Sustainable development - Austria versus the Czech Republic

Sustainable development - Austria versus the Czech Republic
Nowadays, environmental, economical and social spheres are strongly connected. The harmony between them is very important for successful sustainable development that takes into account current as well as future needs of our society. Environmental-friendly technologies, saving energy or supporting of local production – these are some of the ways how to follow this idea. Thanks to our excursions in Styria, we had a chance to discover that it might work.

Examples of sustainable development is Styria – overview
Zotter chocolat manufactory

In Zotter, we appreciated that the management of the manufactory insists on the high quality of products and cares about ingredients from the very beginning. Also fair-trade market is supported –this step is very important because all the people deserve to be equally honorated for their work and it helps to improve living conditions even in undeveloped countries.

Gölles vinegar and schnapps producer

In Gölles manufactory, local products are used if possible – it saves energy (and consequently money) for transport while supporting regional producers. Futhermore, the manufacturer can also check the quality of the products he uses. But how to persuade people to buy these high-quality, often fair-trade and organic, but maybe little more expensive and unknown products? We think that much better than commercial advertisment is to make people familiar with the process of production, let them to try or taste the product or also follow local traditions. Consumers should be aware of the fact that if they buy local products, they gain more than just a good product – they support their region and the environment.

Solar beer brewery

Another aspect that can help to regional development is tourism. Of course, some places are more attractive than other e.g. thanks to natural or historical background. However, in Gleisdorf, we saw that even a good idea is enough because a local hotel is successful thanks to an original bear-spa concept.

Gesäuse national park

We really appreciate the attitude of Gessäuse natural park towards its visitors. They focus not only on preserving nature and scientific research but also on informing people and educating children – both in an interesting and amusing way. This could be a good inspiration for Czech protected areas.

Development in mining and post-mining regions - comparison (focused on economy and social situation)
will be uploaded soon

Eisenerz

Ústí nad Labem

Conclusions
We think it is possible to observe a tendency to support sustainable development also in the Czech Republic, but we still have a lot of to learn and to improve. People should be more informed about the „history“ of the products and energy sources they use and it is important to include sustainable development overview to more fields of study at universities. It is also important to consider factors like natural and social conditions or infrastructure because these create bases for further development. Furthermore, supporting of governemnt and public, good ideas and scientific attitude are necessary to realize the ideas. It is also important to avoid missusing of the coming „ecological“ trends by people who want only a financial profit and miss real interest and motivation. To sum up, sustainable development requieres a complex attitude and cooperation of specialists from different areas and also public, because everybody can make some – at least a little - contribution.