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Delimitation and classification of depopulation areas in Poland
Przegląd Geograficzny (2026) tom 98, zeszyt 1, pp. 5-37 | 
Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.1
Abstract
The article presents the delimitation and classification of areas where population declines and excessive population outflow were recorded between 2004 and 2023. In particular, the main objectives of this article are as follows:
• to create the conceptual and methodological basis for the development of the above‑mentioned delimitation and classification of depopulation;
• to conduct a formal empirical analysis, which will result in a model delimitation and classification that can be universally applied in scientific and practical research;
• to spatially identify communes and areas experiencing depopulation, along with their quantitative and qualitative socio‑economic characteristics.
The article briefly discusses the status and development of research on the delimitation of depopulating and related areas in Poland in the context of foreign solutions. Next, a delimitation and classification procedure is proposed. In the next step, the relevant areas were identified and basic socio‑economic statistics were compiled for them. The last two sections are discussion of the results, emphasizing, among other things, their applications, and a summary of the most important findings.
Two indicators were used in the delimitation related to the regularity and extent of the population decline: a permanent decline in birth rates and a negative internal migration balance. The analyses were carried out for two types of territorial units: 2,477 communes and 314 functional urban areas (FUA). The result is the delimitation and classification of 1,297 communes and 239 FUAs affected by depopulation and emigration, covering approx. 80% of the country’s area. It can be used as a basis for monitoring demographic and socio‑economic processes.
The results of the analyses indicate that currently, the most common process in the redistribution of the population in Poland is depopulation, which already affects approximately 80% of the area of communes and a similar percentage of cities and rural statistical localities. In the last two decades, this process has intensified. In 2024, the population declined in 1,949 communes (out of 2,477). These figures are probably underestimated, as most of the “suspended” foreign emigration and a significant part of internal migration are not registered through deregistration. This is not offset by similarly unreported foreign immigration, as it is mainly concentrated outside areas of depopulation. The spread of depopulation in Poland is the result of a demographic shift that occurred after the political and socio‑economic breakthrough of 1989. This reversal consisted of a change from absolute population growth to population decline and was due to two reasons: foreign emigration and a decline in fertility. In 2025, Poland is a country undergoing permanent depopulation, with the prospect of this process deepening unless there is stronger foreign immigration.
In summary, over the last decade, Poland has entered a new phase of population redistribution, which will have a strong impact on socio‑economic processes on various territorial scales. This requires specific measures on the part of state policy, including the recognition of depopulation as a major barrier and threat to development, especially at the local and regional levels. The delimitation presented in this article, which is the result of one of the government projects aimed at reducing the outflow of young people from villages, towns, and cities, is intended to highlight the territorial scale of the problem and provide a useful tool for monitoring depopulation.
Keywords: depopulation areas, emigration areas, population out-flow, communes functional urban regions, delimitation, delineation
[psleszyn@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. S. Leszczyckiego PAN
Citation
APA: Śleszyński, P. (2026). Delimitacja i klasyfikacja obszarów depopulacyjnych w Polsce. Przegląd Geograficzny, 98(1), 5-37. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.1
MLA: Śleszyński, Przemysław. "Delimitacja i klasyfikacja obszarów depopulacyjnych w Polsce". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, 2026, pp. 5-37. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.1
Chicago: Śleszyński, Przemysław. "Delimitacja i klasyfikacja obszarów depopulacyjnych w Polsce". Przegląd Geograficzny 98, no. 1 (2026): 5-37. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.1
Harvard: Śleszyński, P. 2026. "Delimitacja i klasyfikacja obszarów depopulacyjnych w Polsce". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 5-37. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.1
Przegląd Geograficzny (2026) tom 98, zeszyt 1, pp. 39-58 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.2
Abstract
Celem opracowania jest rozpoznanie potrzeb i opinii właścicieli gospodarstw agroturystycznych w zakresie możliwości i kierunków rozwoju ich działalności oraz preferencji i oczekiwań turystów odwiedzających takie gospodarstwa. Zderzenie potrzeb usługodawców i oczekiwań turystów wydaje się być niezbędnym warunkiem w kształtowaniu właściwego profilu turystyki wiejskiej i identyfikacji istotnych rekomendacji w planowaniu rozwoju turystycznego. Badania realizowano w regionie świętokrzyskim, który dysponuje pokaźnym zasobem różnorodnych atrakcji turystycznych i dużą liczbą podmiotów świadczących usługi turystyczne na obszarach wiejskich. W studiach wykorzystano bogaty zasób unikalnych danych, które zostały uzyskane w wyniku badań ankietowych wśród właścicieli gospodarstw agroturystycznych i odwiedzających je turystów. Najpilniejszą potrzebą gospodarstw agroturystycznych jest modernizacja infrastruktury i podniesienie standardu bazy noclegowej. Jednakże problemem pozostaje niedostatek środków finansowych i rosnące koszty prowadzenia działalności. Poziom zadowolenia turystów z pobytu w gospodarstwach agroturystycznych jest relatywnie wysoki. Natomiast główną motywacją do odwiedzenia regionu jest chęć kontaktu z naturą i odpoczynku w środowisku o wysokich walorach przyrodniczych. Elementy dziedzictwa kulturowego i historycznego wzmacniają potencjał turystyczny regionu, ale pełnią funkcje drugorzędną.
Keywords: agroturystyka, turystyka wiejska, region świętokrzyski, usługi turystyczne, oczekiwania turystów
[jbanski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
[wioletta.kaminska@ujk.edu.pl]
Citation
APA: Bański, J., & Kamińska, W. (2026). Diagnoza gospodarstw agroturystycznych w regionie świętokrzyskim – potrzeby usługodawców a preferencje i oczekiwania turystów. Przegląd Geograficzny, 98(1), 39-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.2
MLA: Bański, Jerzy, and Kamińska, Wioletta. "Diagnoza gospodarstw agroturystycznych w regionie świętokrzyskim – potrzeby usługodawców a preferencje i oczekiwania turystów". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, 2026, pp. 39-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.2
Chicago: Bański, Jerzy, and Kamińska, Wioletta. "Diagnoza gospodarstw agroturystycznych w regionie świętokrzyskim – potrzeby usługodawców a preferencje i oczekiwania turystów". Przegląd Geograficzny 98, no. 1 (2026): 39-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.2
Harvard: Bański, J., & Kamińska, W. 2026. "Diagnoza gospodarstw agroturystycznych w regionie świętokrzyskim – potrzeby usługodawców a preferencje i oczekiwania turystów". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 39-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.2
Identification of conflict zones based on land cover (LC) changes using advanced GIS software tools
Przegląd Geograficzny (2026) tom 98, zeszyt 1, pp. 59-87 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.3
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify areas at risk of land cover (LC) changes using the case study of the Sokółka municipality, utilizing advanced spatial analysis tools available in the GIS environment. The MOLUSCE module (Modules for Land Use Change Evaluation), operating within QGIS software, enables integrated analysis of spatial data using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Cellular Automata (CA). The analysis encompassed data from the years 2014‑2023, derived from the BDOT10k and Digital Terrain Model databases, which allowed for the identification of areas at risk of changes that could cause spatial conflicts. Model validation demonstrated high effectiveness (Kappa coefficient of 0.97), confirming its suitability for predictive analyses. A total of 223.42 ha of land was identified as particularly vulnerable to land cover changes, located mainly in the central part of the municipality – at the interface of industrial areas, water reservoirs, and raw material extraction sites. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of the applied tools and methods and emphasize the need to implement an informed spatial policy that accounts for the potential occurrence of spatial conflicts and the necessity of protecting areas of high environmental value.
Keywords: land use transformation, GIS, MOLUSCE, land use conflicts
[bartlomiej.ezlakowski@uwm.edu.pl], University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Institute of Spatial Management and Geography
[isidor@uwm.edu.pl], University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Institute of Spatial Management and Geography
[asenetra@uwm.edu.pl], University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Institute of Spatial Management and Geography
Citation
APA: Eźlakowski, B., Cieślak, I., & Senetra, A. (2026). Identification of conflict zones based on land cover (LC) changes using advanced GIS software tools. Przegląd Geograficzny, 98(1), 59-87. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.3
MLA: Eźlakowski, Bartłomiej, et al. "Identification of conflict zones based on land cover (LC) changes using advanced GIS software tools". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, 2026, pp. 59-87. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.3
Chicago: Eźlakowski, Bartłomiej, Cieślak, Iwona, and Senetra, Adam. "Identification of conflict zones based on land cover (LC) changes using advanced GIS software tools". Przegląd Geograficzny 98, no. 1 (2026): 59-87. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.3
Harvard: Eźlakowski, B., Cieślak, I., & Senetra, A. 2026. "Identification of conflict zones based on land cover (LC) changes using advanced GIS software tools". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 59-87. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.3
Selected assumptions of the biophilic city concept – the perspective of Toruń residents
Przegląd Geograficzny (2026) tom 98, zeszyt 1, pp. 89-105 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.4
Abstract
Environmental problems generated by civilizational development in our cities are particularly pressing. In this context, the concept of the biophilic city has recently gained popularity. The aim of this article was to present the blue-green infrastructure (BGI) in Toruń from the perspective of residents in the context of the biophilic city concept assumptions proposed by Beatley (2011). To achieve this objective, the following research questions were posed: How do residents assess the resources, travel-time accessibility, and condition of the BGI? To what extent do residents express a need for contact with the BGI? How intense and regular is their presence in the BGI areas? For what purposes do residents visit the BGI? What activities do they engage in while in the BGI areas? Do residents feel that spending time in the BGI areas affects their well-being? The research was conducted using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI). The introduction provides a concise overview of the assumptions of the biophilic city concept. Based on the survey results, the study identifies which of these assumptions were met.
The main conclusions drawn from this study are as follows: the travel-time accessibility of blue-green infrastructure, rated positively by respondents, demonstrates a fair distribution of nature and, to some extent, a high degree of integration of natural spaces and immersion in nature. In turn, the average rating of blue-green infrastructure resources and their condition – including overall aesthetics, rich vegetation, infrastructure facilities, sidewalk surface condition, and greenery maintenance and care – requires changes to fully realize the biophilic city’s assumptions, such as investing in nature, high biodiversity, and abundant wildlife. The high need for contact with nature, the intensity, and the regularity with which respondents actually spend time in areas with blue-green infrastructure demonstrate the implementation of other assumptions: active use and “open air” city. This is also reflected in the diversity of purposes for which residents visit these areas. The overwhelming majority of respondents also confirm activities concerning spending time in BGI areas, such as appreciating the beauty of the landscape, spending time by the water, sitting in the shade of trees, admiring various plant species, and listening to the sounds of birds. This demonstrates the assumptions implemented in Toruń, including: a multitude of experiences, arousing curiosity, respect for water, appreciation for the value and the right to existence of other species, and multisensory experience. An additional aspect addressed in the study was the subjective assessment of the impact of staying in BGI areas on respondents’ well-being. The inhabitants of Toruń taking part in the study notice the positive influence of nature, which, for the vast majority of them, increases creativity and happiness, improves health and well-being, allows for peace of mind, and reduces stress levels.
The study did not include assumptions such as caring for both the micro and macro scales, due to the citywide nature of the study and the treatment of blue-green infrastructure as an element of Toruń’s spatial structure. The display of natural shapes and forms, as well as inspiration from and imitation of nature, were also not considered, as these assumptions pertain strictly to architecture and, therefore, pertain to buildings. Caring for nature beyond administrative boundaries was also not examined, as these are issues related to integrated spatial planning that fall outside the city’s administrative boundaries and the survey’s framework. However, this article is an excellent starting point for further analyses that should be developed, taking into account the challenges contemporary cities face.
Keywords: biophilia, biophilic city, blue-green infrastructure, nature, well-being
[mkowalski@doktorant.umk.pl], Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Szkoła Doktorska Nauk Społecznych
Citation
APA: Kowalski, M. (2026). Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia. Przegląd Geograficzny, 98(1), 89-105. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.4
MLA: Kowalski, Mateusz. "Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, 2026, pp. 89-105. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.4
Chicago: Kowalski, Mateusz. "Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia". Przegląd Geograficzny 98, no. 1 (2026): 89-105. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.4
Harvard: Kowalski, M. 2026. "Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 89-105. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.4
The Impact of Mass Events on Private and Public Transport
Przegląd Geograficzny (2026) tom 98, zeszyt 1, pp. 107-127 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.5
Abstract
The organisation of mass events in urban centres is an indispensable aspect of contemporary society. Depending on the scale of the event, challenges may arise related to prior adaptation of the transport system, environmental pollution, or participant safety. The analysis of mass events in the city of Łódź, Poland, in 2024 enabled the assessment of their impact on both road traffic and public transport operations, as well as their spatial extent in relation to the analysed intersections and public transport stops. This study highlights the main issues that urban centres, and directly their residents, may face due to the organisation of mass events, regardless of whether they live relatively close to the event venue or in other parts of the city.
Keywords: mass events, transport system, Łódź, private transport, public transport
[cezary.plesinski@geo.uni.lodz.pl]
Citation
APA: Plesiński, C. (2026). The Impact of Mass Events on Private and Public Transport. Przegląd Geograficzny, 98(1), 107-127. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.5
MLA: Plesiński, Cezary. "The Impact of Mass Events on Private and Public Transport". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, 2026, pp. 107-127. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.5
Chicago: Plesiński, Cezary. "The Impact of Mass Events on Private and Public Transport". Przegląd Geograficzny 98, no. 1 (2026): 107-127. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.5
Harvard: Plesiński, C. 2026. "The Impact of Mass Events on Private and Public Transport". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 107-127. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2026.1.5