Geographia Polonica (2017) vol. 90, iss. 3

Abstract

Growing spatial mobility is a challenge to cities in many ways. It brings positive development impulses and social diversity, but at the same time contributes to a decomposition of existing structures and is a challenge to planning. Under the conditions of the obvious signum temporis – an intensifying hyper-diversity and a growing liquidity of values with weakening social bonds and a less evident physical rootedness, the question should be posed whether urban places can still sustain their interactive local identity based on social solidarity, mutual support and trust. The problem is tested on the example of two districts of Warsaw – Praga Północ and Ursynów. In the search for regularities in the relation between the level of social diversity on one side and social solidarity on the other, the analysis focuses on the areas characterised by fundamental differences in their historic development, built environment and social structure.

Keywords: social diversity, social solidarity, post-socialist city, Warsaw, Praga Północ, Ursynów

Ewa Korcelli-Olejniczak [eko@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw: Poland
Filip Piotrowski [piotrowskif@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw: Poland

Abstract

In the last 25 years, Łódź and the region surrounding the city have undergone significant transformations in respect of both the socio-economic structure and spatial development. In consequence of radical restructuring carried out after 1990, the traditional manufacturing branches disappeared and have been replaced by dynamically growing new types of business activity, especially in the services sector, which has enhanced the metropolitan character of Łódź and strengthened the functions belonging to 4th sector of the economy. The purpose of this article is identification of the actual extent of Łódź Metropolitan Area in terms of the functions performedand its delimitation for management purposes, as well as analysis of conditions for further development of this area in the context of metropolisation processes. Future development largely depends on making good use of the favourable location in European space, European funds, cultural heritage and social potential. A serious challenge is coordination of activities of territorial self-government units and revision of the policies of the communes so as to create a consistent conception of the development of the metropolitan area. Łódź Metropolitan Area, despite certain barriers, has a potential strong enough to become an advanced, creative node in the sphere of culture, science and innovative economy, and a major element of the European settlement system.

Keywords: Łódź, metropolitan area, metropolitan functions

Tadeusz Marszał [marsz@uni.lodz.pl], Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, Faculty of Geographical Sciences University of Łódź Kopcińskiego 31, 90-142 Łódź: Poland

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of selected external and internal factors on environmental behaviour and the relationship between individuals’ willingness to engage in environmentally friendly activity and their actual actions. Our model served as a framework for understanding the development of environmental awareness andthe change of habits in favor of sustainability. The main variables included in the model were values, beliefs, norms, perceived environmental control, demographic variables, knowledge, intention, and behaviour. The results based on the example of Ljubljana indicate that environmental motives and knowledge are the factors predominantly influencing actual environmentally friendly habits. It is concluded that a bottom-up approach with selected social influence methods is the most appropriate.

Keywords: environmental awareness, behavioural geography, behavioural factors, drinking water, sustainable development, Ljubljana

Katarina Polajnar Horvat [katarina.polajnar@zrc-sazu.si], Anton Melik Geographical Institute Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts Novi trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana: Slovenia
Aleš Smrekar [ales.smrekar@zrc-sazu.si], Anton Melik Geographical Institute Scientifi c Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts Gosposka ulica 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

During the post-war period the area of Kłodzko Land was subject to considerable depopulation processes which resulted in partial and total depopulation of outlying villages. For this reason the region is considered as problematic by many researchers, despite numerous attempts to revive it. In recent years, however, increasing variation in the trends of population change has been noticed and, besides the continually progressing depopulation, processes indicating the ‘revival’ of certain declining villages have emerged. This situationis a result of the influx of new residents, mainly from urban areas, who frequently run their own businesses and by doing so transform the functional character of particular villages.

Keywords: rural areas, population change, depopulation, functional changes, Kłodzko Land

Robert Szmytkie [robert.szmytkie@uwr.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Instytut Geografii i Rozwoju Regionalnego
Przemysław Tomczak [przemyslaw.tomczak@uwr.edu.pl], Institute of Geography and Regional Development University of Wrocław Pl. Uniwersytecki 1, 50-137 Wrocław: Poland

Abstract

The paper presents the changes in the political and administrative boundaries of the German state, which took place during the 20th century. The starting point is constituted by the political pattern having developed after the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, this pattern lasting until the World War I. Then, the territorial consequences are considered of the decisions, taken at the Versailles Peace Conference. After the presentation of the situation existing during the inter-war period, the political transformations are shown of the annexation politics of the Nazi Germany. The final part of the paper is devoted to the territorial effects that the Potsdam Treaty brought for the defeated Germany.

Keywords: olitical and administrative boundaries, German Empire, German Republic, Nazi Germany, Versailles Peace Conference, Potsdam Treaty, World War I, World War II

Piotr Eberhardt [p.ebe@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Abstract

Migration in the Presheva Valley is an integral part of the past and present, affected by social and historical processes, which also have demographic, social, economic and cultural consequences. The Presheva Valley, similar to other territories of the former Yugoslavia, is distinguished by low economic development and this phenomenon has been present through decades. As such, the Presheva Valley is traditionally a migrant area. Backwardness in economic and infrastructural development causes many problems of a social and economic nature, while permanent growth of the absolute and relative number of people is manifested by an increase in the number of the agricultural population, fragmentation of agricultural land, etc. All these circumstances force the population to migrate and find work in European countries. The aim of the research is to identify factors which stimulate migration, to analyze the period, causes and directions of migration, the negative effects of migration as well as benefits for the migrant’s homeland. The study offers an overview of current migration trends and it could serve as a good basis for regional policymakers in the field of migration with the final goal of interrupting the regressive social and demographic processes and accelerate economic development.

Keywords: Presheva Valley, population, migration, labor force, Europe

Arsim Ejupi [arsim.ejupi@uni-pr.edu], Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences University of Prishtina George Bush”, street, n.n., 10 000, Prishtina: Kosovo

Piotr Rosik [rosik@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Tomasz Komornicki [t.komorn@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Marcin Stępniak [stepniak@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Przemysław Śleszyński [psleszyn@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Sławomir Goliszek [sgoliszek@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Wojciech Pomianowski [wpo@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Karol Kowalczyk [karol.kowalczyk@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl], Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, Wydział Nauk o Ziemi i Gospodarki Przestrzennej

Abstract

Presented here is a map of Poland drawn up to show differences in values obtained for the Shannon DiversityIndex, as calculated using Corine Land Cover data for the 2012 situation regarding the country’s landscape.The level of detail is that of the Polish commune (gmina – unit of local-government administration), so theanalysis may prove to be of practical value. The same method gained previous use in depicting issues relevantto Poland’s 2011 National Spatial Development Concept 2030.

Keywords: landscape diversity, landscape typology, land use, Corine Land Cover, Shannon Diversity Index, anthropogenic landscape transformation

Przemysław Śleszyński [psleszyn@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Jerzy Solon [j.solon@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland