Starunya: from geological monument to nature UNESCO geopark
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32347/2411-4049.2021.3.44-50Keywords:
Program, geological monument, geopark, endogeodynamic processes, faunaAbstract
One of the natural wonders of Prykarpatya is the village Starunia – with embalmed in ozokerite and well-preserved carcasses of mammoths and hairy rhinos and an active mud volcano, will undoubtedly delight us with new exploratory discoveries in the field of geology, paleontology and archeology. It is possible that here, together with large fossil mammals of the Ice Age, the remains of hunters on them – our ancestors Cro-Magnons – could be preserved. This discovery would have, without the slightest exaggeration, an international dimension. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the comprehensive study of Starunia, to promote it among environmentalists, scientists, students and schoolchildren. All this develops a love for native nature, encourages the preservation of its unique objects and historical and cultural heritage.
The preparation of "Starunia" for the UNESCO World Geoparks Network by specialists of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUNG) in accordance with UNESCO requirements is highlighted by UNESCO Geoparks Program.
According to these requirements to give the geological monument of nature "Starunia" the status of "geopark" it is necessary to study and give a standard description of all components of the environment: geological environment and endogeodynamic processes, relief (geomorphosphere) and dangerous exogeodynamic processes, hydro- and atmosphere, soil and plants cover, social environment, technosphere and their anthropogenic changes; assess the current environmental situation and develop environmental protection measures. This is not yet the case.
In order to further study "Starunia" in IFNTUNG developed Regional Comprehensive Program for 2022–2023 "Starunia: from a natural monument to the geopark of the Ice Age", which was transferred to the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration and the Regional Council.
Thus, the world-famous geological natural monument of national importance "Starunia" deserves a separate national program and shorter deadlines for its implementation, which would allow including "Starunia" in the world network of UNESCO geoparks.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Oleh M. Adamenko, Macej Kotarba, Kateryna O. Radlowska, Mykola I. Mosiuk, Valery G. Omelchenko, Slawomir Bebenek, Volodymyr R. Khomyn, Jacek Matyszkiewicz
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