ASSESSMENT OF THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE GRASSLANDS IN BANAT, ROMANIA IN A HOLISTIC APPROACH.

Grasslands, the main natural resources of rural areas, are open systems, which are functionally and structurally linked with other geomorphological, climatic and/or socio-economic components. The purpose of the research was the diagnostic analysis of the grasslands in Banat, based on several criteria from: (i) the physical environment; (ii) the sphere of biodiversity and (iii) the socio-economic environment. For the analysis - diagnosis, 8 indicators were established: relief; reduction of livestock; the variation in the number of inhabitants; the area of grasslands/inhabitant; accessibility; overlap with protected areas; high biodiversity; touristic potential. Each experimental site was rated with a score according to the characteristics, later the final "grade" was established, and the spatial analyzes were done in the GIS environment. The obtained results show that the grasslands located in the hilly and mountainous areas had the highest scores for the predetermined indicators. They are grasslands restricted by climatic conditions and infrastructure, but they have a High Natural Value, they are located in protected areas and are considered areas with great touristic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]