Main Geographical Factors of Settlement Patterns and Natural Resource Use in Mountain Region: The Kvemo (Lower) Svaneti (Lentekhi Municipality) Case

Abstract

The environmental exploitation of a region requires the study of its natural conditions and resources, as well as its geography and the related historical processes. In turn, the study of environmental conditions sheds light on material and non-material culture and traditions, as well as the patterns of natural resource use and settlement preferences. This research aims to evaluate natural resources in Kvemo (Lower) Svaneti (Lentekhi Municipality), identify the types of the natural-territorial complexes (landscapes), create a geo-informational database for the region, and establish the structure of the land resources and land use. The key outcome of this research is figuring out the landscape resources in the region, which was done by creating a geo-informative system for Kvemo Svaneti (Lentekhi Municipality) landscapes using GIS technology, based on materials from the 2023 expedition, aerial and satellite images, and topographic maps. A large-scale landscape map (1:50,000) of Kvemo Svaneti (Lentekhi Municipality) was created using GIS technology. The process identified 15 units of lower-level landscapes. According to the research findings, geographical conditions and the character of natural resource use in the region significantly influence landscape transformations, settlement preferences and farming. 43% of the territory is situated over 1000 m above sea level. Overall, Kvemo Svaneti is one of the sparsely populated regions, with 83% of its population living in small villages, each with up to 200 dwellers. The number of abandoned villages has increased (Lamanashuri, Ghobi, Tsana, and Koruldashi villages). In some villages (Bavari, Benieri, Buleshi, Zeskho, Mananuri, Kheria, etc.), the number of permanent dwellers ranges from 2 to 11. TLivestock farming is the primary form of agriculture in these areas, with pastures and haylands accounting for 92.4% of the total agricultural land. Traditional practices contribute to the development of animal farming. The upper hypsometric threshold of crop farming is 900 m.