Defense of the dissertation of Zinabdin Nurlybek for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the specialty «6D060900 - География »
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Zinabdin Nurlybek on the topic «Functional zoning of the delta of the Syrdaria river with using GIS technologies» in the field of «6D060900 – География ».
The dissertation was carried out at the «» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The language of defense is kazakh
Reviewers:
Акпамбетова Камшат Макпалбаевна - Candidate of Science, Associate Professor, professor
Асылбекова Айжан Асылбековна - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor, Head of the cafedra
Temporary members of the Dissertation Committee:
Егембердиева Камшат Баратовна - Candidate of Science, Assistant Professor, Head of Laboratory
Курепина Надежда Юрьевна - Candidate of Science, Assistant Professor, Senior Researcher
Попова Наталья Борисовна - Doctor of Science, Professor, professor
Нысанбаева Айман Сагынбаевна - Candidate of Science, Assistant Professor, Head of the cafedra
Academic Advisors:
Mazbaev Ordenbek – Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor of the Department of «Tourism» at the NJSC «Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilev», Specialty: 25.00.23 – «Physical geography, biogeography, soil geography and landscape geochemistry».
Dunets Alexander - Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor, Vice-rector for Scientific and Innovative Development of Altai State University of the Russian Federation, specialty: 25.00.24 – «Economic, social, political and recreational geography».
The defense will take place on February 09, 2024, at 02:00 PM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D052 – %!s(*string=0xc00273a2f0)» in the specialty «6D060900 – География » of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The defense meeting is planned to be held online.
Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3aLi4UVotPrHSPasqKI-blDiHzprYGXpMITPaoXp8JwDo1%40thread.tacv2/1704340098402?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225a2fd781-9261-485a-af2b-6171d0efab73%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22dec9b822-35f1-46c1-81b1-748ec5499f7a%22%7d
Address: Проведение заседания диссертационного совета планируется на платформе Microsoft Teams.
Abstract (English): ANNOTATION on the dissertation for degree of the doctor of philosophy (PhD) on specialty 6D060900-Geography ZINABDIN NURLYBEK BERDIBEKULY «FUNCTIONAL ZONING OF THE DELTA OF THE SYRDARIA RIVER WITH USING GIS TECHNOLOGIES» The relevance of the research. Modern science recognizes that achieving global and regional sustainable development is contingent upon the urgent necessity to align humans and their economic activities with the natural laws of the biosphere. During the economic utilization of natural resources in river deltas, significant challenges arise in environmental management, impacting various sectors of the economy. The development of geographical aspects of environmental management strategies, based on the logical framework of a comprehensive study of the territory and its zoning, contributes to finding positive solutions to these challenges. In this context, functional zoning, as a form of spatial planning, holds high practical significance, ensuring sustainable development, coordination, and balance of the territory. Moreover, territorial spaces can serve many different and overlapping functions, interacting both synergistically and antagonistically. In this regard, when planning environmental management aimed at sustainable development, it is extremely important to consider all functions in a particular territory, determine their versatility, and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential represented by this territory. The selected research topic related to the functional zoning of the Syrdarya River delta is highly relevant in modern conditions. Firstly, the Syrdarya River Delta stands as one of the largest and most ecologically significant natural sites in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. However, the active development of the area, including industrial, agricultural, and infrastructural endeavors, has brought about significant alterations in the delta, posing potential negative impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. Secondly, the functional zoning of the Syrdarya River Delta plays a pivotal role in efficiently managing territorial resources and fostering regional development. The delineation of functional zones and their characteristics enables the identification of valuable territories, assessment of their contribution to the economy and ecological equilibrium of the region, and optimization of natural resource utilization to enhance the quality of life for the local population. Thirdly, this study holds paramount importance in advancing the fields of geography and geoinformatics. It provides an avenue for the application of new methods and technologies in analyzing territorial data, offering recommendations for enhancing territorial management. The topic of functional zoning of the Syrdarya River Delta is a pressing and vital task, critical for the sustainable development of the region and the preservation of its natural and cultural resources. The purpose of the research work is to identify conflict zones by functional zoning of the Syrdarya River delta using GIS technologies and to develop proposals aimed at sustainable development of the territory. To achieve this objective, the following interrelated tasks are addressed in the study: - Analyzing the theoretical and methodological foundations of sustainable development and functional zoning of the territory, including an examination of theoretical and methodological concepts related to sustainable development, rational nature management, functional zoning of the territory, factors influencing environmental management and conflict zones, as well as methods and techniques of functional zoning of the territory. - Identifying and mapping the residential, transport and industrial, agricultural, tourist and recreational, environmental protection, forestry, and water management functions of the territory utilizing GIS technologies. - Identifying conflict zones by analyzing the mutual combination of functions within the territory. - Formulating proposals for the sustainable development of the territory in alignment with the functional zones identified in the Syrdarya River delta. The object of the study is the delta of the Syrdarya River, while the subject of the study is the functional zoning of the territory with a specific emphasis on optimizing the utilization of the Syrdarya River delta. Theses to be defended: - Functional zoning of the territory is an integral tool of spatial organization of environmental management, contributing to sustainable development and taking into account the needs of various sectors of the economy. - GIS technologies demonstrate efficiency and reliability as a tool for functional zoning. The analysis of the natural environment, socio-economic development, and ecological condition of the territory using GIS allows for a more precise determination of functional zones. - The probability of a conflict situation in nature management is higher in areas near settlements and near water bodies, while it decreases towards the sides of the Syrdarya River delta. - The analysis of the probability of conflict situations in the territory of the Syrdarya River delta showed that the main risk factors are related to water resources and residential areas, and planning the use of the territory avoids possible conflicts. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the following: - The functions of the territory in the Syrdarya River delta have been identified and defined. - Individual maps of various functions of the Syrdarya River Delta territory at a scale of 1:200,000 have been developed using GIS technologies, including a map of functional zones and areas of increased tension. - Recommendations have been formulated to optimize the use of the territory in accordance with the various functional zones identified in the Syrdarya River delta. The theoretical significance of this research lies in the development of the theory of functional zoning of the territory and the provision of methodological approaches to the analysis and assessment of environmental, economic, and social factors in the use of land resources. The research results can serve as a basis for further scientific investigations in the field of territorial management and sustainable development of regions. The practical significance of the conducted research within the dissertation is expressed in the potential wide application of the obtained results. The results of the functional zoning of the Syrdarya River delta using GIS technologies provide valuable information for specialists in various fields, such as agriculture, ecology, land management, and nature conservation. The cartographic data obtained during the research can significantly enhance the planning and development of nature conservation measures, allowing the identification of the most vulnerable areas of the river delta and providing well-founded recommendations for their preservation. The positive evaluation of the work received at the Institute of Geography and Nature Management of the International Scientific Complex "Astana" confirms the quality and importance of the conducted research. Research methods. The methodology of functional zoning of the territory is based on the synthesis of previously developed experiments in functional zoning and research by various authors in this field. It aligns with the set tasks and includes the use of diverse methods: geoinformatic, cartographic, statistical, field research, analysis of literary sources, and decoding of satellite images. ArcGIS 10.8 and ENVI 5.3 software tools, providing a wide range of tools in the field of geoinformation technologies, were used for processing and analyzing spatial data. The information base of the work includes topographic and thematic maps and schemes of various scales, satellite images (Landsat, Sentinel-2), statistical data, regulatory documents, and other published literary sources and data obtained during field studies of the main areas of the river delta conducted from 2015 to 2022. Additionally, data on land use types in the territory were sourced from the Department of Natural Resources and Regulation of Nature Management of Kyzylorda Region and the Department of Agriculture and Land Relations of Kyzylorda Region, as well as the akimats (local administrations) of Aralsk and Kazaly districts. The synthesized material was systematized and analyzed using modern geoinformation technologies and statistical analysis methods. It served as the basis for functional zoning of the territory using GIS technologies, enabling the derivation of new scientific results and the development of recommendations for identifying conflict areas in this territory and optimizing the land use regime. The author's personal contribution to the research includes the collection and processing of large volumes of geographical data gathered during field and desk studies conducted from 2015 to 2022. The author also conducted an extensive analysis of scientific literature, including research publications, conference presentations, and project reports related to the research topic. Within the scope of the work, the author actively employed GIS technologies for detailed functional zoning of the Syrdarya River delta territory. The analysis of various functions' combinations allowed for the identification of conflict areas. The author prepared the obtained results for publication in domestic and international scientific journals and presented them at international conferences. Additionally, the author developed recommendations for optimizing the land use regime in the Syrdarya River delta, representing a valuable contribution to natural resource management and environmental planning. Publication of main scientific results. The key findings of the dissertation were approved by the Scientific and Methodological Council of the Department of Physical and Economic Geography at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The research outcomes have been disseminated through 11 publications: 4 in scientific journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1 in an international scientific journal indexed in the Scopus database, 4 in the proceedings of international scientific conferences, and 2 in other scientific publications. Structure and Volume of the Work. The dissertation comprises an introduction, three sections, a conclusion, a list of references, and appendices. The total volume of the dissertation is 143 typewritten pages, including 24 figures, 16 tables, and references to 188 literary sources. The first part of the dissertation is dedicated to the theoretical and methodological foundations of sustainable development and functional zoning of the territory. This section provides a characterization of key concepts such as sustainable development, rational nature management, and functional zoning of the territory. A literature review was conducted, during which various authors' definitions of these concepts were explored. Based on the analysis of literary sources, the interconnection between sustainable development, rational nature management, and functional zoning was identified. Furthermore, an analysis of definitions proposed by different authors for the concept of 'functional zoning' was carried out, refining its understanding and revealing its connection to sustainable development and rational nature management. Various approaches to the classification of territory functions were examined. The research clarified that functional zoning serves as an effective means to achieve sustainable development and rational use of the territory. The second part of the dissertation provides a detailed description of the research area, along with a justification for the author's choice of this particular region. The identification of territory functions in the Syrdarya River delta is based on a comprehensive analysis of all territorial factors influencing land use. Using GIS technologies, the Syrdarya River delta was classified into monofunctional and multifunctional zones, incorporating various territory functions such as residential, transport-industrial, agricultural, tourist-recreational, environmental protection, forestry, and water management functions. The main characteristics of each functional zone were identified, and their spatial distribution across the research area was demonstrated based on the obtained results. The third part of the dissertation provides an individual characterization of each spatial combination of functions performed in the research area and their interactions. An analysis of potential conflict situations arising from these interactions is conducted, and methods for their prevention are proposed. In order to identify conflict areas, they were classified into four types based on the mutual combination of functions in the territory: 1) non-conflicting; 2) symbiosis; 3) adjacency; 4) antagonism. Non-conflicting (69%), symbiotic (4.56%), and adjacent functions (0.12%) do not cause conflicts in land use and allow maintaining the development parameters of the respective functions. However, antagonistic functional zones, representing functional zones in the same territory that are opposite and mutually exclusive, become the main conflict areas in the territory. The area of the identified conflict zone is 1,443 hectares. Land use conflicts in the Syrdarya River delta are associated with various aspects such as nature conservation, water resources, land use, biodiversity, and others. The likelihood of conflicts (both current and future) is generally higher along the river and near major population centers, while it decreases towards the edges of the Syrdarya River valley. Therefore, to resolve land use conflicts in the Syrdarya River delta, it is important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the territory, taking into account all its natural, economic, and social aspects. Additionally, effective mechanisms for coordinating the interests of various stakeholders need to be developed. In this context, recommendations have been formulated for the efficient use of natural resources in the Syrdarya River delta for each functional zone. The study demonstrates that the application of functional zoning using GIS technologies is an effective method for determining the functions of the territory and identifying conflict areas. The obtained results have the potential for application in various fields, such as territorial planning, natural resource management, tourism development, and environmental conservation. The functional zoning of the Syr Darya River delta, conducted using geoinformation technologies, has identified key functional aspects and potential conflict areas in the region. Based on the obtained results, the following recommendations are proposed for practical implementation: Utilize the outcomes of our research to ensure sustainable development in the formulation of regional development strategies and the establishment of policies for the conservation and management of resources in the Syr Darya River delta. Identify priority activities in conservation areas to preserve biodiversity and ensure environmental sustainability. Develop strategies for tourism and recreation, considering the environmental protection functions of the Syr Darya River Delta and aiming to minimize negative environmental impacts. When planning industrial and transportation infrastructure projects, carefully consider the transportation-industrial function, avoiding the placement of facilities in conflict-prone areas. Enhance land use efficiency and boost agricultural productivity by implementing modern technologies and land management methods. Focus attention on the water sector, implementing measures to prevent pollution of the Syr Darya River and adjacent water resources. Conduct regular monitoring of territorial changes and adjust regional development strategies in line with new data and sustainable development requirements. The results obtained from the dissertation research provide a valuable foundation for the development of territory management plans and strategies for its sustainable development. These findings can also serve as a basis for making informed decisions in the field of nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources within the Syr Darya River delta territory. Limitations of this study are associated with restricted access to high-precision data, which hindered the detailed examination of specific areas within the Syr Darya River delta. For future research, it is recommended to refine the boundaries of functional zones using more accurate data. Additionally, a more in-depth analysis of areas of increased tension is suggested, along with monitoring the state of the Syr Darya River delta and analyzing the dynamics of changes in functional zones in the context of climate change and human activities. These steps will allow for a more precise determination of the state and dynamics of functional zoning of the territory, enriching the scientific understanding of processes in this ecosystem. In general, the application of functional zoning in the Syr Darya River delta using GIS technologies represents a relevant and important tool for ensuring the environmental sustainability of the region and preserving biodiversity. The results of this work may be valuable in shaping and implementing environmental protection measures and effective management of natural resources in the Syr Darya River delta. This underscores not only the scientific significance of the conducted research but also its practical importance in the context of sustainable development of this natural complex.
Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee
Defense of the dissertation: https://youtu.be/MxYT8OvlqVE?si=jPMoD9V_JqFrU0sA
