1. Introduction One of the reserved objects of the highest rank on Rostochchia is Yavoriv National Natural Park (YNNP) – nature-protected, recreational, cultural and educa- tional, scientific and research institution of national importance, established to preserve, reproduce and efficiently use of natural complexes and objects of Roztochchia which have special ecological, healthy, historical and cultural, scientific, educational and aesthetic value. The activities of this nature-protected area, in- cluding the development of recreation are published in numerous papers by park staff and researchers of various scientific and research institutions in Lviv. In particular, works by I. Markovych and O. Hrebelna (Маркович, Гребельна, 2011), H. Ross (Рось, 2011), J. Zinko (Зінько, Мальська, 2007). 2. Take into consideration some aspects of tourism and recreation on the territory of Yavoriv National Natural Park The basis for the development of recreation and tourism on the territory of the park comprise natu- ral resources. Yavoriv National Natural Park is located on the territory of Ukrainian Roztochchia. According Journal of Geography, Politics and Society 2016, 6(4), 52–56 DOI 10.4467/24512249JG.16.028.5815 ASPECTS OF RECREATIONAL AND TOURIST ACTIVITY IN YAVORIV NATIONAL NATURAL PARK Myroslava Kadnichanska Tourism Department, Faculty of Geography, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Doroshenko 41, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine, e-mail: myrosjakadn@ukr.net Citation Kadnichanska M., 2016, Aspects of recreational and tourist activity in Yavoriv National Natural Park, Journal of Geography, Poli- tics and Society, 6(4), 52–56. Abstract The peculiarities of the development of tourism at Yavoriv National Natural Park (YNNP) are highlighted, tourist and resource potential of the park is evaluated. YNNP – nature-protected, recreational, cultural and educational, scientific and research in- stitution of national importance, established to preserve, reproduce and efficiently use of natural complexes and objects of Roztochchia which have special ecological, healthy, historical and cultural, scientific, educational and aesthetic value. The prob- lems and perspectives of tourist development and recreation at this ecological territory. Yavoriv national park has significant recreational potential for the development of eco-educational, historical, cultural, and sacral tourism, and sports (equestrian, cycling and skiing) tourism, and at the surrounding areas – qualified tourism (hunting, fishing). The park already operates a number of walking and bus routes, ecological and cognitive trails fixed places for rest are equipped. Key words natural reserve fund, Yavoriv national natural park, tourist resources of Ukraine, ecotourism potential of Rostochchia. Aspects of recreational and tourist activity in Yavoriv National Natural Park 53 to physical and geographic zone it’s Roztotskyi dis- trict of Roztotsko-Opilska geobotanical region of the West Ukrainian province of forest-steppe zone (Зінь- ко, Мальська, 2007). Relief of the park is characterized by a combina- tion of steep outcrops and plateau-like elevations with a wide, sandy flat marshy hollows. Plateau-like elevations are dissected by deep (sometimes up to 80–100 m) branched ravines, which are called by lo- cal citizens as “Debras” (Маруняк, Семеряк, 2011). Through the territory of the park goes the main European watershed, dividing the basins of the Black and Baltic Seas. In the western part of YNNP flows the Vereshchytsia river that flows into the Dniester. On the territory of the park start left tribu- lates of Vereshchytsia – Stavchanka and Stara Rika (Old River). In the north of the park are the origins of the rivers Derevianka year and Svynia (Pig) (Western Bug River basin). For Yavoriv National Park as well as for Roztoch- chia is characterized by high forest cover. Among forest formations dominate young and middle-aged states. On a more fertile low-ashed soils hornbeam- oak forests are formed. The most common are fresh and moist hornbeam oak groves, that are presented by associations of hairy aspen and goutweed oak hornbeam (Геренчук, 1972). Yavoriv NNP also has historical and cultural re- sources – unique historical and cultural objects that are located within the park and near its terri- tory. A number of unique archaeological objects are opened here. The most famous among them is prince’s settlement Shchekotyn, located near mod- ern village Hlynske. Also near Yavoriv National Park are gems of Ukrainian sacral architecture – wooden churches of Yavoriv district – Church of the Assump- tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village Lele- hivka (1739), Church of the Holy Virgin in village Zhornyska (1877), Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in the village Stavky (1928), Church of St. Paraskeva in the village Krekhiv, Zhovkva district (1724) and one of the best Galician churches in village Stradch (1795). Outstanding monuments of sacred art are Basilian monastery of St. Nicholas at Krekhiv (XVII century), Trinity Church (1614) with the bell tower of the XIX century and the Church of the Ascension of the Lord (1831) in the town of Ivano-Frankove, and the ruins of the church of St. Michael in the former village Vyshenka Velyka on the territory of polygon (Каднічанська, 2009). All these resources the administration of the park actively involves into the development of rec- reational and tourism activity. In the park there is a department of recreation and environmental edu- cation, which workers, in particular, create the con- ditions for people’s rest on the places of stationary recreation that are defined as “Project of territory organization” as well as carry out the excursion and eco-educational activity, constantly keep in touch with public and educational institutions of different levels (tab. 1). In the department of recreation and environ- mental education created ecological educational center (the village Ivano-Frankove, Zelena str., 23), which includes a conference room for seminars and conferences was established and exposition stands were designed. In addition, here is the library with large fund of literature in nature, environmental classroom for classes, class of biodiversity, which introduces the landscapes, typical and rare species of plants and animals of the region and cabinet “Roztochchia by eyes of artists” for the organization of changing ex- hibitions. Environmental and Educational Center has a physical infrastructure that allows to carry out activities of modern level (Маркович, Гребельна, 2011). Tab. 1. Visiting the territory of Yavoriv National Natural Park Year Number of visitors, people Zone of regulated recreation Zone of stationary recreation Buffer zone Total number for the territory of the institution 2006 2642 3659 - 6301 2007 3342 6952 - 10294 2008 2059 6060 1081 9200 2009 1879 6426 - 8305 2010 1627 5701 - 7328 2011 2539 6152 - 8691 Source: according to the materials of the Department of Recreational and Ecological Education the village Ivano-Frankove, Zelena str., 23. 54 Myroslava Kadnichanska Recreational and tourist activity of the park has such main areas as (Маркович, Гребельна, 2011): • holidays (general, cultural and educational, short-term from 5-10 hours to 1-2 days from with tents and fires in specially equipped and desig- nated areas); • excursion activity (tour by marked ecological paths and routes to outstanding religious build- ings and places of memory of the region, exhibi- tions, museums, etc.) (fig. 1); • tourist activities (thematic hiking, ornithological, ethnographic, cycling, equestrian, water as well as utilitarian tourism – picking mushrooms, ber- ries, etc.; • amateur and sport fishing. The park has four stationary recreation zone “Veresh- chytsia”, “Lelehivka” “Kozulka”, “Serednii Horb” („Mid- dle Hill”) and attracting recreation facility “Oselia Roztochchia”, ecological trails, eight tourist routs, five recreational lakes. The zone of stationary recreation “Vereshchyt- sia” is located near village Vereschytsya, Yavoriv dis- trict, Lviv region, its area is 17.6 hectares. This area is arranged and adapted for long holidays. Two rec- reational lakes is built here, zone of stationary rec- reation is connected to power supply system, the network of water supply and drainage is formed, treatment facilities are installed, zone of recreation is equipped with canopies (16 pieces), forest furniture, four summer recreational houses are built, there is also a beach, rescue post built fence, piers and bridg- es for sport fishing. Fish is put into a lake. Floatage is bought – 3 boats and 2 water bikes (Маруняк, Семе- ряк, 2011). The zone of stationary recreation “Lelehivka” near the village Lelehivka, Yavoriv district, Lviv re- gion (area – 2.5 hectares) is equipped with summer canopies (15 pieces), barbecues, small architectural forms, forest furniture, trash containers. The zone of stationary recreation “Kozulka” near the village Kozulka, Zhovkva district, Lviv region (area – 6.6 hectares) is located in northern part of the park, near Krekhiv monastery and is equipped with recreation canopies (10 pieces), barbecue, small ar- chitectural forms, forest furniture, trash containers. Lakes for swimming, sport and amateur fishing are prepared. Fish is put into a lake. The access road is renovated by own forces. Water supply is regulated. Floatage is bought – 2 boats and 1 water bike. The zone of stationary recreation “Serednii Horb” (“Middle Hill”) is located near the village Middle Hill, Yavoriv district, Lviv region (area – 3.5 hectares) is equipped with summer canopies (3 pieces), barbe- cues, trash containers (Маркович, Гребельна, 2011). Recreational and attractive object “Oselia Roztochchia” is located near the village Dubrovytsia, Yavoriv district, Lviv region (area comprises 2.4 hec- tares). Here in the enclosure are descendants of the wild tarpan – polish horses (6 horses). Fig. 1. Dynamics of the excursions on the territory of Yavoriv National Natural Park Source: according to the materials of the Department of Recreational and Ecological Education the village Ivano-Frankove, Zelena, s. 23. Aspects of recreational and tourist activity in Yavoriv National Natural Park 55 There is also a building that previously served as the household for woodman (3 beds); the room of antique objects of the Ukrainian village; apiary; farmyard (sheep, pigs, rabbits, ducks, geese); well of 38 miters depth; 3 relaxation sheds on the territory. The first steps are made for the development of horse tourism: equestrian trails are marked, the chaise, the sleigh, the horse harness are purchased (Маркович, Гребельна, 2011). Environmental and educational trails „The path of Ivan Franko” and „Krekhiv sanctuaries” are laid through the park. The ecological and literary „The path of Ivan Franko” of 1.1 km of length runs through the forest near the village Lelekhivka. Time for passing along the route with 15 minutes stops on the observa- tion points is about 1.5 hours. The trail is equipped with small architectural forms, forest furniture, park sculptures and compositions of characters of Ivan Franko’s works. An important observation object is the White Rock – steppe guest of Roztochchia. The path ends with the cascade of the Black Lakes (Ма- руняк, Семеряк, 2011). The natural-religious path „Krekhiv sanctuaries” of 2.5 km of length runs through the forest near Krekhiv monastery (the village Krekhiv, Zhovkva district, Lviv region). The time of route is 1.5 hours. The trail runs through a picturesque tract Rubania near the mountain Pobiina near Krekhiv monastery – sanctuary of Ukrainian people, famous among pil- grims from abroad. The trail is equipped with “solds- out” notices, signs and information attributes. Here in the great stone of Timosha monks launched the monastery (the end of the XVI century); an important historical and sacred importance has Holy spring of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Маруняк, Семеряк, 2011). Four ecological and cognitive routes: “Veresh- chytsia”, “Lelekhivka”, “Holuby”, “By the main Europe- an watershed” are laid through the territory. The ecological and cognitive route “Vereshchytsia” of 4.4 km of length runs through the forest near the village Vereshchytsia. The time for passing along the route with 15 minutes stops on the observation points is 3 hours. In places of observation stops the route is equipped with forest furniture and informa- tion attributes (information sign – a schematic map of the route, sold out in places of observation stops, signs). It passes through beech forest, where you can see some species of orchids. Among others attractive objects – Mount Pryslin (the place of early medieval settlement), rocky outcrops of ratteen limestone, an- cient rural well “Vovcha Yama” (“Wolf Hole”), burial of German military prisoners during World War II. Va- riety of amazing ephemeroids cover all around like the carpet in early spring (Маруняк, Семеряк, 2011). The ecological and cognitive route „Lelekhivka” of 4.5 km of length runs through the forest near the village Lelekhivka. The time for passing along the route with 15 minutes stops on the observation points is 3 hours. The route is equipped with small architectural forms and forest furniture, it also has the necessary information support, on the one of the route observation point is excursion and recreation- al complex memorial of “The paths of Ivan Franko”. The route introduces unique and its typical natural complexes of Roztochchia, typical representatives of flora and fauna. At different seasons there are rare and interesting species of flora, especially among orchids (Neottia nidus-avis, Dactylorhiza majalis, Platanthera bifolia and others). The overall atmo- sphere, which is created by local scenery, gives a feeling of harmony and peace of mind that adjusts to the environmentally oriented recreation (Марко- вич, Гребельна, 2011). The ecological and cognitive route “Holuby” (“Doves”) of 3.5 km of length runs through the forest near Krekhiv monastery (the village Krekhiv, Zhovkva district, Lviv region). The time for passing along the route is 2.5 hours. The route is partly equipped with forest furniture, “sold-out” notices and signs, and is stretching by forest path and presents wonderful na- ture of Roztochchia. The ecological and cognitive route “By the major European watershed” is 4 km of length, and runs in the area of the village Mlynky, Yavoriv Region, Lviv District. The time for passing along the route with 15 minutes stops on observation points is about 3 hours. The route has some information support (schematic map of the route, “sold out” notices, signs, wood furniture). The trail runs through the ridge of the main European watershed, where numerous riv- ers of Roztochchia (Fijna, Kyslianka, Vereshchytsia, Stavchanka and other) originate, carrying their wa- ter into the basins of the Black and Baltic Seas. The final observation point of the trail is recreation and attractive centre “Oselia Roztochchia” (Маруняк, Се- меряк, 2011). The park staff also designed hiking trails: three foot routs (“Up to the mount Berezniaky”, “Up to the mount Bulava”, “Up to the mount Kubyn”) and five foot routs and by bus trails (“Stradch-Chorni Ozera”, “On the ways of Roztochchia from Yaniv to Krekhiv”, «Yavoriv military polygon: past and present days”, “Yavoriv suburbs”, “The age story of Yaniv”), that at- tract resources of the outskirts of the park. The tourist route №1 “Up to the mount Berez- niaky” (Staryj Majdan – mount Berezniaky – the lake Malishevske – Staryj Majdan) has the length of 25.7 km. The route is characterized by marked hilly and valley course by average complexity. Passing the 56 Myroslava Kadnichanska route can take several days and involves tents and observing nature. The tourist route №2 “Up to the mount Bulava” (the village Lelekhivka – the tract Majdansky Lis – the mount Bulava) has the length of 8.8 km and it has a dividing slope-type of medium complexity. It is mostly one-day route. The tourist route №3 “Up to the mount Kubyn” (the village Lelekhivka – Staryj Majdan – the mount Kubyn) has the length of 13.2 km and it is characterized by hilly and valley course of average complexity. The time of route is passing several days with tents and observation the nature (Маркович, Гребельна, 2011). To organize recreational tourism and ecoedu- cational activity the department of recreation and environmental education is working with Lviv travel agencies, a number of educational institutes, including Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, that is the scientific curator of NP of Yavoriv, Lviv State Agrarian University, Ukrainian State Forestry University, Lviv State Environmental Polytechnic, Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians of the NAS of Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk ASTS №14, Lviv Higher College of Restaurant, Hospitality Business and Tourism, State Natural Museum NAS of Ukraine. The collaboration presupposes researches on the terri- tory of the national park, organization of students’ practices, writing course and diploma papers on the basis of NP as well as the organization of excursions. The cooperation is established with schools of villages Ivano-Frankove, Dubrovytsia, Domazhyr, Riasna-Ruska, Krekhiv, Lozyno, Porichchia and Novoyavorivsk secondary schools №1, 2, 3 and lyceum in Novoyavorivsk and Lviv City Children’s Ecological Center. Seminars for senior pupils are conducted, as well as the lectures on environmental topics, environmental lessons, and other actions. Event tourism has recently become popu- lar at Yavoriv national park. The employees of the department of recreation and environmental education are organizing various celebrations and events involving large number of visitors. These are, in particular, series of religious festivals, celebrations Jordan, Easter songs, Kupala wreath; festivals: et- nofestyval “Roztochanski Festyny” Youth Festival of Ukrainian tourist song “Indian Summer” (Рось, 2011). 3. Summary Yavoriv national park has significant recreational potential for the development of eco-educational, historical, cultural, and sacral tourism, and sports (equestrian, cycling and skiing) tourism, and at the surrounding areas - qualified tourism (hunting, fish- ing). The park already operates a number of walking and bus routes, ecological and cognitive trails fixed places for rest are equipped. There are favorable conditions for the development of agro-tourism in the surrounding areas. Border and suburban provision increases the value of recreational resources. Roztochchia region is the main place for rest for residents of the city and surrounding area for over 100 years. 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