SOCIO-ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS OF LANDSCAPE PLANNING ON THE NORTHEASTERN SLOPE OF THE LESSER CAUCASUS

F.Z. Zamanov

Ganja State University, Ganja, Azerbaijan

fuad.zamanov1984@mail.ru

DOI: 10.59423/gnr.2026.37.29.006

Abstract. The northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus is one of the regions of Azerbaijan distinguished by its natural-geographical diversity and socio-economic potential. The purpose of the study is to investigate the socio-economic basis of landscape planning in this zone, which includes the districts of Gazakh, Aghstafa, Tovuz, Shamkir, Gadabay, Dashkasan, Goygol, and the cities of Ganja and Naftalan, and to assess the optimal balance between the natural environment and anthropogenic activities. The research analyzes the region’s natural-geographical conditions, landscape structure, economic activity sectors, and population settlement patterns, and identifies principles for aligning land and resource use with landscape potential.  The analysis shows that increasing anthropogenic pressure, land degradation, reduction of forest cover, uneven grazing load, and inefficient use of water resources have significant impacts on the region’s ecological stability. The main directions of landscape planning include sustainable management of land and water resources, restoration of forest and grassland ecosystems, ecologically compliant organization of urban and industrial landscapes, development of ecotourism, and formation of a regional ecological network. A differentiated land – resource use model is proposed for each landscape type, ensuring the conservation of natural complexes and the sustainable development of socio-economic activities.

Keywords: landscape planning, socio-economic factors, Lesser Caucasus, ecological stability, territorial management

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Accepted for publication: November 20, 2025

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F.Z. Zamanov – Socio-economic foundations of landscape planning on the northeastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus. Geography and Natural Resources, №2 (24), 2025, pp. 34-41.