Impact of the Natura 2000 network on social-economic development of rural communes in Poland
2015
Cieslak, I., University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) | Pawlewicz, K., University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) | Pawlewicz, A., University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) | Szuniewicz, K., University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
The study deals with issues related to the impact of Natura 2000 sites on local development of rural communes in Poland. The purpose of the study is an attempt at comparing the level of social-economic development of rural communes in which Natura 2000 sites are located within their borders against other communes where there are no such sites, based on an analysis of selected indices. The selected indices of social-economic development were analysed in 424 rural communes in six Polish provinces. The study uses statistical data from the Central Statistical Office from the years 2000-2013. The analysis indicates that rural areas with Natura 2000 network sites do not differ from other units of local government as far as the level of social-economic development is concerned and in some cases show even better results. In the ‘Natura’ communes – compared to units where there are no such sites – the level of total income is higher, along with the commune’s own income, and there is a higher level of investment expenditure. The conducted analysis allows for the statement that the presence of Natura 2000 sites does not hinder economic development of communes and only modifies the manner of preparation and implementation of an investment. It does not constitute a barrier to human activity on the condition that any such activity complies with the principles of sustainable development. This testifies to the higher economic activity of inhabitants in comparison to other units.
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