Students:Local residents group

The situation of the local residents is quite complex because of the wild and sad history. In the beginning of the 20th century the Ore Mountains were the most populated mountains in Europe with a strong tradition of mining. (Petr Miksicek) In the course of history the population had to change twice. First in 1938 the Czechs were expelled and then in 1945 after WW II over three million Germans had to leave. This tragical events ripped the roots of the people and now the inhabitants live here in the third generation.

The 50 year old tradition of mining and heavy industry creates unhealthy environment and bad living conditions. The people do not see working and educational possibilities (low status problem) and because they lack the deep roots its easy for them to leave.

This process has to be reversed and the area has to get important and interesting again for the people, because living area cannot exist without a strong inhabitants community. The further points explain these problems closer and include development strategies which are in accordance to SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE ÚSTÍ REGION 2006–2020.

1. Economy

According to the local residents, economy is one of the most important topics, because it's closely connected to the quality of life. So the economic standard is to be improved. That doesnt mean that the focus should be just on the economical field so that the other fields of interest would suffer. The present assignment of activities in the Most district is divided in Industry (10,8 %), Construction (10,9 %), Agriculture (2,1%), Services (79 %). The biggest employers in the Most district are the Unipetrol (Chemical Industry | 2000 -2499 employees), Mostecka Uhelna (Mining company | 4000 – 4999 empl.), Ceska Rafinerska (Chemical Industry | 1000 – 1499 empl.).¹

The economical situations change in the course of time. Coal mining industry decreases² as well as agricultural productions. There are less large concerns and the big employers had dismissed lots of employees. (Chemopetrol f.e. reduced the number of employees from 14000 to 2500).³ So there is a huge unemployment problem in this region. The unemployment rate is one of the highest in Czech republic. The Most region counts a rate of 15 percent. In villages it is up to 40 %. In Most region, there is a workforce of about 51,4 %.⁴

To improve the situation, we propose to create new employment opportunities by promoting the idea of small and medium businesses, which are more flexible than the huge. The opportunity for innovations is as well higher. Traditional economic activities should be developed in rural areas. Subsequent processing industries ought to be developed there to reach higher added value for the local people. The involvement of traditional economic activities will improve the relationship of the local people to their home.

New economic opportunities can also be created through tourist activities, which are closely connected to nice environment.

2. Education

Education is of high importance fort the development of the local people. Higher education means higher living standards and higher rate of interest to their environment. Unfortunately the educational level of the people in this region is low. One percent of job seekers in Most district are without education. Two percent have higher education of university but the largest part of job seekers are with Elementary (47 %) and Secondary (50 %) education.⁵ The high level of low educated people results in unemployment, demotivation and lack of action from the local residents. To reduce the unemployment, it is possible to take part in occupational re-education programs. Higher education and information of the local people about the local history and background is important to improve the inhabitants’ relationship to their homeland. Solution would be a better access to higher education and to focus on youth and children to develop their fondness to this places and at the same time their knowledge about it.

3. Services & Transport

One can say that the accessibility to services and transport in Most and Litvinov is quite good. But further you move into the mountain areas the possibilities grow fewer. If mining limits are exceeded the situation in the mountain areas will worsen because the ways to reach the public service infrastructure will get longer. Transport and services are also of great matter for the quality of life.

4. Community

The primary goal for improvement of living conditions in this area is to build up the relationship of the local people to their living area. As far as they have no feelings of deep connection to the region they are not willing to sacrifice part of them to the place. That means to spend time and energy in improving the surroundings, upkeeping their neighbourhood and improving the community life, which is very important long term improvement of conditions. To improve the community life it is moreover essential to promote collective programmes and actions. Another important issue is the integration of minorities in the society to eliminate conflicts for example by promoting the crisis management. If a stronger community life and relationship is reached, the people will participate more in the society life and governance. - building up the relationship to the place (promoting the history, synergy of economy, education, tradition)

5. Governance

The local people expect from the government a reliable and serious policy which they can follow. Governmential help should not be misused and be provided as help to self -help. That means investments in new and innovative projects like the already mentioned small businesses in which the people are involved and can participate and work. Another point is that for a successful long term development policy a local leader with a strong relationship to the area and devotion is needed.

6. Environment

A good and sustainable environment is important for the peoples connection to their homeland, because they know that their children will grow up in an healthy and pleasant environment. A nice environment will also attract the tourists and new residents, who are supporting the areas economy. The environment is endangered by heavy industry and the mining processes (in case of breaking the mining limits).

References:

¹ http://www.businessinfo.cz/files/dokumenty/cr_regions_usti.pdf p. 76
² Udrzitelne Hospodareni v krajne Podkrusnohori, p. 9
³ Mr. Burt
⁴ http://www.businessinfo.cz/files/dokumenty/cr_regions_usti.pdf p. 76
⁵ ebd.

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