Sustainable Development Study, Vysoke Tatry 2005 (executive summary)

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDYHIGH TATRAS 2005

Executive Summary

The Study of the Sustainable Development − High Tatras 2005 elaborated by a team of authors won the competition announced by the Government Office of the Slovak Republic.

Director of the project

Emil Martinus Roest LLM MScBA

Main coordinator

RNDr. Roman Krajčovič

Expert management by SD pillars

Prof. RNDr. Hubert Hilbert PhD.JUDr. Milan HagovskýIng. arch. Michal Chudík PhD.

Legislation

Mgr. Pavol Takáč Mgr. Zuzana ZajíčkováMgr. Erik Werner

Evaluation of the local government proposals

RNDr. Stanislav Klaučo

Project coordination:

RNDr. Igor PolčanIng. Martin Hlavinka

Environmental pillar

Prof. RNDr. Hubert Hilbert PhD.Prof. Ing. Rudolf Midriak DrSc.doc. Ing. Ľubica Zaušková PhD.RNDr. Radovan HilbertRNDr. Peter Malík CSc.RNDr. Kamil Vrana CSc. RNDr. Ladislav Holko PhD.RNDr. Oliver Bochníček PhD.RNDr. Pavol Faško CSc. RNDr. Pavel Šťastný CSc.Prof. RNDr. Milan Lapin CSc. Ing. Peter Fleischer PhD.RNDr. Peter BurdaIng. Jozef KuchtaIng. Peter ChomjakMgr. Ľubomír GajdošIng. Marián OnufrákIng. Vladimír VagaskýIng. Marek GlevaňákPaedDr. Miroslava BirošováIng. arch. Alexandra BerkováRNDr. Vlasta Körnerová

Social & economical pillar

JUDr. Milan HagovskýPhDr. Andrea HagovskáIng. Karol Morvay PhD.Ing. Michal GajdzicaMgr. Zuzana GajdzicováIng. Peter SárinecIng. Michal Burian PhD.Ing. Simona OndriašováIng. Štefan ZímaIng. Iveta OrbánováIng. Lucia Laššová

Spatial planning

Ing. arch. Michal Chudík PhD. Ing. arch. Ľubomír KlaučoIng. arch. Alex BalážiIng. arch. Eva HledíkováIng. arch. Vojtech Hrdina PhD.Ing. arch. Milan Vaníček PhD.Ing. Ladislav ČerveňMgr. Jana HocováIng. Ján Konček PhD.Doc. MUDr. Dušan Salát CSc.Ing. Ivan SmetanaIng. Ľubomír MatečekIng. arch. Alexander BélIng. Peter Faith

AUTHORS TEAM

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HIGH TATRAS 2005 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Landscape state before calamity (3D model, Source: AKEP 2005)

Boundaries of the calamity

Spatial representation of the calamity

For further details and information refer to:TiRA − Tatranská informačná a rozvojová agentúra,

062 01 Starý Smokovec 1, Slovak Republic(Tatry Information & Development Agency)

[email protected], +421 (0)903 428 156, or +421 (0)910 968 145

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51. Vision of sustainable development of the Tatras region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Environmental pillarEconomic pillarSocial pillarVision of the integrated region

2. Regional self−sufficiency model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73. Environmental starting points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84. Implementation of the Lisbon Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95. Principles of sustainable development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.1. Aims and principles Conservation and protection of landscape and cultural inheritanceDevelopment of rural areasEconomic and regional developmentAgriculture and forestry Recreation and tourismSocial infrastructureTechnical infrastructureTransport

6. Urbanization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127. Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

7.1. Ecological Stability 7.2. Proposal of integrated forestry

8. Economic pillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13a. Development of economy based on knowledge b. eEurope−regioc. Regional identity and rural developmentd. AgricultureKey strategic objectives:Expected impact:Integrated solutionsDirect foreign investments

9. Institutional development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16High Tatras – region of international importanceParticipation of local citizens

10. In Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1811. GIS Maps (selected 3 basic examples − reduced scale) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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CONTENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDY HIGH TATRAS 2005

Integral part of the Study is its graphical part processed by using the GIS ArcInfo technology.

The graphical part of the Study consists of the following maps:

1.A. Proposal of complex solution of spatial and functional arrangement of the territoryScale 1: 50 000Schemes:1.A.a. Broader relations1.A.b. Division of the territory into key functional zones1.A.c. Scheme of resident traffic in the territory1.A.d. Cultural−historic and recreation potential

1.B. Spatial and functional arrangement of the territorial system of environment stabilityScale 1: 50 000Schemes:1.B.a. Legislative protection of the environment1.B.b. Draft of the environmental infrastructure 1.B.c. Nature of the forest according to forest categories and extent of break1.B.d. Functional types of forests

Feeding marksScale 1 : 50 0001.B.1. Limits with respect to rurality 1.B.2. Limits with respect to biota stability1.B.3. Limits with respect to abiotic landscaping procedures1.B.4. Limits with respect to socio−economic processes 1.B.5. Integration of anthropic activity in the territory

2. Proposal of urban−landscaping and environmental functioning relations of single holiday centresScale 1: 10 000Schemes:2.a. Scheme of investment plans for the territory2.b. Accessibility of the territory from D1 motorway2.c. Loading of selected segments of the road system2.d. Proposal of recreation territory units in the territory

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Protected areas − Carpatian round

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INTRODUCTION

The aim of the Sustainable Development Study – High Tatras 2005(the “Study”) was to establish a balanced model of functional andspatial arrangement of the solved territory built on three pillars ofsustainable development, namely environmental, economic andsocial, supplemented with the institutional frame and spatialarrangement.

In elaborating the study, a large group of authors primarily worked onthe existing strategic documents, programs and priorities approved atthe level of the Slovak Republic and the European Union (NationalStrategy of Sustainable Development, Territorial DevelopmentConcept of the Slovak Republic, the Lisbon Strategy, Natura 2000,etc). The official documents of the UN (Agenda 21), WorldConservation Union (IUCN classification), World TourismOrganization (WTO guidelines) and other relevant documents ofrenowned international institutions were among the supportingdocuments, too. A separate part of the supporting documents wasrepresented by strategic regional documents, namely Territorial Planof the Higher Territorial Unit of Presov and Zilina regions, TANAPZoning Project, TANAP management Program, Action Plan ofBiosphere Reservation Tatras within UNESCO Man and theBiosphere Program (MaB), Landscape and Ecological Plan of theHigh Tatras, including its update, Urban Study of the town of the HighTatras, and many others.

The territories of Poprad, Kežmarok, Liptovský Mikuláš and Tvrdošíndistricts were considered the broader territory, while a specialattention in solving such territory was paid to the cadastral area of thetown of the High Tatras with an emphasis put on the proposals forthree key development centers − Štrbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec(Smokovce) and Tatranská Lomnica.

The proposals within the Study took into account also the regionallinks to Orava, Liptov, Spiš and Polish area of the High Tatras.

• We identified in detail the economic potential and pointed outpossible competitiveness of the region within the European Union

• We described particularities of the region and related maincomparative advantages both in the contexts of Slovakia andEurope

• We defined priority and auxiliary functions to be fulfilled by theregion which allow to meet the quality criteria for inhabitants andvisitors of the region, while being based on the quality ofenvironmental conditions

• We specified the criteria of the economic self−sufficiency of theregion and related development financing possibilities

• We suggested the revitalization methods of the ecological andaesthetic values of the country

• We defined the functional components to be further developed aswell as the qualitative factors of their development together with thedraft development monitoring methodology

• We recommended a number of measures to improve the urban,aesthetic and cultural level of the solved territory

• Last but not least we suggested the method of a long−timemarketing strategy intended to support the development of theterritory in question

In elaborating the landscape−ecological section of the Study weapplied the amended methodology LANDEP (LANDscape EcologicalPlanning) whereby the following was defined:

• ecological capacity of the High Tatras • functional arrangement of the territory and specification of the

spatiotemporal anthropic activities• stabilization of dynamic phenomena in the country

The proposals within the Study recommend a number of measuresintended to:

• actually solve the renewal of the Tatras region • provide for integrated solutions that allow mutual penetration and

coexistence of all core functions of the territory • propose protection levels of the selected TANAP zones in

connection with development of the key tourism centers, includingthe proposal for the national park category as per the IUCN criteria

• make a proposal for acquisition of funds and their effective use • draft a model plan of the territorial administration

We believe that strengths of the Study comprise, among other things,the developed model of possible self−sufficiency of the region and thepossibility of assessing the study, while incorporating it in theprogram documents for the new program period of the EuropeanUnion 2007−2013.

Following the commenting procedure the Study can be used as asingular tool for drafting a effectual strategy of development andrevitalization of the Tatras region, drafting conceptual planningdocuments of the town of the High Tatras, modern management ofthe state nature conservation as well as competent decision−makingon the development strategy for the area affected by the windstormdisaster.

The group of authors believes that the present Study may be of helpto all relevant entities who have the future of the High Tatrasdevelopment at heart in searching for effective and feasible solutions,establishing strategic partnerships and overall economic, social andenvironmental prosperity, while adhering to sustainable developmentprinciples.

VISION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TATRASREGION

In 2020 the Tatras region is the territory chosen by the people for living,working and relaxing. They have chosen it for singularity of the HighTatras, the smallest mountains in Europe enjoying a top−qualityenvironment, for stable and varied offer of jobs, services and economicactivities as prerequisites of a favourable social development of theterritory.

The Tatras region is the most important and the most famous territory ofSlovakia where the sustainable economic development respects thepriority of the values of nature. Environmentally aware citizens effectivelyparticipate in planning and decision−making on public affairs.

Environmental pillar• active and creative conservation of nature as the biological basis of

environment forms part of any function in the territory and representsthe first basic prerequisite of the sustainable development (SD) of theterritory

• protection of cultural and historical inheritance and its active use andenjoyment stand for the second prerequisite of the sustainabledevelopment of the territory

• environmental education forms part of the general education of childrenand adults

• comprehensive monitoring of the quality of the territory is in place andregularly evaluated to maintain the quality of nature within the Europeandimensions

• care for nature and agricultural land, development of settlements, andmaintenance of the region’s cultural identity are of permanent priority ofthe territorial interest

Economic pillar• interconnection of business and research areas stand for the guarantee

of progressive business activities • sustainability of development is directly proportional to the

competitiveness of the region in environmental, social and economic

areas, while none of the areas in question develop to the prejudice ofthe other area in order to avoid destabilization of the territory

• protection of national parks and development of implied functionalactivities are in the center of the attention of the regions where the parksare situated and, retrospectively, quality and prosperity of the parks arethe sources of profits for the involved regions of tourism, recreation, spatreatment, and extensive forms of agriculture

• economic activities within the region adhere to the social and economiclimits of that region

Social pillar• the society enjoys positive interpersonal relations, mutual trust and

respect, helpfulness, equality and freedom of permanent residence, andthe urban areas are mainly of tertiary nature

• the settlements increase their standard of amenities both for the localinhabitants and visitors

• social balance and development of the individual functional activities ondifferent levels of all income brackets are prerequisites of thesustainable development

Vision of the integrated region and town of theHigh Tatras

The existing dynamic age stems from a number of elements of thepolitical, social, economic, scientific and technical nature which give achance to form a new type of the region based on the principles of theinternational cooperation and sustainable development.

The development of the High Tatras town needs to be considered withinthe context of the cross−border cooperation as it has the potential tobecome a specific development center, provided that highly−selectivesupport is performed and local and regional strategies applied. Weimagine the town of the High Tatras as a part of a modern anddynamically developing and managed region so that it:

• becomes a center of the European importance based on theconcentration of the specific human, research, cultural and institutionalpotential interlinked with significant national and internationaldevelopment poles,

• initiates and coordinates the development projects in the field of the

cross−border cooperation and cooperation of mountain areas inSlovakia and abroad

• becomes a place offering a quality life to its inhabitants and bringingexceptional experience to its visitors,

• strengthens and develops the specific links between the individualimportant regional centers (Poprad, Kežmarok, Levoča, Spišská NováVes, Stará Ľubovňa).

The town of the High Tatras and the Tatras region as a moderndevelopment center of the European importance. The town of theHigh Tatras and the Tatras region as the economic, cultural andknowledge−based gate to adjacent regions (Poland, Ukraine,Hungary, Czech Republic).

Prerequisites:• knowledge−based potential as the general criterion of the economic

regional strategy,• processing of strategic materials with support of innovative business

connected with the shaping industries of the region, and integration inthe network of the innovative regions

The implied strategy and formation of the implementation prerequisiteswill allow the town of the High Tatras and the Tatras region to face thefollowing threats:

• negative migration, decrease of knowledge and availability of qualifiedlabour

• increase of ecological burdens and future expenses incurred inconnection with the environmental infrastructure

• focus on provision of services and support of investments in thebusiness activities and technologies with low value added

Partial visions• the High Tatras are the place where the existence of man in a biosphere

reservation is allowed for and protection of countryside with respect tomaintenance of the biological diversity supported

• the High Tatras are the place where all groups and sectors of interestare united in their common understanding of the biosphere reservationas a part of the world−wide network, while the maintenance of suchunique inheritance is the principal and permanent prerequisite of furtherlife in view of the multigenerational perspective

• the High Tatras represent on the European map a distinctive and

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singular destination of responsible tourism providing a comprehensivecare and trouble−free availability of all services via the state−of−the−artprofessional information technologies, high value added, significantbenefit for the local communities, and the minimum negative impact onthe environment, while their cultural identity will be maintained on boththe national and international level

• the destination of the High Tatras is managed and developed via thesustainable development management, while ensuring theinterconnection between the economic, social, environmental orinstitutional pillars, namely based on clear and unchanged rules andfunctional and spatial links focused on responsible and long−time use ofthe country and its natural sources supported by transparentmechanisms preventing the abuse of the political and economicinterests

• the territorial management works on the principles of the sector−to−sector partnership (PPP concept – Public Private Partnership) wherethe social role of the business and non−governmental sectors grows andmutual trust, partnership and equality are the basic principles

• the prudential principle is applied on the process of tourismdevelopment, possible risk factors are monitored and eliminated, thestate−of−the−art and provably environment−friendly building andoperating technologies are used

• the economy of sustainable tourism is built on the services of a broadrange of undertakings whose standard is represented by theenvironmental and social responsibility defined via the internationalcertification mechanisms

• the local people are environmentally literate and feel liable for qualitydevelopment of the destination focused on enhancement of the qualityof life, and they effectively participate in it within their limits

• the example of the High Tatras helps develop and spread around aresponsible approach to tourism in a valuable countryside of CentralEurope via its research, information and educational structures, modernmanagement of conservation, and control of the number of visitors

• the High Tatras closely cooperate on the partnership basis with theneighbouring regions, especially in the Republic of Poland

The aforesaid visions of the regional development are reflected in otherchapters of the Study – implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, strategicgoals and development priorities, financial plan of development andrenewal, and development monitoring system.

REGIONAL SELF−SUFFICIENCYMODELSustainability of the regional development, criteria of the economicindependence of the region, acquisition of financial resources for the region

The sustainability of development of the broader and the confinedregions of the High Tatras is connected with strategic interventions whichthe long−time growth of the examined territory rests on. A vital criterion forfulfilment of the visions and recommendations incorporated in the Studyis the acquisition of sources for financing the identified needs. At presentsituation neither the wider nor the confined region are able to generatesuch funds themselves. Accordingly, these funds need to be looked forespecially in the external environment. A decisive part in financing thedevelopment of the High Tatras is played by the public funds. Only thesefunds are able to refinance the construction and modernization of thebasic infrastructure which provides room for private sector investments.If the private investments are effective in terms of economy, they willgenerate not only the funds for own development but also the fund for thepublic sector which will assume the form of taxes and charges.Accordingly, the public and private sector investments interact and theirefficiency is mutually conditioned. At the same time it is important to saythat if the strict regulations of protection are complied with and theeconomic growth limited, the confined territory of the High Tatras cannotbe economically independent (the major limit to its financialindependence is represented by the rate and the level of its potentialurbanization).

Nowhere in the world the territory of a comparable level of protection canbe self−sufficient in terms of the generation of funds for own development.From the financial point of view the protected territories stand for a valuewhich must be subsidized via the public budgets to ensure their socialfunctions or the benefit for the community. However, nothing changes inthe fact that also a strongly regulated territory is subject to the cost−effective and investment principles aimed to provide for its maintenanceand development. In practice, the efficiency of each crown spent must beconfronted with the benefits of the subsidized area (the so−called costbenefit analysis). Obviously, the confined region cannot be fullysubsidized via the public budgets. The region must be able to generateat least one portion of the funds itself. The generation of such funds mustbe based on:

• inhabitants residing in the towns of the confined region• entities carrying on their business in the confined region • introduction of the residential tax and other local charges• charging of the selected public services (parking, nature trails, etc.)

It is necessary to distinguish within the solved region betweentwo types of investments:

i.) Investments pursuing non−financial benefit (it refers, in particular, tothe investments designed for renewal and improvement of thehistorical, cultural and natural wealth of the High Tatras which isavailable to all people for free or for a symbolic fee, and to theinvestment which provide for the basic infrastructure of the territory,i.e. roads, utilities, schools, local administration, etc.)

ii.) Investments pursing financial benefit (investments based on thefinancial effect, i.e. hotels, spas, ski slopes, research parks, wellness,restaurants, etc.)

The benefit of both investment types must be a measurable indicatorexpressing the efficiency of the invested capital. As regards theinvestments pursuing the non−financial benefit, such indicators may berepresented for example by the number of visits and repeated visits of theHigh Tatras or of the specific facility, duration of stay of the average visit,quality of air and water in the territory, length and quality of nature trails,availability of public services, development of fauna and flora in the

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Railway station POPRAD reconstruction (visualisation)

protected area, degree of erosion of rock units, number of informationboards on the nature trails, share of wooded and recreational areas,number of inhabitants and undertakings in the region, etc.

The key indicators of the investments pursuing the financial effect are theprofitability, return on invested capital, solvency, liquidity, indebtedness,internal rate of return, investment recovery. It is necessary to define forthe above−mentioned indicators the values comparable with the desiredstatus and their development must be monitored and evaluated in time.It means that the aim is to maintain the desired status of the investmentbenefit for the longest possible time or with the minimum additionalinvestments in short time intervals.

The investments meeting the below criteria are considered economicallyeffective for the confined region:• their value added is high• they are based on and benefit from the particularities and exclusivity of

the High Tatras environment• recovery period is less than 12 years • internal rate of return is at least 5%• they are tolerant to the limits and regulations of the territory in which

they are situated• profit ratio is at least 8% p.a.• they are able to generate positive cash flow

• sustainability of high standards and quality of products and services• they leverage on the specific potential of the region in which they are

situated

Successful and the most beneficial investments for the confined region ofthe Tatras will be the investments which:

• provide for an extra appreciation of the human capital • are based on knowledge and ability of the human capital or develop the

knowledge−based economy• are flexible and able to adapt to the changing environment and demand• support the internal consumption of products and services created in

the region• are of a multinational nature• contribute to the diversification of the business areas in the region

It needs to be applicable to the products and services resulting from thecommercial investments in the confined region that their exclusivity andhigh value for the consumers is expressed in the price of such product orservice, while providing for the profitability of the entities operating in theconfined region. The basic drivers of the sustainable development of theregion need to be searched for especially in the support from the statebudget and the budget of the European Union. The needs of the HighTatras, in particular in the areas as specified below, must be consideredespecially in the period when the EU budget is being approved for theprogramming period of 2007 – 2013:

1. Basic infrastructure2. Industry and services3. Regional and cross−border cooperation programs 4. Human resources5. Elimination and removal of discrimination and inequality on the labour

market6. Transport infrastructure7. Environment 8. Agriculture, forestry, and rural development

A much higher economic independence, though not a full one, can beenjoyed by the wider region of the High Tatras. Freer environmentallimits, qualified labour and better and better transportation accessibilitycreate good conditions especially for development of a traditional lightindustry (white goods manufacturing) as well as wood−working industry,

chemical industry and tourism. To be able to catch up with moredeveloped Slovak or EU regions, the wider region must firstly extend therange of activities performed by the core sectors of employment.

Also here the main goal must be to provide for the growth of the valueadded, productivity of labour, and increase of the share of the humancapital value in the value of products and services. It is particularlydesired to build the research and development centers near largeindustrial undertakings (Whirlpool, Chemosvit Holding, Alcatel,Matsushita, etc.). Especially in the context of the future developmentplanning it is important to retain the educated and capable labour capitalthat leaves the region in many cases with the aim to find a higherstandard of living and appreciation in the western part of Slovakia.

Principally the confined region is unable to become fully self−sufficient.Demanding protection and reservation imply costs which are so high thatwithout the help of the external budgets the region is unable to grow,neither in the short nor in the long run. In spite of this fact it is possible tomodel the nature of its partial self−sufficiency which is based on threecore pillars and one ancillary pillar:

The first pillar defines the internal financial flows and ability of the regionto generate own funds. Concurrently, it identifies the needs of thefinancial resources for the investments.

The tax income expresses the volume of funds collected by way of taxesand local charges which remain in the region.The loan policy describes the availability of new loans designed forregional development as well as the loan policy burden on the regionaleconomy and budget.The capital balance expresses the difference between the income andthe expenses of the region for the monitored period.The investments define the volume of funds spent for the investmentswhich increase the standard of the environment for performance of otherinvestment plans.

The second pillar covers the sector of production (small, medium andlarge enterprises), purchasing power of the inhabitants, and the effect onthe construction of apartments and reconstruction of the existingresidential property, job vacations and infrastructure.

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Hydro−geological potential of underground sources

The third pillar of the model consists of the inhabitants. It monitorsbehaviour of the pre−productive and productive category of people aswell as effects of the social influence and care on these groups. At thesame time the third pillar covers the element of mortality and the totalresulting increase of the inhabitants. It is supplemented with the volumeof financial resources spent for the purpose of ensuring health and socialcare.

The ancillary pillar contains financial transfers from the off−budgetsources of the region and non−financial assistance designed for theregion.

The aim of the self−sufficiency model is to catch the developmentdynamics of its individual elements in time with the primary focus on thegeneration of funds, development of the region and human resources.Important for the model is to know:

• behaviour of the individual elements of the model • mechanism under which the future regional development will be shaped• strengths and weaknesses of the future development, opportunities and

threats• trajectory of the future development

Based on such knowledge we are able to:

• define sustainability of the existing development • define positive and negative phenomena in the existing development• propose changes in the existing development

The main aim of the model is to establish relations between its basicelements and identify the effects of any change in one element on theother elements. The primary effort of the model is to identify and definehow the monitored purpose will be reflected in the regional developmentbefore a decision on such purpose has been taken. Concurrently, itallows comparing an alternative solution in the context of the effects andinvoked responses in the components which make up its pillars. Themodel is structured on the assumption that the selected elements interacton certain conditions or that they are interlinked. It is extraordinarilyimportant to correctly evaluate every interaction between the individualcomponents of the model. In setting the basic structure of the model twobasic types of interactions are distinguished:a) quantifiable interactions b) absolute links

When applying the regional self−sufficiency model the following factsmust primarily be considered:

• the model is not static but dynamic and must be supplemented basedon the gained experience

• the model must combine the past experience and intuitive solutions• every tool used in the model must be used at the right time and at the

right place• the functional mechanism of the regional development is a teamwork of

many groups of interest (business, public, of interest, financial) andgeneral quantities such as the increase of inhabitants

• the model is a measure / it holds the mirror up to purposefulness of theinvestments which seem to be interesting and passable

• objective comparison of the proposed solutions by way of simulationprovides relatively objective information about the advantages andweaknesses of the solutions thanks to which it is possible to eliminatethe identified shortcomings and enhance the analyzed proposal

The main aim of the model is to provide such solutions which willcontribute to the sustainable development of the examined regions asmuch as possible.

ENVIRONMENTAL STARTING POINTS A high percentage extent of the territory classified in the highest levels ofthe environmental quality (high level environment and environment ofsuitable quality) creates very good environmental conditions for the life ofits permanent inhabitant. It is the settlements with a direct contact withnature which enjoy a high social, cultural and aesthetic value in thepresent European civilization which will continue to grow with the gradualecologization of the social awareness. More than 90% of the area of thesolved territory enjoys suitable localization prerequisites for recreationand tourism in terms of the environmental quality. On the contrary, fromthe point of view of health it appears highly recommendable for themajority of the Slovak and foreign inhabitants to spend at least a limitedperiod of time in an undisturbed, valuable and in particular naturalenvironment which this region can offer to its visitors. The remaining areamainly represented by the towns of Liptovský Mikuláš, Poprad andKežmarok should create conditions for development of the selectedforms of tourism (sightseeing, congress, shopping tourism, etc.) in whoseconnection the environmental quality is not a decisive criterion.

It will not be easy to reduce a fifty percent share (which is a rather highvolume for the time being) of the inhabitants living in the territoryclassified in the environmental quality category 3 − 5 (moderatelydisturbed to very disturbed environment) with regard to the concentrationof such inhabitants on the small area of the largest settlements such asLiptovsky Mikulas, Poprad and Kezmarok, and primarily with regard tothe complex morphology and climate of Liptov and Poprad basins whichcontribute to deterioration of the emission situation. A substantial trendfor the future will be the change in the structure of economy primarilyfocused on the development of the service sector and knowledge−basedeconomy which, compared with the standard industry, bring about adecrease of the environmental burden and enhancement of theenvironmental behaviour of both the economy and the general public. Asregards the new industrial investments, it is necessary to consistentlygive preference to those which bring environment−friendly technologiesand make products with a high value added.

Strong or extreme water erosion threatening the soil can be reduced andthe related production potential maintained by taking anti−erosionmeasures, implementing the projects of protective vegetation planting,revegetating the land not used for the agricultural purposes and/or bychanging the land use purpose. The implementation tool for fulfilment of

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Lesne spoločenstvá − zobrazuje skupiny lesných typov

the aforesaid goals should be represented by the land reallotmentprojects and the settlement of the title to land which needs to be carriedout in the solved territory without undue delay.The occurrence of uncontaminated farm land should create, besidesother things, conditions for development of farming focused on theproduction of non−polluting products and cultivation of medical herbs,forest fruits, etc.

The most valuable environmental element of the solved territory is thehigh worth and for the time being in many places rather undisturbedalpine, mountain and submontane land which is singular not only in thecontext of Central Europe and which provides an exceptionalopportunities for tourism and recreation in the countryside. Comparedwith other Slovak regions and European countries this limited and arather small territory witnesses a concentration of an unusually varieddiversity of shapes of the relief and a picturesque and differentiated, bothin terms of space and natural scenery, structure of an open countrycharacterized by forests, meadows, scattered trees and bushes, fieldsand settlements in the area of Zamagurie, Orava, foothills of the Tatrasand Liptovská Teplička. Such concentration of the natural values createsperfect conditions for development of many forms of tourism with a veryfavourable space−time accessibility for the visitors, which allowspreparing comprehensive products of tourism focused on different targetgroups of tourists.

The gradual increase of attractiveness of the areas within the solvedterritory which are marginal for the tourists at the present time (Pieninyand Zamagurie, Liptov and Poprad basins, etc.) as well as the increaseof the level of the provided services should eliminate the local andseasonal time concentrations, being often very high, in the tourist visitrates particularly in the area of the High Tatras, as well as the relateddemands for the utilization of resources (drinking water, power, etc.) anddisposal of waste and waste water.

A significant natural resource and the development potential of thesolved territory also in the European view is the climate that is suitablefor the elimination treatment of respiratory diseases and allergies. It isnecessary to point out the fact that the results similar to those of theclimatic treatment in the spa town of the High Tatras situated at thealtitude of 800 – 1,350m have been recorded in the Alps only at thealtitude of 2,500m, which is not the appropriate altitude for the peoplesuffering from cardiovascular disorders.

A significant criterion of the sustainable development of the town, regionor state is the preferential use of the domestic resources. A considerablepotential of the renewable sources in the region (in particular biomassassuming the form of dendromass and possibly the areas of geothermalwater and partly also the hydro energy potential) creates favourableconditions for the energetic self−sufficiency of the region. The preferentialuse of these resources could gradually reduce dependence on the importof the sources of energy from other regions.

A significant potential of a large quantity of watercourses especially in theregion of the Tatras together with a high wateriness and quality of watercreates conditions for both supplying the inhabitants with drinking waterand building small reservoirs in Poprad basin with a multifunctional use(increased biodiversity of the territory, recreation, fish farming,emergency reservoirs for fire fighting, etc.).

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LISBONSTRATEGY IN THE REGIONThe competitiveness strategy of Slovakia by 2010, including also thenational strategy for the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, requirethat Slovakia becomes “a synonym both in Slovakia and abroad of acountry with extraordinarily educated and creative people, developingscience and technology, where innovative top−quality products andservices continuously come from.”

This strategy is based on four pillars – i) enhancement of the businessenvironment, ii) information−based society, iii) science, research andinnovations, iv) environment−friendly education and employment.

The SD Study – High Tatras 2005 has drafted applying the princi−ples of and the requirements for maintenance and development ofbiodiversity, natural and cultural inheritance, and maintenance ofthe elements of nature. It is expressed by way of the principlesdeveloping the Lisbon Strategy, while applying the new require−ments for qualitative aspects of the use of the High Tatras region.

PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT The strategic goal of the EU member states is to make the EuropeanUnion become by 2010 the most competitive and the most dynamiceconomy in the world able to provide for the sustainable economicgrowth (the so−called Lisbon Strategy set up by the main representativesof the EU member states). The EU established the legislative frameworkfor protection and maintenance of the European locations of wildlife andbiotopes (principles, initiatives, suitable procedures in Europe draftedbased on the seminar held in Lisbon).

• establishment of a continuous network of protected territories in the EUmember countries (Natura 2000) as a common inheritance of the states

• a set of directives for sustainable tourism in such network• the list of priorities and general principles for sustainable tourism• legal and statutory wordings regarding conservation of the European

extent, protection of species and biotopes • protection of natural resources and management of the protected

locations• conservation as an integral part of the territory utilization policy

The most important initiatives at the present time aimed to support thesustainable development of the protected territories focused on theconservation strategy and development of sustainable tourism in theprotected areas:

• European Charter EUROPARC• Principles and Criteria of PAN Parks (1999)• World Charter for Sustainable Tourism 1995

Main goal of the initiatives

• establishment of the European network of large−scale and well−managed protected areas

• active protection of the protected areas via a suitable and environment−friendly development of activities which do not harm the species orbiotopes

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Aims and principles of such initiativeswhich are applied on the proposed aimsand principles of sustainable development of the Tatras

Conservation and protection of landscape andcultural inheritance

• to ensure ecologically optimum development and use of the territory,while adhering to the limits of the capacity of such territory

• to harmonize the use of the area and the functions of conservation andprotection of the natural resources

• to develop the TANAP area as the park with high standards ofconservation and nature−based activities

• to call for environment−friendly behaviour • to provide for a suitable use of the land resources in accordance with

the potential of the territory • to support the environmental education • to contribute to the protection and increase of the quality of the natural

and cultural inheritance• tourism supports conservation in the protected area – a certain share in

profit must be returned to the “green magnet” for the investments to bemade in the protected area and for its management

Development of rural areas• to maintain the original distinctive features of the rural areas, nature of

housing development and historically established lower country,ethnographic particularities, specific nature and countryside

• to pay attention in developing the individual activities to prevention ofpossible negative effects of such activities on the rural area

• to establish cultural and equal environment with urban areas and to fittogether the traditional rural area and the requirements of the modern living

• maintenance, appreciation, use of cultural inheritance (of all elements)

Economic and regional development• to support small and medium−sized enterprises in the interest of SD • to support the local economy • to create conditions for equal distribution of inhabitants with higher

qualification

• to support environment−friendly products • to support the local employment and develop the new forms of

employment • long−time benefits and jobs for the local communities around the

protected area

Agriculture and forestry • in the interest of the rural development in mountain and submontane

areas to provide for an adequate standard of living and enhance thequality of life of the rural inhabitants by way of supporting the selectedcenters and leveraging on their natural, demographic, cultural andhistorical potential

• to develop the traditional craftsmanship, ancillary productions and non−productive activities connected with farming and forestry

• to support the local production

Recreation and tourism• to support the types and forms of tourism which are subject of the

international interest: spa, mountain, cultural, summer, winter, cross−border tourism

• consistent interlinking of the aims of the recreational and sightseeingtourism

• to locate the recreational and tourist services preferentially to the townof the High Tatras and municipalities of the submontane zone with theaim to prevent from expansion of the recreational units in the opencountry, while making use of the historical settlements and sights

• to support the revitalization of the therapeutic spas based on thepeculiarities of the area in question

• to ensure in the therapeutic spas the proportional ratio of curative,tourist and recreational, cultural, sports functions

• to keep tolerable ratio in the territory of the national park of theconservation function and recreation and tourism

• to extend the offer of the recreational facilities with new tourist traps• information, promotion of education, discovering• to pay a special attention to the visitors with specific needs and limited

financial resources• to encourage participation of the “local people” • to serve as a model for other industries and influence their procedures• monitoring of the visit rate

Social infrastructure• to support the development of schools, training facilities, centers of

education, high schools (based on the local labour market), medicalfacilities and services within a reasonable distance also in the areassituated farther from the urban centers, to extend the capacity ofmedical institutions and hospitals in accordance with the needs of theinhabitants of the region, to support the development of social carefacilities and cultural facilities

• to support the cooperation of the local people, entrepreneurs,partnerships in the development

• to broaden the interest with natural and cultural inheritance of theregion, to support the local culture

• to develop consulting, seminars, training programs for the localentrepreneurs

• to provide for enhancement of the quality of life of the local people

Technical infrastructure• to ensure the requirements regarding the area of the municipalities’

sewerage systems in accordance with the EU legislation (e.g.separation of the rainwater drainage, rainwater recycling, etc.)

• to promote the use of the local sources of energy in the submontaneareas of the Tatras region (biomass, geothermal and solar energy,small−size hydro power stations for the needs of the inhabitants andservices)

• separation, recycling, storage of waste within the optimum distance ofthe largest producers

• to minimize the production of the quantity of waste, power consumption(to inform the visitors about it)

Transport• monitoring and evaluation of visitors and car,• to reduce, if not prohibit, access of transport where/when inappropriate

(selected sections, certain periods), save for the local people anddisabled visitors

• to support walking, cycling, shuttle service, unusual types of transport,public transport

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URBANIZATION The urban design of town Vysoké Tatry (High Tatras) is atypical; it

consists of 14 agglomerated solitaire city districts developed aroundCesta slobody more than 30 km long. Further development of the town isconsiderably determined by: traditional and existing functionalorientation, size and amenities infrastructure and character of theenvironment. Based on the importance and aim of the Tatry NationalPark (TANAP), the key territories of further development of the town are:Štrbské Pleso, Smokovce and Tatranská Lomnica.

The territorial development of single city districts is designed in twolevels:1. built−up areas2. sports−recreation complexes, functional areas for sports and recreationfacilities without development of building constructions (the exception arefacilities directly securing operation and security of complexes).

In relation to the main centres there are located sky terrains and wintersports complexes with proposal for improvement and modernisation ofski runs to the level of international standards:

• Štrbské Pleso − FIS complex for classic ski disciplines, ski course fromSolisko

• Smokovec with ski course at the base Hrebienok, with departure skicourse Hrebienok – Smokovec and with Jakubková lúka

• Tatranská Lomnica – ski course Lomnické sedlo – Skalnaté pleso (in

alpine zone) – Lomnica and Jamy. Modernisation of ski slopes withhigh−performance transport facilities, technical adjustments andextension of ski runs with assumption that the number of clients per daywill increase to approximately 4500 – 5400.

The area below the Cesta slobody is covered mainly by forest stand,which is considerably damaged at present. Within the framework ofrecovery of this zone there is proposed a network of touring paths withrest places (vacation spots, picnic), bicycle paths, paths for horse−drawnsledges and cross−country trails. The forest near main centres could havea nature of forest park. During the recovery it would be advisable to solvethis zone by alternating forests and meadows with views from the Cestaslobody to the basin and on mountain peaks and with identification ofobservation panoramic sites.

The zone of intensive tourist process characterised by urbanised unitsalong the Cesta slobody – from west Podbanské, administrative unit –town High Tatras with main centres Štrbské Pleso, zone betweenMengusovská dolina and Smokovec with spas Vyšné Hágy, NováPolianka and Tatranská Polianka, main urban centre Smokovec –Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranské Matliare to Tatranská Kotlina. Withrespect to already strong urbanisation and number of visitors in this zone,development of other housing, tourist and spas is not considered. It willbe possible to add only some construction within the limits of presentbuilt−up areas, which will be required in order to improve the quality of thetourism in the area of sports, cultural−social facilities and other amenities,as well as housing and medical facilities. Accommodation is sufficientwith respect to quantity, however, it is necessary to change the structureof accommodation via introduction of facilities of higher categories, whileit is necessary to take into consideration also facilities of medium andlower categories.

BIODIVERSITY Coniferous forests create the typical aspect of forests in the High Tatras.They cover more than 95% of the area in total. Spruce groves areabsolutely prevailing. Spruce creates almost 70% of forests in HighTatras. The second prevalent wood is dwarf pine which representsapproximately 20%. Less than 10% falls on larch, fir and pine trees.Among leafy woods, birch and rowan tree outnumber other deciduoustrees. The type diversity, as well as spread of herbs is extraordinarily low

in prevailing spruce groves. Usually only the moss growth has higherspread. In average, there are no more than 20 types of higher plants inspruce groves. Variety of types increases proportionally to the share ofmixed wood, in particular of larch, pine, fir and mainly to the share ofmore sparse groups such as breaks, natural rejuvenation and the line.The type variety increases approximately in the following order: acidspruce grove – acid fir grove – soaked spruce grove. Soaked alder groveand growths on carbon soils are predominant with respect to the type.With respect to specific conditions of the environment, differences in thetype structure of vegetation in natural forests, as well as in forests alteredby human activity are almost unidentifiable.

Uniformity of type structure of coniferous forests is compensated by thediversity of spatial structure as one of the assumptions of higher stability– resilience of forest land. Mosaic of forest stands of different age is aprecondition of sustainable effect of forests in case of extensive damageby a destruction factor (wind, snow, insect, wildlife and the like). Despiteof a bad condition of forests in a long−time, the quality of naturalrejuvenation in spruce forests is still suitable for securing the nextgeneration. Where the extent of natural rejuvenation is insufficient, thereis used artificial rejuvenation. In order to preserve the natural condition offorests in the High Tatras, but mainly with respect to special conditions inthe relevant area, the scale of usable types of wood is very narrow. Apartfrom preparatory wood – birch, rowan, alder tree, only maple and rarelyalso beech trees come forward to a limited extent. Among coniferouswood, apart from spruce, there will be used larch and pine trees and, inthe highest locations, pinus cembra. Ash tree, lime tree and elm tree canbe used for creation of growth borders along settlements and recreationzones on damper and more nutrient places. Birch trees, alder trees andpoplar should not be grown in the vicinity of settlements with medicalfunction due to their allergic effect on permanently growing number ofpeople and patients in particular.

7.1. Ecological Stability Natural forest stands seem to be the most stable with respect to theecology. The rate of ecological stability declines towards type, age andvertically monotone growths. One−layer mono−cultures are at the end ofthe stability rating. They are endangered not only by the risk ofwindbreaks, insect spread, but due to compact canopy also by deficit ofrainfall, increased atmospheric contaminant fall−out and unfavourablehumification. Relatively fast growth and creation of wood matter on

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deeper clayey and damp soils also contributes to the formation ofunfavourable one−layer structure of artificially founded spruce groves.Acute peril of those growths was confirmed also by November windstorm(year 2004), when affected forests were mainly of the above−mentionednature. In that connection we can say that the strength of the Novemberwindstorm considerably exceeded the ability of any forest to stand windfaster than 230 km/hour. We claim that a large part of growths would notstand even a considerably weaker wind, what would be a positive factwith respect to needs of spatial differentiation of, in the meantimecontinuous, spruce groves.

High ecological stability: natural growths with differentiated typestructure and multi−layer vertical structure. Orographically protectedlocalities − ends of valleys under the timberline.

Medium ecological stability: natural growths with mixed type structurewithout considerable vertical and spatial differentiation; growths in naturalforests without mixture of types and vertical differentiation; growths withtrunk under 0.6 with short treetops on damp clayey soils.

Low ecological stability: vegetation changed, unsuitable for therelevant location, without mixture of types and vertically and spatially notdifferentiated; reserves of wood matter higher than 350 mł; trunk under0.5; soaked soils; places with repeated wind calamities, the so called“risky zone”.

The ecological stability in non−forest ecosystems includes stability ofsingle landscape elements, while forests, greenery, waters, marshlandswith resistant up to resilient−resistant stability are considered to be stableelements; gardens, meadows, pastures represent stabilising elementswith resistant−resilient stability and instable landscape elements arefields, production gardens, partially with physical stability (built−up areas).The landscape structure, its three−dimensional model can, due tosynergic effect, look as a stable or unstable system.

7.2. Proposal of integrated forestry In order to secure large number of functions of forests in the multi−functional area of the TANAP it is necessary to have an adequatecondition of forest stands. With respect to different utilisation of forests inthe past, natural disasters and impact of atmospheric changes, thecondition of forests is various. Natural forests of primeval forest type,which are optimal for fulfilment of ecological and of a large part ofenvironmental functions, cover only a small part of the forest land.Vegetation changed by human activity secures required functions almostproportionally to the level of hemeroby. The objective of forestry care inthe TANAP is to preserve the natural nature of remains of original forestsand to reconstruct modified forests to a condition which is close to thenature. The aim of zoning of the national park corresponds with the afore−mentioned. From the forestry aspect, in the A zone there should beforests without human intervention, while fully respecting naturalprocesses. In the B zone, there should be forests, which requireinterventions of foresters in order to fulfil the required functions. Theconcept of nature−friendly growing of forests suits the requirement ofsustainable effect of forests at the best. Contrary to the traditionalapproaches, in this case there does not origin blank with negative impacton the forest system itself and its surrounding. Fine forestry techniques,such as individual up to group selection and coppice method, aredecisive forestry techniques in renewed forests of the TANAP fordecades.

Unfortunately the aim to achieve age, vertical, spatial and typedifferentiation is being achieved only to a limited extent. As much asalmost 90% share of random forest utilization makes systematicreconstruction works of foresters impossible. This is caused byinadequate density of coppice which suffers from mechanical damage,nibbling by wildlife and absence of natural rejuvenation. Sudden releaseof tree crowns growing for a long time in canopy causes stress and

decrease in resistance to insect under cortex. Sparse forests can beeasily a victim of frequent strong winds.

Frequent strong winds of bora type considerably contribute to forming ofdevelopment of forests in the High Tatras. Wide areas of pine and larchspruce groves on the south side of the High Tatras are preserved onlythanks to cyclic influence of disturbance, which enables existence of suchfast−growing light−demanding trees in the competition of a strongerspruce. Whether there will be displaced only unstable trees, the entiregroups of flat−rooted spruces or also relatively resistant trees such aslarch and pine trees depends on the strength of the wind. Naturalconditions are a limit for broader application of other, the so calledstabilising, long−lived, in particular deciduous trees such as maple, ash,elm or beech tree. The pace of rehabilitation after wind calamities andrenewal of functioning effect of forest stands depends on presence ofindividuals, but mainly of bunches and groups of trees in different phaseof development. The resistance to disturbances and flexibility of foreststands to recover is growing with age differentiation of forest stands andmosaic of their arrangement.

ECONOMIC PILLAR

In the year 2001 the European Union adopted Directive “Regions andNew Economy” – for innovative projects of the ERDF (EuropeanRegional Development Fund) 2000 − 2006, which could be developed incompliance with strengths of the relevant territory and its developmentopportunities.

Targeted and concentrated support of science, research and innovationswould mean in the relevant region and mainly in area with ecologicallimits a considerable development impulse and impact on e.g. increaseof rate of self−reliance of the region and its competitive ability based onvalue of natural and cultural riches. And that requires:

a. Development of economy based onknowledge • creation and development of cooperation networks (the so called “soft

infrastructure") between different partners (small and medium−sizeenterprises, universities, industrial parks and the like)

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• exchange of results of science and research, knowledge and bestpractice by using a dedicated portal

• dissemination and application of research results would strengthen thetechnological adaptability of companies with emphasis put on theenvironment

• there would be prepared and approved regional/local strategies focusedon new technologies and innovations

• development of technology and innovation incubators • creation of new financial instruments for start−up companies, innovative

companies, including venture capital

b. eEurope−regio• information society in the services of regional development such as for

instance network of public municipal information and consultancycentres in municipalities based on employment of the Internet

• development of technical infrastructure for work with digital content andprovision of services by using IKT (remote work, remote managementand the like)

• creation of conditions for use of e−business in the area of travel andtourism industry, buying and the like

• identification and development of specific areas for experiments andrealisation of pilot projects for instance with respect to using of hightechnology in mountain areas, development of communal services bymeans of the Internet and the like

c. Regional identity and rural development

• support for small and medium−size enterprises starting business in thearea of innovative media and culture

• creation of procedures (manuals, examples of the best practice and thelike) focused on management of the environment – clean technology,recycling, economic use of energy

• transfer of the latest knowledge in the area of organic farming andproduction of organic foodstuffs

• creation of specialised educational centre in order to support agro−tourism and organic farming including forestry

Regions of the European Union can apply each year for financial aid fortheir regional innovative and scientific−research programme by 31st May.The proposed development of a specific technology and innovationincubator is based on the prepared strategic plans of the town HighTatras as a town with high quality urban environment as a high−qualityway of living of citizens, town with high international importance, townwith healthy environment and preserved natural resources, town withhigh quality of transport.

The technology and innovation incubator should be the first phase forcreation of technological park, which will be a follow−up to the realisedindustrial park (Poprad − Matejovce) and to prepared or planned industrialparks (Levoča, Liptovský Ján). The incubator will enable origin andsupport of small and medium−size enterprises, location of existingscientific−research and innovative teams (selected workplaces ofscientific−research teams, branches of foreign innovative companies,small and medium−size enterprises providing auxiliary services toinnovative small and medium−size enterprises). The proposed solutionhas also an important cross−border contribution – identification anddevelopment of cooperation with innovative companies from Poland,analysis of the potential for creation of beyond−regional innovationstrategy.

d. AgricultureOne of the factors limiting the development of agriculture is lack of fundsand, after the year 1989, the permanent worsening of technical level ofagricultural machines and machinery. Insufficient profits of agriculturalcompanies do not create sufficient funds for investing in modernisation

and purchase of new machinery, what causes that agriculturalcompanies lag behind in technology and they are not able to competewith imported products.

Key strategic objectives:a) to increase technological level of agricultural production and

productivity of labour in the agricultural primary productionb) to increase variety of agricultural production with emphasis put on

regional productsc) to improve marketing / distribution channelsd) to stimulate origin of specific−purpose cooperatives with the aim to

perform well on the markete) to support renewal / development of food processing industryf) to considerably increase the share of organic products in region of

Eastern Slovakia in order to draw level with average of the EuropeanUnion

g) to promote bio products in order to improve health of citizensh) to support origin of small farms dealing with organic farming i) to increase the share of natural forest recovery

The Sectoral Operational Programme – Agriculture and RuralDevelopment in its Priority No. 5 defines the strategic objective asfollows: „securing of permanent viability of countryside in the complex ofits economic, settlement, environmental and recreation functions“.

Apart from the afore−mentioned, it supports also agriculture in mountainareas if certain determined criteria are met (altitude, % of cultivated land,density of population, share of people employed in agriculture and thelike). Agriculture in territories Nature 2000 is supported in particular.Since 2003 the Ministry of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic has beensupporting, through ecology programmes, the conversion to organicforms of farming − support for producers of organic foodstuff.

If we take a look at the long−time development there is obvious long−termstagnation in the sector of agriculture. The stagnation in the rate ofemployment was recorded also in the area of industrial production. Onthe other side, however, there occurred increase of the rate in the areaof services such as business activities or repairs of different types ofproducts. The stagnation in the sector of agriculture reflects not only indecrease of the rate of employment, but also in decrease of theproduction. With the exception of potatoes and several oil plants, there

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Tatra winter&summer environment friendly touristic path (project)

occurred dramatic decrease in breeding of livestock and in growing of allimportant crops recently. According to farmers in the region, thedecrease is caused by their inability to compete with the competition,mainly with import from Poland. One of the reasons is also the lowproductivity measured in yields per hectare not only in comparison withSlovakia, but also in comparison with neighbouring countries of theEuropean Union. If farmers from Eastern Slovakia want to compete withtheir competition, which is still based on competition of inputs, theyshould transform their competitive disadvantage into an advantage viaorientation on innovations. Apart from the effort to invest in agriculturalresearch, this could be also orientation on the organic production, whichenjoys growing demand in the European Union, as well as higher prices.That will increase added value of this not lucrative, although, from theaspect of international demand, very stable commodity. Such type ofproduction can profile some complex offers and new products of thetravel and tourism industry (for instance with emphasises put on healthylifestyle) and thus can become one of the key values of competitiveadvantage of the relevant territory.

According to farmers, another cause of the dramatic decline in theproduction was disruption of food processing industry in this, as well asin the neighbouring region. In the relevant region, the most importantfood processing company is only dairy. Despite the afore−mentioned factthe prepared Regional Operational Programme of Prešov Self−GoverningRegion proposes Priority A.3.1.: Support of processing and marketabilityof agricultural products.

Expected impact:• stabilisation and securing of development of agricultural entities in the

region• creation and securing of employment opportunities in the countryside• stabilisation of agricultural and forestry production• increase of competitiveness of regional agriculture• satisfaction of demand for health food• environment−friendly production procedures

The production of organic foodstuffs points, at present, to the suitablediversification and emphasis is put on ecological aspects. In compliancewith the global trend of healthy lifestyle and health food, the demand fororganic products and foodstuff is growing. Primary production, processingand sale as a self−contained process does not exist in the region.

In order to increase the economic effectiveness of forestry it is necessaryto use environment−friendly technological procedures, which have beenapplied only sporadically so far.

Integrated solutionsTown Poprad belongs to 11 districts of the Slovak Republic with thehighest concentration of industry and district Liptovský Mikuláš belongsto a group of 8 districts with medium concentration of industry. However,there are continuing unfavourable tendencies in the long term, which limitoverall economic performance and competitiveness of the districts of therelevant region and, in connection to the conditions in Slovakia, these aremainly:

• orientation of the production and export structure on commodities withlow added value, mainly in the industry with continuing high demands ofeconomy on raw material and energy sources, however not on thehuman capital;

• high rate of dependence of the production and export of the region onseveral large companies, mainly in the district Poprad;

• excessive demands (and interdependence) of the production and exporton import, just on the import of raw materials and semi−finished products(i.e. semi−consumption);

• high rate of unemployment mainly in neighbouring districts andconsiderable differences between regions with respect to the level ofthe rate of unemployment, as well as to the overall economicdevelopment also within the relevant territory

• very low rate of innovations and share of new technologies in theindustry and services.

Direct foreign investmentsIncrease in direct foreign investments in prospect sectors, for instance inthe afore−mentioned travel and tourism industry, in new technologies,innovations, science and research, can have synergic effect also ondecisive industrial sectors in the relevant region such as electrical andengineering industry (so far foreign investments have been directed intothose sectors).

In order to solve economic issues it is necessary to focus on stimulationof foreign investments also in the area of industry. Those foreigninvestments will be directed mainly in the new industrial park Poprad –

Matejovce, which is under construction, and in the planned industrial parkin Levoča. There is considered construction of industrial park also in thedistrict Liptovský Mikuláš or of industrial zone or park in Námestovo forthe extreme north of the region. In order to achieve the afore−mentionedobjective and based on experience from use of support programmes forsmall and medium−size enterprises, it will be necessary to focus more onsupport programmes for large companies in the future, namely in thefollowing forms:

• via development research programmes including complex of innovativepolicy, cooperation of research institutes and universities in connectionto the entrepreneurial sphere so that each and every research will findits application in the production in a form of change of the structure ofproducts and services; another option is to create technology centresand innovation centres of large companies;

• via saving programmes focused on decrease of energy, as well asmaterial demands in order to increase competitiveness in conditions ofthe common market and to increase sale of products on the market byusing well−established entities;

• via support of cooperation of supranational companies and theirinvestments within the national economy in relation to sub−suppliernetworks – mainly in the car industry, namely support of logistics in

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Zonation proposal: T. Lomnica − Skalnaté Pleso − Lomnické sedlo

order to achieve maximum effectiveness of production procedures andin order to maximally decrease production costs (costs on storing,operation and other costs).

In relation to the formulation of economic development priorities, thefollowing decisive conclusions follow from the results of analysis ofeconomic development of industry, travel and tourism industry,commerce and related areas:

• internal structure of single sectors of the industry, travel and tourismindustry, commerce and related areas records, despite partial qualitychanges, differences in comparison with their levels in developedcountries;

• competitive ability of the Slovak industry, travel and tourism industry,commerce and related areas is growing, however, it still lags behindidentical sectors in developed countries;

• in the regional arrangement of the production base and performance ofthe Slovak industry, travel and tourism industry, commerce and relatedareas there exist considerable disparities;

• mainly in the sphere of services, in particular in the area of travel andtourism industry, there are considerable reserves for development offurther business;

• basic conditions for achievement of Kyoto aim are: to keep the share ofenergy production from sources producing CO2 to a minimum extentand to pay higher attention to decrease of energy demands, to energysavings and development of recoverable energy sources.

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Within the framework of analytical works during the Study were had theopportunity to assess the level of cooperation of single participants in theregional development, local institutional capacity and attitude of the self−government to the regional development. On the basis of our experience,which we have gained also from realisation of regional projects, werecommend to realise in this specific territory of the High Tatras thestrategy of the European Union for regional development under the titleNew partnership for cohesion: convergence, competitiveness,cooperation by using an approach to the regional development, which isnot very common in Slovakia – preferentially via creation of clusterbased on combination of travel and tourism industry and new

information technologies in the territory of town High Tatras with itspossible extension to Poland and a part of the territory of the districtPoprad and subsequently via creation of smaller clusters of travel andtourism industry in the districts Liptovský Mikuláš and Tvrdošín. Theapproach means mainly creation of new relations of regional cooperation,strengthening of economic horizontal and vertical relations and creationof new networks of business entities.

Present key participants in the broader region / the relevant territory in itsentirety are:• self−government and local state administration• government of the Slovak Republic, ministries, institutions• Government Committee for Renewal and Development of High Tatras• economic, social and environmental partners• especially for the territory of High Tatras also the administration of

TANAP and ŠL TANAP • other important regional institutions such as for example Euroregión

Tatry, RRA – regional development agencies, Regional Association ofTatry and sub−Tatry municipalities and other.

The proposal to create the cluster is based on international, national andregional strategic documents and also on studies of the best practice andsuccessful projects realised in alpine regions of the European Union. Atthe same time, the proposal is based also on the following documents:

• zoning and planning documents for High Tatras• territorial plan of the higher territorial unit PSK (Prešov Self−governing

Region), ŽSK (Žilina Self−governing region), territorial plans of townsand municipalities

• Concept of Regional Development of the Slovak Republic (KÚRS2001)

• Regionalisation of the Travel and Tourism Industry in the SlovakRepublic

• Programme documents within the EU 2004 − 2006:• PHSR (Programme of Social−economic development) of towns and

municipalities and similar strategic development documents• Programme documents within the EU 2007 − 2013• National strategic reference framework• Proposal of direction of development of NUTS II. Slovakia – East region

High Tatras – region of international importance

If we respect international principles of environment protection expressedfor instance in strategic documents of the IUCN, then the improvement ofquality of living within the load capacity of supporting ecosystems (IUCN,UNEP, WWF, 1991) means “development allowing both the current andthe future generations to meet their basic living needs without reductionof nature diversity, while preserving natural functions of ecosystems.”

The National Strategy for Sustainable Development for the SlovakRepublic defines the sustainable development as follows: thesustainable development means a targeted, long−term (continual),comprehensive and synergetic process, affecting conditions and allaspects of life (cultural, social, economic, environmental and institutional)at all levels (local, regional, global), oriented to such a model of a certaincommunity (local and regional community, country, internationalcommunity), which meets biological, material, spiritual and social needsand interests of people, while eliminating or considerably reducinginterventions threatening, damaging or destroying conditions and formsof life. It does not burden the landscape over the bearing capacity,reasonably uses its resources and protects the cultural and naturalheritage.

The cluster within the framework of sustainable development for HighTatras can be considered as “geographical concentration of linkedentities, specialised suppliers, providers of services, companies inrelated sectors and supporting institutions (for instanceuniversities, agencies for standards, business associations anddevelopment agencies, self−governments and the like) in singleareas which are competing but, at the same time, also cooperatingwith each other.”

“Clustering” is one of the key development impulses of the economicgrowth. Of course, it is not the only method of development. Informalnetworking, development of supplier chains and development ofworkforce also influence competitiveness and economic growth.

If we assess critical factors of success: existence of functioning networksand partnerships, basis for potential innovations, research anddevelopment, existence of strong base of skills and supporting factors ofsuccess such as: adequate physical infrastructure, existence of largecompanies and investors, key segments, strong identity, culture and

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availability of sources and finance and, if we consider also supplementaryfactors of success: specialised services, access to the market, availabilityof business services, competition, availability of information, partnership,leadership, communication technologies and external economicinfluences and then if we compare results with the present SWOTanalysis, we will definitely come to the conclusion that in case of targetedinvestments in the strategic information infrastructure, in humanresources and in implementation of new management of the territoryduring the year 2006, such solution could be one of the key factors foracceleration of economic development in the relevant region.

Reasons for development of the cluster:• increased level of expertise, new products, development of

competitiveness (exchange of knowledge and cooperation)• interconnection of supplementary/complementary skills (smaller units

would not be able to do it)• improved potential of scale economy, enabling narrow specialisation,

joint buying, marketing, identity • strengthening of social and other informal relations leading to creation

of new ideas and opportunities• improved information flows, improved comparing of disposability of

companies for investing, creation of quality standards• enabling development of infrastructure of professional, financial and

other specialised services, better position for drawing of Structural funds• valorisation of unique combination of sources in the region with the aim

to create competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry clusterwithin the supra−regional and European competition, realisation ofLisbon strategy in practice

Key aspects of the strategy of development of travel and tourism industrycluster – High Tatras:• mobilization – development of interests and participation• diagnostics – identification and defining of the cluster and identification

of strengths and weaknesses • strategy of cooperation − identification of projects required for

support/development of the cluster in cooperation with main participantsin the cluster

• implementation − realization of single projects

As another operating structure within the framework of institutionaldevelopment, we recommend, in compliance with the National Strategyof the Slovak Republic and apart from the cluster, to create a Regional

Council of Sustainable Development and local Councils of SustainableDevelopment with an adequate representation of relevant social−economic and institutional partners.

Participation of local citizensOne of the important tasks during realisation of objectives of thesustainable development of the region will be formulation of revitalisationdevelopment programme, as well as of a concrete vision of ideal futureof the community, which will express a kind of agreement on basicconditions of the sustainable development of the municipality for a longerperiod than the term of office of the self−government. There is expectedelaboration of Strategy for Sustainable Development of High Tatrasregion to local conditions and community needs. Citizens and targetgroups will identify problem issues, which, in their opinion, must besolved in the interest of the development and sustainable development.The outlined directions of the realisation, however, also expectengagement in fulfilment of these aims. The activity must bepreferentially in the region and its municipalities. With that respect, lackof funds will not be the basic and fundamental problem. Realisation ofseveral aims of the sustainable development is completely or mainly inhand of the municipality, its citizens, entrepreneurs, self−government anddepends on their mutual coordination and support.

Mainly the following is considered:• participation of each citizen in preservation of ecologically stable

territory and sustainable development of the territory• creation of employment opportunities in the following areas:

− travel and tourism industry and recreation, boarding, accommodationin the privacy, spas, sports infrastructure, guiding services formountain climbers, tourists, educational and cognitive guidingservices, mountain rescue service, jobs in information and educationalcentres, organising of trainings, seminars, excursions, organising ofcultural−social events, science, research, museums and exhibitions,agro−tourism

− agriculture, forestry− social care (immobile local citizens and visitors, patients, the lonely,

children)− presentations of local culture, local gastronomy, traditional arts and

crafts (at the same time also support of local arts and crafts)− organising of workshops for visitors, in particular for long−time patients

and for children, with focus on traditional crafts and folk arts and crafts

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Objekty cestovného ruchu:A − obec PribylinaB − Múzeum ľudovej architektúryC − autocamping Račková dolina, informačné centrum Podtatranskej mag. Račková dolinaD − turistická chataE − útulňa pod KlinomF − útulňa pod SmrekomG − bivakovacie miestoH − servisno−informačné centrum Podtatranskej magistrály − Kokavský most, vodácka cestaI − rekreačná chatová oblasť Hrdovo − Kokavský mostJ − areál pre cyklotrasy, rodinnú rekreáciu viazané k autocampingu v Račkovej dolineK − vodná nádrž s brehovými úpravami pre voľnočasové aktivityL − skialpinistická oblasť (v zimnom období)

Cesty:1 − verejná asfaltová autocesta Pribylina − Račková dolina2 − neverejná spevnená lesná cesta3 až 9 − atraktívne túry po vysokohorských chodníkoch10 až 12 − turistické hraničné priechody 13 − hrebeňová túra pohorím 14 − trasa Podtatranskej magistrály

Pribylina − Račkova valley

• sports instructor courses for individuals and collectives • cultural performances – music, drama, dances − for visitors of High

Tatras (theatre groups, folk music groups, orchestras, balls and Mayballs were well−known in the past)

• local production – new and traditional production on the basis of folktraditions of regions Orava, Liptov, Spiš, Zamagurie, which are still alive(production of textiles, needlecraft, woodcarving, pottery, weaving,smithery)

• production of small consumer goods• production of memorabilia with regional (Tatry) theme

− folk works of art of local producers, workshops and courses for visitors− local works of art with Tatry theme which used to be sold even beyond

the region limits• local production of foodstuffs, cooperation with public boarding facilities• agro−tourism, breeding of horses (use of showjumpings, horse riding,

non−traditional types of transportation)• support of local business activities in areas which participate in

improvement of the environment • participation of local citizens in gradual long−time renewal of a strip of

forest windbreak caused by the windstorm via new planting of differentforms of greenery in sub−mountain zone, in realisation of recreationforests, meadows, touring paths, rest places

• employment opportunities in processing of waste timber into biomass(timber chops, wood saw−dust, edgings), in construction of facilities forprocessing and use of biomass for energetic purposes− processing of waste timber is a permanent employment opportunity

even after processing of existing calamity timber• maintenance of order and tidiness on touring paths, bicycle paths,

cross−country routes, ski runs, in ski centres, in recreation complexes• maintenance of order and tidiness on parking lots, in public areas in

recreation centres and settlements• maintenance of public greenery as a part of recreation and spa areas in

built−up areas• participation of local citizens in improvement of urbanistic, architectural,

cultural, aesthetic level of the relevant territory, maintenance of privatebuildings and private lands− coordination of new development, reconstruction, completion of

construction of buildings with respect to harmonisation of theenvironment, total appearance of the built−up area, connections tosurrounding landscape and scenery and with respect to creation ofvaluable public premises

− adjustment of roads, realisation of sidewalks with relevant equipment(lighting, benches, bins, rest places, covered shelters, landscaping ofgreen growth and watercourses, realisation of small waters, small rainlakes, handrails, stairs, ramps, with architectural design correspondingwith the quality of the environment)

• public premises of villages in Tatras, villages under Tatras and ofrecreation centres are a part of touring paths, recreation routes, restplaces and, due to this fact, their parameters and overall design have tocorrespond with the required recreation purpose and high quality of theenvironment

• cooperation with owners of tourist, recreation, spa facilities and theirdirect participation in rehabilitation and denaturation of damagedspecies and biotopes.

IN CONCLUSION

The functional ecology policy shall be based on the principle “what issuitable from the ecological aspect should be suitable also from theeconomic aspect”. If the afore−mentioned principle is suppressed thisleads to economical retardation or ignorance of ecological rules. So far,however, the afore−mentioned principle has been denied mainly in thenarrow region of High Tatras.

The region must respond to higher demands in the area of services oftravel and tourism industry. Connection of accommodation withrelaxation and spa services already starts to be applied in these services;however, connection of accommodation, relaxation and information−educational services is still less developed. While the clientele will mostprobably require revival of this type of services – this is witnessed forinstance by a considerable success of documentation, information andrelaxation−educational centres in alpine recreation centres. In connectionto unique environment conditions it is logical that centres fordocumenting and education will appear in the region (in entertaining−information form) in the area of geology and geomorphology, mountainsports, environmentalistics, zoology and botany, caving and the like.

Experience from other mountain regions shows that the existingrestrictions in sub−mountain regions with unique environment can easilysurpass even ecologically acceptable industries such as for instance:

• production of optic equipment• production of medical and pharmaceutical equipment• production of measuring equipment• precise mechanics and electronics • phyto−pharmacology and the like.

Using of only traditional production factors on which the Tatry region isbased cannot lead to convergence to the level of more developedregions. It is bizarre that in such a unique region with respect to theenvironment there is also a considerable number of industrial plantsbased just on traditional production factors and high ecology demands(e.g. paper mills and pulp mills), high material demands (for instancecarriage plant) or high demands on unqualified manual work (former linenplants, as well as present textile plants). The process of catching up willbe accelerated rather by concentration on support by using the so calleddynamic comparative advantages: intellectual capital, access toinformation, access to unconventional solutions and a completely newapproach to management of the region.

High Tatras has a unique opportunity to valorise its potential in fulfilmentof the strategy of the European Union for years 2007−2013 – Newpartnership: convergence, competitiveness and cooperation.

Measures are focused on support of growth with emphasis put on internalgrowth and valorisation of internal potential of the relevant territory andcadastral district of the town High Tatras – creation of jobs, achievementof regional competitiveness as the planned change with emphasis put oncohesion of the region and support of cooperation with the aim to secureharmonic and balances development of the territory (strategic planning,decentralised management, permanent supervision and evaluation).

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MAP 1.A. PROPOSAL OF COMPLEX SOLUTION OF SPATIAL AND FUNCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE TERRITORY

Scale 1: 50 000 (This preview is reduced)

Schemes:1.A.a. Broader relations1.A.b. Division of the territory into key functional zones1.A.c. Scheme of resident traffic in the territory1.A.d. Cultural−historic and recreation potential

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MAP 1.B. SPATIAL AND FUNCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE TERRITORIAL SYSTEM OF ENVIRONMENT STABILITY


Schemes:1.B.a. Legislative protection of the environment1.B.b. Draft of the environmental infrastructure 1.B.c. Nature of the forest according to forest categories and extent of break1.B.d. Functional types of forests

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MAP 2. PROPOSAL OF URBAN−LANDSCAPING AND ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTIONING RELATIONS OF HOLIDAY CENTRES


Schemes:2.a. Scheme of investment plans for the territory2.b. Accessibility of the territory from D1 motorway2.c. Loading of selected segments of the road system2.d. Proposal of recreation territory units in the territory

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YOUR NOTES

For further details and information refer to:TiRA − Tatranská informačná a rozvojová agentúra,

(Tatry Information & Development Agency)062 01 Starý Smokovec, Slovak Republic

[email protected], +421 (0)903 428 156, or +421 (0)910 968 145

Sustainable Development Study, Vysoke Tatry 2005 (executive summary)

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Transcript of Sustainable Development Study, Vysoke Tatry 2005 (executive summary)