Assessment of Anthropogenic Disturbances of Landscapes: West Kazakhstan Region

Aigul Tokbergenova, Irina Skorintseva, Aizhan Ryskeldiyeva (), Damira Kaliyeva, Ruslan Salmurzauly and Aizhan Mussagaliyeva
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Aigul Tokbergenova: Department of Geography, Land Management and Cadastre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Irina Skorintseva: Institute of Geography and Water Security, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Aizhan Ryskeldiyeva: Department of Geography, Land Management and Cadastre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Damira Kaliyeva: Department of Geography, Land Management and Cadastre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Ruslan Salmurzauly: Space Technology and Remote Sensing Center, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Aizhan Mussagaliyeva: Department of Geography, Land Management and Cadastre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: The study analyzes anthropogenic disturbances of landscapes in Western Kazakhstan, which occupies 27% of the country’s territory. The main focus is on the impact of industry and agriculture, especially pasture use and the development of oil and gas fields. The application of remote sensing data and field surveys allowed us to identify the degree of landscape disturbance and to propose their classification into five levels of disturbance, from virtually undisturbed to severely disturbed. Cartographic analysis revealed that pastures occupy 53.83% of the territory, while industrial-technogenic impact accounts for 23.12%. This indicates a significant level of landscape transformation. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for environmental monitoring and the formulation of recommendations aimed at reducing anthropogenic impacts. The study underscores the necessity for the sustainable management of natural resources in the context of industrial development in the region and provides crucial insights for maintaining ecological balance.

Keywords: West Kazakhstan region; assessment; anthropogenic impact; landscape transformation; landscape disturbance; field study; remote sensing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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