NATURAL FEATURES AND ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS OF THE CURONIAN SPIT ECOSYSTEM FORMATION

The article shows history of the unique eolian coastal-marine complexes of the Curonian Spit development. The leading role of the Baltic Sea sea level fluctuations and wind activity in the formation of the spit is emphasized. Attention is paid to the territory development resuted in almost total destruction of the vegetion cover and transformation of the Curonian Spit into a sandy desert by the end of the 18th century. A variety of nature conservation measures to create the cultural landscape of the peninsula is highlighted. A modern landscape structure of the Curonian Spit is presented. The spit has the status of a National Park and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.