquiring knowledge, to develop proper internal motivation, which seems to be the most difficult task in today's hedonistically oriented society. This paper includes model types of legal socialization, including a number of examples that demonstrate the necessity of values, attitudes, internal motivation and critical thinking, which enable people to adequately understand the legal environmental regulations, which often damage nature in the interests of economic and contemporary civilization needs. Without deep understanding and internalized motivation of environmental protection the human cannot act in the interests of nature and pursue reasonable environmental regulations. At the end of this paper, the authors clearly present the questions and problems that research in this area faces.
EXPLORING INCLUSIVE TOURISM: ACCESSIBILITY OF TOURISM PRODUCTS FOR TOURISTS WITH ACCESS NEEDS IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
Awadhi Titu Mussa, Ondabu Kiage, Judy Kibe, Veronika Piscová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0143
The global population of tourists with access needs is expanding, and many possess both the financial capacity and motivation to travel. However, participation remains constrained by inadequate accessibility and limited inclusivity across tourism destinations. This study examines inclusive tourism by assessing the accessibility of tourism products for tourists with access needs in Serengeti National Park. Guided by the Long Tail theory of market expansion, an exploratory research design was employed. From a target population of 292 individuals, 66 participants were purposively selected, with data collection continuing to saturation. Data were gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations and analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that most tourism products in the park are not designed to accommodate tourists with access needs, limiting meaningful engagement and restricting them as a viable market opportunity. Despite its economic potential, accessible tourism provision remains limited. The study recommends establishing and enforcing accessibility standards and developing supportive tools and digital applications to enhance travel planning and on-site navigation. By highlighting accessibility gaps in protected areas, the study advances knowledge on inclusive tourism product design and its role in promoting equitable and sustainable tourism development.
FLOOD EXPOSURE OF SLOVAK BIOSPHERE RESERVES
Adam Čaplák, Henrich Grežo
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0147
Biosphere reserves represent unique UNESCO model areas that integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable socio-economic development. Given the expected increase in the frequency of flash floods caused by extreme manifestations of climate change, it is necessary to assess their impact on these areas. The aim of the study was to determine the extent of flooding in Slovak biosphere reserves (Slovak Karst, Poľana, Tatras, Eastern Carpathians) based on flood hazard maps of the Slovak Water Management Enterprise for average return periods of 10, 100 and 1 000 years. The methodological approach was based on delineating reserve boundaries, extracting flood lines, and calculating the inundated area. The results showed significant differences between the reserves. The study highlights the need for more detailed research on flood risks in biosphere reserves and their integration into area management.
FOREST CLASSROOM AS A TOOL OF LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, FORESTRY AND GAME MANAGEMENT
Monika Fárka, Jitka Fialová, Dastan Bamwesigye
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0151
Sustainable landscape management requires not only ecological and economic approaches, but also the long-term development of environmental awareness and responsible attitudes. This work presents the concept of a forest classroom as an innovative tool integrating environmental education, forestry and game management within the framework of landscape management.
The forest is understood not only as an ecosystem, but also as a dynamic educational environment that enables experiential learning and supports the development of environmental literacy. I emphasize here the role of informal education, especially in work with adolescents, as a key factor in the formation of long-term relationships with nature and landscape.
The proposed concept combines traditional approaches to forestry and game management with modern educational methods and interactive elements. It shows how educational infrastructure embedded directly in the landscape can contribute to sustainable landscape management and strengthen regional environmental awareness.
FOREST THERAPY AND FOREST BATHING IN 5 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES – BASIC DESCRIPTION
Jitka Fialová, Dastan Bamwesigye, Şevval Polat, Elif Şenel, Emilia Janeczko, Malgorzata Woznicka, ...
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0156
Project Integrating Nature into Higher Education: Forest Bathing has the mail goal to create digital training modules on forest bathing to make forest bathing more known and accessible. It is important to first increase the skills and knowledge of the education personnel for this purpose. When academics reach a sufficient level of knowledge about forest bathing, they will contribute to the society benefiting from the importance of nature on the mental health and well-being of individuals. Our aim is to make the idea of forest bathing more accessible to academics and students in other fields, including forestry and social sciences, with digital training modules. In this article we are desribing the basic of the state of art of the forest therapy and forest bathing in 5 european countries.
FORMS OF APPLICATION OF GRASS–HERBACEOUS PLANT COMMUNITIES IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Marek Hus, Anna Pástorová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0162
Grass–herbaceous mixtures represent an important component of contemporary urban environments, contributing to ecological stability, aesthetic quality, and the overall resilience of cities. As urban areas increasingly face the impacts of climate change, the urban heat island effect, biodiversity loss, and growing maintenance demands for public spaces, the use of meadow-like vegetation as a designed landscape element is gaining particular importance. Grass–herbaceous plant communities provide a sustainable alternative to traditionally intensively mown lawns and offer a wide range of ecological, social, and economic benefits. This paper focuses on the forms of application of grass–herbaceous mix tures in urban environments, drawing on experiences and current trends observed in Slovak and Czech cities. It examines different types of plantings, including meadow mixtures for extensive areas, park lawns, specialized mixtures for dry or highly exposed sites, and plantings that combine aesthetic value with ecological function. The study analyzes the role of these vegetation elements in urbanized environments, particularly their contribution to supporting biodiversity, improving urban microclimates, enhancing rainwater retention, and reducing maintenance requirements. The findings highlight the potential of grass–herbaceous communities as multifunctional elements that can improve both the ecological performance and visual quality of urban landscapes.
FROM RESIDUAL SPACE TO RECREATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: THE ROLE OF CO-DESIGN IN THE ACTIVATION OF HOUSING ESTATES
Roberta Štěpánková, Tamara Valičková, Miroslav Čibik
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0169
Housing estate in-between spaces represent a significant but often underutilized part of the residential environment with potential for the development of everyday recreation. Their low functional usability is a result of spatial uncertainty, lack of program content, and weak relationship of residents to these areas. This paper focuses on the possibilities of linking co-design as a participatory tool of urban planning with the process of activating housing estate interstitial spaces in order to increase the recreational potential of the area. The theoretical basis is the understanding of housing estate in-between spaces as a specific urban "intermediate scale" between architecture and the city, suitable for the application of co-creation. The paper points to the importance of involving residents in identifying recreational needs and designing small-scale spatial interventions that support recreational and physical activities in the everyday environment of housing estates. The result of the co-design approach is an increase in the functional and social value of the space, a strengthening of residents' relationship to the area, and support for the long-term sustainable development of recreational functions. The paper contributes to the discussion on adaptive and participatory approaches in the planning of residential structures.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SEASONAL DECLINE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH HEALTH LIMITATIONS
Karin Baisová, Michal Marko, Štefan Adamčák, Jana Luptáková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0173
Physical activity in natural environments plays an important role in adolescent health, yet seasonality and health barriers may affect participation. Differences in gender may indicate needs for targeted interventions; therefore, the study examined differences in gender in seasonal changes in physical activity and their relationship to health limitations during summer and winter. The sample included 1,034 adolescents (boys, N = 545; girls, N = 489). Differences in responses underwent evaluation with the chi-square test and Cramér’s V. Seasonal changes in activity (summer - winter) underwent analysis with the Mann-Whitney U test. Seasonal differences in health limitations underwent assessment with McNemar’s test for paired binary data. Statistically significant differences in gender appeared in both the frequency of physical activity and health barriers (p < .001; small to medium effects). Girls showed significantly greater seasonal declines in physical activity (p < .001; r = .10). Among girls, health limitations increased significantly during winter (p = .007), whereas no significant seasonal changes appeared among boys. These findings highlight greater seasonal vulnerability among girls in relation to physical activity in natural environments. We recommend targeted school- and community-based programs that support winter physical activity and reduce health barriers, in particular, girls.
GEOSYSTEM SERVICES AND DISSERVICES: AN APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT ON ABANDONED QUARRIES
Lucie Kubalíková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0177
The geosystem services concept is, despite certain controversies, widely accepted and reflected in scientific literature with a notable overreach to nature conservation, management, and policies already for several decades.
In contrast, the geosystem disservices approach has not yet received enough attention and is relatively new to the field. Geosystem disservices may be considered as results and outcomes of functions, structures, and aspects related to abiotic entities, processes and interactions that may impact human well-being and are assessed as damaging under a relevant value system at a particular moment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to mention that the attitudes to geodiversity depend on the societal context, time and space; the same entity can be valued as a geosystem service or disservice, depending on the lifestyle, culture, age, experience, or historical period. In this contribution, possible classification frameworks of geosystem disservices are presented and discussed. The qualitative evaluation of both geosystem services and disservices is applied on several examples of abandoned quarries in Czechia, which are usually perceived as important sites with high geoheritage (and eventually ecological, cultural and aesthetic) values. Based on this assessment, management proposals and conservation measures for these specific sites are outlined.
GIS-BASED SPATIAL EVALUATION OF RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL IN THE LANDSCAPE UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS
Radovan Pondelík, Martin Zápotocký
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0181
The sustainable development of recreational activities in natural landscapes requires an integrated understanding of both environmental potential and limiting factors. This study presents a GIS-based spatial evaluation of recreational potential, incorporating environmental and socio-economic constraints that affect its practical applicability. Four categories were assessed: winter recreation (snow-based sports), summer outdoor recreation outside built-up areas, cottage and second-home recreation, and educational and exploratory tourism. The evaluation was based on GIS-supported spatial analysis and multi-criteria modelling using selected landscape attributes, including topography, land cover and accessibility. The resulting spatially differentiated values were subsequently analysed in relation to limiting factors, particularly those related to landscape structure, nature and resource protection, and environmental stressors. By integrating calculated potentials with identified constraints, the study defines the realistic recreational potential of the landscape and provides a spatial framework for evidence-based and sustainable recreation planning.
HISTORICAL HERITAGE AND MODERN TOURISM IN DOBROGEA, ROMANIA: THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
Camelia Teodorescu, Ana-Irina Lequeux-Dinca, Florin Alin Butoi, Darius-Stefan Nestoriuc, Carmen Ileana Dobrescu
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0185
The historical heritage of Dobrogea, one of the richest cultural regions in Romania, represents a highly valuable resource for the development of modern tourism. This study examines the relationship between the physical and digital accessibility of the historical heritage in this southeastern Romanian region and its impact on tourism activities. Physical accessibility is assessed through the quality of transport infrastructure, the facilities available to visitors, and the integration of sites into tourist circuits. Digital accessibility focuses on the online presence of heritage monuments, the use of digital technologies to showcase these sites on web platforms, mobile applications, and virtual tours. The research methodology combines documentary analysis with an empirical qualitative analysis of tourist interviews. The results indicate that an effective correlation between physical and digital accessibility contributes to increasing tourist interest, diversifying visitor experiences, and promoting the sustainable use of historical heritage. The study emphasizes the need for integrated policies that leverage digital technologies alongside infrastructure improvements to support the competitiveness of modern tourism in the Dobrogea region of Romania.
HISTORICAL WATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES AND THEIR CURRENT POTENTIAL (THE EXAMPLE OF THE BESKIDS AND OTHER AREAS)
Aleš Vyskočil, Jaromír Florian, Zbyněk Sviták, David Honek, Miloš Rozkošný, Miriam Dzuráková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0189
A number of water structures have been preserved in Czechia, whose existence was linked to the transport of timber. In the Beskids, where structures used for floating timber can still be found today, the need for timber was primarily related to the processing of iron ore. New water structures—channels and reservoirs (splash dams)—have appeared in the landscape.Later, lower wood consumption caused the decline of the purpose-built water network. Some structures disappeared, while others retained their water management function, albeit in a modified form. Aesthetic value has given many structures a "second life" and turned them into tourist destinations. Information boards and nature trails now present them as part of the cultural heritage. The decline in water in the landscape has raised the question of restoring some of the structures. The potential of water structures is also being explored in the Šumava Mountains / Bavarian Forest, the Gratzen Mountains, etc.
IDENTIFICATION OF THREATS IN URBAN GREEN SPACES IN WARSAW BY THE USE OF A VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (VGI) TOOL
Kinga Kimic, Paulina Polko
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0193
Urban green spaces are attractive public areas, and a sense of safety is crucial for their use. In addition to their benefits, they may also pose certain risks that limit accessibility and willingness to use them. The study aimed to identify and analyse the hazards reported by residents of Warsaw (Poland) in parks and green squares and their immediate surroundings, using the National Map of Security Threats (NMST) in 2025. The types of hazards and the scale of their occurrence in access to and use of green spaces were taken into account. The results show that 59 reports were identified in the NMST concerning 23 parks and 10 green squares. Residents considered the most troublesome threats to be alcohol consumption by other users in parks and green squares, and incorrect parking on routes leading to them. They also pointed to the groups of young people at risk of demoralisation gathering in green spaces and their surroundings, which may pose a threat to other users. Despite the overall limited number, the reports indicate real hazards that affect users' sense of security and their willingness to visit green spaces, resulting in practical conclusions for local authorities and managers to shape parks and green squares by eliminating crime-prone areas.
IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL RECOVERY OF STUDENTS IN PERFORMING ARTS
Michal Marko, Štefan Adamčák, Stanislav Azor
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0198
Physical activity in natural environments offers an important means of mental and physical recovery and may help reduce psychological strain, relieve muscle tension, and improve recovery; therefore, the study examines how often students in performing arts use outdoor physical activity as forms of recovery and identifies differences in gender in perceived mental and physical effects. The sample included 144 students from faculty of performing arts (60 men and 84 women). Data came from questionnaire. Differences in gender underwent assessments with Pearson’s chi-square test and Cramer’s V, while ordinal items underwent analysis with the Mann-Whitney U test (α = .05). Walking or hiking emerged as the most common activity in both groups (men 80.0%, women 84.5%). Statistically significant differences appeared in frequency of using outdoor physical activity and in perceived reduction of muscle tension (p < .01), which the Mann-Whitney U test confirmed (p < .05). No significant gender differences appeared in perceived reduction of psychological stress (p > .05). The findings highlight the importance of physical activity in natural environments for recovery of performing arts students. Support for regular participation may improve recovery and help prevent health problems.
INCREASING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRO-TOURISM ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE AGROECOLOGY CONCEPT THROUGH GIS TECHNOLOGIES
Dina Statuto, Roberto Puglisi, Charbel Matar, Salvatore Margiotta, Pietro Picuno
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0202
The sustainability of agro-tourism activities may strongly benefit from an analysis conducted within the Agroecology concept at landscape level. This approach could expand sustainable farming beyond individual fields, to entire ecosystems, optimizing biodiversity and ecological connectivity. Such an integrated analysis could be favourably performed through the implementation of GIS technologies, that would allow the view of the territory no longer as a simple static map, but as a dynamic ecosystem, where sustainable agricultural production and public recreation influence each other. Indeed, the use of GIS in this field would connect geospatial data (i.e.: slopes; land use; biodiversity; etc.) cross-referenced with socio-economic variables (e.g.: tourist flows; presence of agritourism facilities; etc.). This article presents the initial results obtained through the implementation of GIS tools, to perform a Land Suitability Analysis on a study area in Southern Italy (Basilicata Region), in which agroecology and tourism can suitably coexist. In this context, a mapping of ecosystem services was obtained, together with the planning of some excursion networks and “Food tours”. These results, enabled an analysis of landscape fragmentation, together with an assessment of climate change resilience, which ultimately led to the creation of tools useful to help operators into diversifying their tourism offer.
INDUSTRIAL RUINIFORM LANDSCAPES BETWEEN DEGRADATION AND TOURISM RECONVERSION: CASE STUDY THE STEELWORKS OF CĂLĂRAȘI MUNICIPALITY, ROMANIA
Florian Alin Butoi, Carmen Ileana Dobrescu, Camelia Teodorescu, Ana-Irina Lequeux-Dinca, Darius-Stefan Nestoriuc
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0206
Post-socialist cities in Central and Eastern Europe are characterized by extensive industrial legacies and rapid post-1990 deindustrialization, resulting in brownfields, demographic decline, and functional restructuring. This paper investigates the municipality of Călărași (Romania) as a representative case of a medium-sized industrial city undergoing post-industrial transition. The study aims to assess the potential of industrial heritage—particularly the former steel platform and associated canal–port infrastructure—for tourism development.
A mixed-method approach is employed, combining desk-based research, spatial analysis, demographic data, and comparative benchmarking with Central European cases (Dolní Vítkovice, Ostrava; Nowa Huta, Kraków). The results indicate that Călărași exhibits a significant industrial heritage base, including a large-scale anchor site (approximately 650 ha), alongside a demographic decline of approximately 24% between 1992 and 2021, consistent with patterns of urban shrinkage. However, the absence of formalized interpretive infrastructure and institutional coordination limits its current tourism potential.
The paper argues that industrial heritage tourism can function as a complementary strategy for urban regeneration and identity reconstruction, provided that it is supported by safety management, interpretive frameworks, and integration into broader territorial strategies.
INFLUENCE OF RESILIENT MODULUS AND SOIL SHEAR PARAMETERS ON THE DESIGN OF FOREST AND RURAL PAVEMENTS
Aimar Martin
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0211
The recreational and touristic potential of landscapes depends not only on their natural components, but also on the functionality and safety of the associated road infrastructure, particularly forest and rural roads. This study evaluates, from an engineering perspective, the soils and aggregates used in the structural layers of such pavements, with special emphasis on their deformational and strength properties, which are essential for proper design.
The analysis focuses on determining the resilient modulus through laboratory cyclic loading tests that realistically simulate traffic and service conditions. This parameter is considered key for assessing the bearing capacity and long-term stability of unbound granular layers. In parallel, cohesion and internal friction angle obtained from direct shear tests are analysed and incorporated into numerical modelling using the finite element method.
The results highlight the need for a combined evaluation of strength and deformational properties to ensure pavement durability, reduce structural damage, and minimize erosive processes, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of both infrastructure and landscape.
INNOVATION TRANSFER IN ECOTOURISM: THE TANZANIAN MANAGEMENT MODEL AND ITS APPLICABILITY IN SLOVAKIA
Veronika Piscová, William Marandu, Juraj Hreško
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0216
Ecotourism in Tanzania represents an inspiring model for Slovakia on how to transform nature conservation into a primary pillar of the national economy and regional development. Tanzania has successfully implemented principles that channel revenue directly to local communities and the maintenance of protected areas. Lessons from Tanzanian practice for Slovakia are evident in the economic value of 'untouched' wilderness. Tanzania demonstrates that preserving ecosystems yields higher long-term value than their industrial exploitation. A direct link to local communities is also crucial. Cultural tourism programs in Tanzania allow visitors to experience the lives of local inhabitants, with profits directly funding the development of village schools and infrastructure. Furthermore, the regulation of visitor numbers through higher added value is essential; Tanzania’s long-standing focus on quality over quantity ('high value, low impact') protects sensitive areas from over-tourism. Ecotourism in Tanzania is not merely about observing nature but about understanding ecological cycles, which enhances the environmental awareness of tourists. The study data were obtained through participant observation during a 45-day mobility in Tanzania, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with local tourism managers. In Slovakia, these best practices from Tanzania could manifest in social impact, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of ecosystem services.
INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE USE OF GEOHERITAGE AND GEODIVERSITY IN GEOTOURISM
Ľubomír Štrba, Branislav Kršák, Csaba Sidor
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0220
This paper investigates the role of geoheritage and geodiversity in the context of geotourism and proposes an integrated approach to their sustainable utilisation within regional development frameworks. Existing research is often fragmented, primarily focusing on geosite assessment, geopark development, and interpretation strategies. Geoheritage is defined as the significant component of geodiversity that constitutes the abiotic foundation of landscapes and ecosystems, bearing scientific, educational, cultural, and socio-economic importance. Geotourism is conceptualised as a place-based form of tourism that links Earth's heritage with biodiversity, cultural landscapes, and local identity. The study introduces the ABC framework (Abiotic–Biotic–Cultural) as a conceptual approach for synthesising these dimensions. It underscores a paradigm shift from site-specific approaches toward territorial systems and highlights the critical need for coordinated management and interpretation to promote sustainable geotourism development.
INTEGRATING NATURE INTO HIGHER EDUCATION: FOREST BATHING
Cihan Seçilmiş, Cansev Özdemir, İlker Kilic, Jitka Fialová, Dastan Bamwesigye, Emilia Janeczko, ...
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0224
With the advances in technology, people are increasingly moving away from nature. This situation also leads to negative consequences in terms of mental health. It has become necessary to correct this and increase interaction with nature. In addition to the positive aspects of individuals spending more time in nature in terms of health, contact with nature also increases innovative and creative thinking. In addition, the intertwining of nature and education contributes to the development of positive attitudes towards the environment.
This project, which includes benefiting from nature, contributes to the development of people’s emotional skills, increases individuals’ communication skills, and supports well-being by discovering their creative sides. Our project provides a perspective on how individuals can benefit from nature to overcome emotional crises. In addition, trainings help to support the formation of a bond with nature by increasing the effectiveness of both education and training between educators and students. In addition, it is expected to directly contribute to the wellbeing of women and the elderly, who are among the disadvantaged groups.
INTEGRATING WATER FEATURES INTO A RECREATIONAL SPACE
Gabriel Kuczman, Viera Paganová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0229
The paper focuses on the possibilities of applying water design elements in a recreational park space with an emphasis on capturing, retaining and reusing rainwater through blue-green infrastructure elements. The implementation of water elements in recreational spaces contributes not only to more effective rainwater management, but also to environmental education of the public and to promoting awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. The paper aims to highlight the potential of integrating blue-green infrastructure elements through landscape architectural solutions in a newly built recreational space, prepared as a design assignment for the Západoslovenská vodárenská spoločnosť. It also aims to emphasize their benefits for the public in terms of environmental sustainability, recreational quality and long-term stability of the urban environment.
INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING AS A TOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
Lenka Kamanová, Kateřina Pevná
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0234
This paper analyses the potential of intergenerational learning (IL) as a specific tool in the field of environmental education and sustainable landscape conservation. The theoretical framework of the article responds to current demographic changes and the weakening of traditional bonds, which require new models of experience-sharing. The paper synthesises findings obtained from the analysis of 20 case studies from the Czech Republic and Slovakia (e.g. the MENDELU Intergenerational University or the Three-Generation Nature School in Prievaly), which were identified as part of the ‘Intergenerational STEAM University’ project.
The results show that environmental programmes taking place in authentic settings (arboreta, school forests, wetlands) effectively link scientific knowledge with the historical memory of the landscape. Intergenerational interaction in these “living classrooms” leads to a strengthening of environmental responsibility among the younger generation, whilst simultaneously reducing the social isolation of older people by restoring their role as bearers of traditional knowledge. The article concludes that the integration of intergenerational dialogue into public recreation activities represents a sustainable model of environmental education that contributes to social cohesion and more sensitive care for the landscape heritage.
LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION IN THE AREA OF THE HRIŇOVÁ RESERVOIR DURING 1764–1971
Adam Čaplák, Henrich Grežo
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0238
This study focuses on the analysis of landscape changes in the area of the present Hriňová Water Reservoir from 1764 to the present, using historical maps and GIS tools. By evaluating historical road networks, watercourses, railways, bridges, and culverts, we identified significant changes in land use, particularly during the period before and during the construction of the reservoir (1952–1971). The most notable changes were observed in the lengths of roads, watercourses, and the number of bridges: before the reservoir was built, 13 bridges were recorded in the area, whereas after its construction there were none. The results highlight the substantial human impact on the landscape due to the implementation of the water structure, which today serves as a source of drinking water and represents an important feature within the boundary of the Poľana Biosphere Reserve.
LANDSCAPE-ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL OF MONOTHEMATIC EDUCATIONAL PATH – WATER AS A MAIN TOPIC
Sofia Boulghalg, Mária Bihuňová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0243
The Paper presents the landscape architectural proposal of educational walking route located city of ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) in the Netherlands. The low-lying country in Northwestern Europe known for its advanced water management systems, rich cultural heritage, and strong connection between urban environments and surrounding landscapes. Within the Netherlands, the site lies in the province of North Brabant, a southern region characterized by agricultural landscapes, historic towns, and extensive wetland areas. The project focuses on the capital of North Brabant and one of the oldest medieval cities in the country’s - Hertogenbosch, officially founded in 1185. Its urban structure is defined by a dense medieval layout, narrow streets, and a strong relationship with water. The landscape-architectural proposal suggested the trail connecting the city and the open landscape, which several great perception points and fluent connection between nature and urban area.
LANDSLIDE SCARPS, AS EXEMPLIFIED BY RECREATIONAL URBAN AREAS IN EUROPE AND SOUTH AMERICAN COASTAL CITIES
Andrzej Długoński, Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz, Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Jacek Krych
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0247
Landslide scarps are steep landforms formed at the top of a landslide, where a mass of earth or rock has separated from a stable subsurface. Their presence in cities poses a significant engineering challenge and a hazard to residents, given the availability of these dangerous areas for recreation and tourism. In Poland, in the Gdańsk and Sztutowo areas, the sand slopes of beach recreational areas are protected by retaining walls and an erosion-control plant (Rosa rugosa). Roses also serve a decorative function and are part of the protected landscape of Pomerania. In Lima, South America, slate slopes are protected by metal or linen nets that shield pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. This is also a suitable habitat for groundcover plants, which can cover the drab landscape, but require irrigation, a pressing need in a country with limited water resources and the development of tourism in the Milaflores district due to picturesque ocean landscapes and the coastline offering beach leisure activities. This paper demonstrates climatic, cultural, and recreational differences and explores how landscape architecture and ecological engineering can address slope stabilisation in cities while simultaneously ensuring human well-being, the development of coastal leisure facilities, and the quality of recreation, as well as strengthening the role of tourism in protected landscapes in urban areas.
LEARNING GAINS AND STUDENT RESERVATIONS: EVALUATING A GPT-BASED AI ASSISTANT IN GEOGRAPHY TEACHING
Emil Drápela
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0252
This study examines the educational potential of a GPT-based AI assistant designed to support university geography students in practising geographical relationships, developing geographical thinking, and improving their ability to explain geographical topics clearly and accurately. The assistant was implemented in an experimental teaching setting involving four seminar groups: two received access to the AI tool, while the remaining two followed standard instruction without it. Student performance was evaluated through a pre-test/post-test design. The results indicate that students who used the AI assistant achieved significantly better learning outcomes than those in the control group. At the same time, the findings reveal an important tension between effectiveness and acceptance: despite improved performance, 54% of students using the AI assistant reported a preference for conventional teaching. This apparent paradox suggests that measurable learning gains do not automatically translate into positive student attitudes toward AI-supported learning. The study discusses two possible explanations for this result: first, the relational and affective dimensions of teaching, including teacher friendliness, empathy, and interpersonal support; and second, the AI assistant’s strictness, particularly its tendency to reject imprecise or insufficiently accurate answers.
MINING HERITAGE IN THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF THE VYSOČINA REGION: RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF TOURISM VALUE
Blanka Šimánková Hornová, Tomáš Čihák, Stanislava Pachrová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0256
Historical mining activities have significantly shaped the cultural landscape of the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic. Numerous relics of medieval mining remain preserved and represent an important resource for tourism development. However, residents’ awareness and engagement with mining-related sites remain under-explored.
This paper aims to analyse residents’ awareness of selected mining heritage sites and their perception of the tourism value of this heritage in the Vysočina Region. The study draws on a questionnaire survey of 996 respondents conducted among residents of the regional centre Jihlava and several smaller municipalities historically connected with mining. The analysis is based primarily on descriptive statistical methods and focuses on residents’ awareness, personal visitation of mining heritage sites, and their attitudes toward the use of these sites in tourism. Data were collected between May 2024 and December 2025 through a structured questionnaire distributed online and in person.
The study provides insights into residents’ awareness of mining-related sites, including their personal visits, and into how residents perceive mining heritage as a tourism resource across different locations. The results contribute to a better understanding of how local communities relate to mining heritage and may inform destination management, heritage interpretation, and community-based tourism strategies in post-mining landscapes.
NATURAL HAZARDS WITHIN THE REACH OF IMPORTANT HIKING TRAILS IN THE TATRA MOUNTAINS (SLOVAKIA)
Gabriel Bugár, Veronika Piscová, Juraj Hreško
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0260
Over the past 40 years, we have observed increased dynamics of processes in all vegetation levels of the Tatras, both in summer and winter. As a result, the risk of endangering hiking trails and ski slopes has increased, which is confirmed by several sudden events with fatal consequences for the lives of tourists. A greater number of sudden events are related to avalanches during the early spring period, while in the summer period there are storms and intense supercell rains. In both cases, there were fatal consequences for people's lives.
The aim of the paper is to point out processes that have a sudden course with an impact on hiking trails, infrastructure and pose a high threat to tourists themselves. On the other hand, knowledge of the dynamics and course of morphodynamic processes is the starting point for strengthening the infrastructure and management of tourism in high mountains.
NON-FOREST WOODY VEGETATION AS A SIGNIFICANT ELEMENT IN INCREASING ECOLOGICAL STABILITY IN CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Milena Moyzeová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0265
The aim of the contribution is to present the importance of the functions of non-forest woody vegetation (NFWV) in increasing ecological stability in the cultural landscape of Slovakia. Since NFWV fulfils several functions in the cultural landscape, it is important to determine the regions in which this vegetation will help improve the overall ecological state of ecosystems and of the environment quality. We defined the regions based on conflicts of interest and specified landscape-ecological problems such as problems of threat to ecological stability, problems of threat to natural resources and the environment (i). In the proposals, we also took into account the ecological stability value calculated for 2,927 cadastral territories of urban and rural settlements in Slovakia (ii). Based on the criteria defined in this way, we determined the regions with proposed functions of NFWV that will contribute to increasing ecological stability and at the same time to solving problems related to the negative impacts of stress factors on humans, soil, water, forest and biotic resources (iii). The research results can be used in landscape planning for the optimal use of natural capital and the preservation of heritage features and the traditional character of the territory of Slovakia.
OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL DAYS IN CITIES
Jaroslav Rožnovský
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0272
The urban environment climate is is determined by the specifics of the surface of cities, the number of inhabitants, the area of greenery, etc. This means that cities have a specific climate, different from the natural landscape. The urban environment is not expressed by measurements at climatological stations of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (hereinafter referred to as KS). To characterize the urban climate, it is necessary to carry out separate meteorological measurements in the territory of a given city. In the warmest periods of the year, the differences in air temperature between measurements at KS and in the city center are more than 7 °C for the maximum temperature, around 5 °C for the minimum air temperature. Heat waves are more frequent in urban environments (continuous occurrence of tropical days for 3 or more days).On tropical days (maximum is equal to and higher than 30 °C), there are states of considerable discomfort for residents, especially in large unshaded paved areas, such as squares, industrial areas, but also parking lots at shopping centers.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL USE OF THE WATER UTILITY TECHNICAL SITE
Viera Paganová, Gabriel Kuczman
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0277
Technical sites represent a specific category of urbanized environments traditionally perceived primarily through their production or infrastructural functions. At the same time, these areas may offer considerable potential for the development of public spaces. This paper examines the opportunities for recreational and educational use of the technical facilities of a water utility company located in Nitra, Slovakia. The proposed design applies three key spatial components: an exhibition of technical elements related to water management, a water body with a wetland biotope, and a recreational zone intended to support active forms of leisure. Water serves as the central design motif, functioning as both a landscape-forming and interpretative element. Installations created from authentic water utility components, together with educational features and ecological interventions, communicate the importance of water resources, the functioning of water supply infrastructure, and the need to protect aquatic environments.
PERCEIVED CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDREN’S SENSE OF PLACE: A FOUR-PATHWAY DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL
Dominik Rubáš, Eliška Prokopová, Magdalena Pohlová, Anežka Nejedlová, Tomáš Matějček
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0282
Sense of place is widely associated with pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour. However, considerably less attention has been devoted to how children themselves perceive the consequences of their relationship to place. This study proposes a four-pathway developmental model grounded in qualitative data from 339 fifth-grade pupils in Czechia. Pupils provided written responses to an open-ended question exploring whether and how their attachment to the local region influences them. Using inductive thematic analysis, we identified four interrelated pathways through which children perceive the impact of place: (1) an emotional-regulative pathway, in which place shapes emotional well-being, safety and everyday comfort; (2) a moral-normative pathway, where place serves as a moral lens for evaluating social and environmental behaviour; (3) a behavioural-agency pathway, linking place to participation, everyday practices and environmental responsibility; and (4) an identity-formative pathway through which children connect place to belonging, future aspirations and possible selves. The findings indicate that children conceptualise sense of place not merely as emotional attachment, but as a multidimensional developmental structure that actively shapes self-concept, values and action orientations. The model advances theoretical discussions in geographical and environmental education and provides a framework for strengthening place-based and sustainability-oriented learning in primary education.
PERI-URBAN RECREATION AND BIODIVERSITY SERVICES BALANCING IN BRNO: STAKEHOLDER PRIORITIES AND MANAGEMENT FOR MASARYK FOREST KŘTINY
Dastan Bamwesigye, Jan Deutscher, Jitka Fialova, Petr Kupec
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0287
Brno City and neighboring forests face conflicting pressures balancing recreation and other ecological services, such as water provision, biodiversity, climate regulation, and timber production. Our study explores stakeholders’ priorities and preferences to assess how to balance recreation and lasting ecological resilience. The study surveyed (n = 234), evaluating perceived forest ecosystem services ranking and management in Brno and adjacent neighborhoods, mainly Masaryk Forest Křtiny. The participants were mostly young people aged 18 to 24 years (approximately 39%), with a balance by gender/sex. Most participants (about 91%) recognized recreation services such as walking and cycling as their major forest visiting activities on a weekly or monthly basis. Biodiversity and climate regulation services were the top choices for participants, i.e., approximately 83% and 78%, respectively, and recreation values at about 39%. Tourism and recreation were robustly weighted at about 39% valued forest recreation support as being very important, 41% (important). Moreover, for future forest management priorities, recreation services ranked roughly 43%. Forest Ecosystems Trade-offs predominantly focused on timber versus biodiversity; however, participants selected and acknowledged the necessity to sustain recreational quality and standards together with regulatory/support services. More so, for forest management considerations, concerns were raised about the possible effects of climate change on recreational prospects. Ceteris paribus, forest management that conserves recreational services accessibility and values whereas improving biodiversity and resilience to climate impacts were prioritized by stakeholders. The study results support a directed approach to integrating recreation obligations with preservation and adaptive management in peri-urban forestry.
PHENOLOGICAL MONITORING OF ALLERGENIC GRASSES IN RECREATIONAL ZONES: RISKS OF AN EARLY POLLEN SEASON IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL FLOWERING VARIABILITY
Andrea Srubková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0294
Recreational zones in climatically distinct regions require a specific approach to maintenance management with regard to visitor health. This study analyzes flowering dynamics and the associated pollen production of two key allergenic species: meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). The monitoring is based on data from three phenological stations: Lednice (South Moravia), Běleč nad Orlicí (East Bohemia), and Mladecko (Silesia). The aim of the research is to quantify temporal differences in the onset and duration of flowering and to determine the periods of highest risk for the pollen season. For meadow foxtail, the results confirm significant variability in the onset of pollen production; however, an increasingly earlier onset of flowering is observed across all sites. A notable difference lies in the flowering duration: in warmer regions, meadow foxtail flowers for an average of 22 days, whereas in cooler areas, this period extends up to 46 days. Orchard grass also exhibits significant variability and an earlier onset of flowering, but maintains an average flowering duration of approximately 23 days across all locations. This study highlights preventive measures and serves as a basis for improving the quality of life and the safe movement of allergy sufferers within recreational zones.
PLANNING OF THE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FORESTRY: LINKING TO POLICIES AND PLANNING
Kateřina Holušová, Otakar Holuša
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0299
This contribution deals with the theoretical relationship of how forestry should influence society's requirements for recreation in forests and, on the other hand, how society's requirements for recreation in forests influence forestry. Here, the emphasis is placed on existing planning systems, policies and strategies. Using the examples of selected towns and municipalities from the Hodonín region in the Czech Republic, the study monitors the encounters of national and international policies and strategies with immediate impacts on forestry, and vice versa from the point of view of recreational use. The importance of the state of forests, their location, natural conditions, infrastructure, etc. plays a key role. This study found that although policies and strategies significantly mention forestry and the requirements of recreational use at a sustainable level, from a practical point of view we would expect this to be included in forest management plans. These are understood as a specific practical tool for the forest owner, but they should also include the stated demands of society, which are based on policies, strategies and are reflected through legislation in specific management measures. Unfortunately, the results of the findings point to shortcomings in these expectations.
PREMISES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN URBAN AREAS USING PPGIS TECHNIQUES
Ana-Irina Lequeux-Dincă, Camelia Teodorescu, Alin Butoi, Darius Nestoriuc, Eugen Grama
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0303
Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) practices have become a widely debated research topic in recent years, with clear practical implications and outcomes. Numerous studies and research platforms share experiences and best practices related to software resources capable of supporting participatory governance and enhancing sustainable resource management and accessibility. Understanding the different perspectives of stakeholders on tourism resources, and using their input to generate integrative planning for recreational activities, is essential for the successful and sustainable development of urban leisure activities in major capital cities such as Bucharest. Methodological approaches to this topic are diverse and depend on selecting the most appropriate methods for each specific context. Producing knowledge through stakeholder participation in the communication of tourism resources and events can help build communicative planning mechanisms and foster convergent social and institutional policy-making structures. PPGIS techniques can therefore generate more equitable and resilient mechanisms for various objectives, including the planning of leisure and recreational spaces and activities, as regions and cities increasingly compete for top positions in tourists’ preferences as visible, creative, and community-oriented international leisure destinations worldwide.
PROPOSAL FOR A GEOTOURISM TRAIL TO ENHANCE THE OFFER OF THE MALÉ KARPATY GEOPARK
Jana Šnajdrová, Ľubomír Štrba, Branislav Kršák, Csaba Sidor
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0307
This paper proposes a geological educational trail in the Malé Karpaty Mountains, in the village of Kuchyňa (Slovakia). It focuses on identifying, evaluating, and interpreting natural and cultural heritage to support geotourism and environmental education. The trail incorporates key geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological, and historical features, including fluvial landforms, sedimentary structures, and remnants of historical mining. It is designed for diverse audiences, including school groups, families, and recreational visitors, offering both a shorter educational route and a more challenging hike. The emphasis is on experiential learning, interdisciplinary links, and effective communication of scientific knowledge through interpretative materials. The trail can help promote geotourism, raise environmental awareness, and strengthen regional identity within the Malé Karpaty Geopark. The study underscores the importance of combining scientific research with practical approaches to sustainable landscape management and education.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PRESENTATION OF THE SIGNIFICANCE, FUNCTIONS AND HISTORY OF WATER MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS AND SYSTEMS
Miloš Rozkošný, Kateřina Sedláčková, Hana Hudcová, Miriam Dzuráková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0311
The aim of the work is to propose suitable ways of presenting industrial water management heritage with regard to its historical and technical value. The research combines literary research, field investigation and comparative analysis of various presentation methods. The results show the benefits of interactive elements, such as QR codes, games or physical models, to increase attractiveness and understanding. At the same time, shortcomings were identified, in particular poor maintenance and inappropriate processing of information materials. The preferred method of presentation, which is supposed to ensure accessibility and attractiveness to a wide range of visitors, is a combination of traditional and modern forms of presentation and an emphasis on quality content and regular maintenance.
RECONVERTING RESIDUAL SPACES INTO RELAXATION HUBS FOR THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
Darius-Stefan Nestoriuc, Ana-Irina Lequeux-Dinca, Camelia Teodorescu, Carmen Ileana Dobrescu, Florian Alin Butoi
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0316
This article explores the paradigm of an "open campus," supporting the idea that the academic environment transcends through architectural boundaries of the faculty, thus making the public space an organic extension of the classroom. The study focuses on the urban regeneration potential of a degraded site located at the intersection of Academia Militară, near the Rectorate of the University of Bucharest, proposing its transformation from an urban barrier into a multifunctional relaxation park open for everyone. By giving the city back to the people, the project aims to eliminate the functional barriers imposed by heavy traffic, transforming a residual space into a hub of social cohesion and ecological balance. Using visual analysis and public opinion research among students and passers-by, the article highlights the need for green intervention in an area dominated by heavy traffic and concrete surroundings. The results demonstrate that the conversion of this residual space would stimulate social cohesion, providing a vital refuge for both residents and people passing through the area or waiting for public transport. In conclusion, the project transforms an urban barrier into a hub of relaxation, essential for the well-being of the academic community and citizens.
RECREATION IN CZECH NATIONAL PARKS: TOURISM INTENSITY VS. VULNERABILITY OF PRIORITY AREAS
Tomáš Janík, Vladimír Zýka, Martin Erlebach, Dana Fialová, Tereza Kůsová, Jiří Vágner, ...
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0320
This study demonstrates how high-value protected areas are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic pressures, particularly landscape fragmentation and intensive tourism. Using Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP) as a case study, we integrated biological and environmental data describing natural values and invasive plant occurrence with spatial indicators of tourism intensity and recreational use. These datasets were synthesized to develop a typology capturing the relationships between ecological sensitivity and potentially harmful human activities. Our results indicate that the most valuable and vulnerable sites are concentrated in the core zones of the national park and, with the exception of built-up areas and their surroundings, significantly overlap with the most frequently visited locations. The approach presented here will be extended to all national parks in Czechia in the coming years. In the context of steadily increasing visitor numbers, understanding these interactions represents a critical prerequisite for the effective management of protected areas.
REVITALISATION OF A HISTORIC PARK FOR THERAPEUTIC USE: CASE STUDY OF THE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN VEĽKÉ ZÁLUŽIE
Soňa Bellérová, Attila Tóth, Katarína Melichová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0325
This paper addresses the revitalization of a historic site in the context of the current needs of a healthcare facility, focusing on the Psychiatric Hospital in Veľké Zálužie, Slovakia. The hospital is located in a historic manor house and its adjacent park, which was originally established as part of the rural aristocratic estate of the Esterházy family. The manor house, completed in its final form in the first quarter of the 19th century in the Empire style, forms part of an extensive estate with a natural landscape park, whose basic composition developed in the second half of the 18th century. Together, they form a protected cultural-historical complex. The park possesses a strong historical atmosphere and significant landscape value shaped by mature vegetation and the original spatial composition. These qualities naturally enhance the therapeutic potential of the environment and provide suitable conditions for patients’ recreational and therapeutic activities. However, historical and aesthetic values alone are not sufficient to meet the functional requirements of a modern psychiatric facility. This paper therefore examines the intersection of heritage preservation and the transformation of the site into a functional therapeutic environment. The case study was analyzed as part of the KO-SPACEs research project, which develops a methodological framework for similar contexts. A key component of the proposed approach is participatory and co-design methods involving patients, healthcare staff, and site managers.
SINGLE-PROMPT CREATION OF WEB MAP APPLICATIONS FOR TOURISM AND NATURE PROTECTION USING OGC SERVICES
Martin Zápotocký, Radovan Pondelík
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0331
Generative AI tools increasingly claim that non-programmers can build interactive web maps. This study tests a single-prompt, no-iteration scenario: one identical “non-programmer” prompt was used to generate a purely client-side web mapping app consuming real OGC endpoints relevant to tourism and nature protection (hiking trails and large protected areas) from Slovak public registries. Three free-tier tools were evaluated (ChatGPT, Lovable, Replit) using (i) time-to-first-output in the tool’s native environment and (ii) a 21-item binary functional checklist after self-host deployment. ChatGPT produced the fastest first output (1 min 16 s) and the highest functional score (17/21). Replit achieved comparable core functionality (15/21) but slower first output (7 min 33 s) and added unrequested GIS usability controls (e.g., layer ordering/opacity). Lovable generated a polished prototype but lower geospatial functionality (12/21). Self-hosting Vite-based outputs required additional build/routing adjustments (~10 minutes per app). Deployed versions used for evaluation and used single-prompt are available at: https://map.iesprit.sk/promptapps/.
SMALL VILLAGES AS PART OF THE LANDSCAPE: LANDSCAPE-BASED APPROACHES TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Attila Tóth, Soňa Bellérová, Katarína Slobodníková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0336
Small rural municipalities represent a fundamental component of European cultural landscapes. Despite their importance, landscape planning and design approaches are often primarily focused on urban areas, while rural settlements receive less attention in contemporary landscape architecture research and practice. However, small municipalities are deeply embedded within their surrounding landscapes and play a crucial role in shaping rural spatial structures, ecological processes and local identity. This paper explores the relationship between small rural municipalities and the surrounding landscape, emphasising landscape-based approaches to sustainable rural development. The study focuses on selected examples of small municipalities in Slovakia that demonstrate innovative practices in landscape planning, green infrastructure implementation and nature-based solutions. These examples include projects addressing water management, biodiversity enhancement, public open spaces and the preservation of traditional agricultural landscapes. The research highlights how landscape architecture can contribute to improving the quality of rural environments through integrated design approaches that connect settlements with their surrounding agricultural and natural landscapes. Attention is given to the role of public spaces, ecological corridors, traditional landscape structures and community engagement in shaping resilient and attractive rural environments. The findings demonstrate that even small municipalities with limited resources can implement innovative landscape solutions that strengthen local identity, enhance ecosystem services and support sustainable rural development.
SUSTAINABILITY OF THE TERRITORIAL ECONOMY AND THE IMPACT OF EUROPEAN PROJECTS IN SMALL TOWNS IN ROMANIA: A CASE STUDY OF BALCEȘTI, VÂLCEA (ROMANIA)
Camelia Teodorescu, Ana-Irina Lequeux-Dinca, Diana Ionescu Anculete, Stefania Elena Calinoiu, Florian Alin Butoi
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0340
Small towns in Romania face significant challenges in achieving sustainable territorial economies due to limited local resources, demographic decline, and economic restructuring. This article investigates the sustainability of the territorial economy in Balcești, Vâlcea, with a focus on the role of European Union-funded projects in supporting local development. The research methodology combines historical and statistical data analysis, field observations, and evaluation of the outcomes of EU-funded initiatives on the local economy, infrastructure, and social development. Findings indicate that European projects have contributed to improving public services, enhancing local infrastructure, and stimulating economic activities, while also promoting governance practices aligned with sustainable development principles. Nevertheless, structural challenges such as population decline, limited industrial diversification, and resource constraints persist. The study emphasizes that integrating European funding strategically can act as a catalyst for sustainable development, fostering local resilience, economic diversification, and social cohesion in small Romanian towns. The article concludes that EU-supported initiatives are instrumental in enhancing the sustainability of territorial economies, but their long-term impact requires complementary local strategies and community engagement.
SUSTAINABLE NATURAL HABITATS – IMPORTANT CONDITION FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Pavel Cudlín, Vilém Pechanec, Ondřej Cudlín, Renata Včeláková, Marcela Prokopová, Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Alhuseen, ...
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0344
In marginal mountain areas, tourism is often the only way to diversify the local economy. However, growing tourism pressure threatens the quality of natural habitats, which paradoxically form the very basis of the area's attractiveness for visitors. The aim of this study is to propose a methodological framework for assessing and monitoring tourism pressure and habitat status in marginalised mountain areas, evaluating whether recreational carrying capacity has been exceeded, and recommending measures to support sustainable tourism. The framework integrates three complementary tools: (1) the modified CZ-GLOBIO3 model to assess biodiversity endangerment, (2) a land use change analysis based on CORINE data 2006–2018 to identify development risks, and (3) the Habitat Valuation Method (HVM) to evaluate habitat quality based on eight ecological criteria. The approach is demonstrated in the Novohradské hory Mountains, Czech Republic.
SYNERGY OF EDUCATION AND RECREATION IN LANDSCAPE PROTECTION: INTEGRATING DENDROLOGICAL COLLECTIONS OF ARBORETUM MLYŇANY INTO UNIVERSITY CURRICULA
Katarína Miklášová, Jozef Porvazník, Ján Kollár
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0348
As global environmental challenges redefine the requirements for landscape architecture and forestry, the role of arboreta as “living laboratories” becomes vital. This paper explores the integration of the dendrological collections of Arboretum Mlyňany into higher education, and public recreation. Through a comparative analysis of Central European models (e.g., Prague, Křtiny, Košice, Zvolen), the study evaluates the current integration of Mlyňany's unique evergreen collections into curricula such as Systematic Dendrology and Landscape Management. The findings suggest that blending academic rigor with the site's aesthetic and recreative values significantly enhances protection. Furthermore, the study proposes that high-quality educational infrastructure can increase the site's attractiveness for paying visitors, generating resources for further gene pool conservation. The results highlight the necessity of transforming these specialized habitats into self-sustaining assets, indispensable for both scientific progress and the sustainable development of recreational landscapes.
THE EFFECT OF VERTICAL ZONATION ON THE COMPOSITION OF ENTOMOCOENOSES IN THE SELECTED MEADOW BIOTOPES OF THE BESKYDY PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AREA (NW SLOVAKIA)
Radoslav Kvasničák, Monika Bestwinová, Michal Rožek
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0352
During the vegetation period (June – October) of 2020, we monitored the quantitative and qualitative composition of insect communities (Insecta) in a meadow biotop within the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area (NW Slovakia). The objective of the study was to determine the effect of vertical zoning on insect communities at two tourist-attractive sites with different altitudes: Trojmedzie Meadow (560 m a.s.l.) and Girová Meadow (840 m a.s.l.). Using the intact sticky trap method, we collected a total of 1212 individuals (indiv.) belonging to 73 species (spp.) from 9 orders and 35 families. The most represented orders of the class Insecta were Coleoptera (24 spp., 297 indiv.) and Lepidoptera (17 spp., 288 indiv.). At the higher altitude site (Girová, 840 m), 580 individuals were recorded, compared to 632 individuals at the lower-altitude Trojmedzie site (560 m). The research also provides data on the spectral sensitivity of individual insect orders to different color versions of sticky traps (transparent, yellow, and blue). Furthermore, the study includes results regarding the impact of tourism and human mobility restrictions during the Covid-19 period on the quantitative representation of entomocoenoses, which did not show statistically significant differences between the compared periods.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPOSED TREE FORMS IN RURAL AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz, Jan Łukaszkiewicz
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0358
Vegetation, present in both urban and rural environments, constitutes a critical component that significantly enhances environmental conditions and ecological balance. High vegetation exerts a substantial influence on local climate and environmental quality and shapes the physiognomy of landscape sequences. When arranged in diverse spatial configurations, vegetation fulfills a wide range of functions, including biological, technical, aesthetic, and social roles. The effectiveness of composed tree stands is determined by the careful selection of species and the design of planting structures, encompassing both spatial composition and the internal structure of individual forms.
THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF EDRM IN SIMANJIRO DISTRICT (TANZANIA) AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR TOURISM STABILITY
Jumanne M. Paul, Veronika Piscová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0363
The increasing intensity of environmental threats necessitates robust institutional environmental disaster risk management (EDRM). This study analyses the structure and performance of EDRM institutions in the Simanjiro District of Tanzania, focusing on how this may impact the vital tourism sector. The EDRM research employs a qualitative approach, combining primary data from field observations and interviews with a secondary analysis of national guidelines. The primary threat in the district is extreme drought, which directly devastates biodiversity and Maasai culture – the two fundamental pillars of local tourism. The absence of proactive management and insufficient coordination weakens the districts’ resilience to climate change disasters. The reactive approach of institutions fails to ensure the protection of wildlife migration routes or the stability of Maasai communities, which may lead to a decline in Simanjiro’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. The study confirms that although a strong institutional framework exists, its actual effectiveness remains subpar. To preserve tourism, it is essential to strengthen technical capacities, resources, and the mutual coordination of local institutions so that they can not only address risks but also prevent them.
THE POTENTIAL FOR UTILIZING HISTORIC GREEN SPACES WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL URBAN STRUCTURE
Bronislava Poljak Lamrichová, Zuzana Vinczeová, Attila Tóth
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0367
In the contemporary urbanized landscape, historic green spaces often represent the only continuous vegetation areas of significant scale within residential zones. With increasing urban density, historic parks and gardens in direct relation to housing are gaining importance as key nodes of public recreation and social interaction. This paper evaluates the functional integration of selected revitalized historic green spaces in Slovakia, focusing on the relationship between preserved historical values and current user demands.
The study is based on the concept of “value tolerance”, understood as the balance between the preservation of historical composition and the accommodation of contemporary social and ecological needs. Through comparative spatial and functional analysis, the research examines the extent to which these spaces achieve a balance between landscape conservation and public recreation. By confronting original values with actual patterns of use, the study identifies key challenges in adapting cultural heritage to contemporary public space. The results highlight the potential of historic green spaces to function as high-quality components of urban green infrastructure, strengthening social resilience while preserving cultural identity.
THE ROLE OF CONIFEROUS PLANTS IN ENHANCING ADAPTABILITY, AESTHETIC AND RECREATION VALUES OF URBAN LANDSCAPES
Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0373
Urban environments present unique climatic challenges, necessitating the use of coniferous plants to optimize the recreational bioclimate in large parks and public spaces. This study examines the adaptive capacities, year-round aesthetic value, and structural utility of gymnosperms within Poland's urban landscapes. By integrating extensive field inventories (2008-2025) with detailed evaluations of tree stand parameters, the research analyzes how species composition and canopy closure influence the phytoclimate of urban stand interiors. The findings indicate that strategically managed coniferous plantings can create luminous, loose stands that provide high recreational comfort, optimal lighting, and effective air ventilation. Additionally, such spatial structures support denser, more resilient undergrowth with increased tolerance to intensive recreational use and trampling. However, the vitality and aesthetic quality of urban gymnosperms are continually threatened by severe environmental stressors, including soil compaction, increasing salinization, and prolonged drought. To balance environmental landscape protection with intensive public use, provenance-aware species selection and the development of diverse, multi-layered stands are strongly recommended. These integrated strategies are essential for establishing self-regulating, sustainable green systems that enhance both long-term ecological resilience and daily leisure utility in modern cities.
THE ROLE OF DESIGN AND QUALITY CONTENT IN THE LANDSCAPE- ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL OF AN EDUCATIONAL TRAIL
Petra Zrubcová, Mária Bihuňová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0376
Horseback riding tourism is still a relatively unknown phenomenon in Slovakia. The Paper brings overview of the issue of hippotherapy in Slovakia. It also presents landscape-architectural proposal of the horse trail in Nitra region, with the aim to arouse interest in this type of recreation and highlight the harmony between humans, animals, and the nature. The proposed route, with a total length of 63.5 km, connects eight villages and four key ranches, and is logistically designed to allow for shorter, thematically coherent stages. Given its length and the attractiveness of the environment, it is not intended exclusively for riders, but functions as a multifunctional corridor that offers a full experience for hikers as well.
TREES IN PUBLIC AND RECREATIONAL SPACES AS A RISK FACTOR UNDER WEATHER ANOMALIES
Edyta Rosłon-Szeryńska
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0380
Trees constitute a key component of urban landscapes and green infrastructure, providing numerous ecosystem services and enhancing the attractiveness of public recreational spaces. At the same time, their presence in intensively used areas—such as parks, promenades, squares, and pedestrian routes—requires careful consideration of public safety. In the context of climate change and the increasing frequency of weather anomalies, particularly severe windstorms, the issue of managing tree-related risk has become increasingly important.
The aim of this paper is to present the scale of hazards associated with trees in public spaces in Poland compared with England, in the context of balancing recreational use and landscape protection. The study compiles statistics on accidents and damages caused by trees during strong wind events in the years 2000–2022. Based on these data, a regional risk coefficient related to windthrows and uprooted trees was developed.
The results indicate that both the number and the consequences of tree-related incidents in Poland remain comparable to those observed in England and can be considered relatively low. The findings confirm that rational tree management, based on assessment of tree condition and potential risk, allows the reconciliation of public safety requirements with the need to preserve trees as an important element of the landscape and recreational environments. The results may contribute to the development of sustainable strategies for managing urban trees, supporting both landscape protection and improved quality of life in cities.
TRENDS IN SUPPORTING OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PUBLIC SPACES BASED ON WARSAW PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING (WPB)
Kinga Kimic, Paulina Polko
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0387
The growing importance of recreation, which enhances the health and well-being of city dwellers, is driving changes in public spaces: they are becoming more open to a wider range of outdoor physical activities, including those supported by social initiatives. To examine the extent to which this issue is important to the residents of Warsaw (Poland), projects implemented as part of the Warsaw Participatory Budget (WBP) between 2015 and 2024 were analysed in terms of their role in supporting outdoor physical activity in the following categories: recreational and bicycle paths, parks, squares and pocket green spaces, children's playgrounds, sports facility, rest equipment, physical exercises and training courses. The results show that across the 10 WBP editions studied, 496 projects related to outdoor physical activity were carried out. They gained in importance in the first years of the WPB operation, but the number of projects implemented fell significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the identified decline, the approximately 10% share of outdoor physical activity projects among all completed in the WBP between 2015 and 2024 underscores their importance to residents and provides guidance on the direction of public spaces development.
UNDERSTANDING ECOLOGICAL ROLES OF ORGANISMS AMONG KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Alexandra Maruniaková, Ivan Iľko, Katarína Segečová, Viera Peterková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0392
Understanding ecological relationships among living organisms represents an important foundation for environmental education, as knowledge about ecosystem functioning can foster more responsible attitudes toward nature. This study explores how children perceive living organisms in relation to three dimensions: identification, understanding of ecological roles, and perceived importance for nature. Data were anonymously collected from 60 children attending three state kindergartens. Children were individually presented with visual representations of selected organisms representing different trophic levels within an ecosystem. They were asked to identify the organisms, explain their ecological roles, and evaluate their importance for natural systems. Relationships among these dimensions were analysed using correlation analysis, while potential gender differences were examined using multivariate analysis (MANOVA). The results revealed a positive correlation between identification and understanding of ecological roles (r = 0.517, p < 0.001). However, perceived importance was not significantly associated with either identification or understanding of ecological roles. Multivariate analysis did not reveal statistically significant gender differences (Wilks’ λ = 0.949, F(3,56) = 1.00, p = 0.399). These findings highlight the importance of strengthening ecological literacy as a foundation for environmental education in early childhood.
UNVEILING THE IN-BETWEEN: A TYPOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR REGENERATING URBAN VOIDS
Miroslav Čibik, Gabriel Kuczman
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0398
Urban voids, frequently perceived as residual or dysfunctional fragments of compact cities, remain insufficiently addressed within systematic urban regeneration frameworks. Despite growing interest in adaptive reuse and green infrastructure, a clear typological and scenario-based model for their reintegration is still lacking. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a spatial classification of urban voids according to their position within the urban structure and by developing scenario-based transformation models applicable to different morphological contexts. The research combines typological analysis with a qualitative comparative case-study method, examining selected international examples of successful regeneration through eco-stabilizing and socially responsive design strategies. The study evaluates spatial configuration, functional adaptability, ecological integration, and social activation as key performance parameters. The findings demonstrate that small-scale, strategically designed interventions can significantly enhance urban resilience, biodiversity, and community interaction when embedded within coherent planning frameworks. The proposed model contributes a transferable analytical tool for identifying and transforming in-between spaces from neglected gaps into structurally integrated and environmentally productive components of the urban fabric. The research expands contemporary discourse on sustainable urban regeneration by linking morphological typology with adaptive design strategies and policy-oriented planning approaches.
URBAN FORESTS AS BIODIVERSITY REFUGEES IN CULTURAL LANDSCAPES
Ivo Machar, Vilém Pechanec, Pavel Borusík
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0403
Urban forests provide many ecosystem services for people, including recreational activities. As biodiversity in rapidly changing urban areas is very dynamic, we need a better understanding of long-term biodiversity changes in urban forests. This study analysed the long-term change in bird-species richness in a temperate Central European urban forest over a time span of 37 years. Bird community investigated in 2023–2024 was compared with older field data from 1987. The high local alpha diversity of the bird community as well as the high long-term stability in bird richness indicates the importance of the studied urban forest as a stable biodiversity refugium in a dynamic urbanized landscape. Therefore, urban forests can be considered very stable biodiversity refugia in dynamically changing urban areas.
URBAN TREES FOR PEOPLE AND CLIMATE: BALANCING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND LONG-TERM VITALITY IN PUBLIC SPACES
Jozef Porvazník, Ladislav Bakay, Katarína Miklášová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0407
Urbanization and climate change significantly intensify the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, directly impacting the quality of public recreation. Green spaces, particularly tree vegetation, represent one of the most effective nature-based solutions, bridging the gap between environmental protection and human thermal comfort. Studies indicate that well-designed green spaces can reduce urban air temperatures by 2-4 °C (locally up to 8-10 °C compared to impervious surface) and significantly mitigate temperature extremes during heatwaves.
However, for recreation and protection to go “hand in hand”, a strategic approach is required. A key factor is the proper selection of tree species – prioritizing those with a high Leaf Area Index (LAI) and resilience to urban stressors (e.g., Tilia, Acer platanoides, Carpinus betulus, Quercus, Ulmus, Alnus glutinosa, or Zelkova).
Furthermore, the long-term sustainability of these benefits depends on an integrated maintenance system (regular irrigation, crown pruning, and root protection). This paper analyses functional green spaces in European cities to demonstrate how systematic management enhances tree vitality while providing high-quality recreational environments. The proposed principles aim to optimize green infrastructure as a resilient framework for climate adaptation.
URBAN VOIDS AS LIVING LABORATORIES: AN EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH-BASED REGENERATION
Miroslav Čibik
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0411
Urban voids—often perceived as neglected or residual spaces—can serve as valuable platforms for experimental learning and applied urban research. This paper presents an educational framework that utilizes urban voids as living laboratories for research-through-design approaches in landscape architecture education. The study focuses on a vacant lot located on Jesenského Street in Nitra, Slovakia, where spontaneous successional vegetation has gradually occupied an unused gap within the compact urban structure. The site served as a model territory for an intensive one-week educational workshop involving landscape architecture students. The workshop followed a structured research-based design process that included on-site observation, spatial documentation, and a questionnaire survey capturing perceptions of the site and its potential uses. Based on the collected data, students conducted basic spatial analyses and developed experimental design proposals exploring different transformation scenarios. Rather than producing a single solution, the workshop generated a set of conceptual strategies representing diverse spatial approaches—from minimal interventions preserving spontaneous vegetation to more structured systems and gradual transformation scenarios redefining the relationship between wilderness and designed public space. The synthesis of these proposals resulted in a series of design principles and recommendations applicable to the regeneration of small urban voids.
USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AS A PART OF CULTURAL INTERPRETATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Tomáš Kopta, Jarmila Neugebauerová, Tereza Štorková, Aleš Jezdinský, Pavel Híc, Tomáš Koutecký, ...
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0415
The paper focuses on the possibilities of using medicinal, aromatic and spice plants (MAPs) in environmental education and in the interpretation of cultural and natural heritage within recreational and tourism activities. Based on the study of selected historical herbaria, the identification and quantification of recorded plant species are carried out. The findings are further applied in the development of a methodology for establishing exhibition plantings of MAPs inspired by historical sources, which can serve as components of educational gardens, botanical displays or interpretive trails. The research also includes an analysis of methods for preparing durable plant exhibits for exhibition and educational purposes, for example through freeze-drying and other preparation techniques. These exhibits represent a sustainable alternative to living plants, as they enable long-term presentation of plant material without the limitations of seasonality and high maintenance requirements. The result is a set of practical approaches and recommendations that link the study of historical sources with modern forms of plant presentation and contribute to the development of environmental education, the interpretation of cultural landscapes, and the sustainable recreational use of natural and cultural heritage.
VOLEC II – “THE FOREST ROAD NETWORK INFLUENCE ON RUNOFF FROM FORESTS IN CHANGING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS”
Petr Kupec
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0419
The VOLEC II project, supported by the NAZV agency of the Czech Ministry of Agriculture, is primarily focused on water management on forest roads, or rather on influencing the hydric regime of forests through the forest road network. It provides outputs that can be used not only for technical practice, but also for the practice of ecology and forest protection and their stabilization, and also for the area of the social functions of forests. In this area, it is possible to speak in particular about the specific microclimate in the vicinity of forest roads, which forest roads determine, among other things, by adjusting the visual regime in their surroundings. The purpose of the project and the submitted contribution is to propose technical measures to minimize the negative effects of forest roads on the runoff regime in forests in a technical sense, but secondarily to propose measures to improve the microclimate in the vicinity of forest roads and thus strengthen their explicit recreational function.
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT AND RECREATIONAL TOURISM IN DAR ES SALAAM: A REVIEW OF CURRENT CHALLENGES
Azizi Selemani Msuya, Veronika Piscová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0423
As the primary gateway for tourists in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam faces critical wastewater management challenges that directly threaten the integrity of its tourism industry. The majority of the city’s wastewater is discharged untreated into the Indian Ocean. For sustainable tourism, this translates into beach pollution, health risks for visitors, and a loss of aesthetic appeal. Sustainable tourism requires a safe and hygienic environment; however, odors and visible pollution in tourist areas are in direct conflict with the concept of 'ecotourism.' This study aims to identify key practices, successes, and failures, and to explore future prospects for wastewater management in relation to recreational tourism in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A systematic search and review of peer-reviewed and grey literature were conducted using electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, Jstor, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. To ensure the stability of the tourism sector, we recommend the implementation of small-scale treatment plants directly within hotel complexes and tourist resorts, along with the construction of artificial wetlands to naturally filter wastewater. Furthermore, essential collaboration between municipal authorities and tourism operators is required, focusing on financing the modernization of the sewerage network in key locations.
WEEDS IN THE CONTEXT OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION: SUPPORTING THE EDUCATION AND RECREATION OF SENIORS
Jan Winkler, Kateřina Pevná, Lenka Kamanová, Helena Pluháčková, Amir Mugutdinov, Magdalena Daria Vaverková
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0427
Weed vegetation represents a specific group of plants that has long accompanied human civilization and evokes numerous memories associated with past activities. Weeds are a common component of gardens, agricultural land, and urban environments, and most older adults have encountered them repeatedly throughout their lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of using the topic of weeds in senior education within the framework of experiential pedagogy. A specialized course was implemented at the University of the Third Age of Mendel University in Brno in the form of traditional lectures supplemented with extensive demonstrations of individual weed species. The results of a questionnaire survey indicated that older adults recall 26 weed species from childhood, while an additional 7 species are recognized but their names cannot be retrieved now. The most frequently reported species include Convolvulus arvensis, Elymus repens, Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum, Matricaria chamomilla, Aegopodium podagraria, Urtica dioica, and Papaver rhoeas. The findings further demonstrate that older adults best remember those weed species associated with specific personal experiences. The topic of weeds therefore appears to be suitable for recreational use of leisure time combined with the education of older adults.
WHY IS GLASS DANGEROUS FOR BIRDS
Pavla Kotásková, Jitka Fialová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0431
Thanks to technological advances, glass is now used more extensively in the construction industry. Large glazed surfaces are being incorporated into the building envelopes of structures such as recreational facilities and private vacation homes. Glass is also used for noise barriers, bus shelters, and bike racks, as well as for auxiliary structures such as balcony railings. Virtually all glass surfaces can be dangerous to birds; it depends greatly on their surface treatment and, above all, their location. Glass also reflects its immediate surroundings, including trees, thereby creating a fictional environment that birds attempt to enter. The aim of this article is to provide a basic introduction to the issue of bird collisions with glass surfaces. The article will focus on identifying the locations and structures where collisions most frequently occur. Subsequently, options for prevention or additional measures will be presented.
ZERO-EMISSION SPORT AND RECREATIONAL FLYING?
Jiří Chlebek, Jitka Fialová, Pavla Kotásková, Dastan Bamwesigye, Miroslav Červenka
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0436
This article provides a comprehensive overview of gliding as a form of sport and recreational aviation, emphasizing its close relationship with natural atmospheric phenomena and its minimal environmental impact. It introduces the broader context of sustainability in aviation and outlines relevant European, international, and Czech regulations that influence gliding activities. The text traces the historical development of gliding from early 19th‑century experimental gliders to the emergence of organized sport gliding in the 1920s and its continued evolution into a modern competitive discipline. Detailed explanations are provided on launch methods, soaring techniques using ridge lift, thermals, and wave lift, as well as principles of cross‑country flying. The article also describes the FAI performance badge system, including Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels, and outlines the structure and demands of national and international gliding competitions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of meteorological knowledge, terrain awareness, and pilot skill for safe and effective soaring. Finally, the article highlights gliding as an accessible and environmentally friendly way to experience flight, connect with nature, and explore landscapes from a unique aerial perspective.
Z-GENERATION AND THOSE BEYOND. HOW SHOULD THEY PERCEIVE DROUGHT ADAPTATION OPTIONS WITHIN ENVIRONMENTAL AND RECREATIONAL EDUCATION?
Jan Kocum, Bohumír Janský, Simona Kohoutová
DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0441
Z-generation as a first generation of people growing completely in a digital era. Are present climate topics sufficiently attractive to young people? Climate change is one of the major environmental challenges of our time, increasingly visible also in Central Europe. Alongside mitigation and adaptation options to ongoing changes is becoming essential. Environmental education within the Czech EVVO program (Environmental education, upbringing and awareness program) plays a crucial role by building knowledge, attitudes, and skills for responsible action of our society. This paper is trying to analyze how climate change adaptation is reflected in environmental education in Czechia and suggests ways to strengthen its role within the national approach. It focuses on topics such as water management, biodiversity protection, and the adaptation of landscapes and settlements to extreme weather/climate. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation between schools, NGOs, and public administration, as well as the environmental and recreational potential of adaptation measures.