ИСТИНА

We updated and refined existing landscape maps (Gvozdetskiy, 1954; Beruchashvili, 1977; Isachenko, 1988) using Sentinel-2B satellite images with a spatial resolution of 10m. This allowed us to clarify the boundaries of agricultural lands, forests, and new urban expansions. Based on this data and literature reviews, we assessed ecosystem resilience and highlighted core zones—areas that are least disturbed. Secondly, by utilizing open data from the GBIF: The Global Biodiversity Information Facility, IUNC Red List, etc. along with numerous publications and expert interviews, we outlined the habitats of dozens of key and rare plant and animal species in the region. With these insights, we identified the most valuable natural areas requiring conservation and compared them with existing specially protected natural areas.