Deagradation of karst landscape

What is it about?

Karst landscapes are among the most vulnerable environments and the destruction of dolines is among the topical issues in karst environments worldwide. In the study areas a comprehensive analysis of national legislation and unsupervised human encroachment has been prepared. Consequently, the excessive human induced changes may cause the alteration of karst processes such as corrosion, endangering of unique habitats and the quality of non-renewable natural resources.

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Why is it important?

This study shows that in the study areas about a quarter of the dolines have disappeared in the past four decades. Examination of the national legislation reveals that the current standards and conditions for the protection of karst landscape characteristics (e.g. dolines) are loose and have not been fully elaborated upon. The present research raises awareness of karst terrains and their ecosystems vulnerability.