Чинники формування рекреаційного потенціалу національного природного парку «Кременецькі гори»

Abstract

У статті проведено аналіз комплексу природних, історико-культурних та інфраструктурних чинників формування рекреаційного потенціалу НПП «Кременецькі гори». Виявлено роль окремих чинників у формуванні рекреаційного потенціалу парку. Обґрунтовано перспективні напрями розвитку НПП на основі аналізу його ресурсів.

The study of complex natural-anthropogenic systems requires a systematic analysis of the factors determining their structure, functioning, and spatial organization. The National Nature Park «Kremenets Mountains», which began its full-scale operations in 2012, is a well-established environmental and recreational territory. However, providing scientific justification for optimizing its recreational use remains a priority, especially regarding increasing efficiency without disrupting the ecological stability of natural complexes. This article identifies and characterizes the fundamental factors – natural, historical-cultural, sacred, infrastructural, and socio-economic – that determine the current recreational attractiveness of the park. Theoretically, the study builds upon the fundamental works of Ukrainian geographers such as M. Palamarchuk, V. Hrytsyna, O. Liubitseva, O. Beidyk, and others who developed the methodology for assessing recreational resources. In this context, the recreational potential is viewed as a complex geosystem formed under the influence of various spatial and geographic factors. The foundational group of factors is natural, encompassing geomorphological, biotic, climatic, and hydrological components. Geomorphologically, the park is unique due to its location on the edge of the Volhynia-Podillia Upland and the Lesser Polissia, featuring isolated residual mountains (erosional hills or «ostantsi») such as Bona, Masliatyn, Stizhok, and Bozha. These formations reach relative heights of 160–170 meters, creating a contrasting relief ideal for aesthetic, walking, and sports recreation. The presence of Sarmatian limestones facilitates karst processes, including the «Studentska» cave and ancient catacombs, which possess significant scientific and speleological value. Biotically, the park hosts 1194 species of vascular plants and 755 species of animals, with a high concentration of rare species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. Flagship species like Betula klokovii and Salvia cremenecensis provide the park with global uniqueness. Climatically, the region offers a stable base for winter sports, although strong winds act as a limiting factor. The water potential is characterized by high ecological quality, with springs like «Koryto» and those on Mount Bozha serving as critical resources for ecotourism and pilgrimage. The landscape diversity, defined by the ecotone position of the park, ensures a high mosaic structure of natural complexes. Socio-economic and infrastructural factors also play a decisive role. High transport accessibility (within a 200-km radius of major regional centers) and a developed network of ecological and bicycle routes enhance competitiveness. Unique sports facilities, such as the luge track and ski jumps, diversify recreational offerings. Historical-cultural and sacred factors form the identity of the territory, including the ruins of the Bona castle, ancient Rus hillforts (Stizhok, Unias), and Mount Bozha as a major religious center attracting over 20,000 pilgrims annually. Multicultural heritage is represented by unique Cossack and Jewish cemeteries. Based on this synthesis, the article proposes the «4-S Model» (Sozology, Sacral, Story, Sport) as a unique recreational proposition. Despite the high potential, the park faces challenges such as unregulated recreation and biological invasions, which require institutional and managerial interventions. Effective strategic planning and functional zoning are essential for balancing tourism development with the preservation of historical and natural heritage. Furthermore, the article explores new horizons for the park's use, particularly in the psychological rehabilitation of the population through speleotherapy and green tourism in the post-war period. Ultimately, the systematic interaction of these factors determines the territorial structure of tourism and provides a scientific basis for effective regional policy.