Geographica Pannonica

Phenology Analysis for Detection of Vegetation Changes Based on Landsat 8 Images in Nature Park Kopački rit, Croatia

2024-12-31T13:52:50+01:00

This study proposed a method for detecting vegetation changes and establishing geospatial management zones based on the 10-year phenology analysis using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) long-term trends from Landsat 8 multispectral imagery in Nature Park Kopački rit. The main components of the proposed method include phenology analysis and NDVI anomaly detection supported by unsupervised k-means classification of vegetation management zones. The reference monthly NDVI values (2013–2019) with three test years (2020–2022) strongly indicated very high heterogeneity in vegetation activity. A 100 m spatial resolution and a monthly temporal resolution were used. The results of unsupervised k-means classification in five vegetation activity classes indicated that three of these classes have considerably high negative NDVI anomalies, covering 64.1% of the study area. While the proposed method ensures the detection of vegetation changes and vegetation activity zones, a comprehensive field observation is required to determine the potential environmental and/or anthropogenic causes. However, the proposed approach significantly reduces the need for extensive fieldwork, allowing biologists to focus their efforts on areas with detected abnormal vegetation activity.

The Water-Energy-Food Nexus Index for Bulgaria – Overview and Comments

2024-12-31T13:52:50+01:00

The 'Water–Energy–Food' (WEF) Nexus concept is evolving and expanding, as it is essential for finding synergies and compromises between these three sectors under climate change and for building a green economy. This work aims to present and analyse some indicators of the WEF Nexus Index for Bulgaria, according to which the country ranked 66th in the world in 2022. The data sources were the publications of the National Statistical Institute, the Ministry of Environment and Water, etc. The current study found that most indicators in the three pillars objectively assess the country's water resources, energy, and food sectors. The findings reveal a lack of information about the 'Food' pillar, resulting in an inability to assess this pillar objectively. Additionally, the evaluation of several sub-pillars based on the official data shows inaccuracies in the final WEF Index result for the country. This work represents the first presentation of the WEF Nexus Index for Bulgaria and continues the authors' study on the dynamics of the water, energy, and food sectors.

Direct Contact with Nature and Online Perspective: Does it Make a Difference in Environmental Attitudes Regarding the Nature Conservation Challenges in Serbia?

2024-12-31T13:52:50+01:00

Attitudes towards environment are important for organizing nature protection, especially in countries undergoing political and economic transition. In this paper, attitudes of visitors, local communities and stakeholders towards the environment and nature protection are researched online and within the Special Nature Reserve and surroundings settlements. Data were obtained on the basis of the survey research as part of the 'LIFE WILDisland' project. Additionally, this paper was focused on comparing the attitudes of respondents between those who were in direct contact with nature and those who responded online. Gained results showed that respondents who were in direct contact with nature have more intensive interactions with it and have a good understanding of conservation-restoration measures. Both groups of respondents support nature protection activities.

Exploring the Contemporary Spatial and Temporary Dynamics of the Settlement Hierarchy and System in Serbia’s Srem Region

2024-12-31T13:52:51+01:00

Newer trends of balanced regional development emphasize the development of functional integrational areas and strong spatial and functional relations based on the nodal concept and a functional process approach. Therefore, it is essential to determine the hierarchy of settlements in the network, which defines their demographic and functional capacity. This paper identifies the nature and characteristics of urban primacy in the Srem region in Serbia, using the rank-size rule and urban primacy index, as well as the hierarchy of settlements in the network, by calculating the importance of secondary activities and the centralization of the settlements. The results confirmed that while urban primacy is not expressed, the hierarchy of the settlements remains dominated by urban and suburban centres.

Mortality Risk during Heatwaves: an Evaluation of Effects by Heatwaves Characteristics in Serbia

2024-12-31T13:52:51+01:00

Extreme temperatures and heatwaves are recognized as one of the deadliest weather-related hazards. The first of its kind in the Balkans region, this study explores the effects of heatwave timing, duration, and intensity on mortality in Serbia. Using daily all-cause mortality data and mean temperature, a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) evaluates the heat-mortality response for each city during the warm season (May to September) for the period 2000-2015 for Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš. Results indicate that longer heatwaves generally have a greater impact on mortality, regardless of when they occur in the warm season. When comparing warm and extremely warm days, relative risk (RR) increases with intensity, and RRs are higher for earlier season heatwaves Extremely warm, early season heatwaves show significantly high RR in all three cities, respectively, for Belgrade 1.37 (95% CI: 125, 1.5), for Novi Sad 1.27 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.5), and for Niš 1.47 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.87). The findings draw attention to how different heat events modify the health response in Serbia. Stakeholders who work to improve resilience to heat hazards may consider the development of an early warning heat system and a strengthening of local and regional outreach efforts designed to reduce adverse health outcomes.

Analyzing Precipitation Trends in the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan: A Statistical and GIS-Based Study

2024-12-31T13:52:51+01:00

Climate change is driving significant shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns globally, with far-reaching socio-economic and environmental impacts, especially in arid regions. This study examines precipitation variability and long-term trends from 1980 to 2020 in Pakistan's Cholistan Desert, a region where water scarcity poses critical challenges for local communities and ecosystems. Using data from five meteorological stations, we applied a combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and statistical analyses to assess both seasonal fluctuations and annual trends in precipitation. The results reveal notable spatial variability in precipitation trends across the Cholistan Desert. Positive trends, indicating increased precipitation over time, were observed in the northwestern areas, particularly at the Bhagla, Khanpur, and Fort Abbas stations. In contrast, significant negative trends were detected in the southwestern areas, represented by the DinGarh and MaujGarh stations, where precipitation has steadily decreased over the study period. These contrasting trends reveal the diverse impacts of climate change within the desert pointing out the areas that may face heightened water scarcity. The ongoing shifts in precipitation necessitate targeted water management and climate adaptation strategies to address the challenges posed by these shifting precipitation patterns. For areas with declining trends, strategies focused on rainwater harvesting and conservation will be critical. Regions experiencing increased precipitation may require infrastructure improvements to manage and store water more effectively.