Sustainable development - Austria versus the Czech Republic: Difference between revisions
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'''Zotter chocolate manufactory''' | '''Zotter chocolate manufactory''' | ||
In Zotter, we appreciated that the management of the manufactory insists on the high quality of its products and cares about the ingredients from the very beginning. Only organic ingredients are used and also fair-trade market is supported. <ref> | In Zotter, we appreciated that the management of the manufactory insists on the high quality of its products and cares about the ingredients from the very beginning. Only organic ingredients are used and also fair-trade market is supported. <ref> About Zotter: Organic + Fair Trade + Green http://www.zotter.at/en/about-zotter/organic-fair-trade-green.html</ref> | ||
This step is very important because everybody deserves to be equally compensated for their work and it helps to improve living conditions even in undeveloped countries. | This step is very important because everybody deserves to be equally compensated for their work and it helps to improve living conditions even in undeveloped countries. | ||
'''Gölles vinegar and schnapps producer''' | '''Gölles vinegar and schnapps producer''' | ||
In the 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 perhaps a little more expensive and unknown products? We think that much better than a 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. | In the Gölles manufactory, local products are used if possible <ref> Alois Gölles Schnapps Distillery & Vinegar Production | ||
http://www.goelles.at/en/ueber_goelles.html</ref> | |||
– 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 perhaps a little more expensive and unknown products? We think that much better than a 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''' | '''Solar beer brewery''' | ||
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'''Gesäuse national park''' | '''Gesäuse national park''' | ||
We really appreciated the attitude of the Gesäuse 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. | We really appreciated the attitude of the Gesäuse natural park towards its visitors. They focus not only on preserving nature and scientific research, but also on informing people and educating children <ref> Experience the Working of Nature http://www.np-gesaeuse.at/download/aktuelle_folder/NP_Image08_GB_Web.pdf</ref> | ||
– 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 the economic and social situation) === | === Development in mining and post-mining regions - comparison (focused on the economic and social situation) === | ||
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'''Eisenerz''' | '''Eisenerz''' | ||
Eisenerz, a city located in Styria, Austria, has a long iron-ore mining history starting in the 12th century. Despite the quarry is active even today, mechanization of mining led to the loos of working places and consequently to the significant decline in the city population. It fell from more than 18 000 in 1944 to only approximatelly 4 800 in 2012. Furthermore, 67 % of people are 45 years or older while the average percantage of this age group in Austria is 38 %. <ref> | Eisenerz, a city located in Styria, Austria, has a long iron-ore mining history starting in the 12th century. Despite the quarry is active even today, mechanization of mining led to the loos of working places and consequently to the significant decline in the city population. It fell from more than 18 000 in 1944 to only approximatelly 4 800 in 2012. Furthermore, 67 % of people are 45 years or older while the average percantage of this age group in Austria is 38 %. <ref> Statistical Database of Statistics Austria http://sdb.statistik.at/superwebguest/login.do?guest=guest</ref> | ||
This change brings many social and economical problems that are to be solved in order to make Eisenerz lively and prosperous place. | This change brings many social and economical problems that are to be solved in order to make Eisenerz lively and prosperous place. | ||
Revision as of 13:36, 20 September 2012
Sustainable development - Austria versus the Czech Republic
Nowadays, the environmental, economic and social spheres are strongly connected. Harmony between them is very important for successful sustainable development that takes into account the current as well as the future needs of our society. Environmental-friendly technologies, saving energy or supporting local production – these are some of the ways how to follow up on this idea. Thanks to our excursions in Styria we had the chance to discover that it might work.
Examples of sustainable development in Styria – overview
Zotter chocolate manufactory
In Zotter, we appreciated that the management of the manufactory insists on the high quality of its products and cares about the ingredients from the very beginning. Only organic ingredients are used and also fair-trade market is supported. [1] This step is very important because everybody deserves to be equally compensated for their work and it helps to improve living conditions even in undeveloped countries.
Gölles vinegar and schnapps producer
In the Gölles manufactory, local products are used if possible [2] – 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 perhaps a little more expensive and unknown products? We think that much better than a 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 regional development is tourism. Of course, some places are more attractive than others, e.g. thanks to their 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 beer-spa concept. Furthermore, a part of energy consumption is covered by renewable sources (solar energy).
Gesäuse national park
We really appreciated the attitude of the Gesäuse natural park towards its visitors. They focus not only on preserving nature and scientific research, but also on informing people and educating children [3]
– 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 the economic and social situation)
will be uploaded soon
Eisenerz
Eisenerz, a city located in Styria, Austria, has a long iron-ore mining history starting in the 12th century. Despite the quarry is active even today, mechanization of mining led to the loos of working places and consequently to the significant decline in the city population. It fell from more than 18 000 in 1944 to only approximatelly 4 800 in 2012. Furthermore, 67 % of people are 45 years or older while the average percantage of this age group in Austria is 38 %. [4]
This change brings many social and economical problems that are to be solved in order to make Eisenerz lively and prosperous place.
Ústí nad Labem
Conclusions
We think it is possible to observe a tendency to support sustainable development in the Czech Republic also, but we still have a lot to learn and improve. People should be more informed about the "history" of the products and energy sources they use and it is important to include a sustainable development overview in more fields of study at universities. It is also important to consider factors like natural and social conditions or infrastructure because these create the bases for further development. Additionally, governemnt and public support, good ideas and a scientific approach are necessary to put these ideas into action. It is also important to avoid missusing the coming "ecological" trends by people who want only financial profit and lack any real interest and motivation. To sum up, sustainable development requires a comprehensive attitude and the cooperation of specialists from different areas as well as the public because everybody can make some – at least a little - contribution.
Sources
- ↑ About Zotter: Organic + Fair Trade + Green http://www.zotter.at/en/about-zotter/organic-fair-trade-green.html
- ↑ Alois Gölles Schnapps Distillery & Vinegar Production http://www.goelles.at/en/ueber_goelles.html
- ↑ Experience the Working of Nature http://www.np-gesaeuse.at/download/aktuelle_folder/NP_Image08_GB_Web.pdf
- ↑ Statistical Database of Statistics Austria http://sdb.statistik.at/superwebguest/login.do?guest=guest