TRANSFORMATION OF LANDSCAPES AND THE IMPACT OF LAND USE CHANGES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES
Authors:   Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Rozhi Tomas 
Published: November 2024

The study of landscape transformation and the impact of land use changes on the development of territorial communities is becoming increasingly important against the backdrop of current global challenges and profound changes. Urbanization, intensive agriculture, climate change, and demographic changes have a significant impact on landscapes, requiring territorial communities to adapt and respond strategically. First, changes in land use generate significant environmental impacts, such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss and ecosystem disturbance, which affect the quality of life and resilience of local ecosystems. second, changes in landscapes directly affect the socio-economic development of communities, contributing to economic growth and job creation, but can also cause social conflicts and a decline in quality of life. third, an important component is the development of land use management strategies that integrate environmental and social considerations. Our research will allow us not only to better understand the consequences of these processes, but also to formulate practical recommendations for the sustainable development of territorial communities within Ukraine. The purpose of the study. The aim of the study is to assess the current processes of landscape transformation and determine the degree of influence of changes in land use practices on the development of territorial communities. Objectives of the study:to evaluate theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of landscape changes and land formation in territorial communities; to identify the main factors that cause landscape transformation at the level of territorial communities; to study the degree of influence of anthropogenic changes in land use on the economic development of territorial communities; to study the processes of changes in land use practices in terms of their impact on biodiversity and territorial ecosystem processes; develop measures to implement the practice of strategic planning and management of land use processes to ensure sustainable development of territorial communities. Results of the study. For the first time in the scientific literature, the term "landscape" was introduced by the German geographer A. Gommeier to denote a set of areas viewed from one point, enclosed between the nearest mountains, forests and other noticeable parts of the earth [3]. In his view, the concept of "landscape" primarily characterizes the appearance of the territory. Subsequently, the term "landscape" was interpreted ambiguously in different fields of activity. Scientists and land managers who deal with the landscape and ecological organization of the territory agree that the landscape should have the function of self-reproduction or at least have the ability to do so. The landscapes of our planet are constantly changing under the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Global trends in landscape transformation are often associated with urbanization, climate change, intensive agricultural use, and other aspects of human activity. Urbanization is one of the key causes of landscape change. Large cities are growing, covering more and more territory, leading to the replacement of natural ecosystems with artificial urbanized areas, and such processes are accompanied by the construction of infrastructure, transportation networks and residential areas, which changes hydrological regimes, causes air and water pollution, and increases heat islands. Landscape change refers to changes in the structure, functioning and appearance of landscapes due to natural and anthropogenic factors, and changes can be gradual or rapid, temporary or permanent, and they affect all components of the landscape. Landscape changes can include soil erosion, changes in vegetation, construction of new infrastructure, urbanization, changes in hydrological regimes, and much more.