Articles

• Environments conducive to Theobroma cacao in Martinique

  1-15

  Jean-Philippe Claude

  Yelji Abati

  Yanis Jean-François

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  17

  The current cocoa orchards in Martinique are genetically diversified and enjoy a good health situation. The aromatic properties of chocolates produced from Martinique beans seem exceptional. The cultivation of cocoa on this French island located in the Caribbean achieved international fame in the 18th century. Today, almost fifty farmers continue to grow cocoa, but climate projections indicate that the possibilities for growing this species will have considerably decreased in the coming decades. A geographic information system (GIS) was in fact developed using QGIS software version 3.36.2, to carry out an agroclimatic zoning and show the effect of climatic constraints on the distribution of environments suitable for Theobroma cacao, in Martinique. The climatic requirements of the species were defined based on global scientific literature and the environmental data comes from the French national meteorological services. Agroforestry, agro-ecology, plant selection and scientific innovations in agronomy will be the main ramparts to prevent a possible decline of this culture on the island.

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• Above ground forest biomass distribution in the landscape of Jorhat, Assam, India

  16-31

  Rashima Kachari

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  10

  This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal variations in above-ground biomass (AGB) within the Jorhat region from 2001 to 2023. It also highlights the impacts of urbanization, physiographic characteristics, and soil types on AGB variation. In order to accurately assess landscape-level variation of biomass, a combination of field surveys, remote sensing techniques, and modelling approaches are employed in this study. Biomass estimation is difficult over large area using traditional method. The synoptic nature of satellite-based data improves the monitoring of inaccessible areas. Results show approximately 16.6% decrease in AGB, with urban and peripheral areas experiencing the most notable declines due to reduced forest cover. Physiographic analysis reveals low AGB values in marshes (13 t/ha), swamps (14 t/ha), and char lands (25 t/ha). The growth of trees is suppressed seasonal flooding in this physiography. Additionally, AGB follows an increasing trend from North to South, in alignment with the region’s elevation profile. Soils also exhibit variations in AGB, with alluvial soils supporting higher biomass compared to other soil types. Key ecological linkages and spatial patterns are highlighted in this study, laying the groundwork for more proactive and comprehensive environmental management. Finally, in a time of fast environmental change, these insights can assist stakeholders and policymakers
  in creating more evidence-based, flexible solutions to protect ecosystems.

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• Borderless Nagykuns –a shared historical past and a (hoped-for) shared tourism future on Europe’s periphery

  32-51

  Tibor Kovács

  Csaba Kovács

  Mária Vasvári

  Views:

  7

  This study examines the unified and historically traceable heritage system of the historical Nagykunság (Greater Cumania) (Hungary) and the communities that migrated to Bácska (Bačka) (Serbia) at the end of the 18th century. The relevance of the topic lies in reuniting cross-border cultural narratives, integrating spatially dispersed heritage elements, and leveraging digital interpretation tools. The research aims to analyze the expression of Nagykun (Greater Cumanian) identity within the diaspora and to establish the theoretical foundations for a future ”Nagykun Heritage Route”. Applied methods included the analysis of 23 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in Karcag, Kisújszállás, Bácskossuthfalva, and Pacsér, along with the study of demographic correlations using SPSS. Key results confirm that material heritage—especially gastronomy (e.g., mutton stew) and pastoral culture—shows stable continuity and high interpretability for tourism. In contrast, forms of intangible heritage—such as emigration narratives and ritual practices—have developed adaptively and require a more sophisticated threshold of interpretation. Bácska diaspora communities preserve more strongly narrativized identity structures, while in the mother country, traditions remain embedded in everyday practice. Digital tools play a key role in lowering the threshold of interpretation and ensuring virtual accessibility based on community participation.

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• Bridges over borders: examining the success factors and spatial dynamics of tourism-themed cross-border projects in Hungary

  52-62

  Klára Czimre

  Zsuzsanna Bacsa-Papp

  Constantine-Vasile Țoca

  Corina-Florina Tătar Tătar

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  11

  Tourism serves as the primary engine for cross-border integration within EU Cohesion Policy, representing the most dominant thematic objective in Interreg, IPA, and ENI frameworks. Analysis of the keep.eu dataset reveals that while 247 programmes have supported over 4,700 tourism projects, the sector is intrinsically linked to cultural heritage and education as “soft-power” tools for territorial cohesion. Hungary ranks in the top decile for project participation with 440 initiatives, yet a moderate partnership-to-project ratio indicates a strategic preference for bilateral cooperation over complex multilateral networks. Spatial distribution shows significant clustering along the Serbian, Romanian, and Croatian borders, whereas regional strategic priorities in other areas often emphasize cultural heritage, education and institutional cooperation over direct tourism development. The “Route of Medieval Churches” case study validates that successful integration depends on moving beyond fragmented restoration toward “sellable” tourism products through bilingualism and digital innovation. Effective cross-border cooperation requires a five-dimensional synergy where integrated marketing and strategic branding outweigh standalone infrastructural investments. For the 2021–2027 budgetary cycle, shifting focus from physical assets to cohesive destination identity is essential for long-term sustainability and regional competitiveness.

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• Addressing desertification in Algeria: Etiologies, National Policies, and Accomplishments

  63-84

  Ramzi Benhizia

  Feyrouz Ahlam Saidi

  Haithem Aib

  György Szabó

  Views:

  24

  Desertification, affects 36.62% of non-desert land in Algeria, stands as a critical environmental challenge demanding thorough analysis and strategic intervention. This study offered a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted dynamics of desertification, scrutinizing its varied causes, ecological repercussions, and governmental countermeasures. Drawing on extensive research, the article synthesizes insights from previously overlooked factors such as colonialism, wildfires, socio-economic shifts, and the evolving climate landscape. Since 1962, Algeria has committed to mitigate desertification through strategic programs into national development plans, intricately woven into the fabric of national development plans. Noteworthy among these initiatives is the vegetation barrier project, conceived to erect a formidable vegetation barrier against the relentless advance of encroaching deserts. The legal and institutional frameworks, coupled with meticulous planning under the National Spatial Development Plan (SNAT 2025), underscore Algeria’s proactive stance. Despite commendable achievements in afforestation, watershed protection, and socio-economic development, persistent challenges underscore the need for continued collaboration, adaptive strategies, and an unwavering commitment to mitigating the profound impacts of desertification on Algeria’s diverse ecosystems and communities.

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