LAND USE FEATURES IN PROTECTED AREAS: ON THE EXAMPLE OF ŠIAULIAI AND KELME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITIES

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the characteristics of the distribution and change of land use areas in selected areas from the aspect of the development of protected areas. During the study, the characteristics of the distribution and change of land use areas in the Šiauliai and Kelmė district municipalities of Šiauliai county and the cadastral areas located within them, falling within the territories of Kurtuvėnai and Tytuvėnai regional parks, were assessed in 2013-2023. After a detailed analysis of the land use indicators of the cadastral areas located in Kurtuvėnai and Tytuvėnai regional parks and adjacent to them, it was assessed in which cadastral area it is advisable to expand the area of protected areas. After assessing the land use structures, it was decided to focus on natural land uses, such as swamps, forests, tree and shrub plantations, and waters. Since forests occupy the largest part of the territory in the Bulavėnai cadastral area and the largest increase in the area of tree and shrub plantations was determined in this area, this area is classified as a potential area for the development of protected areas.