Walory turystyczne szlaku Kanału Ogińskiego na Polesiu Białoruskim

Abstract

The Oginsky Canal of length of 54 km has originated in the latter part of the 18th century on Polessye, connecting the Pripyat with the Neman through the Yaselda and the Shchara rivers (fig. 1). At first it was called The Large Pinsk Canal. It was of large economical importance: it was used to transport timber and agricultural products to the Baltic seaports, it also activated the economical development and melioration of lands in the zone of its influence. Its maximum use happened in the years 1847–1848. After this period it started to lose its significance gradually, mainly owing to the appearance of competitive railway lines. It still played its role in the period between the First and the Second World Wars. Presently the reconstruction of this hydrotechnical object was started, most of all in respect of touristic reasons. The zone of Oginsky Canal makes the unique historical-cultural and natural complex, in which interesting objects from different epochs and unique culture of Po-lessye occur. Presently they are important factors of touristic management of the area, which simultaneously make tasks to protect and keep the rich cultural and natural heritage of this region.