The Need to Maintain Sustainability in the Dynamic Anthropogenic Changes in the Natural Landscape of the Bay of Pomerania in Poland

Abstract

This article presents a research study into the dynamics of negative changes to the almost untouched coastal landscape of the Bay of Pomerania on the south-western coast of the Baltic Sea, taking into consideration the impact of the spatial development of the port of Świnoujście and of the development of leisure facilities in the small fishing villages of the Baltic coast. The authors highlight the natural landscape dynamics resulting from the topography, the aggression of the Baltic Sea against the beaches and sandy moraine hills, the dynamics of phyto-biological development in the endemic natural environment, and the dynamics of anthropogenic landscape changes resulting from the oversized spatial development of both residential and industrial buildings, as well as intermodal and port infrastructure development. The study analyzes natural values and their importance for both health and recreational purposes and shows the disproportional impact of economic/industrial development on the study area in recent times. The research was undertaken to verify the necessity of maintaining sustainability in the anthropogenic and industrial development undertaken in those areas, in order to protect sensitive ecological areas and to provide environmental compensation for the negative landscape changes already produced.