THE FORMATION OF RIPARIAN ECONOMY

Abstract

This article explores the economic-geographical content of the concept of a "riparian economy" (economy along a river). Being conceptual in nature, the study employs methods such as systemic and comparative analysis, a review of scientific literature, economic-geographical and cartographic analysis, and conceptual modeling. The analysis justifies the appropriateness of examining economic activity in the region immediately adjacent to a river as a unified economic-geographical entity. The author proposes a definition for the "riparian economy" and develops a territorial model consisting of three zones (extending laterally from the river) and three stages (along the course of the river). This model is illustrated using the Chirchik River as a case study.