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The rehabilitation of mine waste dumps is a critical environmental challenge, particularly in areas like Uricani, Romania, where such sites are often characterized by hazardous conditions and poor ecological recovery. This study addresses the need for efficient, low-cost solutions for land reclamation by employing UAV photogrammetry and GIS spatial analysis to assess the potential for afforestation with Robinia pseudoacacia L., a species known for its soil stabilization and ecological benefits. Using UAV technology, high- resolution digital terrain models and orthophotos were generated, with an RMSE of 0.086 m, demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of this method for large-scale landscape initiatives. GIS spatial analysis was performed to create six key terrain maps and four pedoclimatic factor maps, essential for evaluating the site's suitability for ecological restoration. The pilot afforestation project, which involved planting R. pseudoacacia, achieved a 75% survival rate after four years, suggesting that the species can thrive under the site's conditions. The landscape design proposal incorporates recreational spaces aimed at benefiting the local community and attracting tourism, thereby contributing to the area's economic and cultural revitalization. The interdisciplinary integration of UAV surveying, GIS, and landscape design highlights the cost-effectiveness and interdisciplinary nature of this approach, offering a sustainable model for mine waste dump reclamation and future ecological restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex environmental process of soil erosion is crucial to sustainable land management and conservation. This study uses the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model to understand the intricate interactions that cause soil erosion in Cluj County, Romania, a region susceptible to complex erosion and landslide phenomenon. The established analysis depicts erosion patterns from localised hotspots to regions of relative stability, providing valuable insights into this critical issue. Spatial distribution maps with color-coded gradients show soil erosion risk and identify vulnerable regions, with temporal investigations depicting how environmental changes affect soil erosion, making it relevant to soil conservation and land management. A careful analysis of the USLE model's parameters (Ls, Cs, C, S, K) shows their soil erosion contributions. The erosion rates were graded in five classes in accordance to general practices of USLE modelling, which range from very-low, low, moderate, high and very-high susceptibility to soil erosion. While a significant majority of the county's surface is represented by very-low and low erosion risk, several hotspots were identified with intense erosion processes that highlights the critical need to implement soil conservation measures in the area. Identifying erosion hotspots and conservation solutions encourages stakeholders to protect soils, and can provide policymakers with useful information for developing improved guidelines for soil and water conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]