GIS modeling of radioecological criticality in Ukrainian Polissia: a foundation for sustainable regional planning

The Russian military aggression has caused significant losses of Ukraine’s agricultural lands, posing threats to food security and sustainable regional development. In this context, Ukrainian Polissia emerges as a potential area to offset these losses. However, radioecological risks stemming from the Chornobyl disaster necessitate a scientifically grounded approach to land use. This article presents a GIS-based methodology for comprehensive radioecological-landscape zoning, utilizing the Radioecological Criticality Index (RECI). The RECI integrates natural factors (soil cover, topography, hydrography), anthropogenic factors (land use), and radioecological factors (137Cs contamination, radiation dose rates). Testing of the methodology near Rozsokhivske village (Zhytomyr Oblast) confirmed its effectiveness in identifying zones of varying criticality levels, which correlate with landscape characteristics. The methodology leverages open geospatial data (Copernicus, SRTM), striking a balance between accuracy and accessibility. Its adaptability enables the application of RECI to assess other types of contamination (chemical, organic) and in other regions, including post-conflict areas, within international programs such as UNEP and IAEA. This development supports sustainable regional planning, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 13, 15) and the EU Soil Strategy 2030. It provides a tool for ecosystem restoration, optimization of agricultural land use, and evaluation of ecosystem services. Limitations include dependence on data quality and the need for periodic coefficient updates. The methodology serves as a versatile foundation for managing degraded territories, ensuring ecological safety and economic stability.