Geography-Geological Department of Tbilisi State University

Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography, Georgian Academy of Science

 

 

THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE

 

NATURAL POTENTIAL OF THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRITORIES: SITUATION, PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS

 

 

 

Internet/E-mail discussion 25.05 – 25.07.2003

 

 

NATURAL POTENTIAL OF MOUNTAIN TERRITORIES – PHILOSOPHIC- METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

 

I.V. Bondyrev*, V.P. Singh**

 

*   - Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography. Georgian Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi

** -  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, , USA.

 

Any new step, any new discovery disturbs unsteady enough equilibrium

in the world and creates chain reaction with its subsequent consequences.

Any of our steps on the way to progress must be accompanied by the awareness of

 the side results and problems arising due through our activity

                                                                                                                  Indira Gandi

 

 

Civilization took its root   in the mountains and only afterwards, having gained strength moved down to fertile river valleys and created such unfading torches of civilization as are Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, etc. Mountains are assumed to be the cradle of humankind. Besides it should be noted that water had been the factor of utmost importance in the long process of formation the Homo sapiens. The fact that mountains are still inexhaustible water reserves and the source of all water arteries on the land make them invaluable constituent of natural environment, with the most powerful and diverse potential (usable resources).

Here we come close to the philosophic comprehension of the concept of "potential". From the point of view of modern physics potential - is the concept characteristic of the wide class of physical fields of force, fields of any values with vector shape. At the same time, potential is the source, possibilities, means and reserves which could be used for definite tasks in the different spheres of human's activity [1].

Here are some more definitions. Natural potential - is the ability of the territory (geo-ecosystems, landscapes) to give the required production to the man, and be used purposefully without being damaged. Over-use of the potential resources leads to the ruin  (collapse) of these systems [2].  Here for the first time we mention the restriction of potential within the frames of demands for preserving safety of ecosystems.  It seems to be one of the basic regularities of the fact of potential 's existence itself and   inherent characteristic of its manifestation.

Biological potential of the territory consists in its ability to give definite amount of biological production. If the amount of this production surpasses the value of accretion, regression takes place, which may lead to degradation or complete disappearance of the potential. At one time L.D.Stamp  [3] suggested to use the so called unit of potential productivity for evaluation of soil potential of the territory which is equivalent to the average productivity of ordinary well cultivated land of the farmer. The value of this unit oscillates between 0,1 -0,2.  Hence if the value is < 0,5, then soil potential tends to complete degradation and self liquidation.

Hence the biotical potential of the territory- is a hereditary ability of survival under unfavorable conditions. [2] We cannot help remembering Nepalese mountaineers who climbed   7000m without any respirators and oxygen masks carrying numerous goods of the expeditions they were accompanying.

As G. F. White used to say [4, (p.216)] that development of natural resources turns them into potential capital

If almost all kinds and types of natural resources' potential can be expressed in definite metric units (volume, weight, amount, area, etc) then there exists one more characteristic feature of the potential of mountain territories (as in other territories)  - that is unique mosaic of landscapes, their originality and fantastic views always luring us. In our modern technological and informational epoch, epoch of breakneck speed and terrible pressure on urban space, the man strives to breathe crisp alpine air, to enjoy the seething and roaring sound of mountain rivers. Recreational potential is not only its ability to have positive physical, psychic and social influence on human [2], but it is the rehabilitation potential of the psychic - physiological and esthetical field of human's life. There exists another definition of this concept. I.V.Zorin and V.A. Kvartalnov assume that recreational potential represents "...correlation between real and maximum possible amount of recreants, defined on the basis of analysis of the volume of recreational resources" [5]

It should be noted that each territory is characterized by the parameters of environment peculiar to it only (regional or local potential), which is very important factor and affects the managerial decisions (along with pure social and economic factors). This defines structure of everyday actions in the system "man - way of thinking - traditions- landscape". Very important role plays potentiality, representing simultaneous and at the same time influence of potentials of different directions and different importance.

Potential of the region depends not only on specific natural (mineral, water, soil, floristic, faunal, recreational, etc) and population resources and their dislocation within this territory, but on spatial-provisional structure of interconnections between them.

This spatial- provisional heterogeneity of natural potential gives us possibility to consider the following situation. If we remember the postulates of classical physics we should mention such concepts as potential pit and potential barrier. Potential pit is the state of material system characterized by sharply decreased values of physical potential. It arises at the change of sign forces, involved in the system [6]. This correlates with the degradation of natural environment of definite territories (and consequently its potential) due to the increase of negative load on the local geoecosystems. Potential barrier "...indicates to the state of such limited space, which is characterized with sharp growth of potential [6].  

We can draw some analogy. We single out regions with decreased (pits) and increased (barriers) level of natural potential. Having depicted this information at the maps we would get some kind of "relief potential" showing regularities of spatial distribution of natural potential with different density and complexity. Potential density  (any type) means its even and fragmental distribution within definite territory and given in percent. The given proposal should be deemed as a working hypothesis and requires deliberation according to some specific material.

At the same time, like all the parts of objective reality, national potential has dual character. Along with positive (for society and human) aspects it possesses a large arsenal of aspects of negative character. This is a potential of natural hazards, the higher we rise above our daily life and are lost in the realm of peaks beyond the clouds the more powerful it becomes. Powerful mud streams and glacial rock slides, rock falls and snow avalanches, downfalls and landslides in blocks, glaciers movement, shift, hurricanes, floods, unprecedented continuous hails- the concept of potential of mountain regions covers all these processes. Struggle against these negative phenomena was and has remained inseparable feature of coexistence of man and nature, ecological trace of which was left in those places. Human will never conquer nature and will never accept this fact. This duality- is the basis for evolution of noosphere order and making the strategy of adaptability to the life in mountains, based on reasonable compromise between vital requirements and real possibilities.

Imagining that a man is free in his choice to change environment (possibism [7]) is mere self-deception. We deceive ourselves if we think we are irreplaceable in choosing decisions, but we are more deceived when we take our decisions by force. Force of action is always equal to the force of counteraction. But it works only in homogeneous space. In the space of incomparable values, man’s desire to master nature by resolute action leads to very aggravated results of damaged nature, and at the same time its even worse for the man. There are different levels of interaction of man and nature: psychic-physiological, personal-esthetical, socio-public, power economy, landscape, economic, etc. Each of these levels is characterized by specific regularities, characteristic of him only.

In the interpretation of the concept of  "civilization" one of the main stresses is made on ecological essence of these open type bio-social systems, that allows us to consider civilization not as a certain non-biogenic cultural-social institute, but as a more highly organized element of organic world - socium, existing within single noo-biosphere. It is determined that culture is developed on the basis of well-known model of evolution of organic world. New concepts, standard of behavior, character of interrelation both between the members of socium, and environment arises spontaneously ("cultural mutation") and becomes the subject of natural selection. Population, which forms in cultural sense more active generation, has more chances to survive, as they provide both more reliable stream of material, energy and information within the ecosystems, and treat more carefully potential of natural environment.

Since the late XIX century, humankind having created a global techno-informational entity of present day culture, gave birth to a certain monster - super civilization, which having the major features of civilization, couldn't preserve its ecological quality, and opposed itself to nature. Constant antagonism between the human's strive to appropriate resources and energy of outer external medium and the actual capacity of landscapes has brought us to the real threat of catastrophe, to the state of grave ecological crisis [9].

Most strongly this problem is revealed in the regions with disturbed inner structure of socio -ecosystems. Present day Caucasus may be taken as a classical example of it Immemorial development of mountains and plains of the Caucasus by the human, existence of all conditions for accelerated evolution - power instability of the earth's crust, sharp oscillation of hypsometric (landscape) levels, and reconstruction not only the structure of landscapes, but the balance of energy and information within them, as well as location in the center of numerous ways of migration and settling of ancient human - all this created the background for peculiar Caucasian civilization.

Agriculture first started on volcanic uplands and alluvial inter-montane depressions in the South Caucasus and at the foothills of the North Caucasus. Proximity of snowy peaks and river abundance excluded the necessity of formation large irrigation systems as it was in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Ancient China. But the efforts of creation local irrigation systems  (the desire more effectively use natural potential of the region) began in the Mesolithic, and favored harvest gathering twice a year (Arukhlo, East Georgia). Frequent temperature variation, humidity, glaciers' activity were followed by displacement of landscape zones per vertical and made primitive landowners move to new regions more suitable for living. This process did not favor concentration of population in one particular place and creation of unites tribes of the Upper Paleolith-Mezolithic.  A.Toinbi notes that "...human gains civilization not due to biological development or easy conditions of existence, but in response to existing complex situation requiring from him strong efforts”. [10]

Today the human has to make a choice- 1) either to make an effort and rise above all unsolved problems and dash forward into the future, saving both the children and himself and existence of human on the planet; 2) or plunge in one's delusion and worries in expectation of the world wide catastrophe. We believe that there is still a chance to rise above oneself and find the compromise, without which there will be no future. From the above quoted and first of all on the basis of multifarious character of natural potential, it is necessary to find multi factor- multivarious and at the same time compromise system of making decisions for its development. But we should keep in mind that none of them will be ideal and will cause chain reaction both of natural and social processes, reduction of negative role of which is the most important task of today.

 

 

                                                      REFERENCES

 

1. Soviet Encyclopedia, M., 1990, p.1058

2. Rimers N.F. Nature in use (Dictionary-reference book) M., Misl, 1990. Pp.374-375

3. Stamh L. D. A glossary of Geographical terms, London, 1961

4. White G.F. Geography, Resources and Environment, Chicago-London; 1986, p.620

5. Zorin I. V., Kvartalnov V.A. Encyclopedia of tourism, M., Finance and statistics, 2000, p.368

6. Iavorski B.M., Detlaf A.A. Reference on Physics, M., Nauka, 1966, p.389

7. Taylor T.G. Geography in the Twentieth Century, London, Methuen, 1951

8. Bondyrev  I.V.  Historical Ecology of Civilization //Geogr.Jour.Genetic Ecology, 1995, V.1 No2, 16-19

9. Bondyrev I.V. Lominadze G.D. Historical Ecology of Civilization - the key to the past and prognosis of future // Proceedings Inter. Confer. "New concepts and methods of study natural and natural economic systems", Alma Ata, 2000, p.237-246

10. Toynbee A.J. Study of History, London-N.Y.- Toronto, 1946

 

 

ПРИРОДНЫЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ ГОРНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ – ФИЛОСОФСКО-МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ

 

И.В.Бондырев*, В.П.Сингх (V.P.Singh) **

 

* - Институт Географии им.Вахушти Багратиони АН Грузии, г.Тбилиси, bond@gw.acnet.ge

** - Луизианский Университет, г.Батон Руж, США, cesing@lsu.edu

 

 

С точки зрения современной физики потенциал – это понятие, характеризующее широкий класс физических силовых полей и, вообще, поля любых величин имеющих векторную форму. В тоже время, потенциал, это и источники, возможности, средства и запасы которые могут быть использованы для решения определенных задач в различных сферах человеческой деятельности.

Природный потенциал – способность территории (геоэкосистемы, ландшафта) без ущерба для себя отдавать необходимую человеку продукцию или производить полезную работу. Превышение потенциала приводит к разрушению (коллапсу) этих экосистем. Здесь, впервые появляется понятие об ограниченности потенциала рамками требований к сохранению безопасности экосистемы. По-видимому, это положение является одной из основных за­ко­номерностей самого факта наличия потенциала и неотъемлемой характеристикой его проявления.

Биологический потенциал территории заключается в ее способности производить определенное количество биологической продукции.

Биотический потенциал территории – наследственная способность к выживанию в неблагоприятных условиях. Как отмечал Г.Ф.Вит (G.F.White),освоение природных ресурсов приводит к их прев­ращению в потенциальный капитал.

Рекреационный потенциал это не просто степень способности оказывать на человека положительное физическое, психическое и социальное воздействие, а это реабилитационный потенциал психофизиологического и эстетического поля жизни человека.

Следует отметить, что каждая конкретная территория характеризуется только ей присущим набором параметров внешней среды (региональным или местным потенциалом), что должно служить и служит важным фактором воздействия на принятие административных. Это во многом определяет структуру повседневных действий в системе “человек-образ мышления-традиции-ландшафт”.

 

Потенциал региона зависит не только от наличия конкретных природных (минеральных, водных, почвенных, флористических, фаунистических, рекреационных, и т.д.) и людских ресурсов  и их расположения внутри данной территории, но и от пространственно-временной структуры взаимных связей между ними.

Пространственно-временная неоднородность природного потенциала позволяет нам рассмотреть следующее положение. Возвращаясь к постулатам классической физики, следует отметить такие понятия как потенциальная яма и потенциальный барьер. Потенциальная яма – состояние материальной системы, характеризующееся резко пониженными значениями физического потенциала. Она возникает при изменении знака сил, действующих в системе. Это хорошо сочетается с явлением деградации природной среды конкретных территорий (а, следовательно, и ее потенциала) при резком возрастании негативных нагрузок на местные геоэкосистемы. Соответственно, потенциальный барьер “...отражает такое состояние некоторой ограниченной области пространства, которое характеризуется резким возрастанием потенциала”.

Представляется допустимым выделять области с пониженным (ямы) и повышенным (барьеры) уровнем природного потенциала. Спроецировав эту информацию на карту, мы получим своеобразный «рельеф потенциала», отражающий закономерности пространственного расположения природного потенциала различной плотности и комплексности (потенцирования). Под плотностью потенциала (любого типа) понимается равномерность или фрагментарность его размещения в пределах конкретной территории и выражается в процентах.

Как и все стороны объективной реальности, природный потенциал имеет двойственный характер. Наряду с положительными (для общества и человека) аспектами, он обладает и мощным арсеналом негативного характера. Это потенциал стихийных процессов.

Представление о свободе выбора человека в своем стремлении к преобразованию внешней среды является всего лишь самообманом. Мы обманываем себя, если думаем, что мы независимы в выборе решения, но гораздо больше обманываемся, принимая решения силовым путем.

Наиболее резко эта проблема вырисовывается в регионах с нарушенной внутренней структурой социоэкосистем. Классическим примером может служить современный Кавказ.

Сегодня перед человечеством вновь стоит выбор – 1) либо совершить беспрецедентное усилие и, приподнявшись над переплетением порой нераз­решимых проблем современности совершить рывок к будущему, спасая не только себя и своих детей, но и само существование человека на планете; 2) либо погрязнув в собственных заблуждениях и заботах жить ожиданием всемирной катастрофы.