Annals of the University of Bucharest. Geography Series
Analele Universitatii Bucuresti: Geografie (Annals of the University of Bucharest – Geography Series) is a yearly peer-reviewed scientific journal dating since 1952. It has an integrative approach publishing articles from various fields of interest both of physical geography (geomorphology, climatology, hydrology, etc.) and of human geography (geodemography, settlement geography, social geography, etc.). Its aims are to comprise themes of large interest from various domains of activity for geographers in general as geography itself is a broad discipline with a high interdisciplinary character. The journal contents research articles, discussions of current issues of large interest for different geographic disciplines, case studies, reports, book reviews. Articles are relevant to both academics and practitioners, and are the results of anonymous reviews by at least two referees chosen by the editor for their specialist knowledge.
Editura Universității din București - Bucharest University Press
ROMANIAN – ALGERIAN COLLABORATION WITHIN THE ERASMUS PROGRAMME, EARTH SCIENCES 15-22 DECEMBER 2024
The Erasmus programme, initiated and coordinated by the European Union, originally only within the EU member countries, is currently also being carried out with non-EU countries, based on interuniversity collaborations. “Erasmean” spirit advocate, the programme bears the name of Erasmus of Rotterdam, “the first to have a European conscience, the first militant pacifist, the most eloquent defender of the humanist ideal of spiritual understanding worldwide” (Zwieg, 1975). His humanist attitude and existence are part of the 15th century of great geographical discoveries (1466 birth year) by great thinkers of philosophy. From ancient Greeks and Romans through the Renaissance to the present day, the need for spiritual understanding has known varied, sometimes confusing, meanings and applications. In this context, the Erasmus meaning of understanding between people appears today a solution to human coexistence. That is why geography, through its multidisciplinary research object, is the science that is part of universal knowledge, and the Erasmus project was adopted as a means of understanding the world. The Erasmus partnership concluded in 2019 between the University of Bucharest (Faculty of Geography) and the University of Constantine facilitated the knowledge of the various forms of education, culture and science of the two countries – Romania and Algeria.
Copyright (c) 2025 Annals of the University of Bucharest. Geography Series
THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RE-SHAPING TERRITORIES, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETIES: NEW CHALLENGES FOR GEOGRAPHY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2024, BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
The year 2024 marked 160 years since the University of Bucharest was founded and 330 years of higher education in Bucharest. Considering this important landmark and after the success of the first edition organized in 2016 and the second edition from 2020, the Department of Human and Economic Geography, under the coordination of prof. Liliana Dumitrache, held the 3rd International Conference “Re-shaping Territories, Environment and Societies – New Challenges for Geography” (ReTES) which took place on November 15th-16st, 2024. Similar to previous editions, the organizers aimed to bring together as many members of the academic community as possible. Also, in the second day of the conference, were organized two guided tours for the participants: a visit at The Old Town and The Palace of Parliament, and a visit at The Village Museum and The New Bucharest.
Brian Boniface and Chris Cooper (2024). Worldwide Destinations: The Geography of Travel and Tourism (Ninth Edition)
Studying the world’s tourism demand, supply, organization, and resources for every country worldwide in a single book seems an unrealistic task because it is simply too much to do. The world is so big and the tourism phenomenon is so complex that it is almost impossible to describe and analyze them in a single book. There are some scientific books in this area with the same aim, but, given the immensity of the field, they are either theoretical or offer rather summaries of the world’s tourism resources.
REMISE DU TITRE DE PROFESSEUR HONORIS CAUSA AU PROFESSEUR CHAOUKI BENABBAS DE L’UNIVERSITÉ « CONSTANTIN 3 »
L’Université de Bucarest a décerné, lors d’une cérémonie qui a eu lieu le jeudi 3 avril 2025, le titre de Professeur Honoris Causa au Professeur des universités Chaouki Benabbas, vice-recteur responsable des Relations Internationales et de la Coopération à l’Université Constantin 3 Salah BOUBNIDER de l’Algérie. L’événement s’est déroulé à partir de 10h00 dans l’Amphithéâtre « George Vâlsan » de la Faculté de Géographie de l’Université de Bucarest. À l’occasion de cette cérémonie, le professeur Chaouki Benabbas a présenté la conférence Apport de la morpho-géologie dans l’étude des processus gravitaires.
BALNEARY TOURISM TRENDS BEFORE AND AFTER COVID-19 PANDEMIC. CASE STUDY: BALNEARY RESORTS IN THE VÂLCEA SUBCARPATHIANS
The tourist area of Vâlcea Subcarpathians includes numerous elements of the natural setting, ethnographic elements, historical and cultural aspects. The period 2019-2021 was marked by the Covid 19 pandemic, a particularly serious virus that affected all of humanity, including related economic activities. In the field of tourism, the Covid pandemic primarily affected tourist accommodation and public catering units and implicitly employees in the field. The particularly harsh restrictions resulted in high maintenance costs of the activity, the unemployment of employees, operation at reduced capacity and even the closure of some of the units (especially small units). Unfortunately, solutions were found for only a low percentage of these problems. The purpose of the study is to highlight the mineral potential of the region, the effects of the pandemic on accommodation capacity, but also on patients, as well as the measures that are being taken to remedy the existing situation. A series of indicators (economic and touristic) were analyzed, based on which an attempt was made to determine the degree of adaptability of the spa resorts to the changes that occurred in the context of the pandemic crisis, as well as what was the impact on tourist activities and spa treatment services.
EVOLUTIONARY ASPECTS REGARDING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORADEA
The evolution of tourism in Oradea reflects strategies aimed at infrastructure modernization, cultural heritage preservation, and service diversification. The rehabilitation of the historic center, highlighting Art Nouveau architecture, has enhanced the city’s attractiveness and identity. Simultaneously, the growth of the hotel industry and the promotion of Băile Felix resort, renowned for its therapeutic resources, have stimulated health tourism. Cultural events and festivals increased visitor flows, consolidating Oradea as a regional hub. Accessibility improvements, through integration into national and international transport networks, further supported development. Research underlines the positive impact of infrastructure investments on tourist demand. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline in arrivals and overnight stays, but recovery followed due to adaptation and revitalization measures. Overall, tourism in Oradea illustrates a coherent process of modernization and promotion, contributing to local economic growth and enhancing the city’s visibility nationally and internationally.
MIGRATION OF THE WORKING POPULATION IN DÂMBOVIŢA COUNTY BY AGE GROUPS
This article analyzes the migratory movement of the working-age population in Dâmbovița County, with a particular focus on both definitive emigration and permanent immigration during the 1992-2023 period.The study aims to identify the magnitude, structure, and long-term implications of these demographic flows by age group and to evaluate their impact on the local social and economic environment. Migration data were processed for the active population aged 15–64, since this category represents the most dynamic and productive component of society and is directly linked to the labor market, demographic renewal, and regional development.The research also includes a ten-year forecast (2024–2034), based on statistical modeling of past trends and demographic indicators, allowing the estimation of future population movements and their potential effects. These projections are essential for anticipating challenges related to labor force availability, economic competitiveness, and social cohesion in the county. The article therefore examines the migration balance, the intensity of emigration and immigration by age categories, and the evolution of these indicators over time, highlighting both the risks and opportunities that migration generates for Dâmbovița County in the next decade.
PAINTING THE CITY: THE ROLE OF STREET ART AND GRAFFITI IN BUCHAREST’S URBAN TRANSFORMATION
This paper examines how street art and graffiti influence urban regeneration, community participation and cultural identity in Bucharest. Using a qualitative approach that combines field observations, photographic documentation, and literature review, it analyzes the transformation of public spaces across both central and peripheral neighborhoods. The study emphasizes the interaction between urban art, education, and tourism, as well as its growing role in the hospitality sector. Findings show that street art acts as both a catalyst for aesthetic revitalization and a potential agent of gentrification. Mural projects enhance cultural vibrancy and neighborhood image but may displace long-term residents when not supported by inclusive policies. The article also highlights the ephemeral character of urban art and its gradual institutionalization through festivals and cultural programs. Ultimately, it argues for a balanced urban policy that recognizes the cultural and social value of street art while ensuring equity, authorship, and preservation within Bucharest’s evolving creative landscape.
RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
This study aimed at examined residents’ perception of green infrastructure delivery in Abeokuta, Osogbo and Ado-Ekiti in Southwester Nigeria. Data for the study were from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through physical observation and questionnaires applied to residents. Using multistage sampling, Abeokuta, Osogbo and Ado-Ekiti were stratified into three developmental zones (core, transition and suburban) followed by identification of residential areas in the zones. Thus, 199, 179 and 115 residential buildings were sampled across the developmental zones of Abeokuta, Osogbo and Ado-Ekiti respectively where respondents were selected to arrive at 493 residents that formed the sample size for the study. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings (58.3% of the residents) revealed that the government was the major provider of green infrastructure in the three cities and the condition of green infrastructure was just fair with Relative Condition Index (RCI) of 2.63 and the RCI varied across the cities. It was also discovered that residents made use of green infrastructure for different purposes across the cities. Findings further revealed that the residents’ places high level of importance on green infrastructure with Relative Importance Index (RII) of 3.06, but the level of satisfaction they derived was low with Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI) of 2.93 with lower RSI attributable to several green infrastructures. The factors found to influence residents’ perception were socioeconomic characteristics (R2 = 0.299) and condition of green infrastructure (R2 = 0.072). This study concluded that there was less residents’ level of satisfaction with green infrastructure compared with the level of importance they attached to them. Moreover, the residents’ perception of green infrastructure was influenced by their socioeconomic characteristics and condition of green infrastructure in the study area.
SOIL PH MEASUREMENT IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF BISTRIŢA: A CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In the context of accelerated urbanisation and increasing environmental pressures, monitoring soil quality becomes essential to promote sustainable development. This study investigates soil pH variations in the urban and peri-urban areas of Bistrița (Unirea, Slătinița, Ghinda, Viișoara, Sigmir) to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on soil balance and to identify potential risks to the health of urban ecosystems. The methodology included systematic sampling of soil from several representative locations, followed by pH value analysis using field survey methods, employing a pH meter. The results showed significant differences between central, industrial, residential, and peri-urban zones, indicating moderate acidification near pollution sources and a trend towards neutrality in urban green spaces and peripheral areas. These findings underscore the need for urban management policies that include regular soil monitoring and the integration of edaphic data into spatial planning. In conclusion, measuring soil pH in urban and peri-urban environments provides a valuable indicator for sustainability assessment, supporting strategic decisions that promote a healthier and more balanced urban ecosystem.
AN APPRAISAL OF FACTORS AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Housing is a basic need of man, as it provides security, privacy and protection from negative impacts of the environment. In recent years, most of the urban centers in Nigeria are fast experiencing uncontrolled population increase, with insignificant housing provision, which thus result in housing shortage. The population continues to increase and the demand for quality housing increases probably at the same rate. This research is therefore aimed at appraising Factors Affecting Sustainable Public Housing Development in Lagos, the researcher was able to identify the socio-economic and demographic attributes of residents in the study area, which enables the researcher examine several factors inhibiting sustainable housing provision in the study area, information regarding the research was elicited from the sample population through the use of structured questionnaire. The research findings reveal some basic necessities are provided in the rural centers with improved standard of living and comfort, and basic employment opportunities, the phenomenon of rural urban drift will be stemmed to the barest minimum, the abundant human resources that are abandoned in the rural areas can therefore be positively harnessed in order to make essential input into rural and urban housing construction.
Doctoral Theses defended between 1st of September 2021 - 1st of december 2022
Copyright (c) 2022 Annals of Bucharest University - Geographical Series https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Professor Cristian Tălângă - an Example of Modesty and Professionalism
The 2nd International Conference - Geographical Sciences and the Future of Earth, November 12, 2021, Bucharest, Romania
Romanian Geographical Society Annual Conference, 2-5 June 2022, Focsani, Vrancea
Alexandru Bănică, Mihail Eva, Corneliu Iatu, Peter Nijkamp, Gabriela Carmen Pascariu (Editors) (2021) - The European Atlas of Resilience, Alexandru Ioan Cuza Publishing House, Iași
L'analyse de contenu comme méthode d'analyse de la conception et de la qualité du logement social. Cas de la ville de M'sila, Algérie
Our research emanates from the design and use of social housing in Algeria; His analysis was based on the post-occupational evaluation approach, in order to assess the spatial architectural quality of housing and to measure the degree of satisfaction of its users. This method offers three levels of assessment; namely the indicative level, the level of investigation and the diagnostic level. Through this article, we will show the reference model on which the design of housing in Algeria is based. Know the design criteria and the constraints that hinder the actors of the act of building to carry out their missions by adopting the method of content analysis. The analysis tool used is the semi-structured interview carried out with officials responsible for the design and management of social rental housing in M'sila.
Hydropower Development Perspectives in the Context of Climate Change and Environmental Protection
Climate change, the effects of which are already visible, could cause profound damage to the environment in the coming decades. In order to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, human society must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make energy consumption more efficient. Although the share of renewable energy sources has increased in recent years, fossil fuels are still widely used. Given the very possible increase in energy demand, the transition to green energy will be a major challenge. Currently, among renewable energy sources, hydropower has the largest contribution to electricity production. Although it is a renewable source, hydropower is not entirely environmentally friendly. Because of this and not only, in the future a massive increase of the other renewable sources (solar, wind, etc.) is foreseen and desired. Based on specific analytical research, this study examines the current state of hydropower and development prospects in the context of climate change and risks to the environment and human health. The future development of hydropower will depend quite a lot on a number of economic, social or environmental factors. Thus, the contribution of hydropower to achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement is uncertain. Due to its flexibility, hydropower is necessary for the global energy system and must be developed with a minimization of the impact on the environment.
The Culture of Food Security in the Romanian Penitentiary System
A special place in the national security strategies is also occupied by the food security/safety, analyzed as a component of the economic security. The National Administration of Penitentiaries (ANP), a public state organization, was receptive to this problem. The receptivity in the Romanian penitentiary system comes from the fact that the institution is a follower of a strict functioning regulation, considering that its observance represents a simple and efficient way of achieving control and self-control. Thus, it respects first of all, the strategies of the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), the legal framework imposed by the international standard ISO 22000 and the Strategy of food safety and security in Romania (currently being respected the conditions proposed by the approved version for the period 2016–2035). The present study is intended to be a qualitative and suggestive synthesis of the issues related to food security/safety versus food insecurity, food quality and hygiene, and the waste management, as a result of this action in a closed environment, such as that developed by a penitentiary.
Risques en milieu urbain sahélien: cas de Maroua au Cameroun
In the specialized literature, urban risk is defined in a very simple way, as the risk linked to the territory of the city. In this study, we study the risks that have arisen in the city of Maroua, capital of the Far North Region of Cameroon. The realization of this study mobilized both factual and geo-historical data. Simple descriptive statistical analyzes were then performed. According to the archives available from the various administrations, the oldest documented disaster in the city of Maroua dates back to 1991, mainly floods, epidemics of meningitis and cholera. We note that traffic accidents and fires, which generally take place in very specific neighborhoods and on very specific axes, come first with 831 and 604 cases respectively. In addition, the documentation of catastrophic events is still very poor, because it does not allow an assessment of their real impacts, and no social disaster such as generalized fights or interethnic conflicts has been reported in the city despite its cosmopolitan character.
Sea-coast Tourism Activity in Romania during the Pandemics
The presence of the Covid 19 pandemic on the Romanian territory involved different stages and intensities of manifestation in terms of both space and time. The decrease in tourist travel has affected the proper functioning of the entire HORECA system. In addition, the implementation of the measures meant to limit the spread of the virus has greatly reduced the flow of tourists who accounted for the main forms of tourism. The tourism restrictions put in place triggers the need for rethinking the sea-coast tourism, which is one of the most popular among Romanian tourists. The main issue in this regard is the need for establishing a physical distance of two meters between people. Since the number of sea-coast located accommodation units is lower than the total number of accommodation units this translates into the fact that not all accommodation units would be able to benefit from the presence of tourists on the beach, along with the reduction of the existing congestion that is present every year in the summer season. All the documentation studies underpinning this paper show that the Romanian sea-coast tourism is focused on a short, very crowded season, and that the use of the beach areas should be reconsidered, keeping in mind the objective of improving tourist services. The lesson that the pandemic teaches us is that it is possible to generate a high-quality tourism consisting in ensuring an increased comfort, with a smaller number of tourists, by extending the up- season to four months.
The Wine Road - A Strategy for Promotion and Sustainable Development of Wine Tourism. Case Study: The Vineyards from the Southern Dobrogea Plateau (Romania)
This article aims to promote the oenological potential of the Southern Dobrogea region, as well as how it can be improved. The Southern Dobrogea Plateau has an important international wine potential, due to the natural conditions (relief, soil, climate) especially in Murfatlar and Ostrov. There, the vineyards produce an impressive range of varieties for semi-dry, dry and liqueur wines. In order to establish these wine roads, several aspects were taken into account, among which are the accessibility of the tourists to the local heritage, the current infrastructure of the territory, as well as the possibility to organize and practice tourist activities in Southern Dobrogea. Thus, the Wine Road strategy can be considered a tourist attraction in itself, but also a development strategy through which one can capitalize on the natural, anthropic, cultural and monastic tourist heritage available to Southern Dobrogea.
Current Achievements in Geosite Research
One of the many ways of study by which geography can be useful in today's economic context is by analyzing those geographic locations that are important not only scientifically but also culturally, historically, aesthetically or economically. Called in the literature "a bridge between science and culture" (Reynard et al., 2018), geosites are the subject of recent but increasingly complex concerns within geosciences. Amid growing awareness of the importance of the human-environment relationship both for individuals and for society as a whole, the study of geography in recent decades has manifested a predisposition to focus on increasingly practical applications, and the scope of geographic research has broaden to actions that have in the forefront the highlighting of natural heritage, natural monuments and the need to preserve, protect and enhance the environment.
The Impact of the Deindustrialization Process on the Development of Tourist Activities at the Level of the Municipality of Orsova
After 1990, rapid deindustrialization generated economic difficulties and a negative demographic evolution that was more strongly felt at the level of small towns in Romania. The purpose of the work is to analyze the effects generated by the deindustrialization process at the level of the municipality of Orșova in demographic and economic terms. Special attention was paid to the impact generated on the development of tourism as a result of the fact that Orşova presents an extraordinary tourist potential. In order to highlight these changes, the analysis was focused on establishing the importance and implications of the population structure (in this case the share of the young and adult population) and economic activities (especially tourism) on the local economy. The authors used a series of indicators (economic, demographic and tourist), based on which they tried to determine the degree of adaptability of the locality to the changes that occurred in the context of deindustrialization, as well as the impact produced on tourist activities.
CONFERINŢA ASOCIAŢIEI INTERNAŢIONALE DE CLIMATOLOGIE – EDIŢIA A XXXVI-A BUCUREȘTI, 3-7 IULIE 2023
În perioada 3-7 iulie 2023, Facultatea de Geografie a Universității din București a fost gazda ediției a XXXVI-a a Conferinței Asociației Internaționale de Climatologie (A.I.C.). Fondată în iunie 1988 la Aix-en-Provence (unde se află și sediul), A.I.C. are ca obiectiv major dezvoltarea relațiilor de colaborare dintre climatologi, precum și dintre aceștia şi specialişti din domenii conexe, prin promovarea schimburilor de informații din domeniul climatologiei și al altor științe asociate, prin intermediul unor activități organizate sub egida asociației, precum reuniuni și publicații științifice.
Copyright (c) 2024 Annals of the University of Bucharest. Geography Series
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE FACULTY OF GEOGRAPHY – ENVIRONMENT AT CROSSROADS: SMART APPROACHES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – ECOSMART NOVEMBER 17-18, 2023
The International Conference “Environment at CrossrOads: SMART approaches for a sustainable future – ECOSMART”, took place between November 17-18, 2023 in Bucharest, Romania. The event represents the annual conference of the Faculty of Geography (University of Bucharest), being organized in 2023 by the Department of Regional Geography and Environment as the third iteration of the ECOSMART conference, being previously held in 2015 and 2019.
OANA-RAMONA ILOVAN & IWONA MARKUSZEWSKA (Eds.). 2022. Preserving and Constructing Place Attachment in Europe. Cham: Springer, 369 p.
Despite its variety, the book is structured in four sections, each one dealing with a specific aspect of place attachment.
La présente évocation est une brève présentation concernant la vie et l'oeuvre de l'une des grandes personnalités de la géographie roumaine.
DYNAMIQUES GÉOMORPHOLOGIQUES SUR LE VERSANT NORD DE JBEL EL GORRAA (TUNISIE DU NORD-OUEST) : RISQUES ET AMÉNAGEMENT
Le versant nord de Jbel EL Gorraa est situé au Haut Tell septentrional. Il appartient administrativement à la délégation de Thibar du gouvernorat de Béja. Son contexte topographique et structural est particulier. Tout à fait à l'amont, le paysage est dominé par une corniche de quelques dizaines de mètres d'épaisseur, taillée entièrement dans les calcaires massifs de l'Eocène. Vers l'aval et sur plusieurs centaines de mètres d'étendue, la place est donnée plutôt aux marnes noires du Maestrichtien-Paléocène. Ce contexte morphologique semble être très favorable à la dynamique géomorphologique qui a été exprimée sur le terrain par l'action de plusieurs mouvements de terrain. Les phénomènes repérés sont nombreux et se répartissent de l'amont vers l'aval dans des familles variées. Tout cela se fait sur un versant qui connait actuellement une vulnérabilité accentuée suite à une présence humaine importante et une extension remarquable de la seule agglomération de la zone étudiée (Djebba). L'évolution a commencé depuis la moitié du dernier siècle et a été accompagnée par des mutations socioéconomiques profondes ayant énormément changé le mode de l'occupation du sol. Afin de préserver et assurer la pérennité des activités humaines sur ce versant et dans le but de veiller à la sécurité des visiteurs de la région qui sont de plus en plus nombreux, des travaux d'aménagement devront être entrepris dans l'urgence. L'objectif principal est de limiter les risques qui pourraient être engendrés par les mouvements de terrain, surtout ceux qui prennent naissance à l'amont de l'agglomération de Djebba.
DYNAMIQUE DE LA VÉGÉTATION ET DE L’ÉROSION APRÈS L’INCENDIE DE 2014 DANS LE MASSIF FORESTIER DE KESRA (DORSALE CENTRALE EN TUNISIE)
Les feux constituent un paramètre essentiel de l’évolution des milieux forestiers en Tunisie. Au cours des dernières décennies, plusieurs massifs forestiers dans Dorsale tunisienne étaient le siège de graves incendies induisant d’immenses dégâts socio-économiques et environnementaux. L’objectif de cette étude est de suivre les comportements de la végétation et la dynamique de l’érosion après les perturbations engendrées par l’incendie de 2014 qui a ravagé près de 1400 ha de la belle pinède à pin d’Alep sur le versant Nord du massif de jebel Kesra. La méthodologie adoptée repose sur le calcul de l’indice de végétation par différence normalisé (NDVI) effectué sur trois dates différentes (2014, 2015 et 2022) et les observations sur le terrain. Les résultats obtenus montrent que les feux intenses ont entrainé une carbonisation totale de la biomasse végétale dans le secteur d’étude. L’analyse diachronique des valeurs de NDVI et les observations sur le terrain soulignent que ces écosystèmes forestiers se caractérisent par une résilience élevée et une grande capacité de régénération. La dynamique du paysage végétal post-incendie se fait avec un rythme très hétérogène selon les espèces et les compartiments morpho-pédologiques. Par ailleurs, la destruction totale de la couverture végétale dans le secteur incendié était à l’origine d’une déstabilisation profonde des milieux due au déclenchement d’une activité érosive intense et diversifiée.