THE GEOLOGICAL-GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF WATER SPRINGS FORMATION, THEIR CADASTRE, AND PROSPECTS FOR THEIR CONSERVATION IN THE VOLYN REGION
Authors: Mishchenko Olena , Karpiuk Zoya 
Published: December 2023

The presented research aims to explore the potential for preserving and conservation water springs in the Volyn region. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive approach developed by the author, encompassing various measures to protect, conserve, and pass down these vital water springs in the Volyn region. The research methods employed include both general scientific approaches and specialized scientific techniques, such as analysis, synthesis, synergistic analysis, data collection through field surveys and descriptions, content analysis, cartography, and physical-geographical zoning. The analysis of existing scientific literature has enabled the formulation of a comprehensive interpretation of the term «water spring» as a landscape component resulting from the intricate interplay of various factors, including hydrological, geomorphological, geological, climatic, and sometimes anthropogenic elements. This interplay shapes the state of surface waters and maintains a close relationship with the hydrogeological environment. The examination of regulatory documents from Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Kazakhstan has revealed some ambiguity concerning the classification of water sources as either surface or underground waters. However, the methods employed to determine water quality and discharge often overlap with those used for surface water bodies. The geological, hydrogeological, hydrological, and meteorological conditions of the Volyn region significantly contribute to the formation of water springs, which are most commonly found in river valleys, streams, and ravines. A substantial portion of these springs are associated with fissure-type waters, originating within karst massifs featuring underground voids interconnected through a network of cracks. Field research conducted by the authors, coupled with information from the Regional Office of Water Resources in the Volyn region, has identified approximately 90 natural water sources within the study area. The majority of these sources are concentrated within the Volyn Polissia boundaries, particularly within the Upper Pripyat and Liuboml-Kovel physiographic districts. Of special significance among these water sources are the sacred or hallowed ones, which fulfill not only a natural role but also serve a social function by meeting the spiritual needs of local residents and pilgrims. An analysis of the Volyn region's natural reserve assets confirms that natural water sources enjoy protection within 22 different objects and territories, including sanctuaries (hydrological, general zoological, and landscape), hydrological nature monuments, a protected tract, and a park-monument of horticultural art. Most frequently, these water bodies are safeguarded as natural hydrological monuments. The paper advocates for the inclusion of landscape-sacred monuments as a distinct category within the legal framework, ensuring the preservation not only of the sacred source itself but also its surrounding environment or landscape. Several water sources in the studied region, particularly the sacred ones, are located in proximity to other objects and territories of the Natural Reserve Fund (NRF). Given their combined natural and social significance, there is a pressing need to incorporate such sources into the existing nature conservation areas within the region. The article delineates key measures for safeguarding, conserving, and passing down water sources in the Volyn region. These measures encompass certification and continuous monitoring of water sources, the adoption of practices that include water sources in the natural reserve fund to expand it, integration into regional and local ecological networks, active involvement in environmental education initiatives, and the dissemination of information about water sources through various means, such as scientific and journalistic publications, including articles, booklets, and brochures. The outcomes of this study, which pertain to enhancing nature protection legislation and expanding the Volyn region's natural reserve fund by incorporating unprotected water springs, can be valuable resources for legislative bodies in Ukraine and local self-government entities within the Volyn region.
Keywords: water spring, Volyn region, nature reserve fund.