Building social capital by methods of nature conservation - Example of rural practices in the Man and Biosphere Reserve White Carpathians

ULČÁK, Zbyněk. Building social capital by methods of nature conservation - Example of rural practices in the Man and Biosphere Reserve White Carpathians. In 16th Annual Colloquim of the IGU Commission on the Sustainability of Rural Systems - 2008 - New Ruralities and sustainable use of territory. 2008.

Basic information

Original name

Building social capital by methods of nature conservation - Example of rural practices in the Man and Biosphere Reserve White Carpathians

Name in Czech

Ochrana přírody jako způsob budování sociálního kapitálu - příklad venkovských praktik v biosférické rezervaci Bílé Karpaty

Authors

ULČÁK, Zbyněk

Edition

16th Annual Colloquim of the IGU Commission on the Sustainability of Rural Systems - 2008 - New Ruralities and sustainable use of territory, 2008

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Other information

Type of outcome

Konferenční abstrakt

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

Organization unit

Faculty of Social Studies

Keywords in English

social capital; White Carpathians

Tags

social capital, White Carpathians

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Abstract

V originále

Based on a case study with strong public involvement, this contribution broadens the concept of rural multifunctionality and social capital by incorporating the communicative and educational functions typical especially for organic agriculture. The purpose of the project was to address the reduction of farming activities resulting in neglected fields and pastures in the northern part of the White Carpathians, a mountain range forming the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The White Carpathians have been declared a nature conservation area and are part of the network of the UNESCO “MAN AND BIOSPHERE” programme. The region is unique for its mosaic of forests and flower-rich meadows with many flora species, including orchids. The project resulted in the creation of a land management system rooted in tradition, but which does not just copy past techniques. The new system maintains and even increases the quality of the environment. In terms of environmental economy, the new practices increase environmental capital while building and enriching social capital, which results in economic profit. The project was carried out by the local NGO in close co-operation with nature conservation bodies, local authorities, farmers and the public. It is especially the analysis of the nature of public involvement that reveals organic agriculture as more a sustainable variant of different landscape management systems, particularly due to its newly formulated cooperative and communicative function. In addition to its conservation benefits, this multifunctional organic agriculture project demonstrates how improved economic and social sustainability can be achieved.

In English

Based on a case study with strong public involvement, this contribution broadens the concept of rural multifunctionality and social capital by incorporating the communicative and educational functions typical especially for organic agriculture. The purpose of the project was to address the reduction of farming activities resulting in neglected fields and pastures in the northern part of the White Carpathians, a mountain range forming the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The White Carpathians have been declared a nature conservation area and are part of the network of the UNESCO “MAN AND BIOSPHERE” programme. The region is unique for its mosaic of forests and flower-rich meadows with many flora species, including orchids. The project resulted in the creation of a land management system rooted in tradition, but which does not just copy past techniques. The new system maintains and even increases the quality of the environment. In terms of environmental economy, the new practices increase environmental capital while building and enriching social capital, which results in economic profit. The project was carried out by the local NGO in close co-operation with nature conservation bodies, local authorities, farmers and the public. It is especially the analysis of the nature of public involvement that reveals organic agriculture as more a sustainable variant of different landscape management systems, particularly due to its newly formulated cooperative and communicative function. In addition to its conservation benefits, this multifunctional organic agriculture project demonstrates how improved economic and social sustainability can be achieved.