Historical-cultural education functions of geosystems of specially protected nature areas on the example of the Pribaikalsky National Park

Abstract

The paper considers the role of historical-cultural objects in the forming educational functions of geosystems. This task is essential for specially protected nature areas, where educational ecotourism activity is implemented. A model area is the Pribaikalsky National Park. We studied historical peculiarities of formation of the local natural complexes, socio-cultural and other anthropogenic processes that influenced the modern configuration of the park landscapes. The research revealed that various relief forms, geographic object location and vegetation have the primary role in determining the historical-cultural functions of geosystems. Modern socio-economic and tourist infrastructure, in contrast to old settlements, gravitates towards the local historical-cultural sites. The created geoinformation database includes different characteristics of the local historical-cultural objects. These are a type, location, availability, approximate historical time age and significance for educational tourism development. In the result we also presented a fragment of the schematic map of the historical-cultural, archaeological and other object significance for educational tourism on the one of the key plots of the Pribaikalsky National Park. The determining the historical-cultural functions of geosystems is important for assessment of the recreational potential of the territory and further mapping recreational and educational activity goals for national parks.