ИСТИНА

Over the past 25 years, the mountainous part of the North Caucasus has been characterized by stable trends of an increase in the average annual air temperature and a growth of a precipitation, which are most likely due to global climatic changes. At the same time, since 1944, a significant part of the region is distinguished by policy-induced depopulation leading to the land abandonment. The absence of large local communities supporting elements of tangible heritage, such as pagan crypts, medieval battle towers, former agricultural terraces, results in the degradation of cultural heritage. A very small part of the areas of the cultural landscape is undergoing reconstruction and receives the protected status of a monument of history, culture and architecture. Nevertheless, a significant part of the historical areas, including medieval villages and related farmlands, continue to be destroyed and abandoned, which leads to the gradual disappearance of the unique cultural landscape.