Experimental mapping and assessment of ecosystem services based on multi-level landscape classification

The importance of the landscapes for development recreation and ecotourism is significant but very little studied. Usually, scientists use spatial units to map assess ecosystem services CORINE land cover or similar classifications. Traditional multi-level landscape classifications, well-known developed in XXth century Bulgaria, Russia, other Eastern Central European countries, could give valuable information various indicators assessment. From another hand, these classical ecological maps are little- known international scientific audience. We decided conduct an experimental mapping assessment based on classification. For this, we have chosen a case study area with hilly karst relief, which part inner Predbalkan Region, located North-Central Bulgaria. site represents interest terms its transitional position between Stara Planina Mountain Danube Plain presence anthropogenic changes. aimed develop test original methodology capacity contemporary Strazhata syncline upland Melovete hills provide cultural – ecotourism. results showed that 70% territory has medium higher capacity, dominated mainly by areas natural vegetation protected sites.