Visual pollution in urban parks areas: a case study of Vorobyovy gory nature reserve in Moscow

Abstract

The problems of negative ecological changes of Vorobyovy Gory Nature Reserve associated with visual pollution of its territory, which simultaneously performs environmental and recreational functions, were considered. In particular, two of its aspects were distinguished: information and light pollution. Their implications for the environment and humans were analyzed. The methods of quantitative assessment of these implications were given, the issues of objectivity of information pollution assessments were discussed. Based on instrumental measurements of light pollution, a map of its distribution on the territory of the nature reserve was made. The risks of visual pollution of this territory associated with the loss of its natural and cultural heritage were indicated. Ways of regulating visual pollution were proposed.